Susie Jones
Nouvelles et mises à jour • 4 min lire

Les chauffeurs routiers demandent une réforme du secteur

Créée: 05/02/2025

Mise à jour : 05/02/2025

Actuellement, les conductrices de poids lourds au Royaume-Uni ne représentent que 1 % de l'ensemble des conducteurs - un chiffre qui a augmenté de 144 % au cours de la dernière décennie, à mesure que de nouvelles initiatives sont introduites pour promouvoir la diversité et combler la pénurie de conducteurs.

Un article de [Fleetpoint] (https://www.fleetpoint.org/fleet-management-2/encouraging-more-women-to-join-the-road-transport-industry/) décrit les nombreuses façons dont l'industrie pourrait attirer plus de femmes dans le secteur :

  • Cultiver un environnement de travail favorable et accueillant.

  • Améliorer les infrastructures et les équipements.

  • Des conditions de travail flexibles et favorables à la famille.

  • Construire des parcours clairs pour l'évolution de la carrière.

Malgré cela, les conducteurs sur [média social] (https://www.facebook.com/photo/?fbid=988050383364634&set=a.482170237285987&locale=en_GB) ont fait valoir que ces défis de longue date dans le secteur doivent être relevés pour tous avant que de nouvelles initiatives ne soient mises en place pour remédier à la pénurie de conducteurs.

Pénurie de conducteurs - où en est le secteur ?

La pénurie de conducteurs est un problème persistant pour l'industrie du transport, mais après le COVID-19 et le Brexit, elle a atteint des niveaux critiques. En 2024, il manquait plus de [233 000] (https://www.iru.org/news-resources/newsroom/half-european-truck-operators-cant-expand-due-driver-shortages#:~:text=More%20than%20half%20of%20European,no%20significant%20action%20is%20taken.) chauffeurs routiers en Europe, en Norvège et au Royaume-Uni - un chiffre qui devrait dépasser les 745 000 en 2028 en raison du vieillissement de la main-d'œuvre.

Le secteur est toujours aux prises avec les conséquences de cette situation et s'efforce de mettre en œuvre de nouvelles initiatives visant à promouvoir la diversité, à améliorer les conditions de travail et à combler le déficit de main-d'œuvre.

Le gouvernement a mis en œuvre environ [33](https://www.gov.uk/government/topical-events/hgv-driver-shortage-uk-government-response/about#:~:text=We%20extended%20dangerous%20goods%20(ADR,to%20take%20refresher%20training%20now.) actions pour faire face à la pénurie de chauffeurs de poids lourds au Royaume-Uni. Il s'agit notamment, mais pas exclusivement, des mesures suivantes

  • Accroître l'efficacité des chaînes d'approvisionnement existantes.

  • Assurer le soutien et la formation des nouveaux conducteurs de poids lourds.

  • Accroître la capacité de contrôle des conducteurs de poids lourds.

  • Améliorer les procédures d'octroi de licences.

  • Améliorer les conditions.

  • Assurer la stabilité de la chaîne d'approvisionnement en carburant.

Qu'est-ce qui doit changer ? Les conducteurs ont leur mot à dire.

49 % des conducteurs interrogés sur les médias sociaux estiment que les changements doivent être mis en œuvre indépendamment du sexe, 27 % des conductrices de poids lourds étant d'avis que le secteur doit évoluer pour tout le monde. 24 % ont déclaré que le travail n'était plus attrayant, ce qui souligne la nécessité d'un changement dans le secteur. Quels sont donc les changements souhaités par les conducteurs ?

Installations

55 % souhaitent que les installations soient améliorées pour tous :

"Il faut de meilleures installations et un meilleur traitement, un point c'est tout. L'ensemble du secteur est en ruine et nous sommes maltraités".

"Les aménagements sont terribles pour tous les conducteurs, hommes et femmes.

