The Dutch transport and logistics sector is grappling with a persistent shortage of truck drivers, a situation that remains unchanged even as economic confidence wanes. The Sectorinstituut Transport en Logistiek (STL) Q1 2026 monitor highlights a growing pessimism among businesses regarding the overall economic climate. Despite this, the demand for professional truck drivers has not decreased, indicating a structural imbalance in the labor market.
For freight forwarders and operations managers, this ongoing driver scarcity translates directly into higher operational costs and potential delays for road freight movements within and through the Netherlands. Capacity for inland transport may remain tight, particularly for last-mile deliveries and time-sensitive cargo. Forwarders should anticipate continued pressure on trucking rates and factor in longer lead times for domestic and regional road legs, potentially exploring intermodal solutions where feasible to mitigate road-specific risks.
