With trucking facing a chronic shortage of drivers, issues such as parking are under increasing scrutiny. To get a clearer picture, we partnered with Truckfly by Michelin and asked drivers directly how they feel about their own profession.
IRU and Truckfly by Michelin surveyed 1,100 truck drivers across seven major European markets in 2024. The resulting barometer analysed driver satisfaction based on factors such as country, age, gender, company type and size, and route length.
We asked Stéphane Rabiller, CEO of Truckfly by Michelin, to break down the main findings for us.
What surprised you the most?
Stéphane Rabiller: We were pleasantly surprised by how deeply attached drivers remain to their profession, 81% are satisfied (even if they would not recommend the profession to others), despite often very difficult conditions.
This is a powerful signal: beyond the numbers around the shortage, there are men and women who love what they do. But they expect more recognition and better working conditions.
It is also surprising and encouraging to see that women drivers are more likely to recommend the profession than men. This indicates that once women get behind the wheel, they are satisfied with the job. Therefore, we should focus more on entry barriers. It’s the same for young drivers.
This is both striking and hopeful. It reinforces our mission at Truckfly by Michelin to listen to drivers, understand their real needs, and offer them practical tools that make their daily lives easier. And that’s exactly what we’ve been doing for ten years.
What else did the survey reveal?
Stéphane Rabiller: Despite the high level of satisfaction among drivers, only 14% of European drivers are promoters (likely to recommend the profession to a friend or relative).
Drivers express a strong need for better working conditions, such as parking facilities, and recognition, both in their daily lives and in how their profession is perceived. This is a signal we must all acknowledge.
Generational renewal remains a major challenge: 4% of drivers are under 25 years old, while more than a third are above 55. Attracting young people and women requires improving both the image of the profession and its working conditions.
The findings also highlight key levers for action: the lack of secure and equipped parking and resting infrastructure; the poor treatment of drivers at delivery sites; and the negative image of the profession. More than 80% of drivers rated these issues as relevant or very relevant.
Why aren’t there more women?
Stéphane Rabiller: Although women are increasingly present in the industry, their share remains small: only 4% of truck drivers are women in Europe.
There are important barriers, including the shortage of parking and resting infrastructure. This is the top issue for women and men alike. Ninety percent of drivers rated it as an important or very important issue. The poor image of the profession and long periods away from home are other key barriers.
To move towards a more diverse profession, it’s up to us, as industry stakeholders, to create the right environment.
How can we better attract and retain drivers?
Stéphane Rabiller: Companies must first meet drivers’ practical needs: better working conditions, real respect for their time, and more daily recognition.
This also means presenting a more modern and valued image of the profession. Companies have a central role to play by investing in driver facilities, training, equipment quality, and in the tools they make available to drivers.
How do you help truck drivers?
Stéphane Rabiller: The Truckfly by Michelin app tangibly improves drivers’ daily lives in several ways.
Firstly, it offers over 125,000 truck-friendly locations across Europe. The job platform, integrated into the app, also allows drivers to apply for positions that match their profile through a simple and accessible process.
We now also offer a GPS navigation feature specifically designed for trucks. This new functionality opens new possibilities.
For drivers, it’s the promise of an all-in-one tool combining tailored navigation, community engagement, and real-time alerts.
For transport companies, it allows them to promote a safety-oriented tool designed for their drivers while boosting their attractiveness.
Making the road easier also means retaining talent. That’s the ambition that drives our daily work.
Truckfly by Michelin is part of the Michelin Group, an IRU member.