En novembre 2024, une [enquête Transport Focus] (https://www.britsafe.org/safety-management/2024/uk-truckers-why-more-action-is-needed-to-make-their-working-lives-safer-and-healthier#:~:text=Improving%20roadside%20facilities&text=Drivers%20have%20long%20been%20telling,asked%20expressed%20dissatisfaction%20with%20both.) a révélé que les deux tiers des conducteurs n'étaient pas satisfaits des installations des relais routiers - la saleté des installations, la médiocrité des options alimentaires et le manque d'espace social étant des problèmes importants.

Le gouvernement et le secteur du transport routier ont pris des mesures importantes en investissant 14 millions de livres sterling pour stimuler l'innovation et améliorer les conditions de travail.

En octobre 2024, 23 candidats retenus ont reçu jusqu'à 4,5 millions de livres sterling pour améliorer leurs relais routiers. Les améliorations comprendront de nouvelles douches, des restaurants et des dispositifs de sécurité renforcés pour offrir aux conducteurs une plus grande tranquillité d'esprit. En outre, le projet prévoit la création d'environ 430 places de stationnement pour les poids lourds.

Paye

Une meilleure rémunération arrive en deuxième position, 14 % des conducteurs estimant qu'une augmentation des salaires inciterait davantage de personnes à entrer dans le secteur :

"Rendre le secteur attractif pour tout le monde, augmenter les salaires".

L'augmentation des salaires aura un coût important pour les chefs d'entreprise. Si le salaire moyen d'un chauffeur de camion augmentait au même rythme que le salaire de subsistance national, les exploitants de flottes pourraient devoir débourser 1,5 milliard de livres sterling de plus par an.

Malgré cela, l'investissement permettra d'améliorer les taux de rétention, de réduire les frais de recrutement et de diminuer les coûts de formation. Offrir des salaires plus élevés ne rendrait pas seulement la profession plus attrayante pour les nouveaux venus, mais reconnaîtrait également le rôle essentiel que jouent les conducteurs dans le maintien de la chaîne d'approvisionnement.

Attitude à l'égard des conducteurs

Au fil des ans, l'opinion publique à l'égard des chauffeurs routiers a considérablement évolué. La vie d'un camionneur a souvent été romancée dans les films et les médias populaires, ce qui a conduit beaucoup de gens à penser qu'ils avaient la vie facile. Toutefois, ils ont également été présentés comme des héros travailleurs, une image qui s'est détériorée au fil du temps.

Vers la fin du 20e siècle, les perceptions ont changé lorsque les conditions de travail sont devenues difficiles et que les chauffeurs routiers ont été victimes de stéréotypes injustes, souvent dus à une mauvaise représentation dans les médias et parfois à quelques chauffeurs inexpérimentés. Ces stéréotypes négatifs se sont atténués au cours de la pandémie de COVID-19, lorsque le public a commencé à apprécier les chauffeurs routiers.

Aujourd'hui, les camionneurs sont respectés, mais le secteur reste en proie à des stéréotypes et à des attitudes négatives. Un aspect que 6 % des conducteurs souhaitent voir changer :

"Quand on pense à Covid, nous étions considérés comme des héros, mais par la suite, tout est revenu à la normale. Il n'est pas étonnant que les conducteurs actuels, hommes et femmes, veuillent quitter le secteur. Ils en ont assez de la façon dont ils sont traités au quotidien."

"Ce serait bien de ne pas être traité comme une ordure."

Ces dernières années, l'essor des médias sociaux a commencé à remettre en question et à modifier les perceptions négatives. De nombreux conducteurs se rendent sur des plateformes telles que TikTok et Instagram pour partager des informations sur leur rôle, dissiper les idées fausses et gagner le respect de ceux qui ne font pas partie du secteur.

Les réactions montrent qu'il est urgent que le secteur du transport routier mette en œuvre des changements pour attirer et retenir les conducteurs actuels et nouveaux. La sous-représentation des femmes reste un défi important, et il est crucial d'investir dans des installations qui répondent à leurs besoins. Toutefois, cet investissement doit être inclusif et bénéficier à l'ensemble de la main-d'œuvre.

Quels sont les pays qui connaissent une pénurie de chauffeurs routiers ?

