Staffing Crisis in Polish Transport
Poland's transport industry is grappling with a severe staffing shortage. By 2025, the average net salary for a professional driver had reached 9,000 złoty (approximately 90,000 Ukrainian hryvnia). Despite this, the country still faces a deficit of up to 200,000 drivers, causing significant concern within the sector. This shortage threatens the supply chains that are vital to Poland's economy and its role as a key European logistics hub.
Financial dissatisfaction among drivers is widespread. Around 60% of surveyed drivers expressed discontent with their income, and 59% did not receive a pay raise in the past year. While experienced long-haul drivers earn about 9,000 złoty, newcomers in their first year average 8,000 złoty. Compounding the issue, 15% of drivers have seen their earnings decrease.
Driver Demographics and Working Conditions
The average age of drivers in Poland is now over 50, and more than half are seriously considering leaving the profession. This exodus is driven by several key factors, including:
- A lack of secure parking areas and modern sanitary facilities;
- Extended periods away from family;
- Poor operational organization;
- High rates of professional burnout.
Currently, 94% of drivers have stable employment contracts (Umowa o pracę), 4% work as self-employed (B2B), and 2% are on commission contracts. Given this acute labor crisis, Poland urgently needs measures to attract younger workers to the field.
The driver shortage poses a serious risk to the national economy, as transport is a critical link in the supply of goods and services. Widespread dissatisfaction with working conditions and inadequate compensation could accelerate the departure of personnel from the industry. Government authorities and businesses must implement steps to improve working conditions and raise wages to attract new specialists and retain existing employees. Without timely action, Poland's transport system is likely to encounter even greater difficulties in the future.