Is HGV activity back to Pre-Covid levels?
The transport and logistics sector has seen a turbulent 6 months with certain sectors powering forward through lock down and others going into a short-term state of hibernation. In mid-April, HGV traffic levels dropped by 45%. Now, 6 months on, official government statistics show that consumer purchases of goods is back to and even beyond pre Covid levels with HGV traffic levels on UK roads some 5% higher than February and weekend truck activity up some 20%.
With Unemployment going up there must be more HGV drivers available at lower rates!
Unfortunately, our research and data suggest actually the opposite is happening. With the explosion of home delivery of goods and services, the demands on the labour pool is going up. In the background the ageing driver population continues with many calling it quits especially in the light of the current crisis. Our own data shows that a proportion of Eastern European drivers have returned to their home countries, (minimum 8%), and as yet have not returned. With an estimated (RHA) 60,000 European drivers in the UK pre Covid this is only adding to the vacancy lists.
Driver Downtime and Absence is going up due to Covid
As the next wave of Covid infections starts to sweep through the country, absences due to HGV drivers showing symptoms and delays waiting for tests will put pressure on the market as Christmas demands increase. As part of a transport Group, our sister businesses have seen 3% of all drivers absent because they are self-isolating or waiting for tests.
The simple fact is drivers are in short supply (again)…………
Class 1 drivers who are available to work are commanding premium rates. We are in a driver’s market. The below information has been taken from the leading job board search engine and shows the average Class 1 driver pay rates which have been advertised on the site over the past 30-60 days. It assumes drivers are doing standard days Monday to Friday.
| Area | Class 1 LTD Pay Rate |
| Warrington | £13.64 |
| Manchester | £13.02 |
| Wigan | £13.55 |
| Liverpool | £13.60 |
| Crewe | £13.55 |
| Stoke | £13.07 |
What cost having no driver in your truck?
Dependent on your operations and vehicle type, our own transport group experience shows that standing costs for a truck range from £200-£575 per day and lost revenue could be between £500 and £850 per day. Ignoring the current rates needed to attract drivers could be very costly this year.
Detailed Report on Driver Pay Rates in Your area?
Please contact kara.mccabe@silverarrow.co.uk and we will without obligation give you an analysis of what we believe you would need to do to recruit drivers in your area for your specific transport activities.