Les pays d'Europe sont les plus durement touchés. De nombreuses entreprises de transport routier ne peuvent pas développer leurs activités parce qu'elles ne peuvent pas trouver de travailleurs qualifiés.

L'Europe a une population de chauffeurs routiers vieillissante, avec un [âge moyen de 47 ans] (https://www.iru.org/news-resources/newsroom/half-european-truck-operators-cant-expand-due-driver-shortages#:~:text=The%20EU%2C%20Norway%20and%20the,an%20average%20age%20of%2047.). Un tiers des camionneurs ont plus de 55 ans et devraient prendre leur retraite dans les dix prochaines années. En outre, moins de 5 % des conducteurs de camions en Europe ont moins de 25 ans, ce qui met en évidence le vide qui subsistera une fois que la main-d'œuvre vieillissante aura pris sa retraite.

Existe-t-il une journée d'appréciation des conducteurs de poids lourds ?

La [Journée des conducteurs de poids lourds] (https://https://snapacc.com/newsroom/hgv-drivers-day-2025-giving-truckers-a-voice/) a lieu le 22 janvier et a été créée par NN1 Personnel. Cette journée vise à célébrer les chauffeurs routiers et tout ce qu'ils font pour l'économie et la société.

Quelles sont les perspectives de l'industrie du camionnage pour 2025 ?

D'après notre blog, [The Road Ahead for 2025] (https://snapacc.com/newsroom/the-road-ahead-for-2025-truck-industry-trends-to-expect/), nous prévoyons que les éléments suivants joueront un rôle prépondérant dans le secteur du transport routier cette année :

  • Tirer parti des avantages de l'IA.

  • S'attaquer à l'écart entre les hommes et les femmes et à la pénurie de conducteurs.

  • Promouvoir une industrie plus verte.

  • Augmentation du fret à longue distance.

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vendredi 26 septembre 2025 • Nouvelles et mises à jour

