Driver shortages are one of many unexpected challenges we’ve faced in the COVID-19 pandemic. As supply chain issues continue to dominate headlines, the current HGV driver shortage has been estimated at around 100,000, according to the Road and Haulage Association.
This is causing concern among the food and beverages industry. Manufacturers are concerned that a driver shortage is leading produce to perish before it can be delivered.
So, how can we mitigate the HGV driver shortage 2021?
To fix the issues with driver resource, we need to understand what’s causing it. On top of the coronavirus pandemic, there are some other issues:
Brexit
According to data from Defra, Brexit has had a significant impact on the UK haulage industry. In particular, many eastern European drivers are no longer operating in the UK, which has been further worsened by the pandemic.
“Opening up” again
In tandem with a reduced workforce, the UK is set to “open its doors” in summer, with the hospitality sector predicted to cause a huge increase in demand. Once again, this is putting huge pressure on food and drink supply chains.
Older workforces
In addition to Brexit and the pandemic, we have a longer-term problem to address: older workforces. Studies from 2019, before Brexit was finalised and before the pandemic hit, state that over 13,000 drivers were over the age of 65. Within those, 25 per cent were expected to retire in the next 10 years.
As such, manufacturers have three problems to address:
- Sourcing help at home
- Planning for forthcoming demand
- Recruitment and training.
How to address HGV driver shortages
To keep your customers satisfied and protect cargo, you should consider outsourcing your needs and reviewing your current trips.
The UK government has recently imposed new changes to working hours. From July, drivers may work for one extra hour – 10 hours per day – and 11 hours up to two days a week. This may pose a short-term solution but should not be considered a silver bullet. Above all, you need to consider your drivers’ health.
Work with smaller businesses
With the increase in hospitality demand, consider working with smaller businesses. These businesses may be able to respond quickly and adapt to changes more flexibly. It may be better in the short term to replace one larger client with three smaller ones.
Consolidate loads
You may have to be shrewder in your approach to loading. Consider the routes and mixture of goods of each load, and use opportunities to share loads in one journey. An outsourced distributor can help with this.
Outsourcing Distribution
A third-party distributor will understand how best to manage driver resource to maintain service levels. Dennis Distribution have for several years run driver training programmes in-house to provide a pipeline of new drivers to give manufacturers confidence that their supply chains will continue to be sustainable. Likewise, we’re continually looking at ways of improving the working environment for drivers with a fleet of modern vehicles and ensuring drivers have access to good facilities when away from home.
For help from a reliable, family-run business, contact us today.