The shortage of professional truck drivers in Europe has been a growing concern, threatening stable supply chains and economic resilience. According to recent reports, Europe might face a professional driver shortfall of over 745,000 as of 2028, a dramatic increase compared to previous years. Women represent less than 4% of all professional drivers in the EU[1]. At the same time, one third of truck drivers are aged 55 or older[2], worsening the problem as retirements approach. Over 70% of European companies are implementing strategies to attract and retain drivers.
The Challenges in Driver Recruitment
Today’s driver shortage stems from multiple factors:
- Demographics: An aging workforce, with over 30% of drivers aged 55 or older, and few young recruits replacing them.
- Gender Gap: Women make up less than 4% of the workforce, despite representing half of the population.
- Perception Problems: Truck driving is often seen as physically demanding, isolating, or unsuitable for family life, deterring potential candidates.
The industry needs innovative solutions to appeal to a wider talent pool while addressing these misconceptions. This is where personal stories like Tatsiana’s come into play.
A Blueprint for Attracting New Drivers
Tatsiana, a Belarusian truck driver, didn’t start her career on the open road. For much of her adult life, she worked in retail and merchandising, feeling unfulfilled despite stable conditions. However, inspired by friends and family in the trucking industry, she took a leap of faith.
“I found their stories and lifestyle to be inspiring and very different from what I saw in my day-to-day. So I got my C and E category driving license. It took more than a decade to put it to use, but I’m so glad I had planted that seed when I did,” Tatsiana recalls.
Breaking Barriers and Building Confidence
Like many starting out on a new path, Tatsiana’s journey was not without its challenges. After joining Girteka, she gained additional knowledge about the specific demands of international transport. With support from both trainers and fellow drivers, she continued to enhance her expertise and navigate the complexities of life on the road with increased confidence.
“Your wide-eyed stare may betray fear, but your muscles know what they’re doing,” she shares. “Confidence grows with experience, and soon, I even forgot there was a 16-meter trailer behind me.”
The guidance she received, paired with the collaborative and supportive environment fostered by her managers, proved instrumental in her success. “For me personally, one of the key things when it comes to happiness at work is a good relationship with my managers,” Tatsiana observes.
Promoting the Profession Through Visibility
Having visited 21 countries in her first 1.5 years as a professional driver, Tatsiana rates Spain first overall, with the Netherlands being the most beautiful country she’s been to. Exploring Europe, Tatsiana also found a new passion – sharing stories and advice with other aspiring drivers on social media.
“There’s enough negativity surrounding the profession and the many untrue stereotypes floating around,” Tatsiana says. “Having this platform, I know I can bust some myths and hopefully even inspire someone to give trucking a go. Who knows, maybe they’ll also find their own happiness crisscrossing Europe?”
Addressing the Shortage with Personal Stories
Tatsiana’s journey illustrates how the trucking industry can attract and retain a new generation of drivers:
- Targeting underrepresented groups – women, young professionals, and career changers represent untapped potential. Personal stories help break stereotypes and encourage diverse candidates to join.
- Providing robust training and mentorship – programs like the one Tatsiana experienced build confidence and reduce dropout rates among new drivers.
- Promoting the profession creatively – social media, storytelling, and advocacy can shift perceptions and showcase the rewarding aspects of trucking.
By presenting stories like Tatsiana’s, companies can address the immediate driver shortage and future-proof the supply chain. These efforts are essential for maintaining the smooth flow of goods across Europe’s borders and supporting the economy.
The driver shortage is both a logistical challenge and an opportunity to rethink and revitalize the profession. Personal stories like Tatsiana’s highlight the potential for transformation, showing that with the right support, anyone can find fulfillment on the open road. As the industry looks to the future, promoting such narratives will be key to closing the driver gap and ensuring stable, resilient supply chains in Europe for years to come.
[1] https://www.iru.org/news-resources/newsroom/half-european-truck-operators-cant-expand-due-driver-shortages
[2] https://www.iru.org/news-resources/newsroom/new-european-skilled-driver-mobility-project-tackles-chronic-shortages
