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Řešení nedostatku řidičů nákladních vozidel ve Spojeném království v letech 2024/2025

Vytvořeno: 16.08.2024

Aktualizováno: 10.10.2024

Nedostatek řidičů těžkých nákladních vozidel ve Spojeném království je komplexní a mnohostranný problém, který má dalekosáhlé důsledky pro národní hospodářství a dodavatelské řetězce. Soustředěné úsilí vlády, průmyslu a zúčastněných stran však začalo přinášet pozitivní výsledky, což naznačuje, že se karta možná obrací.

S výhledem na roky 2024 a 2025 bude pro zajištění dlouhodobé odolnosti a prosperity dopravního sektoru klíčové pokračující úsilí o řešení nedostatku řidičů spolu se zaměřením na získávání a udržení talentovaných osob.

Hloubka krize

Nedostatek řidičů nákladních vozidel ve Spojeném království je stále větším problémem a v roce 2021 dosáhne situace kritického bodu. Podle zpráv z odvětví se země na vrcholu krize potýkala s nedostatkem přibližně 100 000 řidičů nákladních vozidel. Toto číslo představovalo výrazný nárůst oproti 59 000 řidičů chybějících v roce 2019, což podtrhuje rychlé zhoršování situace.

K tomuto nedostatku přispělo více faktorů, včetně dopadu pandemie COVID-19, následků brexitu a změn daňových pravidel IR35, které se dotkly řidičů nákladních vozidel zaměstnaných agenturami na základě smluvního vztahu. Tyto poruchy vedly k odchodu mnoha zkušených řidičů z oboru, zatímco na trh nepřicházel dostatek nových talentů, kteří by tuto mezeru zaplnili.

Vládní zásahy a úsilí průmyslu

Vláda Spojeného království a zúčastněné strany z odvětví si uvědomují závažnost situace a podnikly rozhodné kroky k řešení nedostatku řidičů nákladních vozidel. Ministerstvo dopravy oznámilo pozoruhodné zlepšení, přičemž procento volných míst řidičů nákladních vozidel hlášených dopravními podniky se snížilo ze 43 % ve 4. čtvrtletí 2021 na 23 % ve 3. čtvrtletí 2023.

Jedním z klíčových opatření bylo zvýšení finančních prostředků na získávání a školení nových řidičů nákladních vozidel. Vláda rovněž urychlila proces získávání řidičských průkazů pro nákladní vozidla a investovala 8 milionů liber do zlepšení kvality odpočívadel pro řidiče nákladních vozidel, čímž řešila dlouhodobý problém špatných pracovních podmínek řidičů.

Společnost SNAP pomohla několika britským parkovištím pro nákladní automobily podat žádosti o vládní financování na zlepšení jejich vybavení. Více informací o truck parcích zařazených do sítě SNAP.

Řešení problému stárnutí pracovní síly a získávání mladších talentů

Jedním z přetrvávajících problémů v odvětví řidičů nákladních vozidel je stárnutí pracovní síly, přičemž průměrný věk řidičů je 48 let. Odvětví se snaží přilákat mladší talenty, protože vnímání špatných pracovních podmínek, průměrných mezd a neinspirativní kariérní dráhy mnohé odrazuje od toho, aby uvažovali o kariéře řidiče nákladních vozidel.

Vláda nedávno zahájila konzultace o snížení minimální věkové hranice pro řidiče autobusů a autokarů, což by mohlo otevřít více příležitostí pro mladé lidi, kteří by chtěli nastoupit do odvětví dopravy. Tento krok by spolu s úsilím o zlepšení zázemí pro řidiče a pracovních podmínek mohl přispět k tomu, aby se toto odvětví stalo atraktivnějším pro další generace pracovníků.

Viz mapa parkovišť pro nákladní automobily, mycích stanic pro nákladní automobily a ubytovacích zařízení v různých regionech sítě SNAP.

