Driver shortage threatens industry's growth

By KEVIN TAYLOR

New Zealand could be 4000 drivers short by 2005 unless road transport industry recruitment and retention is improved, says a new report.

The industry employs about 20,000 drivers but is short about 1250, or just over 5 per cent of the pool, with the shortage predicted to worsen. The report, prepared for the Forest Owners Association, Road Transport Forum and Log Transport Safety Council, said the economic impact of a shortage of drivers could be significant.

Enough drivers were being recruited to replace those leaving, but not enough to for future growth.

The report cited several major factors affecting recruitment, including:

* The industry's image. Schools focused on academic achievement and did not promote road transport or similar jobs as careers.

* Training time and cost. Prospective drivers cannot get student loans.

* Low pay and inflexible hours such as nights and weekends, which are seen as disincentives.

Forest Owners Association chief executive Rob McLagan said the shortage could affect the growth of regions where major forest harvesting operations were coming on stream, such as Northland, East Coast, southern North Island, Nelson, Canterbury and Southland.

"If we don't have more drivers to help handle the growing output, then everyone will miss out."