The shortage of truck drivers is alarming, with only 6.5% under the age of 25. The global average is 44.5 years, and 3.4 million are expected to retire in five years.
IRU warns of an imminent collapse and proposes measures to attract new generations. Data collected from 36 countries—which together represent 70% of the world’s GDP—show that the global average age of truck drivers is already 44.5 years, with critical figures in countries like Spain, where one in two truck drivers is over 55. Added to this is the fact that 3.4 million professionals will retire in the next five years, which could lead to a structural collapse if urgent measures are not taken.
The shortage of professional truck drivers worldwide remains alarming, and figures published by the IRU (International Road Transport Organization) highlight one of its most worrying causes: the ever-widening generation gap between younger and older drivers. According to the organization’s latest global report, only 6.5% of truck drivers are under 25 years old, and this proportion continues to decline, while the number of professionals over 55 continues to increase.
Data collected from 36 countries—which together represent 70% of global GDP—show that the global average age of truck drivers is now 44.5 years old, with critical figures in countries like Spain, where one in two truck drivers is over 55. Added to this is the fact that 3.4 million professionals will retire in the next five years, which could lead to a structural collapse if urgent measures are not taken.
In contrast, interest among younger generations in this profession appears to have stagnated. In countries like Germany, Italy, and Spain, drivers under 25 barely represent between 2% and 3% of the total workforce. A situation that, if not reversed, will further exacerbate the shortage of professionals in a sector essential to trade and the global economy.
IRU Secretary General Umberto de Pretto issues a clear warning: “We are facing a demographic time bomb. If decisive action is not taken, the impact on competitiveness and economic growth will be severe and long-lasting.”
To mitigate this challenge, IRU proposes several measures, including lowering the age thresholds for entry into the profession, integrating driver training into national education systems, and investing in safe and well-equipped rest areas, which would improve working conditions and the attractiveness of the sector for young people.
Transportation & Logistics Software 