The UK HGV driver shortage dominated headlines throughout 2021, affecting supply chains, retailers and transport businesses across the country. While the situation has improved significantly since then, recruitment and driver retention remain ongoing challenges for many operators.
The industry continues to face an ageing workforce, increasing demand for freight transport and the need to attract new drivers into the profession. Although the large-scale crisis has eased, shortages still exist in certain regions and specialist sectors.
In this guide, we'll explain what caused the HGV driver shortage, where the industry stands in 2026 and what is being done to support long-term recruitment.
What was the HGV driver shortage?
According to the Road Haulage Association (RHA), the shortfall of HGV drivers in 2021 was around 100,000. As a result, supermarket shelves had limited availability of products and other large businesses such as McDonald’s faced shortages of stock, with some even being forced to close their outlets.
The shortage of drivers added to the pressure on those in the haulage industry, as they were already struggling to recruit enough qualified drivers for their fleets to meet the increased demand for online goods.
Is the UK still facing a HGV driver shortage in 2026?
The UK's HGV driver shortage is no longer at the emergency levels seen during 2021, but recruitment remains a challenge for many haulage businesses.
Industry bodies continue to report difficulties recruiting qualified drivers, particularly for long-distance haulage, specialist transport and overnight work. An ageing workforce means many experienced drivers are approaching retirement, while demand for freight transport continues to grow.
Although the overall number of licensed HGV drivers has recovered compared with the peak of the shortage, the industry still needs thousands of new drivers each year to replace retirees and meet future demand. The focus has therefore shifted from managing a national crisis to creating a sustainable workforce for the long term.
Why did the HGV driver shortage take place?
The shortage wasn't caused by a single issue. Instead, several long-term challenges came together at the same time, creating unprecedented pressure on the UK's freight industry.
Arguably, the two main factors that caused the HGV driver shortage were Brexit and the Covid-19 pandemic. However, there were already issues with driver retention in this industry due to low wages, long working hours and an ageing workforce.
Although there has been a shortfall of drivers over the last few years, the climax in 2021 was due to a combination of different factors which impacted the haulage industry directly. The key issues were:
The COVID-19 pandemic disrupted driver training, testing, and recruitment. Driving tests were suspended for long periods, creating significant backlogs and slowing the number of newly qualified HGV drivers entering the workforce. At the same time, changes in consumer buying habits increased demand for home deliveries, placing additional pressure on existing drivers.
Brexit also contributed to the shortage by changing immigration rules and reducing the number of EU drivers working in the UK. Additional border checks and administrative requirements made UK haulage less attractive for some international drivers, reducing the available labour pool.
Goods entering the UK from the EU are also now subject to checks, which could deter European drivers from working in this country if they’re too time-consuming and intrusive. Brexit is therefore a large contributor to the reduced number of qualified HGV drivers who can work in the UK, adding to the shortfall of drivers.Recruitment is only part of the challenge. Retaining experienced drivers remains equally important. Long hours, time away from home, demanding schedules, and working patterns such as those in HGVs have all contributed to drivers leaving the profession, alongside limited roadside facilities. Although wages have increased significantly since 2021, businesses continue to compete for experienced drivers, particularly in specialist sectors.
Improving working conditions, investing in driver wellbeing and providing better career progression are increasingly seen as essential for long-term retention.
One of the industry's biggest long-term challenges is its ageing workforce. Many experienced HGV drivers are approaching retirement age, meaning thousands of new drivers will be needed over the coming years simply to replace those leaving the profession.
The sector is also working to attract a more diverse workforce by encouraging younger people, women and career changers to consider HGV driving through apprenticeships, training programmes and industry campaigns.
What has the UK done to address the HGV driver shortage?
Since the height of the driver shortage, both the Government and the transport industry have introduced several measures to strengthen recruitment and improve long-term resilience.
Faster driver testing
Driving test capacity was increased following the pandemic, helping reduce the backlog of new HGV drivers entering the industry. As more people enter the profession, understanding HGV walk-around checks is an important part of maintaining vehicle safety and remaining compliant.
Investment in driver training
Skills Bootcamps, apprenticeships and employer-funded training have made it easier for people to gain HGV qualifications, complete the HGV D4 medical test, understand HGV driver regulations, and begin careers in logistics.
Better driver facilities
Investment in roadside facilities has helped improve access to secure parking, showers and rest areas, making life on the road more comfortable, alongside having the essential items in a HGV for longer journeys.
Higher wages
Driver salaries increased considerably following the 2021 shortage as employers competed to attract experienced drivers. Although pay has stabilised, competitive salaries remain an important recruitment tool.
What challenges does the HGV industry still face?
While the immediate crisis has eased, several long-term issues remain.
These include:
Recruiting younger drivers.
Replacing retiring drivers.
Improving driver wellbeing.
Meeting environmental targets.
Adopting new technologies.
Managing operating costs, including fuel prices.
Addressing these challenges will be essential to ensuring the UK has a reliable freight workforce for years to come.
The UK HGV driver shortage is no longer the national crisis it was during 2021, but recruitment remains an important issue for the transport industry.
Continued investment in training, better working conditions and improved driver facilities, alongside promoting top safety tips for HGV drivers, will all play an important role in attracting the next generation of HGV drivers.
Is there still an HGV driver shortage in the UK?
The severe shortage seen during 2021 has eased, but many haulage businesses still report difficulties recruiting qualified drivers. Regional and specialist shortages continue, and the industry must replace large numbers of retiring drivers over the coming years.
What caused the UK HGV driver shortage?
The shortage resulted from several factors, including the COVID-19 pandemic, Brexit, delays to driver testing, an ageing workforce and longstanding recruitment and retention challenges.
Why are HGV drivers still in demand?
Demand for freight transport remains high while many experienced drivers are approaching retirement. The industry therefore needs a steady supply of newly qualified drivers to meet future demand.
How is the UK encouraging more HGV drivers?
The Government and the transport industry have introduced training programmes, apprenticeships, increased testing capacity and investment in roadside facilities to encourage more people to become HGV drivers.
