Poland's transport sector faces critical driver shortage despite high wages

The Polish international transport sector is grappling with a critical shortage of professional drivers, with estimates suggesting a deficit of 100,000 to 150,000 workers. This looming crisis threatens a vital pillar of the Polish economy.

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The average age of a driver in the industry already exceeds 50 years.

Industry experts point to a combination of factors fueling the shortage. The workforce is aging, with the average driver's age exceeding 50. Simultaneously, there's a stark lack of interest from younger generations; individuals under 25 constitute a mere 3% of all drivers. Piotr Winiarski of Rohlig SUUS Logistics notes that the demanding nature of the job, long absences from home, significant responsibility, and a specific lifestyle, often clashes with the priorities of young people, who increasingly value work-life balance over higher pay.

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Individuals under 25 years of age constitute only 3% of all employed in this position.

Companies are attempting to attract drivers with competitive salaries, with monthly gross earnings for category C+E drivers in international transport often ranging from 10,000 to 16,000 PLN, and sometimes exceeding 18,000 PLN. However, significant barriers remain. The initial costs for obtaining a C and C+E license and necessary qualifications can amount to tens of thousands of zlotys. Furthermore, challenging road conditions, including a lack of safe parking and adequate sanitary facilities, deter many.

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The modern work model in transport – involving long absences from home, high responsibility, and a specific lifestyle – often clashes with the expectations of young people, for whom work-life balance is sometimes more important than higher remuneration.

An additional challenge involves foreign drivers, primarily from Ukraine and Belarus, who are crucial to the industry. Despite an estimated 150,000 foreign drivers working in Poland, bureaucratic procedures present major obstacles. Obtaining a work visa can involve lengthy waits, sometimes spanning months, for consulate appointments, effectively paralyzing the recruitment process for many companies.

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They must first obtain a visa with the right to work in Poland. This involves weeks, and sometimes months, of waiting just to get an appointment at the consulate.