Social listening conducted by SNAP, the industry’s digital solutions provider, has revealed that truck drivers are urging stakeholders to address long-standing challenges within the industry. Drivers call for these issues to be resolved before implementing new initiatives to alleviate the driver shortage.
SNAP asked their audience on social media to share their thoughts on measures the industry could adopt to attract more women into the sector. Currently, women account for just 4% of the European haulage workforce. It comes after the news that the industry needs more than 233,000 truck drivers.
A recent report from SNAP warns the sector could reach a critical tipping point within the next 10-15 years if the issue remains unaddressed. To close the gap, upgrading amenities and cultivating a supportive and welcoming work environment were suggested to make the industry more appealing to female truck drivers.
However, 49% of drivers argued these changes must be implemented regardless of gender – with 27% of women agreeing the sector must evolve for everyone. 24% stated the job was no longer appealing, highlighting the need for change. Instead, drivers argued a focus on fixing the sector would be more beneficial when looking to resolve the shortage. 55% wanted to see facilities improved for everyone:
“There needs to be better facilities and better treatment full stop. The whole industry is a shambles, and we’re mistreated.”
“The amenities are awful for all drivers, men and women.”
In November 2024, a Transport Focus survey found that two-thirds of drivers were dissatisfied with truckstop facilities – with dirty amenities, poor food options, and a lack of social space causing significant issues. The Government and the industry have invested £14 million to drive innovation and improve working conditions. In October, 23 successful applicants were awarded up to £4.5 million to enhance their truckstops.
Better pay came second on the list, with 14% arguing that increased wages would encourage more into the industry:
“Make it attractive to everyone, increase wages.”
However, increasing wages will come at a significant cost for industry leaders. If the average truck driver’s salary increased in line with the National Living Wage, fleet operators would face an additional £1.5 billion a year.
Nevertheless, this investment could improve retention rates, reduce recruitment expenses, and lower training costs. Offering higher salaries would not only make the profession more attractive to new entrants but also recognise the critical role drivers play in maintaining the supply chain.
Other drivers (6%) wanted to see attitudes changing toward those in the industry:
“Thinking back to Covid, we were deemed heroes, but afterwards, it returned to normal. It’s no wonder current drivers, men and women, want to leave the industry. They are sick of the rubbish treatment they face daily.”
“It would be nice not to be treated like you’re scum.”
Matthew Bellamy, Managing Director at SNAP, comments, “The feedback we have received highlights the urgent need for the haulage industry to implement changes if it wants to appeal to existing and new drivers.
“Although the underrepresentation of women in the sector remains challenging, embracing diversity requires providing facilities that accommodate their needs. However, these improvements must be inclusive and address the needs of the whole workforce, rather than focusing on a single demographic.
“Drivers have long been the backbone of global commerce; they deserve access to clean, safe, and secure facilities. At SNAP, we will continue to raise awareness of driver conditions and advocate positive change across the industry.”
