Heavy Vehicle Driver Pathways Research Paper

Findings of the Heavy Vehicle Driver Pathways Research Paper

Behavioural research to identify key challenges related to the attraction and retention of drivers in the heavy vehicle sector.

heavy vehicle freight truck on road

 

Background

Heavy vehicle driver shortages are regularly identified as a critical and worsening challenge.

Transport commissioned the Heavy Vehicle Driver Pathways Behavioural Research to help identify barriers to attracting and retaining heavy vehicle drivers. 

The research contributes to the evidence base for a broader program of work aimed at identifying if there are appropriate and practical measures available to government, particularly within the transport portfolio, to assist industry with responding to the current driver shortage.

Findings

Three core issues currently underpinning attraction and retention challenges: 

  • The lived experience of drivers is directly leading to workforce attrition and feeding into negative perceptions of the sector 
  • Poor perceptions of the industry are dampening demand within the prospective driver pool
  • A lack of clear pathways into the sector makes it difficult for prospective drivers to enter the workforce. 

Lived experience of heavy vehicle drivers 

Key themes relating to lived experience included:

  • Concerns about their safety on the road
  • Stress and challenges of dealing with other drivers who tend to be frustrated by trucks and often have little understanding of things like truck stopping distances or space requirements
  • Difficulties in staying healthy on the road due to the sedentary nature of the job and limited availability of healthy food choices
  • Limited scope for career progression without moving into non-driving roles. 

Prospective drivers and their perceptions of the heavy vehicle sector 

Key themes included:

  • Limited number of people who are interested in a career as a driver.  
  • Little knowledge of the industry  
  • Anticipated positive elements overshadowed by negative perceptions of the sector 
  • There are negative perceptions of heavy vehicle drivers, which stem from stereotypical views
  • Limited awareness of income potential of heavy vehicle drivers - positive surprise for some, though most believe that high salaries require genuine hard work and sacrifice from drivers. 

Pathways into heavy vehicle driving roles 

The idea of a more structured pathway into the sector is widely appreciated across the board, including:

  • Prospective drivers see this as a way to simplify entry to the sector
  • Current drivers see an opportunity to elevate perceptions of the sector. No consistent entry into the industry was found
  • Employers also fully support the idea, and many (especially the larger organisations) claim to be willing to play a role in implementing this. 

 There are also considerable barriers to entry for women in addition to the general barriers applicable to all. These include:

  • The industry is seen to be highly male dominated
  • Many women do not see it as offering a safe work environment
  • Key issues for current drivers include sexual harassment, gender discrimination, poor job flexibility being unsuited to those with families; and a lack of infrastructure (e.g. toilets)
  • Company-led initiatives clearly suggest that organisations will take proactive steps to minimise sexual harassment and gender discrimination. 

Documentation