Driver recruitment and retention remains the most significant concern for hauliers, says British association, RHA.
The findings are according to the RHA’s (Road Haulage Association) latest Cost Movement Report.
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The report, which gathers information from members and sets out to define industry trends, highlights worries surrounding HGV driver shortages.
The RHA maintains operators blame Brexit uncertainty for widening the gap to around 60,000 and say they are worried about clean air zones.
Members’ operational costs have risen above inflation despite fuel costs lowering in real terms during the last 12 months.
As the UK goes to the polls today (12 December) to elect a new government, RHA chief executive, Richard Burnett is urging the next administration to change Apprenticeship Levy rules so firms can access funding to help them recruit and train the next generation of drivers.
Levy support for C+E driver training still is not available despite 40% of UK trucks requiring the qualification, says the RHA.
“We have to change this equation if we’re serious about tackling the driver crisis,” said Burnett. “Our Road to Logistics programme which aims to swell the ranks in the industry needs a Levy which works, but at the moment it doesn’t.”
