Susie Jones
News & Updates • 4 min read

Truck drivers call for industry reform

Created: 05/02/2025

Updated: 05/02/2025

Currently, female HGV drivers in the UK make up just 1% of all drivers - a figure that has increased by 144% over the last decade as more initiatives are introduced to promote diversity and close the driver shortage gap.

A Fleetpoint article describes the many ways the industry could attract more women into the industry:

• Cultivating a supportive and welcoming work environment.

• Upgrading infrastructure and amenities.

• Flexible and family-friendly work arrangements.

• Building clear pathways for career growth.

Despite this, drivers on social media argued that these long-standing challenges in the industry must be addressed for everyone before new initiatives are brought in to close the driver shortage.

Driver shortage - where is the industry now?

The driver shortage has been a persistent issue for the transportation industry, but after COVID-19 and Brexit, it reached critical levels. In 2024, Europe, Norway, and the UK were missing over 233,000 truck drivers - a number set to exceed 745,000 by 2028 due to an aging workforce.

The industry is still grappling with the consequences and is working towards implementing new initiatives to promote diversity, improve working conditions, and close the workforce gap.

The Government has implemented roughly [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 to deal with the shortage of HGV drivers in the UK. Including, but not limited to:

• Increasing efficiency in existing supply chains.

• Providing support and training for new HGV drivers.

• Expanding HGV driver testing capacity.

• Improving licencing processes.

• Improving conditions.

• Ensuring the stability of the fuel supply chain.

What needs to change? Drivers have their say.

49% of drivers on social media argued that changes must be implemented regardless of gender - with 27% of female HGV drivers agreeing the sector must evolve for everyone. 24% stated the job was no longer appealing, highlighting the need for change in the industry. So, what do drivers want to see changed?

Facilities

55% wanted to see facilities improved for everyone:

"There needs to be better facilities and better treatment full stop. The whole industry is a shambles, and we are mistreated."

"The amenities are awful for all drivers, men and women."

In November 2024, a Transport Focus survey found that two-thirds of drivers were dissatisfied with truckstop facilities - with dirty amenities, poor food options, and a lack of social space causing significant issues.

The Government and the haulage industry have taken significant measures by investing £14 million to drive innovation and improve working conditions.

In October 2024, 23 successful applicants were awarded up to £4.5 million to enhance their truckstops. The upgrades will include new showers, restaurants, and enhanced security features to give drivers greater peace of mind. In addition, the scheme will create around 430 parking spaces for heavy goods vehicles.

Pay

Better pay came second on the list, with 14% of drivers arguing that increased wages would encourage more into the industry:

"Make it attractive to everyone, increase wages."

Increasing wages will come at a significant cost for industry leaders. If the average truck driver's salary increased in line with the National Living Wage, fleet operators could face an additional £1.5 billion a year.

Despite this, investment will improve retention rates, reduce recruitment expenses, and lower training costs. Offering higher salaries would not only make the profession more attractive to new entrants but would also recognise the critical role drivers play in maintaining the supply chain.

Attitude towards drivers

Over the years, public opinions toward truck drivers have evolved significantly. The life of a trucker has often been romanticised in films and popular media - leading many to believe they have it easy. However, it also presented them as hardworking heroes, an image that has deteriorated over time.

Towards the end of the 20th century, perceptions shifted as working conditions got tough and truck drivers were given unfair stereotypes - often due to media misrepresentation and sometimes to a few inexperienced drivers. These negative stereotypes were alleviated during the COVID-19 pandemic when public appreciation for truck drivers grew.

Today, there is respect for truckers - however, the industry remains plagued with negative stereotypes and attitudes. Something of which 6% of drivers wanted to see change:

"Thinking back to Covid, we were deemed heroes, but afterward, it returned to normal. It's no wonder current drivers, men and women, want to leave the industry. They are sick of the rubbish treatment they face daily."

"It would be nice not to be treated like you're scum."

In recent years, the rise of social media has started to challenge and change negative perceptions. Many drivers are taking to platforms like TikTok and Instagram to share insights into their role, dispel misconceptions, and earn respect from those outside the industry.