COMMENT DEVENIR CHAUFFEUR ROUTIER

Guest

Across Europe, demand for professional lorry drivers has never been higher. In the UK, the Road Haulage Association estimates that in the next five years to keep supply chains running. And the situation is the same across most of Europe. According to I data, there were 426,000 unfilled driver positions across Europe in 2024. But this creates an opportunity. As , the haulage industry offers the prospect of steady work for school leavers considering alternatives to university and adults looking to retrain. Becoming a lorry driver is a pathway to secure earnings and a structured career.The question many ask is: how to become a lorry driver? The answer depends not just on training and licences, but on understanding what it means to join a profession that keeps Europe’s economy moving.One of the main attractions of a driving career is its accessibility. You don’t need a university degree or years of specialist training to start; a standard car licence (Category B) is all that’s required before working towards professional qualifications. The minimum age for training is 18 in both the UK and across the EU, which means school leavers can move directly from a car licence to professional HGV driver training. That said, many firms prefer international drivers to be at least 21, given the extra responsibility that comes with long-distance haulage.Medical fitness is also important. Every applicant has to pass a medical before they can hold an HGV licence. In the UK, this involves a range of tests, eyesight checks, blood pressure readings and screening for conditions such as epilepsy, heart disease or sleep apnoea.European nations apply the same EU-wide medical standards, with regular renewals ensuring drivers remain healthy throughout their careers.For many people considering the move into professional driving, a key concern is: how much do lorry drivers earn? The answer varies depending on location, experience and the type of work undertaken, but across Europe, the profession offers competitive pay compared to other entry-level jobs.● A new driver in the UK on around £27,000 a year. Those who move into long-haul work, especially on international routes, can see their pay rise towards £45,000 – sometimes more if they’re hauling specialist or hazardous loads. those handling specialist loads, hazardous goods or operating across borders. ● In , salaries tend to be lower than in the UK, typically around €36,600, although large logistics firms in major cities may offer more. ● has seen strong demand for drivers in recent years, but wages remain modest, averaging around 92,400 PLN (approximately €21,690).● sits at the lower end of the scale, with drivers generally earning 80,550 RON (€16,000), although international haulage contracts can significantly boost take-home pay.Of course, salary isn’t the whole story. Many companies offer overtime pay, meal allowances or bonuses for hitting delivery targets. And with demand for drivers showing no sign of slowing, the job also brings a level of security that few other entry-level careers can match.Before you can get behind the wheel of a lorry, you’ll need the right licence. In the UK, this means progressing beyond a standard car licence to what’s officially known as a Large Goods Vehicle (LGV) or Heavy Goods Vehicle (HGV) licence. The terms are often used interchangeably, but both cover the same categories of professional driving.Some people begin with a Category C1 licence, which covers medium-sized vehicles between 3.5 and 7.5 tonnes – often used for smaller delivery trucks. However, most aspiring lorry drivers go straight to the Category C licence, sometimes called a Class 2 HGV licence. This allows you to drive rigid vehicles over 7.5 tonnes. For those who want to progress to articulated lorries – the larger vehicles commonly used on long-distance and international routes – the Category CE licence (Class 1) is required.Alongside these qualifications sits the Driver Certificate of Professional Competence (CPC), a legal requirement across both the UK and EU. This certificate involves a mix of initial training and periodic refreshers, designed to keep drivers up to date on safety, regulation and road skills.This system mirrors the EU-wide licensing framework. The main differences between countries lie in the training providers, the costs involved and, in some places, the availability of test slots.Securing your HGV licence is the first step into professional driving. In the UK, you can start the process once you hold a standard Category B car licence. From there, you apply for a provisional lorry licence, which allows you to begin training in large goods vehicles. The training itself combines theory and practical elements: classroom sessions on road safety and regulations, followed by supervised driving in heavy vehicles. Candidates must also complete modules for the Driver Certificate of Professional Competence (CPC), which ensures that drivers are equipped not just to operate vehicles safely but also to manage the day-to-day demands of haulage.One of the most common questions for anyone considering this career is how much lorry driver training costs. In the UK, prices vary depending on the provider, location and whether you’re training for a Category C or the more advanced Category CE licence. On average, new drivers can expect to spend between £2,000 and £3,500 to cover medical checks, provisional licence fees, theory tests, practical training, CPC modules and the final driving test. Some companies, particularly larger logistics firms, offer schemes to subsidise or fully fund training in exchange for a work commitment, making the route more accessible.Elsewhere in Europe, the numbers aren’t too different. In Spain, training generally costs between €2,000 and €3,000 for full training and certification. In Poland, the figure is lower, averaging €1,500 to €2,500. Romania has some of the lowest training costs in Europe, with many candidates paying around €1,000 to €1,800 to qualify, although entry-level wages tend to reflect this lower barrier to entry.The time it takes to qualify as a lorry driver depends on where you train, the type of licence you’re aiming for, and how quickly you can secure test dates. In the UK, most people complete their training and pass their tests within two to four months. Some intensive courses compress the process into a matter of weeks, though many drivers find that spacing out lessons helps them absorb the skills more effectively.In Spain and Poland, the process is similar, although longer waiting lists for exam slots can extend the timeline. In Poland, high demand for professional drivers has created bottlenecks at training centres, meaning some candidates wait several months before sitting their practical test. Romania has one of the fastest pathways, with training and testing often completed within eight to twelve weeks.And the learning doesn’t stop once you’ve got your licence. Every professional driver must complete 35 hours of CPC training every five years, keeping their skills up to date and making sure they’re ready for the latest regulations and safety standards.Once you’re qualified, the job comes with strict limits on how long you can spend behind the wheel. These limits are designed to protect both drivers and other road users by reducing fatigue.Across the UK and EU, the rules are the same. Drivers can spend a each day, which can be extended to ten hours twice a week. Weekly limits cap driving at 56 hours, with no more than 90 hours over two consecutive weeks. A driver must also take a break of at least 45 minutes after 4.5 hours of driving. They are also entitled to daily and weekly rest periods to recover before returning to work.These rules are closely monitored, with tachographs fitted in vehicles to record hours and ensure compliance. For those working long-distance routes, such as Spanish drivers covering the Iberian Peninsula or Polish hauliers moving goods across the EU’s eastern borders, these limits shape the rhythm of the job. They determine when and where drivers stop, making access to safe and secure rest areas a vital part of the working day. Becoming a lorry driver isn’t just about passing tests. It’s about stepping into a role that carries real responsibility, but also brings long-term opportunity. With the right licence, the right training and the determination to take on life on the road, it’s a career that can provide both stability and progression.At SNAP, we know what those journeys look like. That’s why we work with fleets and drivers across Europe to make them safer, simpler and more comfortable – from secure parking and better welfare facilities to smart digital tools that save time and stress. Whether you’re just starting out or you’ve been driving for years, we’re here to back you every mile of the way.Download the today to find trusted parking, facilities and services, wherever your route takes you.

