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Bekämpfung des Lkw-Fahrermangels im Vereinigten Königreich im Jahr 2024/2025

Erstellt: 16.08.2024

Aktualisiert: 10.10.2024

Der Mangel an Lkw-Fahrern im Vereinigten Königreich ist eine komplexe und vielschichtige Herausforderung mit weitreichenden Auswirkungen auf die Wirtschaft und die Lieferketten des Landes. Die konzertierten Bemühungen der Regierung, der Industrie und der Interessengruppen haben jedoch zu ersten positiven Ergebnissen geführt, die darauf hindeuten, dass sich das Blatt wenden könnte.

Mit Blick auf die Jahre 2024 und 2025 ist das fortgesetzte Engagement zur Behebung des Fahrermangels in Verbindung mit einer Konzentration auf die Anwerbung und Bindung talentierter Arbeitskräfte von entscheidender Bedeutung, um die langfristige Widerstandsfähigkeit und den Wohlstand des Verkehrssektors zu gewährleisten.

Das Ausmaß der Krise

Der Mangel an Lkw-Fahrern im Vereinigten Königreich ist ein wachsendes Problem, das im Jahr 2021 einen kritischen Punkt erreicht. Branchenberichten zufolge fehlten auf dem Höhepunkt der Krise rund 100 000 Lkw-Fahrer im Land. Diese Zahl stellt einen deutlichen Anstieg gegenüber den 59 000 Fahrern dar, die 2019 fehlten, und unterstreicht die rasche Verschlechterung der Situation.

Die Faktoren, die zu diesem Mangel beitrugen, waren vielfältig, darunter die Auswirkungen der COVID-19-Pandemie, die Folgen des Brexit und Änderungen der IR35-Steuerregeln, die sich auf Lkw-Fahrer auswirkten, die von Agenturen auf Vertragsbasis beschäftigt wurden. Diese Störungen führten dazu, dass viele erfahrene Fahrer die Branche verließen, während nicht genügend neue Talente auf den Markt kamen, um die Lücke zu füllen.

Eingreifen der Regierung und Bemühungen der Industrie

Die britische Regierung und die Interessenvertreter der Branche haben den Ernst der Lage erkannt und entscheidende Schritte unternommen, um den Mangel an Lkw-Fahrern zu beheben. Das Verkehrsministerium meldete eine bemerkenswerte Verbesserung: Der Prozentsatz der von den Speditionsunternehmen gemeldeten offenen Stellen für Lkw-Fahrer sank von 43 % im vierten Quartal 2021 auf 23 % im dritten Quartal 2023.

Eine der wichtigsten Maßnahmen war die Aufstockung der Mittel für die Anwerbung und Ausbildung neuer Lkw-Fahrer. Die Regierung beschleunigte auch das Verfahren zur Erlangung von Lkw-Fahrerlaubnissen und investierte 8 Millionen Pfund in die Verbesserung der Qualität von Lkw-Rastplätzen, um das seit langem bestehende Problem der schlechten Arbeitsbedingungen für Fahrer anzugehen.

SNAP unterstützte mehrere britische Fuhrparks bei der Beantragung staatlicher Mittel zur Verbesserung ihrer Einrichtungen. Erfahren Sie mehr über die LKW-Parkplätze , die dem SNAP-Netzwerk angehören.

Überalterung der Belegschaft und Gewinnung jüngerer Talente

Eine der anhaltenden Herausforderungen in der Lkw-Fahrerindustrie ist die Überalterung der Belegschaft, wobei das Durchschnittsalter der Fahrer bei 48 Jahren liegt. Die Branche hat Schwierigkeiten, jüngere Talente anzuziehen, da die Wahrnehmung schlechter Arbeitsbedingungen, durchschnittlicher Löhne und eines wenig inspirierenden Karrierewegs viele davon abhält, eine Karriere als Lkw-Fahrer in Betracht zu ziehen.

Deshalb hat die Regierung vor kurzem eine Konsultation zur Senkung des Mindestalters für Busfahrer eingeleitet, um jüngeren Menschen mehr Möglichkeiten für den Einstieg in den Verkehrssektor zu eröffnen. Dieser Schritt könnte in Verbindung mit Bemühungen zur Verbesserung der Einrichtungen für Fahrer und der Arbeitsbedingungen dazu beitragen, die Branche für die nächste Generation von Arbeitnehmern attraktiver zu machen.

