Bosses: Where have haul the truckers gone?

Xmas panic at 55,000 drivers shortage

A SHORTAGE of truck drivers is threatening to leave empty shelves in supermarkets this Christmas.

Bosses are 55,000 drivers short and firms struggle to meet orders on time, says the Road Haulage Association.

The hunt for truckers comes on top of several other issues including sky-high fuel bills, potholed roads, worsening congestion and lousy roadside facilities.

More fuel duty rises are expected and the threats posed by illegal immigrants in French Channel ports remain, say hauliers.

Recruiting is now such a headache that some firms spend £4,000 a week on agency staff.

Things are now so dire an all-party Parliamentary group is being set up to lobby for the industry.

Colin Snape, deputy policy director of the RHA, said: “We could end up seeing empty shelves at Christmas. Recruitment and retention is just one major problem. It is time for the Government to listen to our concerns.”

It is thought 95% of all we consume and use has been shipped by lorry.

Ex-roads minister Sir Mike Penning who will chair the Parliamentary group said: “The biggest issue is the age profile of drivers.”

Two thirds are aged 45 or over and are not being replaced.

Some 20,000 servicemen and women have left the Armed Forces in the past two years, yet only a fraction have become hauliers.

But qualified drivers can earn around £30,000 a year.

The Department for Transport said: “We are in constant dialogue with the haulage sector about the issues they face and take their concerns seriously.” JAM HARD WORK Trucks queue