Responsible Trucking: Tackling Working Conditions in the Road Transport Sector
The trucking industry is facing a growing driver shortage (or, as some may say, turnover crisis), driven by an aging workforce and a lack of appeal to younger generations (Long Hours and Irregular Schedules, Poor Working Conditions, Safety Risks, High Stress, Low Social Status and Limited Career Growth…). While wages are increasing, many drivers are now prioritizing better work-life balance and shorter periods away from home over higher pay. This appears to be a wider trend, although comprehensive data is still limited and conditions vary by region (see map: IRU 2023 shortages map). In Europe, for example, 7% of truck driver positions remained unfilled in 2023 whereas China and Argentine was 11% (IRU, 2024).
Truck driver shortage affects both logistics companies and the businesses that depend on them. Logistics providers struggle to maintain a reliable pool of drivers, while receiving companies risk disruptions to their operations due to delayed or inconsistent deliveries. In both cases, the shortage compromises key parts of their value chains and threatens their overall efficiency and reliability.
In response to these interconnected challenges, the Responsible Trucking initiative aligns with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) 3 (Good Health and Well-being), 5 (Gender Equality), 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth), and 9 (Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure), and with the European CSDDD. This highlights the platform's commitment to advancing inclusive, safe, and sustainable practices across logistic supply chains.
Recap: What is Responsible Trucking?
The Responsible Trucking is a collaborative platform initiated by CSR Europe to drive systemic change in European road transport. It supports companies in identifying human rights risks, strengthening compliance with legislation, and improving working conditions for drivers through partnership and engagement across the entire logistics supplychain. Carriers and shippers collaborate to proactively manage social risks in the sector and prepare for evolving policy landscapes. Members of the initiative include Baton, Daimler Truck, H&M Group, IKEA, Iveco Group, PostNord, Raben, Scania and Volvo Group.
Key Deliverables Include:
Root Cause Analysis identifying the underlying social challenges in the European trucking sector.
Truck Transport Social Guidelines (TTSG) providing industry-wide standards for responsible practices.
Spot-Check Tool to assess truckers’ conditions and support greater compliance among suppliers.
Increased Capacity through cross-sector collaboration and engagement in policy dialogue.
Responsible Trucking Survey
CSR Europe's 2024 Spot Check Tool (SCT) survey gave an overview of the working conditions across European logistics sites showing a sign of hope through industry-led progress. The survey, supported by &Wider and conducted in 21 languages to ensure wide accessibility, was fully anonymous to protect drivers and encourage candid feedback. It reflects the direct experiences of over 2,800 drivers across Europe. While the industry focuses on decarbonisation and automation, social risks and human rights remain urgent concerns. The initiative unites companies to address these challenges collectively, aiming to improve fairness, strengthen labour standards, and build a transport sector that attracts and retains workers.
Participating companies already reported clearer communication, safer procedures, and greater respect for drivers, supported by ethical standards and practical changes such as regular inspections and sheltered handover areas. These advances demonstrate a real commitment to social responsibility.
CSR Europe at Transport Logistic 2025
In June, CSR Europe participated in Transport Logistic 2025 in Munich, the world’s leading trade fair for logistics, mobility, IT, and supply chain management. There were over 3,000 exhibitors at the event, offering a key platform to advance dialogue on responsible road transport practices, including secure parking, driver well-being, and social standards.
The event marked a key moment to introduce the Responsible Trucking platform to new companies and reinforce the urgent need to improve driver conditions and uphold human rights across the supply chain. Feedback from members and sustainability professionals is helping shape stronger follow-up mechanisms and enhance the monitoring of subcontracted drivers. It also opened valuable dialogue with key European organisations, creating opportunities for broader impact across the sector.
The support of our members Scania and Raben, together with insightful conversations with ESPORG and Truckers Life Foundation, proved fruitful in exploring areas of improvement and collaboration opportunities to enhance the platform's tools and visibility.
Truck Transport Social Guidelines
Access this link for more information on the Truck Transport Social Guidelines, an essential resource to help enhance working conditions and strengthen your business practices in the road transport sector.
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