Useful resources

Bulletin: The HGV Driver Shortage Crisis: Another Crisis on the Horizon?

Following the release of our fifth bulletin “The HGV Driver Shortage Crisis, Where Are We Now”, we received revised statistics from the Office for National Statistics which shed some interesting light.

Most significantly, another crisis may be on the horizon much sooner than originally anticipated. We previously believed the 2021 driver shortage was caused by a 23% drop in drivers (70,000) from pre-pandemic levels (Q1 2020). However, revised ONS statistics indicate the shortage was in fact triggered by a smaller 15% drop (45,000) between the pre-pandemic period and crisis point in Q2 2021.

In this bulletin we will re-examine our previous conclusions in light of these new, more accurate ONS statistics. This will provide fresh insight into the factors behind the 2021 Driver Shortage Crisis.

Bulletin: The HGV Driver Shortage Crisis - Where Are We Now? - Q1 2023 Analysis

Our fifth Bulletin provides an update on where we are with the HGV Driver Shortage Crisis, reviewing Q1 2023 data by the Office for National Statistics.

The bulletin confirmed the expected; the UK HGV driver workforce has remained stable for the fourth successive quarter. We are observing the same conditions as pre-pandemic years, returning to a chronic low-level shortage with seasonal fluctuations.

The focus remains on campaigning for improved HGV driver facilities, working conditions and pay to ensure we don't return to a HGV driver shortage crisis.

5 Awkward Questions to ask your Driver Recruitment Agency

We’re all aware of the challenges facing hauliers these days.

Increased demand from your customers… and not enough drivers. Or to be precise, not enough good quality drivers.

So, you turn to your usual driver agency and they promise they can deliver. But guess what, they don’t… or worse still, they give you drivers who are just not up to the job. And you feel let down. Your reputation and credibility is on the line. And where’s the value for money?

We’re not surprised, we hear it all the time. But not all agencies are created equal.

We’ve put together 5 Awkward Questions you should be asking of your recruitment agency.

These questions will help you to know if the one you’re using is right for your business and if they’re up to the job. It also explains how to get the best out of your recruitment partner with a comprehensive and unrivalled checklist so you can properly audit your agency. So that when it comes to delivering to your customers, the more proactive you are, the less reactive you’ll have to be.

Download our free guide “5 Awkward Questions to ask your Driver Recruitment Agency” today, so that you know whether or not your business is in the right hands.

Winter Survival Checklist

A handy checklist of tips for reducing your bills this winter

Bulletin: The HGV Driver Shortage Crisis - Q2 2022 Analysis

Our fourth Bulletin to the Driver Require Think Tank report “THE ANSWER TO THE UK’s HGV DRIVER SHORTAGE” provides an update on the UK’s HGV driver shortage following the release of the Q2 2022 data by the Office for National Statistics.

This bulletin analyses the results of the Quarterly Labour Force Survey for the period April to June and continues the same positive trajectory as Bulletin 3, reflecting further increases in the driver pool.

The bulletin concluded that we are likely to return to the pre-pandemic conditions of a chronic low-level driver shortage, and an ageing workforce with insufficient younger drivers to replenish the driver pool.

Bulletin: An Update on the UK’s HGV Driver Shortage

This third Bulletin to the Driver Require Think Tank report “THE ANSWER TO THE UK’s HGV DRIVER SHORTAGE” provides an update on the UK’s HGV driver shortage following the release of the Q1 2022 data by the Office for National Statistics (“ONS”).

This bulletin analyses the results of the Quarterly Labour Force Survey (“QFLS”) for the period January to March (“Q1”) and shares some positive insights. The driver pool has increased across all age groups and nationalities, thought to be due to improved working conditions and remuneration.

Even though the overall number of HGV delivery drivers is beginning to improve, there is still a long way to go to increase the number of younger HGV drivers – this group being key to the haulage sector’s long-term success.

We believe that by producing this Bulletin we have provided an encouraging update on the UK’s HGV driver shortage and hope this prompts the government and the haulage sector to take action to continue this upwards trend.

Bulletin: The HGV Driver Shortage Crisis – Q4 2021 Analysis

This second Bulletin to the Driver Require Think Tank report "THE ANSWER TO THE UK'S HGV DRIVER SHORTAGE" provides further insight into the UK’s HGV driver shortage following the release of the Q4 2021 data by the Office for National Statistics (“ONS”).

This bulletin analyses the results of the Quarterly Labour Force Survey (“QLFS”) for the period October to December (“Q4”) and the latest HGV driving test statistics to discover some very worrying underlying trends within the UK’s HGV driver pool.

While the size of the overall HGV driver pool has not changed in Q4, this Bulletin specifically identifies severe churn in the under 30 age group, this being the group that we need to attract, retain and develop for the future success of the haulage sector.

We believe that by producing this Bulletin we have provided further compelling evidence that will help focus action by the government and the haulage sector to address the underlying causes of the UK’s HGV driver shortage.

Bulletin: The HGV Driver Shortage Crisis (November 2021)

This first Bulletin to the Driver Require Think Tank report “THE ANSWER TO THE UK'S HGV DRIVER SHORTAGE” provides new insight into the UK’s HGV driver shortage following the release of the Q3 2021 data by the Office for National Statistics (“ONS”).

These statistics, specifically the results of the Quarterly Labour Force Survey (“QLFS”) for the period July to September (“Q3”), are the best available measure for estimating the size of the HGV driver pool and its composition by age and nationality. We studied this set of QLFS results and produced a thorough evaluation of the UK’s Driver Shortage, which delivers a positive and insightful set of conclusions.

We believe that by producing this Bulletin we have provided a further reference point that will bolster arguments to act to address the UK’s HGV driver shortage.

UPDATED: The Answer to the UK's HGV Driver Shortage

Our previous Report predicted the impact and potential for a driver shortage and received substantial national and international coverage in the media.

This second, updated Report provides a thorough, forensic analysis of the actual impact the crisis has had on the sector and is a detailed investigation of the actions that can be taken to address the shortage.

This Report sets out to debunk some of the misconceptions and incorrect information being circulated.

It provides a well-researched and vetted set of data that we can all use with confidence to develop effective remedies to the current HGV driver shortage.

The Answer to the UK's HGV Driver Shortage

This extension to the Driver Require Think Tank's first report on the critical HGV driver shortage, focuses on the longer-term issues of the aging HGV driver workforce and the severe depletion of the younger HGV driver pool, which presents a serious and immediate threat to the UK Haulage Sector.

HGV Driver Supply & Demand Dynamics in 2021

A PERFECT STORM OF ELEVATED DEMAND AND REDUCED SUPPLY

Released next week is our new Report: "The Answer to the HGV Driver Shortage". Enter your details below and you will be notified as soon as this comprehensive report into the key actions required to solve the long-term shortage of drivers in the UK becomes available.

COVID-19 Report

THE IMPACT OF COVID-19: A ROADMAP FOR RECOVERY IN THE UK HAULAGE SECTOR

Download our FREE report today and find out what the post-COVID-19 world might look like and understand the trends that will influence the UK Haulage Sector in the long term.

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