Susie Jones
Știri și actualizări • 4 min citește

Cum să abordăm problema diversității șoferilor în industrie

Creat: 21.08.2024

Actualizat: 21.08.2024

Dacă v-am ruga să descrieți un șofer de camion, răspunsul dvs. ar putea reprezenta o imagine stereotipă a unui bărbat alb, în vârstă. Este aceasta corectă? În mod tradițional, industria camioanelor a fost dominată de bărbați. De-a lungul anilor, industria a devenit mai diversă și a deschis oportunități pentru femei, persoane de diferite vârste și medii de a intra în acest domeniu. Diversitatea este în creștere, dar provocările externe precum Brexit și pandemia au sturat acest lucru.

Femeile în industrie

În ciuda unui deficit de până la 100 000 de șoferi de vehicule grele de marfă în Regatul Unit, doar 1% până la 3% dintre camionagii sunt femei. Așadar, de ce nu sunt mai multe femei care să se înscrie pentru viața pe șosea?

  • Siguranța: Se estimează că 60% dintre femeile camionagii s-au simțit nesigure în timpul serviciului. Multe și-au exprimat nevoia de a parca sub o lumină, de a-și planifica opririle și de a purta spray cu piper.

  • Tehnică și echipamente: Din punct de vedere ergonomic, camioanele au fost construite pentru bărbați. În trecut, femeile au considerat că atingerea comenzilor, ajustarea scaunelor și aspectele fizice ale meseriei sunt constrângătoare. Cu toate acestea, datorită progreselor tehnologice, efortul fizic nu mai reprezintă o problemă. Majoritatea camioanelor moderne au acum servodirecție și cutii de viteze automate pentru a face lucrurile mai ușoare.

În ciuda acestor eșecuri, femeile își fac auzite vocile și impun schimbări în industrie. Șoferi precum Jodi Smith sunt avocați de neprețuit pentru industrie. Jodi își împărtășește online experiențele în domeniul autocamioanelor și dovedește că această industrie nu este doar o lume a bărbaților.

"Conducerea unui camion nu este o meserie pentru bărbați - eu pot face această meserie cu un set complet de acrilice! Este destul de fizic, dar nu este greu", declara Jodi când [am vorbit cu ea în 2021] (https://fleetpoint.org/driver-training-safety/driver-safety-2/are-women-the-future-of-trucking/). Cu șapte ani de experiență în spate, Jodi continuă să pledeze pentru ca mai multe femei să se alăture comunității de camionagii.

Un rezultat care ar putea duce la drumuri mai sigure - datele [American Transportation Research Institute] (https://truckingresearch.org/) arată că femeile sunt șoferi comerciali mai siguri. Șoferii de sex masculin au cu 20% mai multe șanse să fie implicați într-un accident, în comparație cu omologii lor de sex feminin.

Diversitatea de vârstă în industrie

Oficiul Național de Statistică sugerează că vârsta medie a unui șofer de TIR este de 48 de ani, iar 47% dintre șoferii de camioane din Regatul Unit au peste 50 de ani și doresc să se pensioneze în curând. Aceste statistici, pe lângă deficitul actual de șoferi, sugerează o nevoie de șoferi mai tineri în industrie.

Acest lucru este mai ușor de spus decât de făcut; mulți șoferi tineri se confruntă cu următoarele provocări:

  • Formare profesională: Obținerea unui permis de conducere comercial poate costa până la 2.000 £

  • Asigurare: Deși vârsta minimă pentru a conduce un TIR în Regatul Unit este de 18 ani, mulți se luptă să obțină o asigurare

  • Experiență: Unele companii doresc să angajeze șoferi cu experiență, ceea ce poate fi un obstacol

  • Condiții: Viața de camionagiu poate fi solicitantă - orele lungi și timpul petrecut departe de cei dragi ar putea fi un factor de descurajare. Cu toate acestea, viața pe drum are multe avantaje, cum ar fi comunitatea, călătoriile, salariul și stabilitatea locului de muncă.

Companiile care caută șoferi pot beneficia de pe urma angajării de șoferi tineri. Aceștia sunt mai predispuși să se adapteze la o industrie în continuă schimbare. În plus, aceștia învață rapid și sunt favorabili progreselor tehnologice. O creștere a numărului de șoferi tineri care se alătură industriei va duce la scăderea ratei de fluctuație a personalului - reducând costurile companiei. De asemenea, se va asigura că industria satisface cererea în creștere de bunuri și servicii.

Cu toate acestea, care sunt dezavantajele pentru dumneavoastră dacă sunteți un șofer în vârstă? Unii sugerează că vârsta afectează abilitățile fizice și cognitive, influențând capacitatea de a conduce în siguranță. Acestea sunt vitale pentru șoferii de camion, care trebuie să facă față orelor lungi, solicitărilor fizice și situațiilor stresante.

FMCSA a abordat aceste preocupări. Regulamentele impun ca șoferii în vârstă să fie supuși frecvent unor examene medicale și unor evaluări ale conducerii. Recent, s-a raportat că un [șofer de camion în vârstă de 90 de ani] (https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-south-yorkshire-64223431) din Sheffield continuă să conducă un camion după ce a primit un certificat de sănătate curat. Mulți susțin că șoferii în vârstă aduc cu ei zeci de ani de experiență și cunoștințe - sugerând că, dacă sunt sănătoși, nu ar trebui să existe o barieră în calea angajării.

Cum poate diversitatea să rezolve deficitul actual de șoferi?

