Almost three-quarters (72%) of professional drivers may consider strike action before the end of the year, new research from Samsara reveals.
This marks a significant rise of over 10 percentage points from 2023, when 61% reported similar sentiments — potentially highlighting the industry’s growing discontent.
Samsara’s latest survey, conducted with 500 professional UK drivers, paints a troubling picture for the transport and logistics sector as the UK gears up for the Christmas period.
With consumer demand expected to soar during the holiday season, this unrest could have a serious impact on supply chains, threatening the timely delivery of essential goods, groceries, and Christmas gifts nationwide.
The research delves into the root causes of this frustration within the workforce, uncovering top concerns for drivers.
Almost half (47%) said their pay isn’t keeping up with the rising cost of living while 39% cited long hours. And 35% referenced poor working conditions (35%).
As many as 41% of drivers said they would consider leaving their jobs if conditions do not improve.
The survey also highlights a more systemic issue – 69% of drivers agree that the UK is facing a severe driver shortage, yet only 34% feel their roles are respected or valued by the Government.
Philip van der Wilt, SVP and GM EMEA of Samsara, said: “With this apparent growing discontent among drivers, the logistics and transport sector stands at a critical crossroads and without meaningful change, the industry risks losing a significant portion of its essential staff. Improving working hours, workload management, and overall conditions for frontline workers is essential to maintaining a reliable workforce during this peak period.”
He added: “This is a pivotal moment for fleet-based businesses to consider innovative ways to support their drivers. While technology can’t solve every challenge in the industry, it plays a vital role in moving us forward. By adopting technology that optimises routes, strengthens safety protocols, and offers more flexible scheduling, businesses can alleviate some of the pressures drivers face, ultimately benefiting both productivity and job satisfaction. This approach not only addresses the immediate concerns but also helps create a more sustainable and supportive environment for drivers in the future.”
Growing shortage of delivery workers risks logistics delays over festive season
A growing gap in the availability of delivery workers across the UK threatens delays for seasonal deliveries, new data from Esendex indicates.
The retail communications specialist analysed over 82,000 job listings across the UK, Ireland and Australia, to pinpoint the countries and cities most at risk of delays this Black Friday and Christmas period.
The team used Indeed data and looked at the number of job vacancies in each region for the most common delivery job titles, including ‘heavy goods vehicle driver’, ‘delivery driver’, ‘logistics coordinator’, ‘picker packer’, and ‘parcel sorter’. It also analysed the current listings for ‘Christmas’ driver’.
With 29,225 open positions for delivery roles, the UK has the highest risk of shoppers experiencing delivery delays, averaging 42.1 vacancies per 100,000 people.
With more than 13,000 open vacancies for delivery drivers alone, this represents approximately 187 vacancies per million people in the total population – a potential issue that could lead to widespread delays and increased dissatisfaction among customers eager to receive their holiday purchases on time.
Within the UK, England had the highest vacancy rate with 43.7 delivery vacancies per 100,000, and over 11,000 vacancies for delivery drivers, which may hinder delivery efficiency and lead to longer lead times for customers. Major cities such as Bristol and Manchester show the highest concentration of vacancies, which could translate into service disruption for both businesses and customers.
Comparatively, Scotland had a lower rate of 24.2 per 100,000, while Northern Ireland and Wales reported even fewer, with just 16.4 and 16.1 vacancies per 100,000 residents respectively. Collectively, these regions accounted for just 1,000 total vacancies for delivery drivers.
The research follows a 2023 report from Samsara that revealed nearly half (42%) of fleet-based businesses were impacted by driver shortages last year, as the growth in online shopping continues, adding to more pressure when it comes to timely deliveries.
As customers demand prompt delivery, clear communication, and a swift turnaround at any time of the year, businesses can struggle to manage expectations when they experience higher order volumes during peak season.
A growing shortage of delivery drivers can cause potential bottlenecks in some regions, posing a risk of severe delivery delays that could directly impact customer satisfaction.
To avoid this, Esendex says businesses must operate with transparency.
Chris Gorman, head of commercial transformation, said: “With demand set to rise sharply, the pressure on delivery systems will intensify. One of the most effective ways to manage these challenges is to use real-time updates and reminders through automated SMS solutions and WhatsApp for Business. These tools enable businesses to keep customers informed about delivery progress and any unexpected delays, allowing for proactive customer engagement.
“During peak retail periods, maintaining transparency is even more crucial to customer satisfaction. By providing timely updates and facilitating two-way communication, businesses can alleviate customer service pressure and ensure greater customer confidence. During such a competitive trading period, responsiveness can be a key differentiator for businesses.”
The full Esendex report is online here.
