In the second quarter of 2026, employment within the Dutch transport and logistics sector reached 173,086 individuals, marking the highest level recorded since data collection began in 2009. However, this growth has not alleviated the significant shortage of truck drivers. The number of active truck drivers remains lower than the previous year, and the demographic trend shows an increasing average age among the existing workforce.
For freight forwarders and operations managers, this trend signals ongoing challenges in securing road transport capacity within the Netherlands. The shift towards part-time work, combined with an aging driver population, suggests that lead times for road freight might extend, and rates could experience upward pressure due to constrained supply. Forwarders may need to explore alternative transport solutions or factor in longer transit times and potentially higher costs for inland distribution and collection within the region. Proactive planning and communication with carriers will be crucial to mitigate potential disruptions.
