UK needs 200,000 new HGV Drivers by 2029, RHA Warns
February 11th, 2025
The UK logistics sector requires 40,000 new HGV drivers annually over the next five years to meet demand, according to a report from the Road Haulage Association (RHA). With 81% of UK freight transported by road, the industry faces a growing shortfall of qualified drivers.
The RHA forecasts that by 2029, nearly 740,000 drivers will be needed, up from the current estimate of 700,000. However, only 684,000 HGV drivers are currently active, highlighting a workforce gap. Over 73,000 driving tests will need to be conducted within five years to address the shortfall.
Recruitment and retention remain key challenges, with an aging workforce being a major concern. Most drivers are between 50 and 59 years old, while the number of drivers aged 25 to 34 has reached a five-year low. Health issues, Brexit-related labour shortages, the pandemic, and economic pressures have also contributed to the decline in driver numbers.
Diversity within the sector remains limited. Women make up only 2% of HGV drivers, though there is a slight increase among those under 30. Ethnic diversity is also low, with only 5.3% of drivers coming from non-white backgrounds compared to 16.3% across all occupations.
The RHA report highlights the need for targeted efforts to attract a more diverse and younger workforce, warning that continued reliance on an aging driver population could threaten the stability of the UK’s supply chain.