Overview

• Dirk Engelhardt cautioned that a Russian attack on NATO territory could prompt up to 300,000 Eastern European drivers to return home, compounding an existing shortfall of 100,000 in Germany.
• A potential gap of 400,000 drivers threatens to undermine military logistics for the Bundeswehr and disrupt civilian supply chains nationwide.
• The BGL proposes targeted recruitment of women, retired drivers and volunteers from fire brigades and the THW to diversify and bolster the workforce.
• Abolishing the mandatory five-year qualification exam is urged to improve retention and accelerate the availability of trained truck drivers.
• Germany’s heavy reliance on Eastern European labor, strict qualification rules and inadequate rest facilities have exacerbated recruitment challenges, prompting calls for infrastructure and policy reforms.