The shortage of HGV drivers is leading to widespread disruption and delays, as the Builders Merchants Federation (BMF) warns it is the industry’s ‘biggest concern at present’
Across the BMF membership, companies are recruiting and retraining existing staff into driving roles, but have reported difficulties sourcing new and replacement drivers, as well as struggling to secure agency cover due to demand.
The issues are leading to extended lead times for some products, and even failed deliveries.
Limited test slots are also preventing staff from taking HGV driving tests, while holiday plans over the summer further reduce driver availability.
The BMF has 760 merchant and supplier member companies, who together have combined sales of £39bn and employ over 207,000 people in the building materials industry.
The issue comes as figures from The Road Haulage Association (RHA) show an existing deficit of 60,000 lorry drivers has been compounded by 15,000 European drivers leaving the UK and the cancellation of 30,000 HGV driving tests during the pandemic.
The BMF is now compiling information across its member network to share with Government and look towards a solution to address the issue.
Struggling to recruit
BMF East Midlands regional chairman, Jim Parlato, a director at Browns Builders Merchant, said: “Drivers are our biggest concern at present. We have two of our warehouse and yard operatives taking their tests shortly but getting courses and booking tests has become an issue with demand meaning months of waiting.”
BMF South West regional chairman, David Young, of Bradfords Building Supplies, said: “We have 16 LGV driver vacancies at the moment. We’re struggling to recruit and also no agency cover is available due to demand.
“The knock-on effect is lead times to our customers are extended by a day, from one-to-two days to two-to-three days. We do have 22 internal drivers being trained up but there are not enough test slots available so this is taking longer than normal.
“Suppliers to builders’ merchants have also been hit by the shortfall, resulting in restrictions on some products and failed deliveries at short notice.”
BMF CEO, John Newcomb, added: “It is clear that there is a major deficit of HGV drivers and issues with training and supporting new recruits into the role, and this is now causing delayed deliveries and rising costs across the UK.”
