Globter is a well-established European training and assessment organization with a proud legacy of over 25 years of expertise in truck and driver training programs. Recognized for its specialized approach to driver assessment and training, Globter has built a reputation as a trusted partner for global employers seeking highly skilled and qualified drivers.
Globter specializes in developing and delivering top-notch driver assessment and training programs tailored to meet the rigorous demands of international markets. With a focus on quality and professionalism, we aim to supply skilled drivers for European and global employers, ensuring operational excellence across the industry.
Globter Asia Centre was established to address the growing demand for highly skilled truck drivers in international markets. As a premier training and assessment centre, we provide world-class education, hands-on experience, and internationally recognized services to ensure drivers meet global industry standards. Our comprehensive programs are designed to equip trainees with the necessary skills, technical expertise, and professional knowledge required to excel in the global transportation and logistics sector.
The Growing Truck Driver Shortage : The global transport industry is facing a critical shortage of truck drivers, posing serious risks to supply chains, economies, and communities. According to IRU’s recent Driver Shortage Report, over three million truck driver positions remain unfilled across 36 countries, representing 7% of total jobs in the sector. This shortage is expected to worsen significantly over the next five years unless immediate action is taken to attract and retain new drivers. A survey of more than 4,700 trucking companies across the Americas, Asia, and Europe—representing 72% of global GDP—revealed a sharp increase in driver shortages in 2023. Without intervention, projections indicate that by 2028, over 7 million truck driver positions could be vacant worldwide.
One of the major hurdles is the widening gap between retiring drivers and the entry of young professionals into the industry. Many countries still impose a high minimum driving age for international freight transport, often between 21 and 22 years old, making it difficult for young people to start their careers early.
Becoming a professional truck driver involves substantial financial investment, which discourages many potential candidates. For instance, in France, obtaining a truck driver’s license and a Certificate of Professional Competence costs an average of EUR 5,250, which is three times the minimum monthly wage. Similarly, in Europe, the average cost of professional qualifications is 3.7 times greater than the monthly minimum wage, making accessibility a key concern.
The consequences of the truck driver shortage extend beyond logistics and transportation companies. According to IRU, European transport operators are already facing service disruptions due to a lack of drivers. This shortage is harming global supply chains, leading to delays, increased costs, and economic slowdowns.
The driver shortage crisis is not limited to freight transportation. Bus and coach driver shortages have increased by 54% in the past year, with a concerning trend of low young workforce entry. In Europe alone, more than 330,000 bus and coach drivers are set to retire in the next 5 to 10 years, while new drivers entering the profession remain significantly lower. By 2028, Europe could see over 275,000 unfilled bus and coach driver positions, further straining the transportation sector.
To combat the worsening driver shortage, transport companies and policymakers are implementing various measures:
IRU and industry experts propose several actions to make truck driving a more attractive career choice:
The global driver shortage is a structural issue that requires urgent action. With increasing demand for freight and passenger transport, it is essential to implement industry-wide solutions to attract new talent, lower financial barriers, and improve working conditions. Addressing these challenges now will ensure a stable and sustainable transport sector for the future.
The increasing demand for goods and services has amplified the need for professional drivers across these industries. Factors such as an aging workforce, high turnover rates, and the challenges of long-haul driving contribute to the current shortage. Without intervention, this gap is projected to widen, potentially doubling unfilled positions by 2028.