How do we Entice the Younger Generation into Logistics?

Each day offers something new – one day may take you to the other end of the UK, the next you may be heading across the borders and venturing into our neighbouring countries. Imagine waking up every morning to different scenery, having the opportunity to meet new people and receiving regular input and support from your employer. Logistics: it’s the ideal career. However, despite this, the logistic industry is still struggling to recruit young people, and it’s a growing concern for the country.

For the past two years, the haulage industry has been talking about the shortage of drivers. With the shortage of drivers believed to be between 45,000 and 60,000 and just 2% of HGV drivers under the age of 25, it is imperative that the industry acts soon in order to encourage a new generation of drivers to fill the available positions.

At Barnes Logistics, we’re committed to tackling the driver shortage, and so, we have decided to round up the best parts of being a driver, and what it takes to get there!

Each day typically begins with checking the truck for damage or physical faults. This includes examining the tyre pressure, topping up fluids, and even checking that no one has entered the vehicle. These checks are vital, as the vehicles are on the road for long periods every day, and these checks act as safety barriers for both the driver and other road users – so a sharp eye is key.

Following the checks, the driver will load the lorry. It is a task that requires both physical strength and skill, as drivers will need to be able to efficiently operate the lifts within the vehicle, and plan how to balance the load to maximise the driving quality. Once this is done, you’re ready to hit the road.

A career in driving is a rewarding one, with drivers often able to plan their hours to suit them – as long as delivery targets are met and they meet the DVSA guidelines. Through picking up and dropping off deliveries, it is guaranteed that you’ll meet new people every day, as well as having regular contact with other employees at the company base.

Access to the resources and qualifications needed for a HGV job are there, but more young people need to know how to access them. The All Part Parliamentary Group has reported that there are 142 high education courses available, including courses at 48 universities, all available to school leavers. With the government also ruling that young people must remain in education until the age of 18, the age at which a C+E licence can be acquired, the logistic industry is hopeful that with the right guidance, many school leavers will opt to head straight into a HGV driving career upon completion of their studies.

In order to do this, governing bodies and logistic organisations must be more proactive in covering issues such as education, funding and bursaries if the driver shortage is to be addressed.

At Barnes Logistics, we are keen to welcome young drivers into the business. Each of our drivers are happy, comfortable and undergo all necessary training. We hope that through continuous recruitment, we can help the industry overcome the driver shortage and the effects it has on the sector.