The Ukrainian transport sector is facing a critical situation due to a severe shortage of truck drivers. Experts estimate that there is currently a shortfall of between 30,000 and 40,000 professionals, leading to about one-third of the truck fleet being idle.
This is reported by Finway
Causes of the Specialist Shortage
According to Serhiy Derkach, Deputy Head of the Ministry of Regional Development, many companies are encountering a situation where there are not enough drivers even for new vehicles. The main factor has been a significant reduction in personnel, complicating the operations of logistics companies across Ukraine.
“Due to the personnel shortage, about 1/3 of the entire fleet of these vehicles is idle.”
To overcome the staffing crisis, the ministry is implementing special training programs aimed at attracting women, veterans, and youth to the profession. It is also noted that the situation regarding the reservation of workers from mobilization has partially stabilized: companies are allowed to reserve up to 50% of their staff. However, the main challenge remains not only retaining personnel but also retraining them to fill vacant truck driver positions.
Trends in the Labor Market
According to analytics from the State Employment Service, in the first half of 2025, the highest demand is observed in the service, manufacturing, education, and healthcare sectors. At the same time, vacancies for representatives of skilled trades and unskilled labor remain relevant. However, employers are particularly in need of specialists with narrow skills and workers with higher education, complicating the search for personnel in strategically important sectors, including transportation and logistics.