Freight transport in Spain is growing, but driver shortages and regulatory uncertainty are hampering its potential.

 

While the sector is projected to grow by 2,64% in 2024, reaching 1.644,5 billion tons transported, a critical shortage of drivers and the urgent need for a clear and stable regulatory framework are emerging as significant obstacles to its future development.

 

The growth of the sector, which contributes 4,4% of the national GDP and employs more than 1,1 million workers, is a positive indicator of the resilience and importance of freight transport to the Spanish economy. However, this growth is threatened by the alarming shortage of professional drivers.

 

"Currently, there are 30.000 unfilled vacancies in Spain, while at the European level, the figure rises to 233.000. The aging of the workforce further aggravates the situation," he warned. Maria Tena, Director of Logistics and Transportation of AECOC70% of drivers in Spain are over 50, and a third of professionals in the EU are over 55, posing a considerable challenge to generational change and the long-term sustainability of the sector.

 

The shortage of drivers not only impacts the competitiveness of the sector, but also contributes to rising transportation costs, a factor that worries 99% of attendees at the AECOC National Transport Forum.

 

Another crucial challenge is the transition to more sustainable transport. The sector faces uncertainty about the best technological solutions to decarbonize long- and short-distance transport. According to the AECOC Sustainable Logistics Barometer, hydrogen and biofuels are the preferred alternatives for long-distance heavy transport, while electrification leads the way for short-distance transport.

 

“Hydrogen is seen as the best alternative for long-haul heavy transport until 2030, with 77% support from industry professionals,” Tena noted. “For short-haul transport, the most supported technology is the electric truck, with 84% support.”

 

In addition to operational and technological challenges, the sector is demanding a clear and stable regulatory framework to drive its transformation. The modification of the General Vehicle Regulations to allow 44 tons in Spain, the approval of the Sustainable Mobility Law and the updating of the European directive on weights and dimensions and combined transport are urgent measures that must be adopted.

 

“Intermodality and digitalization are also presented as two fundamental pillars for the future of transport,” Tena emphasized. “Route optimization and improved cargo management will reduce the administrative burden, increase operational efficiency, and move towards a more competitive and sustainable sector.”

 

Freight transport in Spain is at a crossroads. Despite its growth and contribution to the national economy, the shortage of drivers, uncertainty about decarbonization, and the need for a clear and stable regulatory framework require urgent attention. Collaboration between the public and private sectors, along with the adoption of new technologies and the promotion of intermodality and digitalization, are essential to ensuring a prosperous and sustainable future for freight transport in Spain.