THE haulage industry is facing the biggest crisis in its history as it fails to attract young people into the sector, according to a leading truck manufacturer.
Fears are growing that a shortage of truck drivers will turn into a massive void as the majority of drivers head for retirement while school leavers turn their backs on the profession.
Only 2 per cent of all HGV drivers are under the age of 25, with 60 per cent over 45, leading the Freight Transport Association to predict a future shortfall of 45,000 to 60,000 truck drivers.
Simon Elliott, managing director of MAN Truck & Bus UK, said the industry must work closely with the Government to find solutions that not only shake-up HGV training but tackle the poor image the industry has amongst school leavers.
Mr Elliott said: "Becoming a HGV 1 driver is not cheap and can cost thousands of pounds which acts as a major barrier to young people interested in becoming truck drivers."
MAN commissioned research with 1,000 young people aged 16 to 30 looking at choices made on careers at an early age. In Scotland only 7 per cent of youngsters were advised to consider the industry.
It comes as the industry wrestles with the explosion in online shopping.
Mr Elliott added: "Our research showed that 93 per cent of women and 86 per cent of men shop online. This is a trend that is not going to go away, so how will these items be delivered in the future? We asked our panel what their expectations were on delivery times for online purchases [and] 80 per cent said they expected delivery within 48 hours of ordering - I think we've got some work to do to meet these expectations in the future."
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