The shortage of freight drivers is a growing problem that not only affects Latin America, but also threatens economic stability globally. In light of this, specialists discussed the causes and possible solutions to mitigate this crisis , which is expected to intensify in the coming years.
For specialists, the situation in Mexico is alarming. Augusto Ramos, general secretary of the National Chamber of Cargo Transportation (Canacar) and vice president of RAME Autotransportes , explained that 74% of transportation companies face difficulties in filling driver vacancies .
“In Mexico today there are 56 thousand vehicles stopped due to lack of drivers, the United States still surpasses us with 64 thousand vacancies,” explained Ramos in the framework of the international round table organized by the World Organization of Cities and Logistics Platforms (OMCPL) .
He said that in 2028 the number will increase. “Mexico will jump from 56,000 to 106,000 in three years. The United States will jump to 125,000 vacancies for drivers,” said Ramos, who also indicated that one of the main factors contributing to this shortage is the mass retirement of drivers .
“Many of today’s drivers are retiring and the younger generation is not interested in following this path,” he said.
Generational inheritance, where children follow in their parents’ footsteps as drivers, is also declining.
“Nowadays, many young people prefer university courses and do not opt for a profession that they consider lonely and dangerous,” Ramos said.
Furthermore, the legal migration of drivers to the United States further aggravates the situation.
“Mexican drivers move to work in the United States, where they earn more than twice as much as in Mexico and have better working conditions,” Ramos said.
Spain and Europe, a similar panorama
The drivers crisis is not exclusive to Mexico. In Europe, the situation is equally serious. Nuria Lacaci, general secretary of the Association of Shippers of Spain (ACE) , highlighted that in Europe 500 thousand drivers are needed, and in Spain, more than 30 thousand professional drivers .
“The average age of European drivers is 55, and in the next 10 years, seven out of 10 drivers will retire,” Lacaci warned.
Lack of work-life balance is one of the main reasons for the shortage of drivers. “Drivers have to spend long periods away from home, which makes family life difficult,” said Lacaci.
In addition, working conditions are not the best on that side of the world. “ Long waits at loading and unloading centres , lack of trained personnel and lack of adequate facilities for drivers to rest are problems that seriously affect the profession,” said the specialist.
Lacaci also mentioned the “ invisibility of drivers ,” which contributes to the lack of recognition of their work and the precarious conditions in which they operate.
“It is essential to dignify the profession and improve working conditions to attract new generations,” he concluded.
The experts agreed that the drivers’ crisis is not a phenomenon isolated to a specific region; it is a global reality that requires coordinated and long-term solutions.
In both Mexico and Europe, the lack of effective public policies, the lack of adequate infrastructure and poor working conditions are common factors affecting the transport industry.
“The profession of freight and passenger drivers has been very poorly regarded, and this is true worldwide, not just in Mexico. Bringing more and more women into our sector has helped to completely change that perception. Dignifying the profession also means getting closer to the authorities, to the municipal police in the states throughout the country, to ensure safety,” said Ramos.
By 2028, the driver shortage is expected to become more acute , potentially jeopardizing global supply chains . Specialists say it is imperative that governments, companies and associations work together to ensure that there are enough trained and motivated drivers to keep freight transport running.
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