The Road Haulage Association (RHA) has revealed that more than 117,000 heavy goods vehicle (HGV) drivers have left the profession in the past year, raising fresh fears over the resilience of the UK’s supply chains. The organisation stressed that the departures are not confined to those reaching retirement age but also include a significant number of drivers in their 30s and 40s.

The RHA report highlights a mix of pressures behind the exodus. High insurance premiums and costly training continue to deter both new and returning drivers, while the withdrawal of government-funded bootcamps has closed off an affordable entry route into the industry. With operators already working on razor-thin margins, the association argues that the profession has become increasingly unattractive to both recruits and experienced drivers.

Managing director Richard Smith said wage rises alone cannot address the crisis. He urged government and industry leaders to deliver a coordinated plan, warning that the shortage is now at levels “unseen since the pandemic”. He added that many qualified drivers are leaving because they feel the system is stacked against them, with lapsed Driver Qualification Cards (DQCs) pointing to long-term disillusionment.

The report concludes that structural issues lie at the heart of the problem, with decades of cost-cutting leaving hauliers vulnerable. Smith called for investment in affordable training, meaningful support for employers, and recognition of logistics as a cornerstone of the national economy. “We must build a system where HGV driving is seen as a respected career choice for the future,” he said.