Road Haulage Operators: Make the Job More Attractive!

February 5, 2025

In the last quarter of 2024, road haulage costs in the Netherlands increased 1.5% more than in the same quarter of 2023. The primary reason is the severe shortage of truck drivers: by the end of 2024, more than 7,000 vacancies were reported. The average driver age has risen to 45, and more drivers are leaving the profession than entering it. Yet, there are opportunities for road hauliers to turn the tide.

Pricing Pressures

In addition to rising wage costs, hauliers are facing:

• Higher toll charges

• Increased costs due to stricter CO₂ emission standards

However, these costs are rarely passed on to shippers for competitive reasons. On the contrary, price reductions are common.

Limited Demand

Compared to 2023:

• Contract rates dropped by 1.5%

• Spot rates fell by 1%

Since mid-2023, spot rates have not exceeded contract rates, which are currently about 5% higher. The reason? Limited demand for road transport — especially due to declining industrial production in Southern Europe. This also affects domestic freight volumes.

But does it make sense to lower rates further? Doing so would devalue services significantly. Those who invest in quality now will be better positioned in the future.

Opportunities: Make the Job More Attractive

To tackle the shortage of skilled drivers, companies can:

• Attract more women and young people

  • Thanks to modern loading and unloading systems, the job is less physically demanding

• Promote better working conditions

• Improve employer branding among youth and women

• Cover part of the training costs for new hires

• Involve retired drivers

• Offer flexible working hours, allowing for part-time staff and those with care responsibilities

Doing nothing is not an option!
Making work more attractive also makes your company more appealing to customers.