Překonávání regulačních překážek a zavádění flexibility

Dalším faktorem, který přispívá k nedostatku řidičů nákladních vozidel, jsou regulační překážky a byrokracie, s nimiž se noví řidiči při vstupu do odvětví potýkají. Proces získávání potřebných licencí a osvědčení může být časově i finančně náročný, což potenciální uchazeče odrazuje.

Zúčastněné strany v tomto odvětví se vyslovily pro pružnější postupy školení a přezkoušení, podobně jako to dělají autobusové společnosti. Zjednodušením a zpřístupněním tohoto procesu se očekává, že se zvýší počet kvalifikovaných řidičů vstupujících na trh.

Dopad brexitu a COVID-19

Nedostatek řidičů nákladních vozidel ve Spojeném království se dále zkomplikoval v důsledku brexitu a narušení způsobeného pandemií COVID-19. Ztráta řidičů z EU, kteří dříve tvořili významnou část pracovní síly řidičů nákladních vozidel ve Spojeném království, byla významnou ranou.

Navíc vliv pandemie na školení a testování vedl k tomu, že na trh přicházejí noví řidiči. S oživením ekonomiky zvýšená poptávka po zboží a službách ještě více zatížila již tak napjatý dopravní sektor.

Spolupráce a inovace

Řešení nedostatku řidičů nákladních vozidel bude vyžadovat spolupráci mezi vládou, zúčastněnými stranami z odvětví a vzdělávacími institucemi. Jejich společnou prací lze vyvinout komplexní řešení, která budou řešit základní příčiny problému a vytvoří udržitelnější a odolnější dopravní systém.

Zásadní roli při zmírňování dopadů nedostatku řidičů může hrát také zavádění inovativních přístupů, jako je využívání technologií k optimalizaci logistiky a zvyšování efektivity řidičů. Investice do infrastruktury, školicích programů a iniciativ zaměřených na řidiče mohou pomoci vybudovat silnější, rozmanitější a odolnější pracovní sílu.

Cesta před námi

Je zřejmé, že zatímco Spojené království prochází vývojem situace v oblasti nedostatku řidičů nákladních vozidel, řešení bude vyžadovat mnohostranný přístup. Pro zajištění odolnosti národní dopravní sítě bude zásadní pokračující podpora vlády, spolupráce v odvětví a závazek přilákat a udržet talentované řidiče.

Ačkoli krize nemusí být v nejbližší době zcela vyřešena, dosavadní kroky dávají naději. Pokud se Spojené království bude i nadále soustředit na inovace, flexibilitu a inkluzivitu, může se dopracovat k budoucnosti, kdy bude odvětví dopravy vybaveno tak, aby splňovalo rostoucí požadavky ekonomiky a potřeby svých občanů.

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středa 03 září 2025 • Novinky a aktualizace

JE LOGISTIKA NOVOU ALTERNATIVOU DALŠÍHO VZDĚLÁVÁNÍ PRO ABSOLVENTY ŠKOL?