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lundi 22 septembre 2025 • Nouvelles et mises à jour

LE BOOM DES INFRASTRUCTURES EN ROUMANIE - CE QUE CELA SIGNIFIE POUR LE SECTEUR DE LA MOBILITE

Guest

Romania is fast emerging as a strategic logistics and freight hub in Southeastern Europe. Supported by billions in EU and national funding, the country’s infrastructure renaissance is attracting fleet operators, logistics investors and manufacturers. In this article, we explore what these developments mean for fleets, drivers and the wider transportation sector.Romania's transport infrastructure has seen a dramatic shift in pace and scale. The government has earmarked around 25 billion lei (£4.27 billion) for road projects in 2026, reflecting an unprecedented focus on highways and freight corridors. In mid‑2025, Romania had around 1,325km of highways in service (1,188 km motorways and 138 km expressways), with another 741km under construction and 669km in tendering stages.By 2030, Romania plans to double its highway network, modernise strategic railway routes, expand urban transport and connect regions that have long been isolated. The challenge is immense, but the outcome could transform the country’s position on Europe’s transport map.Key projects include the A7 north-south axis running from Ploiești to Siret, which will aid transport to the Ukrainian border, due for completion by 2026. Another is an 11km expressway connecting Satu Mare to Romania’s border with Hungary. The A0 Bucharest Ring Road will ease freight and passenger traffic around the capital, with the southern half already in use. Other major works include the Suceava-Oar and Timișoara-Moravița corridors, as well as the 2.9 km Meseș Tunnel, set to become the longest road tunnel in Romania.“These corridors won’t just improve east-west and north-south links – they will connect previously isolated regions like Moldavia and the North-East to the rest of the country and the EU,” comments Eduard Ularu, Business Development Manager at SNAP.But infrastructure isn’t just roads. over the Danube, opened in July 2023 at a cost of €500 million (€363 million co‑funded by the EU), delivers the first crossing over the maritime Danube and significantly improves connectivity to Constanța and Dobruja.Other vital developments include planned rail upgrades at Constanța port and DP World Romania’s €130 million expansion of container and ro-ro capacity, doubling throughput and adding logistics links by road and rail.Romania’s freight and logistics market is sizable. USD 21.11 billion in 2025, it is forecast to rise to USD 24.27 billion by 2030. Meanwhile, the road freight segment alone is projected at USD 9.07 billion in 2025, climbing to USD 10.37 billion by 2030.These figures reflect Romania’s growing role as a trans-European corridor, serving routes from Hungary, Bulgaria, Ukraine, Moldova and the Black Sea ports. Ukraine now directs much of its on the Black Sea coast, eyeing a doubling from 2 million to 4 million tons per month through Romanian infrastructure.“These investments will help Romania compete more strongly with major logistics hubs like those in Poland and Greece,” comments Eduard Ularu. “Constanța has huge potential, and with the right infrastructure in place, it can finally become the gateway for European trade it was meant to be.”Improved warehousing, lower labour costs, and friend‑shoring trends are further encouraging manufacturers and retailers to locate logistics centres in Romania, increasing demand on roads and pushing growth across the network. The infrastructure upgrades aren’t just physical – they’re digital too. As the country expands its highways and freight corridors, it’s embedding smart systems designed to support faster, safer and more efficient journeys.Across the network, are being installed, including weigh-in-motion sensors, inductive traffic loops and roadside cameras. These systems will feed into real-time traffic control centres in cities like Bucharest, Brașov and Timișoara, helping authorities—and fleet operators—respond to incidents and congestion faster.Bucharest is also , using AI and smart detectors to optimise vehicle flows and reduce bottlenecks. This has major