[nomadking]

HGV driver shortages pre-date the referendum, never mind Brexit.

Eg Nov 2015

Three-quarters of operators are struggling to recruit heavy goods vehicle (HGV) drivers, despite Government efforts to address the shortfall.

Feb 2016

In the UK right now there is a shortage of licensed, qualified HGV drivers. This is having an impact on the haulage industry as well as the UK economy and it currently shows no sign of improving.

The UK is currently 60,000 HGV drivers short and it is predicted that by 2020 there will be a shortfall of 150,000 drivers.
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What are the causes of the HGV driver shortage?
There are many factors that are contributing to the shortage of qualified drivers, here are some examples that have been attributed to the shortage.
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More directives from the EU
The introduction of the controversial Drivers CPC has meant experienced drivers are required to take extra training. This was seen as too much for many drivers who chose to retire rather than complete the Drivers CPC.

And not just the UK.

The loadspace shortage has long been one of the biggest challenges of the logistics industry: Germany alone is nearly 40,000 truck drivers short every year, with an upward tendency. This is the time for carriers and forwarders from industry and trade to take action in order to solve the problem before it is too late

And not just UK and Germany.

The RHA survey of British trucking operators is further evidence that a shortage of truck drivers is an issue confronting not just the U.K. or U.S. but developed economies worldwide.
“A shortage of drivers has been a frequent problem raised by stakeholders from across practically all member states,” a 2012 European Union report on the “road haulage” industry said. Those shortages were spreading from Western Europe to Eastern Europe.

The fundamental problem is:-

“Younger generations have different career requirements, including a lifestyle which will allow a better balance between private and professional life and the possibility to return home on a regular basis,” the report said, echoing studies of the U.S. truck driver shortage.