The Brazilian cargo transportation sector is facing a crisis due to the significant reduction in the number of truck and trailer drivers. As indicated by a survey carried out by the National Transport Confederation (CNT), the lack of drivers is highlighted as one of the sector's main challenges by 65% of the companies interviewed.
Data from the National Register of Qualified Drivers, provided by SENATRAN, reveals a decrease of approximately 1,1 million drivers between 2013 and 2023, representing a drop of 20% in a decade. Furthermore, there is concern about the aging of this workforce, with the average age of drivers currently at 53,5 years old, an increase of 9% since 2013.
Figure 1 – Historical series of the number and average age of truck and trailer drivers, from 2011 to 2023.
Source: SENATRAN. ILOS analyses.
A decade ago, only 15% of licensed truck and trailer drivers were ielderly, that is, over 60 years old. In 2023, this number has practically doubled, with 29% of drivers falling into this category. The age group between 41 and 50 years old showed the biggest drop, with a reduction of 11 percentage points, while drivers between 61 and 70 years old were those who increased their representation the most, reaching 19% of the total.
Figure 2 – Percentage of truck and trailer drivers by age group in 2013 and 2023.
Source: SENATRAN. ILOS analyses.
When analyzing the regional distribution of truck and trailer drivers, it is observed that, although the Southeast region has the greatest demand for road freight transport, it is also the one facing the greatest reduction, losing more than 800 thousand drivers in the last 10 years, which represents a drop of 30%. The state of São Paulo is mainly responsible for this decline, with a reduction of 36%. The South region also shows a significant drop of 19%, while the Central-West and Northeast experience lighter reductions of 1,8% and 1,4%, respectively. The North region is the only one to record an increase, with a 7% increase in the number of drivers.
Figure 3 – Evolution of the number of truck and trailer drivers by region, from 2013 to 2023.
Source: SENATRAN. ILOS analyses.
The lack of interest in the profession, influenced by long journeys, lack of road safety and lack of benefits, is a determining factor for the shortage of professionals in the cargo transport sector. To reverse this situation, it is essential to invest in measures that value the profession, such as incentive programs for young people and women, ensuring, at the same time, better working conditions, remuneration and an attractive career plan.
The shortage of qualified professionals in the cargo transportation sector poses challenges that require effective solutions to meet growing demand. However, this need often results in precarious services, either by hiring unskilled labor or by compromising stages of the transportation process to meet specific deadlines and demands. This reality directly impacts Brazil's economy, since road transport is the main means of transporting goods in the country and essential for all sectors of the economy.
The unsatisfactory remuneration of truck drivers and the lack of adequate infrastructure to practice the profession are obstacles that discourage many professionals. Furthermore, the lack of qualified drivers extends to the operation of more modern systems and integration with digital culture, requiring investments in training. This crisis, characterized by growing demand and an inadequate supply of labor, requires a comprehensive approach that includes not only attracting new professionals, but also valuing and qualifying those who are already part of the sector, thus ensuring sustainable development in transport. freight road.
References
- National Register of Qualified Drivers – Ministry of Transport (www.gov.br)
- ABTI – Drop in the number of truck drivers puts the transport sector on alert
- Why are fewer Brazilians choosing to drive trucks? (ontruck.com.br)
- Carriers ask: Where are the truck drivers? – Transvias News
- CNT research business profile 2021: road freight transport. – Brasília: CNT, 2022. 123 p. : graphics.
