Necmi STEEL 's
It is no secret that the heavy commercial vehicles and logistics sector are facing a chronic driver shortage. Each company is looking for various solutions to overcome this problem.
According to IRU data, the shortage of drivers in heavy vehicles such as trucks and tow trucks has reached the top level. The latest figures show that more than three million heavy vehicle driver positions are currently unfilled in just 36 countries, and at this rate, this number will double by 2028.
According to the results of IRU's 2024 drivers' ratings, 48% of European companies expect to face more difficulties in filling tow truck and truck driver positions next year. More than a third of the drivers of heavy commercial vehicles are 55 years old or older and this population will be separated from the sector by retirement in the next decade.
In the current table, only 5 ⁇ i of the drivers are under 25 years old. In addition, the demand for road transport is expected to increase in 2025. It is stated that the driver demographic deficit in heavy vehicles will increase in the coming years and this development will potentially put upward pressure on driver costs.
How does CEVA respond to driver shortages?
The global logistics company CEVA, which also operates in Turkey, has come to the fore with its projects related to the driver problem. Maria Rangel and Pierre-Alain Saclier from CEVA Logistics answered the questions of IRU officials on this issue. The common message of CEVA officials ⁇ Now our main focus should be the protection of existing talents and drivers in the sector. This determination was as important as attracting new competitors to the sector. The answers to the questions are as follows;
CEVA experienced a cid ⁇ di driver shortage in North America from 2021 ⁇ to 2022 ⁇ . Since then, we have been working on different projects to address the issue. We have simplified the recruitment process in North America and reduced the recruitment process from more than two weeks to just one week. We also made the whole process more interactive.
Once hired, we give each new driver a ⁇ kanka driver ⁇ to support them in their orientation program. We combine the resources of our own resources (processors and trucks) and subcontractors to respond to different geographies and market needs. To reduce the risk of driver shortages, we aim to improve the quality of our facilities and provide a better working experience for drivers.
What is the Port-to-Drive Program?
⁇ Port-to-Drive Prog ⁇ ramı ⁇ was established to address driver shortages during the increasing pressure on driver acquisition in North America ⁇ in 2021-2022 ⁇ . It aims to attract young generation drivers and women drivers by enabling candidates to switch from warehouse duties to driver positions or vice versa. We support eligible applicants with driver course expenses and provide on-the-job training with qualified instructors to get behind the wheel within weeks. In this way, we will also create a talent pool with a win-win solution in CEVA.
What are the direct benefits?
After all, the program is decreasing their finances. The daily cost of a non-working truck is about $3,000. With our current driver pool, this should no longer be the case in the long run. However, the initial investment is necessary to train drivers. The ultimate goal is to create our own talent pool within CEVA. The program also supports drivers. While in the program, we pay their current fees and also produce personal solutions.
Does Ceva ⁇ have any other driving programs?
Ceva ⁇ has a wide range of programs. In another of our programs, our recruitment teams offer opportunities to drivers who have obtained their driver's licenses. Our concept aims to attract young candidates who have completed the driving course directly from the driving school to the field.
And immediately after, we train new drivers for at least six weeks and provide them with the experience they need to take on their driving roles. We have other programs. For example, drivers who work for Benelux and CEVA can choose to work in the Netherlands or Belgium to return home every evening. In addition, if they want to use other routes, they can stay on duty at night with night compensation.
The Hero (film) stories of female truck drivers
UND Women Working Group established to promote women's employment in the logistics sector; It aims to support the employment of women in the logistics sector, to improve working conditions and to contribute to career development. One of the important projects of the Women's Working Group is; Stories of Kahra ⁇ man Women Truck Drivers. The views of the female driver in two interviews in UND ⁇ nin Sesi Dergisi ⁇ are as follows;
Hilal Trans ⁇ ta Gülsen Demirci, who has been working as a driver for 2 years, says that being an international truck driver is the right decision he has made in his life. Gülsen Demirci, 44, who said that she had a lot of support from my family and colleagues, says that she has 2 children and that she is very pleased with the decision made by her family.
But at first there were prejudices and hesitations against the profession in the family circle, Demirci said, ⁇ But now they understand how correct this decision is and they give great support. He says he is proud of me for destroying the perception that truck driving is not for women.
Demirci stated that he started to work abroad after working at home and gaining experience, and I am both working, enjoying new places and new cultures, and earning good money. If I hadn't done this job, I wouldn't have been able to make any of these happen. This profession also provides great freedom. Every day is a great adventure for me. Demirci states that he sees the difficulties he encounters as sweet difficulties because he loves the profession.
⁇ My profession I love it ⁇
Nilüfer Albayrak, who is a truck driver within Mars Logistics, stated that the positive side of being a truck driver is too much, and while ⁇ Mars ⁇ ta was working in domestic transportation, I traveled to almost 60 provinces of Turkey. After completing my 1 year in the country, I started to drive trucks abroad. In total, I have been working as a truck driver for 2 years and I love my profession.
Of course, as in any profession, truck driving has its difficulties. When there is a problem with the vehicle, we call our company and the ser ⁇ vis come to where we are and solve the problem. Our only challenge is to stay away from our families and social lives. The good things about being a truck driver are more than the negative aspects. I work and have the opportunity to travel the world.
