More efficient deployment of drivers and higher job satisfaction: A study by the German logistics association, BVL, and T-Systems shows how digitalizing logistics can help in the fight against driver shortages.

Frequent disruptions, increased freight rates and rejected transports: The shortage of drivers in the logistics sector has a major impact on the operative business. This is the result of the study "Digitization of the Transport Chain and the Role of Drivers" by the German logistics association, BVL, and T-Systems. Freight forwarders are desperately looking for truck drivers; the industry currently faces a shortage of around 40,000 workers. It is estimated that this figure could even rise to 150,000 by 2030, because many drivers will retire over the next few years and there are not enough new drivers replacing them. At the same time, the number of transports is increasing. There are different approaches to dealing with the problem in the future: Promoting young talent, robotics and autonomous driving, better pay and working conditions – and digital solutions.

LOGISTICS: DIGITIZATION SUPPORTS THE FIGHT AGAINST DRIVER SHORTAGES

The majority of the BVL members surveyed agree with the statement that digitization can support the fight against driver shortages in logistics. The industry and trade sectors are somewhat more open to digital technologies than service providers in logistics, whether with or without a vehicle fleet. The greatest obstacle to the implementation of digital measures, according to the respondents, is the lack of links between the systems and applications of all the companies along the supply chain (81 percent). Two out of three companies (66 percent) state that they are unwilling to exchange internal company data with partners in the supply chain. Other hurdles include the financial cost of purchasing systems or equipment (61 percent), the time required for implementation and integration (54 percent) and fundamental concerns about data security (31 percent).

The BVL members see the greatest potential for more efficient driver deployment in the interface and ramp area. In particular, companies expect digital solutions to reduce waiting times through better time slot management (74 percent) and better capacity planning at the unloading station (62 percent). Although companies are familiar with numerous relevant digitalization measures such as predictive analytics, the topic is probably not pursued further very often. Service providers in logistics with a fleet of vehicles are already implementing more digital instruments for transport logistics, while logistics service providers without a fleet are somewhat more cautious.