By Darren Vale, Transport Manager, Meachers Global Logistics.
A recent Motor Transport article warns that the UK could face a driver shortage by 2029. While the headline is stark, the message is clear: the logistics sector is facing a critical labour shortage. With an ageing workforce, too few new entrants, and rising demand, the time for action is now.
The Challenge: A Shrinking Workforce
The number of qualified HGV drivers is declining at an unsustainable rate. Many experienced drivers are nearing retirement, and younger generations are not entering the profession in sufficient numbers to replace them.
Without drivers, supply chains falter. And when supply chains falter, businesses, communities, and consumers all feel the impact.
At Meachers, we’re not waiting for the crisis to deepen—we’re actively addressing it through two key initiatives: our membership in the Maritime and Transport Careers Programme (MTCP) and our in-house Warehouse to Wheels programme.
MTCP: Inspiring the Next Generation
The Maritime and Transport Careers Programme (MTCP) connects employers, educators, and training providers to promote careers in the maritime and transport sectors across the Central South. It supports people of all age, from school leavers to career changers, in discovering the wide range of opportunities our industry offers.
As proud MTCP members, Meachers Global helps:
- Promote logistics as a career of choice through outreach and events
- Support training and apprenticeships that lead to real jobs
- Collaborate with partners to build a consistent, high-quality talent pipeline
MTCP helps shape the future of our sector by nurturing the next generation of skilled professionals.
Warehouse to Wheels: Growing Talent from Within
While MTCP addresses the industry-wide challenge, our Warehouse to Wheels programme is a homegrown solution that reflects our commitment to our people. This initiative enables warehouse operatives to train and qualify as HGV drivers, creating a clear internal career path and addressing driver shortages from within our own ranks.
The benefits are significant:
- Career progression: Employees gain new skills and opportunities, increasing job satisfaction and retention.
- Operational resilience: We reduce reliance on external recruitment and build a more flexible workforce.
- Cultural alignment: Drivers trained through the programme already understand our values, systems, and customer expectations.
- Warehouse to Wheels is more than a training scheme, it’s a long-term investment in our people and business.
Why being an HGV Driver Is Worth Considering
In 2025, becoming an HGV driver is not just a job, it’s a career with real benefits,
- High demand and job security: With a national shortfall of over 60,000 drivers, qualified professionals are in constant demand.
- Competitive salaries: Entry-level drivers can earn between £28,000–£32,000, with opportunities for overtime, bonuses, and progression into specialist or managerial roles.
- Fast-track entry: Unlike many careers, HGV driving offers a relatively quick route into employment, with training often completed in a matter of months.
- Flexibility and independence: Drivers can choose routes and schedules that suit their lifestyle, from local deliveries to long-haul journeys.
- Career progression: An HGV licence opens doors to roles in fleet management, compliance, training, and even entrepreneurship.
For those seeking stability, growth, and the satisfaction of keeping the country moving, HGV driving is a compelling choice.
A Call to the Industry
The prediction of a driverless logistics workforce by 2029 is not a certainty, it’s a warning. But it’s also a chance for the industry to evolve. At Meachers, we believe the solution lies in collaboration, innovation, and investment in people.
We call on our peers across the logistics sector to:
- Invest in training and development: Whether through MTCP or internal programmes, building skills is essential.
- Promote logistics as a career of choice: We must change perceptions and highlight the opportunities in our sector.
- Work together: No single company can solve this alone. Industry-wide collaboration is key.
Looking Ahead: A Future with Drivers
At Meachers, we’re not waiting for 2029 to see what happens. We’re acting now. Through MTCP and Warehouse to Wheels, we’re not just filling vacancies, we’re building careers, strengthening our business, and securing the future drivers of UK logistics.
The road ahead may be challenging, but with the right strategies and partnerships, it’s one we’re ready to drive.
