Driver shortage leaves fleets idle and costs mounting: transport sector calls for systematic action

According to estimates, Poland is currently short of between 100,000 and 200,000 professional drivers. The problem affects both domestic and international transport.

“The driver shortage is a serious issue for both the Polish and European transport industry,” said Piotr Czajkowski, senior manager at Haulier Management in DSV, speaking to ISBnews.

Czajkowski added that Poland is “in a slightly better position than Europe, mainly thanks to drivers from Belarus and Ukraine, which further strengthens our competitive advantage.”

The key risk for hauliers today, he explained, is underutilisation of fleets. A shortage of two or three drivers in companies with five to ten trucks means leasing and insurance costs without the ability to generate revenue. The economic slowdown is compounding the problem – in the first half of 2025, the tonnage of goods transported fell by 13.4% year on year.

Demographics and job appeal

The biggest problem is demographics: the average age of drivers in Europe is approaching 50, while in Poland only 3% of professional drivers are under 25.

“For young people, the profession of a driver is not attractive. Work-life balance is a higher priority for them than earnings,” noted Czajkowski.

The cost of obtaining all required qualifications currently amounts to about 10,000 PLN (approx €2340).

“We need to create a support system, for example through subsidies for professional driver courses,” Czajkowski urged.

IRU: Europe must act now

The International Road Transport Union (IRU) also highlights the scale of the problem. It estimates that Europe is short of nearly 500,000 drivers, with fewer than 5% under the age of 25.

“Without drivers, the system will stop. Road transport accounts for 75% of freight and most passenger journeys in Europe. The time to act is now,” said Raluca Marian, IRU’s Director for the EU, during a dialogue with the European Commission.

The IRU has proposed several measures, including:

• simplifying and standardising regulations on worker mobility,
• introducing an EU calculator to determine the pay of posted drivers,
• developing digital tools to support cross-border operations,
• ensuring equal rights for drivers from the EU and third countries,
• harmonising social insurance regulations.

Working conditions as important as pay

According to DSV, investments in social infrastructure are also essential – including parking areas, toilets, showers, rest zones, and affordable accommodation along main routes.

“Without improving working conditions, even with high salaries, the profession of a professional driver will not be attractive,” Czajkowski warned.

Hauliers themselves can also take initiatives, such as reducing waiting times in warehouses, implementing notification systems, or using swap bodies.

Intermodal and operational optimisation

Operational changes may also help ease the staffing problem. Intermodal transport allows one train to replace 30–40 trailers, and the sector’s development is being supported by the National Recovery Plan, which allocates 781.6 million PLN to the intermodal network. Another alternative is groupage transport, which consolidates smaller loads and reduces the number of journeys.

The Italian model of driver support

Italy has introduced a scheme that may serve as a model for other European countries. From October 2025, a new edition of the programme will cover up to 80% of the costs of obtaining a driving licence and professional qualifications for people aged 18–35, with a maximum subsidy of €2,500. The scheme applies to all licence categories required in road transport (C, C1, CE, C1E, D, D1, DE, D1E) and the CPC card, excluding only categories A and B.

Importantly, foreigners with valid residence documents are also eligible, and the support is tax-free and not subject to income limits. Applications are submitted online, and once approved, candidates receive a voucher redeemable at accredited driving schools.

This Italian approach shows that targeted financial support can effectively encourage young people to take up the profession while expanding the pool of available drivers in a country facing the same shortage as the rest of Europe.