Austrian logistics faces major challenges

The labour shortage among truck drivers is an increasing challenge for Austria’s economy. The impending wave of retirements among drivers is aggravating the situation and endangering the future of local supply in Austria.

Thus the Austrian Chamber of Commerce (WKO) is taking action to promote the profession of truck driver, especially among young people. “We want to introduce a two-year apprenticeship to become a truck driver,” said Alexander Klacska, Chairman of the Transport division of the Austrian Chamber of Commerce at a press conference in Vienna on 29 November.

The aim is to give young people the opportunity to start their apprenticeship as truck operators at the age of 16, to obtain their truck driving licence at the age of 17 and to complete their apprenticeship at the age of 18.

“We want to explicitly address women”, said Iris Thalbauer from the Trade division of the WKO. The profession of truck driver is still strongly dominated by men. In general, there is potential for improvement of its image, because the working conditions in the driver’s profession are becoming more and more calculable. There are regular working hours in regional delivery traffic and low physical strain thanks to the increased use of technical aids for loading and unloading.

“We demand politicians and the public to value that we not only bring the Christmas presents, but also organise the disposal, and supply all of Austria”, says Alexander Klacska at the end of the event.

www.wko.at