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For years, the conventional wisdom has been that school leavers should continue into further education. Whether that meant college, university or vocational training, the message was the same: study first, then work. But that narrative is beginning to shift. Faced with rising tuition fees, increasing debt and uncertainty about the value of a degree, many young people are re-evaluating their choices.At the same time, the logistics industry is crying out for new talent. It offers immediate earnings, structured development and long-term career prospects – all without the cost of higher education. The question is no longer whether logistics could be a stopgap option for school leavers but whether it represents a genuine alternative to university.The need for fresh entrants to logistics is pressing. (RHA) has warned that the UK must recruit 200,000 new lorry drivers in the next five years – the equivalent of 40,000 drivers annually – to keep supply chains moving and prevent a repeat of the shortages experienced in 2021.Zooming out to the European level, the challenge is even starker. In 2023, Europe faced a – a figure forecast to climb to 745,000 by 2028 if left unaddressed. The average driver is 47 years old, with nearly 30% aged over 55, underscoring an approaching retirement wave. Yet only 5% of drivers are under 25. Without younger entrants, the industry risks grinding to a halt.This is not simply about filling cabs. It’s about safeguarding the smooth functioning of economies. The shortage of drivers has ripple effects that touch everything from supermarket shelves to construction projects. In : “If we’re to future-proof the industry for the long term, we need to recruit, train and retain tens of thousands of drivers annually to meet demand. With an ageing workforce, we also need to attract more young people into the industry. To get there, we must prioritise flexible, funded training options.”Meanwhile, data shows that in June 2025, youth unemployment across the EU was 14.7%, with 2.857 million young people out of work, which has remained steady month-on-month. These figures reveal a significant opportunity gap for school leavers. At a time when many face bleak prospects, logistics presents a path of clarity, training, and financial independence.The perception of logistics as a last-resort job is giving way to recognition of its tangible benefits. A recent highlights factors such as job security, reliable pay, flexible working patterns and the chance to travel. For many, it is precisely this combination of benefits that makes logistics stand out. In addition, apprenticeships and graduate-style schemes allow young recruits to build qualifications while gaining hands-on experience. As Matthew Bellamy, Managing Director at SNAP comments: “For school leavers, logistics isn’t just an alternative. It’s a fast track to a skilled, future-ready career. You begin building experience and independence straightaway, without the costs or delays of university.”While driving is the most visible role, logistics encompasses far more. School leavers can move into warehousing, planning, technology, or customer service, before progressing into leadership. The digitalisation of logistics has also created demand for new skills – data analysis, route optimisation, and sustainability management – that appeal to a generation of digital natives.SNAP, for example, works with fleets across Europe to provide digital tools that support drivers’ wellbeing, help them find safe parking, and streamline daily operations. These investments are not just about efficiency – they are about making logistics a credible and attractive career path.“The industry needs fresh faces with digital skills, resilience and a modern outlook,” Bellamy continues. “School leavers bring exactly that – and attracting more women will help us adapt even faster.”Diversity is one of the greatest untapped opportunities in logistics. According to , women account for just 23% of employees in transport and storage across Europe and Central Asia. The European data is even more concerning when it comes to drivers specifically: .Encouraging more young women into logistics careers – whether as drivers, planners, or managers – is essential. It not only broadens the talent pool but also changes the culture of the industry, making it more representative and resilient. Highlighting female role models, creating inclusive training environments, and improving welfare facilities are practical steps that can make logistics more appealing to all.Too often, it is portrayed as a male-dominated and physically demanding industry. And while those stereotypes may once have held some truth, they are increasingly outdated. Today’s logistics sector relies as much on technology and teamwork as it does on physical labour.For logistics to compete with further education, the industry must deliver on three fronts:● Training pathways – offering apprenticeships, certifications and mentorship to give recruits a sense of progression.● Welfare and facilities – ensuring that drivers, particularly younger and more diverse entrants, have access to safe parking, clean rest stops and supportive environments.● Career storytelling – showcasing the variety of roles and long-term potential within the sector.For operators, the business case is clear. already report that they cannot expand because of driver shortages. Nearly half cite falling productivity, and 39% say revenues are declining. Without change, shortages will not just limit growth – they will erode the bottom line.The debate over further education versus work will never be one-size-fits-all. Some young people will continue to thrive in universities and colleges. But logistics is a viable, forward-looking option.For school leavers, it means immediate pay, independence and scope for progression. For the industry, it means tapping into a pool of talent that is urgently needed. For society, it means strengthening the resilience of an essential sector.The challenge now lies with the industry to match its demand with vision: to provide training, welfare, and opportunities that rival those offered by further education. If it succeeds, logistics will not just be an alternative to university – it will be an advantage.

