In the most recent study on operator shortages by the International Road Transport Union (IRU), Mexico is the region where companies face the most significant challenges in recruiting operators. Nearly 74% of them experience severe or very severe situations, compared to 62% in Europe and 65% in Russia.
In Europe, measures are being implemented to comprehensively address the operator shortage issue. This includes the European standard for safe rest areas, aimed at providing favorable conditions for truck operators.
Another approach involves collaboration with shippers to create favorable conditions for operators at their facilities or during loading and unloading activities.
“The issue of infrastructure, in general, is crucial for addressing operator shortages. Globally, there are measures that could be emulated in Mexico as a way to tackle the challenges we face,” commented Martin Rojas, IRU’s Principal Advisor for the Americas.
Rojas also noted that meetings were held with Mexico’s Directorate General of Federal Road Transport (DGAF) to discuss rest areas and how they are categorized based on the services provided to operators. This could be a factor in addressing the generation and retention of this workforce.
“The main problem faced in operator shortages is with long-haul operators, so infrastructure needs to be addressed,” he added.
Additionally, at its upcoming June assembly, the IRU will address the possibility of incorporating non-European Union operators, such as migrants, into the workforce of those countries. This is seen as a way to address the global operator shortage issue.