Feedback shows the urgent need for the haulage industry to implement changes to attract and retain existing and new drivers. The underrepresentation of women remains a significant challenge, and investing in facilities to cater to their needs is crucial. However, this investment must be inclusive and benefit the entire workforce.

What countries have a truck driver shortage?

Countries in Europe have been hit the hardest, with many trucking companies unable to expand their business because they can't find skilled workers.

Europe has an ageing truck driver population, with an average age of 47. One-third of truckers are over 55 and expected to retire in the next ten years. Additionally, less than 5% of truck drivers in Europe are below the age of 25 - highlighting the gap that will be left once an ageing workforce has retired.

Is there a truck driver appreciation day?

HGV Drivers Day takes place on the 22nd of January and was Established by NN1 Personnel. The day aims to celebrate truck drivers and all they do for the economy and society.

What is the trucking industry outlook for 2025?

From our blog, The Road Ahead for 2025, we expect the following to be prominent in the trucking industry this year:

• Embracing the advantages of AI.

• Tackling the gender gap and driver shortage.

• Promoting a greener industry.

• Increasing long-distance freight.

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Thursday 07 August 2025 • News & Updates

INSIDE FORMULA PREMIER TRUCKSTOP: EXPLORING THEIR SUCCESS AND RELATIONSHIP WITH SNAP

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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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Monday 21 July 2025 • News & Updates

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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. 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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. 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Wednesday 02 July 2025 • News & Updates

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After years of patchy investment and mounting congestion, the UK government has committed to more than £700 billion in infrastructure spending over the next decade – much of it earmarked for the nation’s roads. From new freight corridors to cutting-edge digital traffic systems, the impact of the 10-Year Infrastructure Strategy on commercial drivers and the wider mobility industry could be transformational.Roads are just one part of the UK’s transport mix – but they carry the overwhelming majority of goods. , 81% of domestic freight and 75% of imports and exports move by road, making it the backbone of UK logistics and the economy.And, despite making up just over two per cent of the UK’s road network by length, the carries 34% of all road journeys – including many of the most time-sensitive, high-volume freight routes. For the drivers using them, their condition and capacity have a direct impact on safety, efficiency and delivery performance. 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But the government’s latest plans offer hope for a safer, better-connected network.Across the UK, driver facilities have struggled to keep up with demand. Parking is often limited, services are stretched and many rest areas fall short on comfort and security – especially for long-haul operations. That’s why the government is also : more secure parking, better welfare amenities and planning reforms to speed up the development of new sites.At the same time, investment in charging and refuelling hubs for electric and hydrogen trucks is accelerating. Moto, for example, has committed to installing over 300 HGV electric chargers at 23 motorway locations, while Ashford Truckstop is being transformed into a major charging hub for cross-Channel freight. These facilities aren’t just about keeping vehicles moving – they’re about giving drivers safe, well-equipped places to rest and recharge themselves.If your drivers are looking for a safe place to stop, our intruck app allows them to identify and book rest stops across the UK and Europe. Traffic jams, unpredictable routes and pressure to hit delivery windows contribute to driver stress and fatigue – and they make the road a more dangerous place to be.Major infrastructure upgrades like the Lower Thames Crossing, A66 dualling and M60 Simister Island improvements are designed to reduce congestion and cut accident risks at some of the UK’s most notorious pinch points. In addition, there’s still a push to introduce digital tools that support safer, smoother journeys. Real-time traffic alerts, smart detection systems and better traffic management will help fleet managers and drivers respond quickly to disruptions and reroute where needed. is already laying the groundwork, with smart infrastructure that can detect hazards earlier, manage traffic flows more intelligently and communicate clearer, real-time updates.A step forward for mobility and driver welfare. The coordinated national effort to tackle the UK’s infrastructure backlog and to modernise the roads in a way that benefits the drivers who rely on them most.The real test will be in delivery. Turning funding into tangible improvements will require listening to drivers, learning from frontline experience and measuring success by how the roads feel – not just what they cost.“This new wave of investment isn’t just about cutting journey times,” says Stuart Willetts, UK Business Development Manager, at SNAP. “It’s about building a transport network that supports driver wellbeing and operational efficiency and the clean mobility transition. We can’t wait to see the results.”Use the near you – no matter what road you’re on.