The consequences go far beyond one company or one region. Germany’s driver shortage is increasingly seen as part of a wider European problem that threatens supply chains across the continent.
“To some people, we’re like doormats”
Torsten Plaul knows the profession inside out. A former winner of Germany’s Safest Truck Driver competition, he has since left long-haul transport altogether and now runs a driving school.
“If you deliver goods in Germany, you’ll be constantly insulted. To some people, we’re like doormats,” Plaul told the German news portal mdr.de.
According to Plaul, constant time pressure, long hours and a lack of respect from customers are driving experienced drivers out of the industry. He also points to cultural differences, noting that in countries such as the Netherlands, Denmark and Poland, drivers tend to be treated with greater respect.
Full order books, empty cabs
The shortage is already having a direct economic impact. Natalie Ehrlich’s company in Wittenberg employs 90 drivers, yet still cannot operate its full fleet.
“Even with full order books, we have to cancel transport jobs because there simply aren’t enough drivers,” Ehrlich said. “These are turbulent economic times. The driver shortage is extremely painful, and the situation is getting worse.”
Each unused truck generates losses through leasing costs, insurance and missed revenue. For many hauliers, even strong demand no longer guarantees profitability.
High turnover and no new generation
According to the Bundesverband Güterverkehr Logistik und Entsorgung (BGL), Germany is currently short of around 100,000 professional drivers.
Every year, roughly 30,000 drivers retire, while only about 15,000 young people enter the profession. As a result, companies increasingly rely on drivers from abroad, mainly from Eastern Europe, while personnel costs continue to rise.
At the same time, entering the profession remains expensive. A Category C driving licence can cost up to €8,000, with additional training required for dangerous goods transport and load securing.
Read more: Germany closes the loophole: every offence by foreign drivers will now be visible instantly
Why higher wages are not enough
Long-haul drivers in Germany typically earn between €2,700 and €4,000 gross per month. While wages have risen due to the shortage, transport companies say these higher costs are often not reflected in freight rates.
“The profession must become attractive again,” Ehrlich stresses. “Less bureaucracy around qualifications, easier immigration, cheaper driving licences and access to affordable parking – there’s no shortage of ideas, but far too little is happening.”
A Europe-wide problem
The crisis extends well beyond Germany. According to the International Road Transport Union (IRU), Europe is currently short of nearly 500,000 drivers. Fewer than 5 per cent of them are under the age of 25.
“Without drivers, the system will come to a halt,” said Raluca Marian, IRU EU Director, during a dialogue with the European Commission. “Road transport accounts for around 75 per cent of freight transport in Europe and the majority of passenger travel. The time to act is now.”
What the industry is calling for
To address the crisis, the IRU is urging policymakers to take concrete steps, including:
- simplifying and harmonising rules on worker mobility,
- introducing an EU-wide calculator for posted driver pay,
- developing digital tools for cross-border operations,
- ensuring equal rights for drivers from the EU and third countries,
- harmonising social security rules across member states.
Without coordinated action, industry experts warn that driver shortages could increasingly paralyse road transport – not just in Germany, but across Europe.
