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.”