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čtvrtek 07 srpna 2025 • Novinky a aktualizace

UVNITŘ FORMULE PREMIER TRUCKSTOP: ZKOUMÁNÍ JEJICH ÚSPĚCHU A VZTAHU SE SPOLEČNOSTÍ SNAP

Susie Jones

Situated in Ellesmere Port, a stone's throw away from the M53, is . Voted UK's Truckstop of the Year 2023, the site has become a firm favourite among the trucking community. Playing homage to their link to Formula 1 (the site once provided fuel to racing cars around the world), the truck stop is doused in the iconic red, with plenty of sporting memorabilia to keep visitors busy for hours. As they celebrate their 10th anniversary, we sit down with Operations Manager Ash Evans to discuss everything from new facilities and sustainability goals to driver welfare and their relationship with SNAP. explains Ash.The site hosts a range of fantastic facilities to provide truck drivers with a home away from home. states Ash.As we're given a tour around the site, we walk through a dedicated gaming room, equipped with a pool and a table tennis table, a lounge area complete with massage chairs and a plethora of games consoles to help relax a driver after a long shift. On the more practical side, the site offers washing facilities, a gym, and a kitchen area to make homemade meals. For those who don't fancy cooking after a day behind the wheel, they can make use of the on-site restaurant now offering SNAP meal vouchers. Recently, the site renovated its female facilities, with state-of-the-art, spa-like washrooms. Included in this upgrade was a gender neutral toilet and shower room both areas are kept locked to ensure safety and security. explains Ash. Discover the new facilities at Formula through our with Ash.Ash and the team have a close relationship with Stuart Willetts, one of SNAP's UK Business Development Managers, who is always at the end of the phone to go over any queries. states Ash. Ash explains how offering SNAP meal vouchers has benefited not only the drivers but the site as well:Driver well-being has been a hot topic of discussion within the industry for a long time. With suicide rates among truck drivers than the national average, truck stops play a vital role in improving driver welfare. Something of which Ash believes shouldn't be difficult for a truck stop to achieve:This has certainly been a key focus for Formula, influencing everything from their facilities and continuous improvements to the safety and security of those parking up. Ash states. The industry has a long way to go, and Formula Truck Stop is setting the bar high. We asked Ash what the industry could do to help with driver well-being:Something that Stuart is all too aware must happen, as his role within SNAP allows him to empathise with the day-to-day challenges truck drivers face:The truck stop has come a long way since its humble beginnings. With SNAP helping to streamline operations, the site has been able to concentrate on expanding and pursuing its sustainability goals. With over 195,000 truck drivers on the SNAP network, the site had to add an overflow parking area, giving them an extra 50 spaces, to meet the growing demand. The site is now focusing on their sustainability goals, Ash explains:.Inspired by what you've just read? . Catch the full interview with

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pondělí 21 července 2025 • Novinky a aktualizace

