The shortage of drivers is an increasingly serious problem

By: Trademagazin Date: 2024. 01. 08. 10:12

Last year was a challenging year for hauliers, where, in addition to the increase in costs due to high fuel prices and inflation, road freight also had to face a decrease in freight rates. The slump in industry and retail made their situation even more difficult, and in the third quarter, a significant number of carriers already posted losses.

Despite the significant increase in fuel prices and the increase in road tolls, wages, service and overhead costs, freight rates decreased, which further increased the price and cost contradictions in the sector. Due to the deterioration of the economic environment, the turnover of goods fell and the demand for transport services decreased. Among other things, HelloVidék was told about this by the National Transport Industry Board of Private Entrepreneurs (NiT Hungary) and the Association of Hungarian Road Carriers (MKFE).

In the third quarter, a total cost increase of 5.2% in international transport and 7.6% in domestic transport was registered compared to the previous quarter. The sector’s productivity indicators have also deteriorated, as a result of falling mileage and rising empty runs. Costs may continue to increase due to new tax and fee increases as well as general inflation.

The shortage of drivers is also an increasingly serious problem, and the aging of the profession poses further challenges to the transport sector. Due to increasingly difficult to recruit drivers and rising costs, the situation of carriers remains uncertain, and the prospects for the future do not look rosy either.