The chronic shortage of truck drivers continues to threaten the efficiency of transport and logistics operators. IRU outlined why a major part of the solution lies in professionalisation at ALACAT 2025 in Madrid.
There are 3.6 million unfilled truck driver positions across 36 countries, representing 70% of global GDP, with up to 70% of trucking companies facing severe or very severe difficulties in recruiting drivers.
Underlying structural demographic trends are increasingly alarming, notably a widening gap between younger and older drivers. Young drivers under 25 make up just 6.5% of the total driver workforce, while those over 55 account for 31.6%.
Over the next five years, 3.4 million truck drivers are expected to retire, adding to the 3.6 million currently unfilled truck driver positions.
Speaking on the panel “From Crisis to Opportunity: How Professionalisation Can Solve the Driver Shortage” at the ALACAT 2025 Congress in Madrid, IRU TIR and Transit Services Senior Manager Lucas Lagier said, “The shortage of truck drivers is a long-term structural issue that persists in all regions.
“The underlying demographic trends are particularly concerning. In addition to the low share of young drivers, only a few percent of truck drivers in most countries are women, for example 1.7% in Argentina and 1.9% in Mexico.
“Raising industry standards through internationally recognised training programmes, clear career paths, and continuous skill development can make the profession more attractive and help retain talent.”
Other key solutions include targeted campaigns, financial incentives, and female role models, supported by infrastructure and policies such as safe parking areas and maternity protections.
“Joint efforts between governments, the industry and training institutions can streamline entry into the profession, with a focus on youth and women,” concluded Lucas Lagier. “Essentially, we need to further professionalise the sector.”
ALACAT, the Federation of National Associations of Freight Forwarders and International Logistics Operators of Latin America and the Caribbean, is a non-profit federation of national associations from 16 countries.