Ukraine’s freight transport sector is facing an acute staff shortage, with up to 40,000 CE category drivers currently lacking, Deputy Minister of Communities and Territories Development Serhiy Derkach said, citing data from carriers.
Read also: Border crossing for humanitarian drivers changed — government cancels special permits
According to him, of the approximately 130,000 trucks involved in large-scale transport, about 30% are idle due to a lack of qualified drivers. He cited the example of a large logistics company with dozens of new trucks on the site, all ready to go, but no one to drive them. Contracts for transport have been signed, but there is a lack of specialists to fulfil them.
The problem is systemic and requires long-term solutions. The Ministry has already launched initiatives to train new staff. These include training for female drivers and re-profiling veterans returning from the frontline. The plan is to attract young people to the profession to create a stable talent pool.
According to Derkach, special attention is paid to categories that do not have any booking restrictions, such as women, veterans and some young people. That is why these groups are seen as promising candidates for the profession of truck driver.
At the same time, businesses are also demanding more efficient HR management. Last year, problems with booking employees were among the main reasons for the staffing crisis. Now, according to Derkach, companies are able to book up to 50% of their staff. However, in some cases, it is necessary to optimise the team composition to retain drivers, not just administrative or support staff.
Read also: In Ukraine a pilot project is launching to train women truck drivers
