UK Trucking: A Career Or A Crisis?

February 18th, 2025
UK trucking – a career or a crisis?

There has been a lot of talk recently about trucking in the UK—driver shortages, government interventions, and the challenges facing the industry. The country is facing a trucker shortage, yet many drivers are leaving the industry almost as quickly as they enter it. In an attempt to fix this, the government has simplified training requirements, making it easier (perhaps too easy) to get an HGV licence. Free training camps have been set up, and job ads make trucking seem like a great career choice. But despite these measures, the industry is still struggling to retain drivers. So, what’s going wrong?

The Harsh Reality of Being a New Driver

The reality is not as bright as it seems. The newly passed HGV drivers are expecting to walk into a secure, well-paid job. But here is what happens next. Insurance companies make it difficult for firms to hire newly qualified drivers due to safety concerns. Many advertised positions turn out to be bait from agencies looking to stack their books with casual workers. And the wages are often disappointing — hardly enough to justify the harsh working schedules and unpredictable conditions.

many HGV drivers turn to agencies hoping for more flexibility and experience. While agency driving offers variety, flexibility, and valuable experience it also comes with unpredictable conditions and runs. Shifts are often assigned last minute, requiring adaptability. New assignments mean jumping into unfamiliar companies or shifts can be canceled unexpectedly. Managing sleep can be challenging, but experienced drivers find ways to balance their schedules and make the most of their opportunities. Hard and unexpected conditions let you gain confidence and experience. Those who secure regular work enjoy more stability. However, for some, all this is not enough to stay in the industry.

The Unforgiving Road Conditions and Facilities

For those who do secure regular work, the road itself presents another set of challenges. As highlighted in the original article, truckers often find themselves in dire circumstances:

A Profession With Little Respect

The author of the original article writes: “Such a state of the work canteen would be never acceptable for an office worker, for example. And yet companies have no issues with treating truckers to such delights. This is because the trucker is looked down on by anyone – from management, through warehouse workers and forklift drivers who consider a truck arriving for collection or with delivery as a nuisance, the office staff who often think even things like answering to a polite ‘hello’ from a trucker are below their dignity, to the gatehouse security officers who often seem to enjoy their power trips by treating drivers really badly over those 20 seconds or so that they have to interact with them.” And yet, for many drivers, this is the norm.

Public perception doesn’t help. The general public sees lorries as roadblocks rather than the lifeblood of the economy. Meanwhile, police and the DVSA are eager to issue fines for even minor infractions. And for those venturing into Europe, the risks are even greater. Drivers face the possibility of hefty fines if migrants sneak into their vehicles without their knowledge. The pressure and responsibility on truckers are immense, yet their treatment and pay rarely reflect this.

Lessons from Abroad: A Different Way Forward

Not all countries treat their truckers this way. The original article’s author, who relocated to Finland, shares an eye-opening experience. There, drivers receive proper training, respect from employers, and access to quality facilities. Even though they earn a legal minimum wage, they often make more per hour than UK drivers handling dangerous goods at night. And with an industry standard of 80 hours of work across two weeks, there’s actually time for a life outside the truck.

In the UK, drivers have been conditioned to accept poor conditions as “normal.” But, as the author points out, “It might be now, but it does not have to be.”

What Needs to Change?

If the government truly wants to fix the driver shortage, it’s not just about churning out more HGV licences. Retention is the real issue. Here’s what needs to change:

  1. Improved infrastructure – More safe parking areas, better facilities, and affordable food options for truckers.
  2. Fair employment practices – An end to the exploitative zero-hour gig work model that leaves drivers in financial limbo.
  3. Respect for drivers – From office staff to the general public, there needs to be a cultural shift in how truckers are viewed and treated.
  4. Better wages and working conditions – Competitive pay that reflects the responsibility of the job, along with predictable schedules that allow for a work-life balance.

A word from us

UK trucking is a career with great potential but is currently facing significant challenges. Despite the vital role truck drivers play in the economy, the industry is struggling with a shortage of drivers in general and a high turnover rate. Many are drawn to the profession, but the demanding conditions—long hours, unpredictable schedules, and low rewards—often lead to burnout. However, there’s room for improvement.

Here at NN1 Personnel we are committed to supporting our drivers. As an agency, we do our best to accommodate their requests, preferences, and ensure clear communication with them, providing detailed instructions whenever possible. However, the unpredictable nature of the job—whether it’s the weather or last-minute changes in client schedules—can sometimes make things difficult to predict or manage. Despite this, we remain committed to supporting our drivers, understanding their needs, and doing everything we can to make their experience smoother.

We truly believe with the right changes to the industry the UK tucking could become a career for many. Better pay, improved working conditions, and more support can attract and retain passionate drivers. The future is full of potential, but it requires reflection and action from all sides to make it a more sustainable and rewarding profession.

Read the original article by Tomasz Orynski for Bylines Scotland here.

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