implications for freight operators navigating dense urban areas, improving travel time reliability and reducing idling.At a national level, Romania is shifting towards . The new TollRO system – planned for launch in 2026 – will replace the current e-vignette with a distance-based, emissions-sensitive tolling model, in line with EU directives. This change could encourage cleaner fleets and offer fairer pricing for logistics operators who invest in low-emission vehicles.For drivers, this means fewer delays, clearer real-time information, and more responsive road conditions. For operators, it’s a chance to futureproof fleet planning, route management and sustainability strategies.For fleets and drivers, Romania’s modernisation brings both benefits and trade‑offs. Perhaps most importantly, it’s likely to result in improved network efficiency. With smoother routes and faster corridors, the investments are likely to reduce travel times and idling. Dangerous single-lane national roads will gradually be replaced by safer, faster highways. This will increase productivity and also reduce the time drivers spend behind the wheel. However, it’s not all positive. Ongoing works on motorways like A7 and A8 may cause delays and route changes while the works are undertaken. It could also mean higher freight volumes (especially at Constanța and border crossings), which may strain existing infrastructure.“Right now, construction zones like DN2 and parts of the A0 Bucharest Ring Road are causing detours and bottlenecks,” Ularu explains. “Trucks are losing hours on routes that should take minutes – and that impacts everything from fuel budgets to delivery reliability.”In addition, new corridors, tighter safety rules, and shifting road-use charges require greater compliance attention.Despite infrastructure gains, secure rest parking and welfare facilities remain patchy in some freight corridors, especially near border areas and major hubs. Construction zones often lack formal lay-by zones, leaving drivers exposed and with nowhere to rest.“We’re still seeing dangerous stopovers and overcrowded lay-bys on key freight routes,” says Eduard. “Modern highways will bring dedicated service and rest areas every 30–50 kilometres, complete with fuel stations, shops, and food courts. For drivers, this means safer places to park, with proper lighting, CCTV surveillance and secure rest zones that reduce the risk of theft. Sanitary facilities such as showers and clean toilets – a rarity on national roads – will finally become the norm.”SNAP is addressing this gap through its interactive parking map across Romania. Drivers can easily locate trusted, secure truck parking, book spots in advance where available, and plan safer routes via the SNAP map.Planning a journey through Romania? Use the SNAP map to find secure, driver‑friendly parking along key freight routes.This infrastructure modernisation process also plays a key role in enabling greener logistics. With a better flow of traffic, there will be lower levels of emissions caused by idle vehicles and stop-start driving.There will also be transport corridor upgrades to support emerging EV and hydrogen refuelling infrastructure, reducing reliance on fossil fuels. Romania’s infrastructure investment marks a pivotal change for freight and mobility across Southeastern Europe. For fleets, this translates into faster corridors, deeper logistics capacity, and higher volumes of trade but also closer scrutiny of welfare, compliance and resilience.As a forward-thinking industry leader, SNAP advocates for well-informed operations, flexible route planning, and driver-focused tools that support both safety and efficiency. Romania is not only modernising – it's reshaping how goods move across the region.“This isn’t just about roads – it’s about resilience, sustainability and building a smarter freight future across Europe. Romania is right at the heart of that shift,” Eduard states.

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mercredi 03 septembre 2025 • Nouvelles et mises à jour

LA LOGISTIQUE EST-ELLE UNE NOUVELLE ALTERNATIVE À LA FORMATION CONTINUE POUR LES JEUNES QUI QUITTENT L'ÉCOLE ?

Guest

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.