În 2022, Biroul pentru problemele veteranilor a oferit 100 000 de lire sterline organizației caritabile Veterans into Logistics. Organizația oferă veteranilor posibilitatea de a deveni șoferi de vehicule grele. Finanțarea a permis organizației de caritate să își intensifice semnificativ formarea anuală, să crească numărul de angajați și să tripleze formarea disponibilă. XPO, ASDA și Muller Milk & Ingredients sunt toate companii care angajează în mod activ veterani direct după formare.

În plus, ASDA a oferit 40.000 de lire sterline pentru a ajuta la continuarea formării. Sprijinul acordat organizațiilor caritabile precum Veterans into Logistics creează o cultură mai diversă în cadrul conducerii de camioane, abordând în același timp în mod activ deficitul actual de șoferi.

Ce se poate face pentru a atrage mai multă diversitate?

O forță de muncă diversă deschide companiile către puncte de vedere și experiențe diferite. Ce pot face companiile pentru a atrage o forță de muncă diversă?

  • Investiți în formare: Formarea pentru educarea angajaților cu privire la subiecte precum prejudecățile implicite, incluziunea la locul de muncă, prevenirea discriminării și modul de susținere a unei forțe de muncă diverse poate avea un efect pozitiv.

  • Investiți într-un proces de recrutare incluziv: Anonimizarea CV-ului unui candidat poate reduce prejudecățile inconștiente.

  • Promovați o cultură incluzivă: Comunicați potențialilor candidați modul în care abordați problemele actuale legate de diversitate și incluziune.

  • Ajungeți la grupurile subreprezentate în această industrie.

Promovarea și primirea unei culturi diverse în domeniul conducerii de camioane poate aduce beneficii substanțiale industriei. Nu numai că va contribui la crearea unui mediu de lucru mai incluziv și mai primitor, dar va ajuta și la reducerea lipsei de șoferi. Companiile de camioane au responsabilitatea de a îmbrățișa diversitatea la fel de mult ca șoferii de camioane.

Ce țară are nevoie de șoferi de camion?

Un raport publicat în decembrie 2022 a sugerat că deficitele din Europa au crescut cu 42% din 2020 până în 2021. Regatul Unit a ieșit pe primul loc, cu 100 000 de posturi vacante de șoferi. Mexicul și China au ocupat, de asemenea, locuri fruntașe pe listă, deficitele din Mexic crescând cu 30 %, iar cele din China ajungând la un procent uluitor de 140 %.

Vom avea nevoie de șoferi de camion în viitor?

Introducerea camioanelor care se conduc singure i-a făcut pe mulți să sugereze că șoferii de camioane nu mai au niciun viitor. Totuși, acest lucru este departe de a fi adevărat.

  • Camioanele autonome vor fi implementate progresiv în regiunile desemnate. Probabilitatea ca acest lucru să afecteze majoritatea șoferilor este redusă.

  • Dacă camioanele autonome ar fi implementate la nivel mondial, șoferii ar fi în continuare necesari. Cererea de șoferi de camioane nu va face decât să crească, deoarece sunt prea multe lucruri care s-ar putea întâmpla dacă nu ar exista un șofer în cabină.

Care sunt stereotipurile șoferilor de camioane?

Cunoaștem importanța șoferilor de camioane, dar în ochii câtorva, stereotipurile negative sunt încă legate de această industrie - acest portret se poate datora unei reprezentări greșite în mass-media și, uneori, unor șoferi fără experiență. Dar ce este această imagine stereotipă? Și de ce este greșită?

  • Supraponderalitate - Unele stații de camioane oferă mâncare nesănătoasă de tip fast-food, ceea ce v-ar putea da impresia că șoferii de camioane consumă doar acest tip de mâncare. Totuși, aceasta nu este cu siguranță norma. Mâncatul sănătos pe șosea poate fi o provocare, dar mulți respectă o dietă bine echilibrată și fac exerciții fizice în mod regulat. Consultați sfaturile noastre pentru [a mânca sănătos pe drum] (https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/how-healthy-truck-driver-snap-account/?trackingId=g91E6xbfIMoJTora4dSipQ%3D%3D).

  • Șoferi răi - Un stereotip care nu poate fi mai departe de adevăr. Șoferii profesioniști de camioane iau foarte în serios siguranța. Aceștia respectă adesea limita de viteză, sunt foarte precauți în condiții meteorologice dificile și lasă suficient spațiu între ei și ceilalți șoferi.

  • Guraliv - Cu toții suntem supărați pe șosele, iar drumarii nu fac excepție. Cu toate acestea, este nedrept să punem acest stereotip numai pe seama drumarilor.

  • Toți șoferii de camion sunt bărbați - Bărbații sunt mai numeroși decât femeile în această industrie; cu toate acestea, numărul femeilor șoferi de camion este în creștere.

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vineri 26 septembrie 2025 • Știri și actualizări

CUM SĂ DEVII ȘOFER DE CAMION

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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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luni 22 septembrie 2025 • Știri și actualizări

BOOM-UL INFRASTRUCTURII DIN ROMÂNIA - CE ÎNSEAMNĂ PENTRU SECTORUL MOBILITĂȚII

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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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miercuri 03 septembrie 2025 • Știri și actualizări

ESTE LOGISTICA O NOUĂ ALTERNATIVĂ LA CONTINUAREA STUDIILOR PENTRU CEI CARE PĂRĂSESC ȘCOALA?

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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.