Digital tools could ease pressure from UK HGV driver shortage

UK road haulage operators are facing a difficult combination of rising costs and a shrinking pool of potential HGV drivers. Industry research has forecast a requirement for as many as 400,000 new drivers a year to keep pace with economic demand, while the age profile of the existing workforce points to further pressure ahead.

Fewer than 2% of UK HGV drivers are under 24, whereas more than 55% are aged between 50 and 65. The resulting gap between recruitment and retirement is being amplified by the cost of bringing new entrants into the profession.

Three costs are raising the barrier to entry

Training expenses for road-haulage drivers have doubled over the past decade, according to figures from Dojo’s UK Inflation Index. For companies funding licences and qualification routes, that increase makes every new recruitment decision more financially significant.

Insurance has also become more expensive. Haulage insurance costs are reported to be 57% higher than ten years ago, with less experienced drivers typically attracting higher premiums. That creates an additional challenge for operators trying to build a younger workforce.

Staffing costs rose by 44% in the past year. Higher National Insurance contributions in 2025 have contributed to the increase, while competition for drivers continues to push wages upwards. For labour-intensive transport businesses, relatively modest cost changes can have a substantial effect on operating margins.

Telematics offers an efficiency response

With recruitment becoming more expensive, operators are being encouraged to find savings in day-to-day fleet management. Telematics can provide real-time visibility of vehicle locations, helping planners identify route improvements and reduce unnecessary fuel use.

Data on driving behaviour can reveal prolonged idling, harsh braking and excessive acceleration at vehicle or driver level. Addressing those patterns can improve efficiency without relying solely on additional recruitment. The technology does not remove the underlying skills shortage, but it can help haulage companies make better use of available capacity while controlling the cost of each journey.