By Maria Kalamatas | July 24, 2025
Section: International / Land Transport & Road Freight
Warsaw, July 24 — Trucking companies across Europe are warning of extended lead times and rising logistics costs as the region’s chronic shortage of qualified drivers worsens, disrupting delivery schedules during one of the busiest periods of the year.
“We’re already turning away loads we would normally handle,” said Piotr Lewandowski, operations head at a Polish haulage company that serves Germany, France, and the Benelux region. “The lack of drivers is no longer seasonal — it’s structural.”
Shortfall grows despite recruitment
Industry groups estimate that Europe faces a deficit of over 500,000 licensed drivers, with recruitment programs and incentives unable to keep pace with retirements and attrition. Efforts to bring in workers from Eastern Europe and Central Asia have provided only temporary relief.
“We’re offering bonuses and streamlined training, but the talent pool remains shallow,” Lewandowski explained. “Demand is just outpacing supply.”
Cost pressures mount
With trucking capacity tight, spot rates on key freight corridors have risen by 10 to 15 percent since early July. Shippers are booking weeks in advance to avoid surcharges, particularly for time-sensitive goods like electronics and retail stock.
“Predictability is as valuable as price right now,” said Claudia Werner, supply chain manager at a German consumer goods importer. “Delays throw off entire distribution networks.”
Outlook
Analysts predict the crunch could deepen heading into autumn unless significant new workforce measures are introduced, potentially driving more cargo toward rail and intermodal solutions.
