Why India Faces a Severe Truck Driver Shortage

India’s logistics sector, often described as the backbone of the economy, is struggling with a growing crisis—the truck driver shortage. While trucks move more than 65% of the country’s goods, the number of available drivers is shrinking at an alarming rate. This imbalance is slowing down deliveries, raising logistics costs, and straining supply chains across industries.

The Extent of the Shortage

India has close to 6 million trucks on its roads, but only around 3.6 million active drivers. That means over 2.2 million trucks are sitting idle due to the lack of manpower. In 2025, for every 100 trucks, there are only 55 drivers available, compared to 75 just a few years ago. This shortfall results in 25–30% of trucks lying unused, directly causing supply chain delays and hurting India’s economic growth.

Why Driving Has Lost Its Appeal

The driver shortage in India isn’t a simple numbers issue—it’s rooted in deep systemic challenges.

1. Harsh Working and Living Conditions

Truck driving demands long hours, overnight hauls, and weeks away from family. With few rest stops, poor roadside facilities, and limited access to healthcare, drivers often suffer from exhaustion and serious health issues. Studies show that more than half of truck drivers develop chronic back pain and cervical problems by their 40s.

2. Low and Unsteady Pay

Most truck drivers earn around ₹20,000–₹25,000 per month, which is less than what city cab drivers make. Inconsistent income, no overtime benefits, and irregular payments make trucking a financially unstable profession.

3. No Social Security Net

Unlike formal sector jobs, truck drivers rarely get health insurance, pensions, or retirement benefits. Many are left to deal with medical expenses and old age insecurity on their own. Frequent harassment at checkpoints further adds to the stress.

4. Social Stigma and Perception

In many parts of India, truck driving is considered a low-status job. It is viewed as a profession with no career progression, making it unattractive to younger generations. This stigma is so strong that nearly 38% of truck drivers remain unmarried, reflecting how social perception affects their personal lives too.

5. Regulatory and Licensing Barriers

Getting a commercial license in India is often a tedious process, filled with long wait times and complicated rules. While stricter compliance improves safety, it also discourages newcomers from entering the field.

6. An Aging Workforce

Most of India’s experienced truck drivers are approaching retirement, but few young replacements are stepping in. This generational gap is pushing the industry toward a long-term workforce crisis.

Finding a Way Forward

The driver shortage is already leading to higher freight costs, late deliveries, and inefficiencies across the economy. To fix this, experts recommend:

• Offering better pay packages and incentives.
• Building driver-friendly rest areas with sanitation, food, and healthcare facilities.
• Launching driver training and certification programs at scale.
• Providing social security benefits such as insurance and retirement plans.
• Running awareness campaigns to improve the profession’s image and highlight its importance in nation-building.

Conclusion

The truck driver shortage in India is not just a logistics problem—it’s a national economic challenge. Without immediate reforms in pay, working conditions, and societal recognition, the crisis will only deepen. By making trucking a respected and rewarding profession, India can ensure that its supply chains remain strong, its goods move on time, and its economy keeps rolling forward.