Successfully tackling the driver shortage in the logistics sector is the most important challenge for many companies – in Switzerland as well as in many other European countries. The freight forwarding company Brucker in Germany demonstrates that this can be achieved with a clear strategy. Recruitment, driver retention and international skilled workers form the basis of this success. As part of the online talk series SpediTalks by Rathmann, Managing Director Arno Brucker (pictured below) spoke about the challenges facing the industry. His message is clear: drivers remain the key factor for success for any freight forwarding company.
380 drivers keep all the lorries on the road
Brucker Transport, based in Aalen, employs around 380 drivers from many different countries. Despite the nationwide shortage of drivers, not a single lorry is left idle. This success is no coincidence. The family-run business consistently invests in recruitment, staff retention and good working conditions. As a result, the entire fleet remains operational at all times.
Recruitment as the key to tackling the driver shortage
Anyone wishing to successfully tackle the driver shortage in the logistics sector needs modern recruitment processes. Interested candidates can simply apply online. In addition, the company reaches new drivers through targeted social media campaigns.
A dedicated Driver Centre supports applicants throughout the entire recruitment process. Four staff members handle employment contracts, liaise with the authorities and even help with finding accommodation.
Retaining drivers through attractive working conditions
As well as recruitment, driver retention plays a key role. According to Arno Brucker, most drivers are back home by the evening. They also benefit from predictable working hours and attractive pay.
Brucker sees the real problem as the profession’s poor image. Many of the benefits are hardly known outside the industry. There is still a great deal of awareness-raising to be done here to put the profession of lorry driver in the right light.
International skilled workers need better working conditions
International drivers are indispensable to many haulage companies. Nevertheless, lengthy authorisation procedures make it considerably more difficult for them to enter the sector. In Germany, for example, it can take up to a year for drivers from third countries to be allowed to start work. These delays further exacerbate the staff shortage.
Brucker also criticises the uncertainty surrounding residence regulations. As a result, some drivers are moving to other European countries, even though they already live and work in Germany. He is therefore calling for greater planning certainty for international skilled workers. This would benefit both companies and employees alike.
What other haulage companies can learn from this successful model
The experience of the Brucker haulage company highlights clear factors for success. Anyone wishing to successfully address the driver shortage in the logistics sector should consider recruitment, driver retention and the integration of international skilled workers as a whole. Digital solutions further support this process.
SpediTalks by Rathmann
SpediTalks by Rathmann is the SPEDIFORT Community’s online talk series. Host Matthias Rathmann regularly speaks with experts from the freight forwarding and logistics sectors. The live discussions provide practical insights into recruitment, driving staff, sales and artificial intelligence.
All episodes are subsequently available in the community’s media library. Participation is free for users with an active SPEDIFORT account. You can use the platform free of charge for 30 days.
