Fleet management can be a high-pressure job and managers must oversee and organise many drivers, assess driver activity and ensure all rules and regulations are being followed and adhered to.

However recently there has arisen an increasing concern for fleet management- a lack of fleet drivers available to work in the UK.  Read on to learn more about why this has occurred and what fleet managers can do to overcome the shortage.

What Has Led To The Driver Skills Shortage?

The concern regarding a shortage of drivers in the UK has been lingering for several years, and recent events such as the COVID-19 pandemic and Brexit have exacerbated this issue, leading to a significant shortfall of fleet drivers. With estimates indicating a shortage of up to 100,000 HGV drivers, the challenges are becoming more pronounced. Businesses across various sectors are grappling with the impact of this shortage, prompting fleet managers to adopt innovative strategies to address the issue.

In this context, fleet managers find themselves at the forefront of devising solutions to overcome the scarcity of skilled drivers. The evolving landscape requires a proactive approach, pushing managers to explore various avenues. From route optimization to the implementation of robust driver mentorship programs and investments in equipment and training, the industry is actively seeking ways to adapt. One crucial aspect gaining attention is understanding how to manage your operator’s license – a key element that can significantly contribute to navigating the challenges posed by the driver skills shortage.

Ways In Which Fleet Managers Can Overcome The Driver Skills Shortage

So, what can you as a fleet manager do to overcome this shortage in driver skills available? There are a number of options available for fleet managers to try and work around the lack of available drivers for their fleet. These can include route optimization, a strong driver mentorship programme, and investing in equipment and training. However, one of the most effective tools available for managers is tachograph analysis. FleetGo provides tachograph analysis software that will make your job as a fleet manager simpler and more streamlined when it comes to monitoring the activity of your fleet. Tachograph analysis presents the data and information fed back from tachographs installed in the vehicles of your fleet. It provides incredibly important information on the activity of drivers and their vehicles, and gives managers the opportunity to deal with any issues that may arise regarding this. From the analysis of tachographs, managers can keep track of the location, distance and breaks their fleet is taking. It is a vital tool in ensuring your fleet is following EU rules and regulations, as well as helping to make sure drivers are being treated fairly and equally.

How To Promote A Positive Relationship Between Management And Drivers and Prevent Resignations

It has been prevalent in the news in recent times that fleet drivers are unhappy with the level of workload they face and so are leaving to pursue other careers, particularly bus drivers who are becoming HGV drivers in order to enjoy the benefits of higher salaries. It is more important than ever that fleet managers do everything they can to ensure the wellbeing of their fleet and try to combat any difficulties drivers may be facing. Tachograph analysis is one of numerous ways managers can improve driver conditions and avoid overloading drivers in their workload and driving routes- preventing further resignations and shortages.