120,000 vacancies: Poland calls for simplifying the recruitment of truck drivers from outside the EU due to a shortage

Polish transport companies have orders but cannot fulfill them due to a shortage of professional drivers. The industry estimates a staff shortage of 120,000 people and urges the authorities to accelerate the legalization of workers from non-EU countries. This is reported by In Poland.

The shortage of truck drivers in Poland has affected 326 counties

According to forecasts from the Polish Institute of Economics, by 2026, the shortage of truck and tractor drivers will be observed in 326 out of 380 counties in the country. This indicates that the problem has extended far beyond individual regions or companies.

A representative of MagTrans, Petro Mahdiak, explained that improved financial indicators for some carriers do not necessarily mean increased demand for transportation. There are fewer companies and drivers on the market, which reduces the supply of services.

According to him, some companies have as much as 20% of their fleet idle due to a lack of personnel. Data from the Main Inspectorate of Road Transport also shows that the number of companies with EU licenses has decreased by about 500 this year. Most often, small and medium carriers are closing down.

Why Poland lacks young drivers

Dartom Managing Director Andrzej Szymanski believes that the staff shortage is not temporary but structural. The average age of a professional driver in Poland is around 45 years, while workers under 25 make up only 3% of their total number.

According to carrier estimates, by 2030, the shortage of drivers could rise to 150,000 people. This poses risks to logistics costs, the stability of transportation, and the operation of businesses that rely on road transport.

Road transport is critical for the Polish economy: in 2024, it accounted for 87% of the total weight of transported goods and 81% of the cargo traffic volume, noted the Polish Institute of Economics.

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What changes are proposed by Polish carriers

Industry representatives are calling for the truck driver profession to be officially recognized as a shortage profession and for a faster procedure for recruiting workers from non-EU countries. This involves simplifying labor legalization, rather than a decision that has already been made.

Carriers emphasize that the overall unemployment rate does not reflect the real situation: drivers with C+E category, professional qualifications, and experience are needed for international routes. It is currently unknown whether the Polish authorities will support the proposed changes.

Recall that in Poland, there are plans to impose 30-year sentences for violations in the army.