Lithuania’s freight transport sector is facing a reality that can no longer be ignored: a growing shortage of professional truck drivers is slowing down deliveries, increasing logistics costs, and weakening competitiveness in international markets.
This issue has gone beyond individual companies — it now affects the entire economy, supply chains, and even daily life. While logistics firms struggle to find drivers, cargo delays increase and costs rise, pushing some businesses to the edge of operational limits.
At the same time, new solutions are emerging. Companies that adapt quickly, embrace flexible employment models, and build partnerships with workforce experts are proving that the driver shortage can be managed — not just endured.
As one of the leading temporary employment and staffing companies in Lithuania, DasWork believes that collaboration between logistics professionals and recruitment specialists is the key to keeping the transport sector moving forward.
Statistics Reveal the Scale of the Problem
According to the latest data from the International Road Transport Union (IRU), Lithuania is currently experiencing a 12% shortage of professional drivers. By 2028, this figure could rise to 18%.
(Source: LRT, 2024)
Industry analyses published in 2025 estimate that Lithuania already lacks between 10,000 and 12,000 long-haul drivers, and if no strategic changes are made, the deficit could reach 20,000 by the end of the decade.
(Source: Trans.INFO, 2025)
Across Europe, the problem is even more acute — the transport industry is short of around 400,000 professional drivers, a figure that directly threatens the stability of supply chains and the continent’s trade flows.
(Source: Trans.eu, 2025)
“The driver shortage is one of the most serious challenges for transport companies today.
The numbers speak for themselves — more than ten thousand drivers are missing in Lithuania alone, directly affecting delivery schedules and competitiveness,” – says representatives of DasWork.
Why Is There a Shortage of Drivers?
The driver shortage in Lithuania is not an accident — it’s a structural issue shaped by several deep-rooted factors.
- An aging workforce.
Across Europe, nearly one-third of all professional truck drivers are over the age of 55, while young people entering the profession account for just 6–7% of the total workforce.
This demographic imbalance means that the sector is facing a looming retirement wave without a sufficient inflow of new drivers.
(Source: IRU, 2025) - Challenging working conditions.
Long hours, extended time away from home, and unpredictable schedules make the profession less attractive to younger generations.
According to the Lithuanian National Road Carriers’ Association Linava, the perception of truck driving as an exhausting and undervalued job is one of the main reasons for the shortage.
(Source: Trans.INFO, 2025) - Low participation of women and youth.
Only 0.5% of Lithuania’s professional drivers are women, according to LRT. While the share of younger drivers is slightly higher than the EU average, it’s still far from enough to replace the retiring workforce. - Bureaucratic barriers.
Hiring drivers from non-EU countries remains a challenge. Companies face quotas, lengthy permit procedures, and administrative complexity, which often delay recruitment — even when qualified candidates are ready to start. - Limited training capacity.
Vocational schools and training centers simply cannot supply enough qualified drivers. According to Lithuania’s Employment Service, there are more than ten times as many open driver positions as there are candidates willing to take them.
“Solving this issue requires a comprehensive approach — from more flexible government policies to better working conditions. But legislation alone isn’t enough. We need new, more flexible employment models,” – says a representative of DasWork.
Temporary Employment Solutions – A Fast and Effective Response
The transport sector needs more than long-term strategies — it needs practical tools that deliver immediate results.
One of the most effective models proving its value today is temporary employment, offered by companies such as DasWork.
“We see a clear trend: logistics companies are looking for more flexible solutions.
We provide the ability to fill vacant driver positions — whether for short-term demand or longer-term needs.
This allows our clients to maintain operational stability while searching for permanent staff,” – say representatives of DasWork.
Temporary employment agencies handle not only recruitment but also the full administrative process — documentation, permits, and even migration compliance when hiring foreign workers.
In a sector often slowed down by bureaucracy, this saves companies time and resources while ensuring that transport operations continue without disruption.
“More and more companies are choosing the temporary employment model,” – notes DasWork.
“It not only helps manage seasonal fluctuations but also allows businesses to find long-term employees without taking unnecessary risks.”
This model creates a “bridge” between immediate operational needs and long-term staffing goals — a partnership where logistics companies focus on transport, and workforce specialists handle people.
Long-Term Directions: From Training to Image Building
While temporary employment solutions help cover immediate workforce gaps, the industry also needs a long-term vision. Experts and sector organizations emphasize several key directions for addressing the structural driver shortage in Lithuania and across Europe.
- Strengthen cooperation with vocational schools.
Transport companies and staffing agencies can partner with educational institutions to offer scholarships, paid internships, and hands-on driver training programs that lead directly to employment. - Improve the public image of the truck driver profession.
For many years, professional driving has been undervalued — often associated with hard physical work and limited career growth.
That perception needs to change. Highlighting stability, modern technologies, and international career opportunities can make the profession more attractive to younger generations. - Introduce motivational and retention measures.
Competitive pay is just one part of the equation. Loyalty bonuses, private health insurance, flexible schedules, and clear career paths can help attract and retain skilled drivers in the long run. - Encourage the participation of women and youth.
Active recruitment campaigns aimed at women and young people can bring much-needed diversity and fresh energy into the sector. Some European countries are already implementing targeted training and mentorship programs for new entrants.
“If we want a stable future for logistics, we must not only hire drivers — we must also elevate the profession’s image,” – says DasWork.
“Our goal is to help clients ensure that truck driving in Lithuania is seen as a respected, stable, and future-oriented career.”
By investing in training, career development, and employer branding, transport companies can turn today’s challenges into an opportunity to rebuild the sector’s foundation on stronger, more sustainable terms.
Looking Ahead: Solving the Driver Shortage Equation
The year 2025 has brought not only clearer statistics but also new policy tools.
The European Union has introduced measures to help young people enter the transport profession faster, while Lithuania’s new employment quota system requires companies to plan more carefully when hiring non-EU workers.
At the same time, the International Road Transport Union (IRU) reminds us that there is no single “silver bullet.”
Solving the driver shortage requires a combination of improved working conditions, stronger training systems, and modern employment models.
DasWork proves that action can be taken today. By providing temporary employment and recruitment solutions, the company helps transport businesses maintain operations even amid workforce shortages and regulatory changes. Data-driven, practical solutions — not quick fixes — are what make the difference between a parked truck and a completed delivery.
If your transport company is facing driver shortages, rising demand, or complex hiring challenges — now is the time to act.
DasWork specializes in connecting logistics companies with the professional drivers they need, managing the full recruitment and administrative process from start to finish.
Because when logistics experts focus on transport and workforce specialists focus on people — the whole industry moves forward.
Contact DasWork today and let’s make sure Lithuania’s logistics never stops moving.
