Logistics problems in Great Britain. Online retailers are set to face
face major difficulties in delivering parcels on time in the near future due to a shortage of lorry drivers.
Current drivers are reportedly unable to cope with the heavy workload. As a result, consumers sometimes have to wait much longer for their deliveries than agreed. Small items in particular will be delivered later
delivered, and costs are set to rise in the future.
sounds the alarmThe Freight Transport Association, which represents the interests of British
logistics companies, has sounded the alarm as a result. According to figures from the
organisation, the current e-commerce sector in Great Britain needs more than 60
thousand extra drivers. These figures are currently far from
be met. Only 20,000 new drivers are added each year. The
shortfall is increasing by 40,000 drivers a year and will, given the current growth of
e-commerce sector, according to Retail
Week.
Costs too high
One of the reasons why there are no new applicants is the high cost
of obtaining a licence. New drivers wishing to enter the profession must
pay up to 5,000 pounds. In addition, more than half of the drivers are over 50 years old. They will be retiring in a few years’ time, whilst the number of young professional drivers is low. Only five per cent are under 25 years of age. As a result,
the problem will become even more acute in a few years’ time.
Government must take action
Several logistics companies have called on the government to take action
through training programmes to train and recruit new drivers
train and recruit new drivers.
Editorial LogistiekProfs
