Driver poaching drains local pool

THE CRITICAL shortage of
skilled long-distance drivers is
well-chronicled, with the Aids
pandemic identified as a key
contributing factor.
But that’s not strictly correct,
Road Freight Association policy
and regulation manager Gavin
Kelly told FTW.
“Our greatest problem in the
last few years has been poaching
by the US, UK and Australia of
experienced, competent and safe
drivers.
“We often get emails from
companies in the US looking
for drivers and that’s the real
problem.”
To address the issue, the RFA
recently launched its driving
academy and has started
accrediting driving institutions to
train drivers more professionally.
“It’s often not regarded as
a career. The RFA is starting a
campaign to convince people
that driving a heavy vehicle is a
career worth following and that
it’s a professional career that’s
well paid and not a demeaning
job.”
The fact that the majority
of the current pool comprises
drivers over the age of 52 years
who have health problems like
poor eyesight and diabetes
combined with the growing
incidence of Aids-infected drivers
is draining the driving pool,
according to Kelly.
He is confident that the
academy will address the
problem.
“But we don’t see an
immediate change for the next
year – it will take at least a year
to get a new batch of drivers out
into the industry.”