JAK ZMĚNA KLIMATU OVLIVŇUJE ODVĚTVÍ MOBILITY

Guest

Climate change is no longer a distant risk. For those working in road transport, it’s a daily operational reality – one that’s becoming harder to ignore with every passing year. From heatwaves that melt tarmac to floods that cut off major routes, the impact of a shifting climate is baked into the business of moving goods.For fleet managers, this means navigating evolving regulations, updating infrastructure and rethinking continuity planning. For drivers, it means adapting to new risks on the road – from tyre blowouts to disrupted delivery windows. And for the entire sector, it signals the need for a more resilient, climate-aware approach to mobility.In July 2022, the UK experienced its . As temperatures climbed to 40℃, roads began to soften, with sections of the closed due to surface degradation. Fleet operators were forced to reroute deliveries, sometimes at short notice, while engine temperatures soared and vehicles struggled to maintain performance.That same year, high winds from caused widespread damage across freight corridors in Western Europe, overturning high-sided vehicles and damaging temperature-sensitive cargo. Meanwhile, in January 2024, Storm Henk flooded vast areas of central England. Key routes in the Midlands were and some drivers were stranded for hours.These are not isolated events. They are signs of a transport system increasingly vulnerable to climate threats. Road surfaces, vehicle components and logistics networks are all being tested by changing conditions – and the consequences are being felt throughout the supply chain.When it comes to climate-related disruption, the impacts aren’t just felt on individual routes. Whole supply chains are being affected – sometimes with little warning. In The Netherlands, rising sea levels and heavier rainfall are prompting authorities and businesses to reassess the resilience of critical logistics infrastructure, particularly in low-lying industrial areas. The Port of Rotterdam – Europe’s largest seaport – has to adapt to climate risk, reinforcing quay walls, elevating access roads and upgrading stormwater systems to protect against flooding. Inland logistics centres are also under scrutiny, as extreme weather has exposed vulnerabilities in access routes and drainage.Fleet technology is improving fast, especially when it comes to electrification and smart diagnostics. But climate change is creating new stresses for even the most advanced vehicles. Battery efficiency can in cold weather, reducing the effective range of electric vans. Meanwhile, high temperatures and put additional strain on vehicle cooling systems.To address these issues, some operators are investing in predictive maintenance systems that use telematics to anticipate wear and schedule repairs before costly failures occur. Others are upgrading cab comfort systems to protect driver wellbeing during periods of extreme heat or cold. While these changes involve upfront investment, they can pay dividends in uptime, safety and driver retention.Rising climate risk is reshaping insurance, too. Some insurers are responding to the increased frequency of extreme weather claims by and tightening exclusions. Business interruption policies, in particular, are under , especially where supply chains are vulnerable to repeat disruption. And while cargo insurance remains a consideration, not all policies automatically cover delays caused by climate events such as flooding or high winds.Fleet managers should review their cover in light of these emerging risks. That means checking for exclusions, assessing how climate-related events are defined, and ensuring that critical gaps – such as downtime due to road closures – are adequately addressed. In some cases, demonstrating a proactive approach to risk management, flood mitigation and driver training can also help secure more favourable terms.While the physical impacts of climate change are already visible, regulatory shifts are adding another layer of complexity for operators. Low-emission zones are expanding rapidly across the UK and Europe, placing new demands on fleet composition and compliance. In London, the Ultra Low Emission Zone (ULEZ) continues to grow, while cities like Birmingham and Oxford have introduced their own variations. At the European level, the package have set ambitious targets for decarbonisation. Fleet operators are being incentivised – and increasingly required – to switch to cleaner fuels and technologies. From electrification mandates to supply chain transparency rules, operators now face a new baseline for what’s considered acceptable business practice.For those managing fleets, these changes present both a logistical challenge and a strategic opportunity. Embracing sustainability isn't just about avoiding penalties – it’s about futureproofing operations and staying ahead of changing customer expectations.Adaptation doesn’t happen overnight, but incremental changes can have a meaningful impact. Some operators are now carrying out climate risk assessments across their fleet operations, identifying assets and routes most vulnerable to disruption. Others are offering drivers updated training to improve safety and decision-making during extreme weather events.Fuel choices are shifting too. Hauliers looking for lower-carbon alternatives are turning to HVO – hydrotreated vegetable oil – an alternative to diesel that cuts emissions without requiring new infrastructure. Meanwhile, those investing in load optimisation software are seeing benefits not just in fuel economy but in emissions reductions that support compliance goals.There’s no longer any doubt that climate change is shaping the future of road transport, not in decades, but right now. The challenge for operators is to shift from a reactive mindset to a more strategic, long-term mindset. That means understanding the risks, acting on them early, and recognising that resilience is fast becoming a source of competitive advantage.“We’re hearing the same thing from fleet operators across the UK and Europe,” says Nick Renton, Head of European Strategy and Business Development at SNAP. “Climate disruption isn’t a future risk – it’s already here, affecting everything from warehousing and route planning to driver welfare. The fleets that thrive will be the ones that treat climate resilience as a business strategy, not just an emergency response.“It matters because the cost of inaction is rising – not just financially, but in terms of missed deliveries, operational downtime and the wellbeing of drivers on the road. If we want to keep goods moving and businesses growing, we need to start building that resilience in now.”At SNAP, we work closely with fleets across the UK and Europe to help them navigate this new reality. Whether it’s through insights, partnerships, or smarter tools for on-the-road operations, we’re here to support those who keep the wheels turning – whatever the weather. to take advantage of our fleet management solutions.