Proactively securing human resources for transport and logistics businesses

While Vietnam's economy is recovering strongly with impressive growth in import-export turnover, the transport sector, including container transport, is facing a human resource challenge.

Container transport is facing pressure from a shortage of drivers.

The scarcity of CE-class drivers (formerly FC) has left many container trucks and semi-trailers parked. This challenge not only creates difficulties for logistics businesses but also directly puts pressure on the goods supply chain.

Transport enterprises face driver shortages

According to industry associations and businesses, the shortage of container truck drivers in the Southern region, especially the Southeast, has persisted since 2025 and shows no clear signs of improvement. Many businesses report they are short of 30% to 50% of the driver workforce needed to meet actual demand. As a result, many vehicles have been left idle in yards, despite abundant transport orders. Pressure on goods delivery and receipt is increasing, while transport capacity has failed to keep pace with production and export demand.

Phan Dinh Canh, Chairman of the Dong Nai Logistics Association, said: There was a time when his company received a contract from a partner and prepared 20 vehicles and personnel to serve the transportation contract. However, shortly after, 5 drivers resigned, but the company struggled to recruit CE-licensed drivers in time to fill the vacancies. This challenge caused difficulties for the unit in complying with the contract while putting the company in an extremely difficult situation: having vehicles but having to park them due to a lack of drivers, thus missing business opportunities.

The driver shortage is not merely an internal matter for transport businesses, but also has implications for the entire economy. When transport capacity declines, logistics costs rise, driving up the cost of goods. In a fiercely competitive environment, this is a major disadvantage for manufacturing and export businesses. If this situation persists, supply chain disruptions, especially at major seaports and logistics hubs, could very well occur.

The shortage is affecting not only businesses specializing in import and export services but also other transport businesses, which are struggling to find drivers across different license categories. In recent times, driver resignations have become common. Although businesses have continuously posted recruitment notices, they have received few applications; some drivers underwent probation but later failed to meet the requirements.

Businesses in the industry predict that the driver shortage will continue to increase in the coming period. This obstacle significantly affects domestic transportation activities, forcing many units to reduce operating frequency or reduce orders, posing a risk of supply chain disruption.

Appropriate solutions are needed

According to businesses, the shortage of container drivers stems from the physically demanding, high-pressure nature of the occupation, which is less attractive to young workers. The age requirements for the CE license exam remain problematic, as drivers are only allowed to take the C license exam at 21 and must wait until 24 to take the CE license exam. This reality prolongs the training process and increases costs. In addition, CE license training facilities remain scarce, and many schools do not offer classes due to strict regulations, making it difficult for learners to gain access.

Another contributing factor is the increasingly strict penalty system, while delayed notification of traffic fines discourages many drivers.

A representative of a transport cooperative in Trang Dai ward commented: Long-haul driving requires good health, frequent time away from family, and exposure to traffic risks. Young people nowadays tend to switch to more flexible jobs, such as delivery (shipper) or ride-hailing. Although many people have suitable driving licenses, recruiting them is becoming increasingly difficult.

Nguyen Duy Hung, Director of Hung Thinh Phat Co., Ltd. (Tam Hiep ward) commented: A severe shortage of CE-licensed drivers is the current reality for transport businesses. Finding a quality driver is already difficult, and one who specializes in container transport is even more challenging. Given that Dong Nai and the Southeast region are major export hubs, any disruption to transportation can affect production and trade.

Therefore, Nguyen Duy Hung believes that comprehensive and long-term solutions are needed. Authorities should reform the driver training and license upgrade process to be more flexible, shortening the time while still ensuring quality. Strengthening the link between training institutions and transportation enterprises will help ensure the supply of human resources that closely match actual needs. Enterprises must also proactively retain employees with appropriate benefits and, at the same time, apply information technology to transportation management and operations to achieve maximum efficiency.

The shortage of container truck drivers is creating clear consequences for the logistics chain. When vehicles cannot operate at full capacity, transportation times are extended, and logistics costs increase, thereby reducing the competitiveness of goods.

By Vuong The – Translated by Mai Nga, Minho