Trapped on the road. Truck drivers in Europe earn good salaries, but they live a difficult life

Thursday, Apr 11, 2024

Truck drivers across Europe face difficult conditions, labor shortages, and economic pressures despite the vital role they play in supply chains.

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[This is an automatically generated summary, for reference only]

Truck drivers across Europe face a demanding profession that is vital for continental supply chains but often difficult to sustain. Drivers from various countries share experiences highlighting the challenges, such as harassment at borders and long hours. While some find satisfaction in their work, many are drawn to it due to lack of alternative employment opportunities in their home countries. The industry faces a significant shortage of drivers; international data shows a need for hundreds of thousands more across Europe, with few young or female entrants. Despite attractive wages in some areas, the lifestyle is unattractive to younger generations. In Spain and Czechia, issues like poor working conditions, lack of social security benefits, and long hours are prevalent. Bulgarian drivers often face excessive border delays when operating within Bulgaria. Drivers from countries like Italy report better pension prospects abroad. Industry representatives note a severe shortage of personnel in their respective nations and advocate for easing regulations for foreign workers to attract necessary labor. Furthermore, the sector is warned against exploitative practices, with some companies offering wages below minimum standards.


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