Siehe [Karte] (https://snapacc.com/map/) der Lkw-Parkplätze, Lkw-Waschanlagen und Unterkünfte in verschiedenen Regionen des SNAP-Netzes.

Überwindung gesetzlicher Hürden und mehr Flexibilität

Ein weiterer Faktor, der zum Mangel an Lkw-Fahrern beiträgt, sind die regulatorischen Hürden und der bürokratische Aufwand, mit denen neue Fahrer beim Einstieg in die Branche konfrontiert werden. Das Verfahren zur Erlangung der erforderlichen Lizenzen und Bescheinigungen kann zeitaufwändig und kostspielig sein, was potenzielle Bewerber abschreckt.

Um dieses Problem zu lösen, haben sich die Interessenvertreter der Branche für flexiblere Ausbildungs- und Prüfungsverfahren eingesetzt, ähnlich wie bei den Busunternehmen. Durch die Straffung des Prozesses und die Erleichterung des Zugangs hofft man, die Zahl der qualifizierten Fahrer, die auf den Markt kommen, zu erhöhen.

Die Auswirkungen von Brexit und COVID-19

Der Lkw-Fahrermangel im Vereinigten Königreich hat sich durch die Folgen des Brexit und die durch die COVID-19-Pandemie verursachten Störungen weiter verschärft. Der Verlust von EU-Fahrern, die zuvor einen erheblichen Teil der britischen Lkw-Fahrerschaft ausmachten, war ein schwerer Schlag.

Darüber hinaus haben die Auswirkungen der Pandemie auf die Ausbildung und Prüfung zu einem Rückstau an neuen Fahrern geführt, die auf den Markt kommen. Da sich die Wirtschaft erholt hat, hat die gestiegene Nachfrage nach Gütern und Dienstleistungen den bereits angespannten Transportsektor noch stärker belastet.

Zusammenarbeit und Innovation

Um den Lkw-Fahrermangel zu beheben, bedarf es gemeinsamer Anstrengungen von Regierung, Industrie und Bildungseinrichtungen. Indem sie zusammenarbeiten, können sie umfassende Lösungen entwickeln, die die Ursachen des Problems angehen und ein nachhaltigeres und widerstandsfähigeres Verkehrssystem schaffen.

Innovative Ansätze, wie der Einsatz von Technologien zur Optimierung der Logistik und zur Verbesserung der Fahrereffizienz, können ebenfalls eine entscheidende Rolle bei der Abmilderung der Auswirkungen des Fahrermangels spielen. Investitionen in Infrastruktur, Schulungsprogramme und fahrerorientierte Initiativen können dazu beitragen, eine stärkere, vielfältigere und widerstandsfähigere Belegschaft aufzubauen.

Der Weg nach vorn

Während das Vereinigte Königreich durch die sich entwickelnde Landschaft des Lkw-Fahrermangels navigiert, ist es klar, dass die Lösung einen vielschichtigen Ansatz erfordert. Die fortgesetzte Unterstützung durch die Regierung, die Zusammenarbeit mit der Industrie und die Verpflichtung, talentierte Fahrer anzuziehen und zu halten, werden entscheidend sein, um die Widerstandsfähigkeit des nationalen Transportnetzes zu gewährleisten.

Auch wenn die Krise in naher Zukunft nicht vollständig gelöst werden kann, so geben die bisher unternommenen Schritte doch einen Hoffnungsschimmer. Wenn sich das Vereinigte Königreich weiterhin auf Innovation, Flexibilität und Inklusivität konzentriert, kann es auf eine Zukunft hinarbeiten, in der der Verkehrssektor in der Lage ist, die wachsenden Anforderungen der Wirtschaft und die Bedürfnisse seiner Bürger zu erfüllen.

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Mittwoch 03 September 2025 • Nachrichten und Updates

IST LOGISTIK EINE NEUE ALTERNATIVE ZUR WEITERFÜHRENDEN BILDUNG FÜR SCHULABSOLVENTEN?

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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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Donnerstag 07 August 2025 • Nachrichten und Updates

DIE FORMEL PREMIER TRUCKSTOP: UNTERSUCHUNG IHRES ERFOLGS UND IHRER BEZIEHUNG ZU 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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Montag 21 Juli 2025 • Nachrichten und Updates

WIE SICH DER KLIMAWANDEL AUF DEN MOBILITÄTSSEKTOR AUSWIRKT

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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.