That is the warning from Danilo Guedes, Vice President of IRU member NTC&Logística, as Brazil participates in IRU’s global driver shortage survey for the first time.
Brazil’s truck driver shortage stands at 11%, in line with the global average. Just over half of Brazilian operators reported “severe” or “very severe” recruitment difficulties.
“The 11% figure helps to measure the problem,” said Danilo Guedes. “But, honestly, in many transport operations, the perception is that the shortage is even greater.”
The issue is already visible in daily operations. In some cases, trucks and cargo are available. But companies do not have enough qualified drivers to move them.
This marks a significant shift for the Brazilian market. What was once a localised or occasional recruitment problem has become a wider labour challenge. It affects capacity, growth and the reliability of logistics networks in a country where trucks play a critical role in moving goods.
Trucking is the backbone of Brazilian logistics, transporting more than 65% of all goods by volume within the country.
What’s happening?
Several forces are converging. Experienced drivers are retiring. Too few young people are entering the profession. At the same time, logistics demand continues to grow.
“Five years ago, the shortage already existed, but it was a manageable challenge,” said Danilo Guedes. “Today, it directly affects companies’ capacity to grow.”
For the sector, the most worrying issue is not only the current lack of drivers. It is the lack of renewal. Without a stronger pipeline of new entrants, the pressure is likely to increase year after year.
Brazil’s driver workforce is younger than in several other surveyed markets: 11% of drivers are under 25, while 24% are aged 55 or over. The average age is around 42 to 44, compared with 48 in Europe and 51 in Australia.
But a younger average age does not mean the problem is solved. The sector still needs more people entering the profession, more structured training and stronger recognition of driving as a skilled career.
Danilo Guedes pointed to three core issues: training, professional recognition and generational renewal.
Where it’s particularly bad
The shortage is not evenly distributed across the market. Specialised transport is under particular pressure. This includes international transport, dangerous goods, vehicle transport and high-value cargo.
These operations need more than a licensed driver. They need experience, technical knowledge and specific training.
Small operators often find it harder to attract and retain drivers, as they do not have the same resources as larger ones. But the challenge is not limited to smaller companies. Large transport companies are also facing growing recruitment pressure.
There are also strong regional differences. The shortage is most intense along Brazil’s main logistics corridors in the South, Southeast and Centre-West. These are the regions where transport demand is highest and where the economy depends heavily on efficient freight movement.
“The problem is more intense precisely where the Brazilian economy most needs transport,” said Danilo Guedes.
More women than most
Brazil stands out in one important area: women’s participation. Women represent 10% of truck drivers in Brazil, the highest share among all markets surveyed and close to the wider transport sector benchmark of 12%.
This is encouraging. But it also points to a wider opportunity. Attracting more women, more young people and more trained professionals will be essential if Brazil wants to close the gap.
The message from NTC&Logística is clear. Brazil’s driver shortage is not just about today’s vacancies; it is about the future capacity of the road transport sector.
Without stronger renewal, the gap will keep growing.