Understanding the Severe Driver Shortage in the Logistics Industry and How to Address It

The logistics industry is grappling with a significant challenge — a shortage of drivers. Over 90% of transportation carriers are feeling the strain, indicating not just a deficit of personnel, but also a potential for lost business opportunities and increased workloads on existing staff. A joint survey conducted by G.A. Group, NAVITIME Japan, Hakobel, Awesome Agent, and Kaminashi aims to delve deeper into this pressing issue. The findings are crucial for understanding not only the current landscape but also the viability of future solutions.

The Study’s Objectives and Findings

The main goal of this survey was to clarify the realities behind the driver shortage and identify challenges in hiring, training, and improving operational efficiencies. Conducted between July 7 and July 27, 2026, the survey engaged 1,376 participants, including both management personnel and truck drivers involved in the logistics sector. The results shed light on several pressing issues:

1. Driver Shortage Realities

A staggering 91.2% of participating companies reported feeling the impact of driver shortages. The most significant consequence cited was the loss of delivery opportunities due to being unable to accept new jobs, affecting 58.2% of respondents. The current labor shortage is not just an operational issue but also influences the work environment for existing drivers and management.

2. Hiring Intentions

When it comes to hiring, 47% of companies plan to increase the recruitment of inexperienced drivers, while 28% have shown interest in hiring foreign drivers. Interestingly, a considerable portion of respondents remains hesitant, with 35% indicating they have no plans for foreign driver recruitment and 32.3% preferring to observe developments before making a decision.

3. Challenges in Driver Training

Training new drivers presents its issues, the foremost being variability in delivery quality — highlighted by 53.8% of respondents. Additionally, the transfer of knowledge from veteran drivers remains a significant challenge, particularly in teaching local rules and customer interaction protocols. Ensuring consistent training that guarantees delivery professionalism is crucial for compliance with diverse customer requirements.

4. Divergent Perspectives on New Driver Training

There is a notable discrepancy between what companies perceive as challenges in new driver training versus what drivers themselves identify. Employers focus on instructing local rules, while drivers express concerns over learning practical aspects such as parking and break locations. This highlights a vital need for standardized and shared knowledge across management and staff to facilitate smoother operations.

Recommendations and Future Directions

The analysis from this survey emphasizes that simple hiring will not remedy the situation; there is a critical need for a comprehensive approach that encompasses training, retention, and facilitating effective communication between management and drivers.

G.A. Group is committed to addressing these challenges head-on, providing support for the recruitment of foreign drivers and comprehensive assistance throughout the onboarding process. This includes complex visa applications, settling-in support, and ongoing retention efforts.

To foster a thriving logistics industry, it is crucial to implement systems that enhance operational efficiency, streamline the training process, and build a workforce that can adapt to evolving demands. As these challenges persist, the commitment to understanding and resolving the driver shortage will be pivotal in securing a resilient future for the logistics sector.

To access the full report of the survey results, you can visit the organization's website and download detailed insights regarding the ongoing driver shortage and solutions being explored to enhance workforce stability in the logistics industry.