A potential Russian attack on a NATO member state could trigger a severe supply crisis in Germany, leaving up to 400,000 truck drivers unavailable, according to the German Association of Goods Transport and Logistics (BGL).
Dirk Engelhardt, CEO of the BGL, told “Bild” newspaper that the transportation sector is already facing a shortage of 100,000 drivers. He stated that an attack on a NATO nation could lead to the departure of up to 300,000 Eastern European drivers returning to their home countries.
Engelhardt emphasized the urgent need for measures to recruit new driver groups. He specifically advocated for increased female representation in the trucking profession, coupled with improvements in working conditions such as secure parking areas and truck amenities including showers, toilets and kitchens. Reactivating retired drivers and utilizing personnel from organizations like the fire department and Federal Agency for Technical Relief (THW), who operate trucks, were also suggested.
He further called for the elimination of the current five-year qualification examination requirement for truck drivers, arguing that failure to address the potential shortfall of 400,000 drivers would jeopardize the ability to adequately support both the German armed forces and the civilian population in a crisis.