London, UK: The shortage of HGV delivery drivers is now critical and could threaten food supply in some areas like chilled products, says the Federation of Wholesale Distributors.
FWD members are reporting particular difficulties getting hold of soft drinks, beer, and chilled products like cream, cheese, yoghurt and meats.
Food wholesalers are experiencing severe difficulties delivering to convenience stores, pubs, restaurants and care homes, so FWD has asked the government for a temporary extension of drivers’ hours – as was put in place when supermarkets were facing shortages last year.
The suggestion is for the extension to be limited to multi-drop deliveries to remote communities, or where there is a specific threat to food supply.
“The driver shortage has reached crisis point for some of our members and we believe it is likely to get worse as more hospitality venues open and demand increases,” said FWD chief executive James Bielby.
“Some wholesalers have had to limit the number of deliveries they make to convenience stores which has led to some availability issues.
“They have done all they can to keep their customers stocked, including raising drivers’ wages and even sending depot staff out in non-HGV vehicles to fulfil smaller orders. Some have had to turn down business in order to fulfil orders to regular customers.”
Without some form of support to remedy the issue, the concern is that the entire supply chain could falter.
“Wholesalers have tried engaging agencies but these are also short of drivers,” said Bielby.
“We’ve asked the government to re-instate the temporary extension of drivers’ hours (from 9 to 11) which was in place last year but ended recently. Other proposals we are putting forward include ending furlough for HGV drivers, temporarily waiving requirements for medical certs and CPC for those which have run out, and using army drivers to deliver to vulnerable communities.
