Meeting Ireland’s Driver Shortage with AER Temp
Posted on 13 Feb 2026
The Growing Demand for Articulated Truck Drivers in the Republic of Ireland: Why Your Business Needs AER Temp
Ireland's logistics and warehousing sector is experiencing unprecedented growth, and with it comes a critical challenge that's keeping business owners awake at night: the shortage of qualified articulated truck drivers AgrilandDublin People. As the backbone of our economy, Ireland's logistics sector supports €196 billion in exports annually and handles over 47.5 million tonnes of goods through Irish ports Government of Ireland. Yet the industry faces a significant skills gap that threatens to disrupt supply chains nationwide.
Understanding the Driver Shortage Crisis
The Irish Road Haulage Association estimates that 4,000 additional HGV drivers are needed over the next five years to meet growing demand. The situation is so acute that some Cork hauliers are reporting shortages of 40 drivers, with lorries sitting idle in yards Dublin People. This isn't just a number on a spreadsheet—it's a real challenge impacting businesses' ability to deliver goods on time, meet customer expectations, and maintain competitive operations.
Several factors contribute to this shortage. Thirty-one percent of current HGV drivers are aged 55 or older, with 30% expected to retire by 2026 Government of IrelandIifa. Meanwhile, obtaining an HGV licence in Ireland can be time-consuming and costly, with prospective drivers facing waits of up to two years for tests and costs exceeding €1,000. For businesses, this means traditional recruitment channels simply aren't delivering the qualified drivers needed to keep operations running smoothly.
The Real-World Impact on Warehousing and Logistics Companies
When you can't fill driver positions, the consequences ripple throughout your entire operation. Delayed deliveries become routine. Customer satisfaction drops. Operational costs rise as you're forced to turn down business or pay premium rates for last-minute cover. Haulage companies are reporting that they can no longer wait for new drivers to secure employment—companies are actively recruiting drivers before they even receive their licences Swilly Group.
AER Temp understands these pressures because we work with warehousing and logistics companies across Ireland every day. Our clients in Dublin, Cork, Galway, and beyond are facing the same challenges: finding qualified CE licence holders with digital tachograph cards, current CPC certification, and the experience to handle articulated vehicles safely and efficiently.
How AER Temp Solves Your Driver Shortage Challenge
This is where AER Temp's specialist expertise makes all the difference. We maintain a comprehensive database of pre-vetted articulated truck drivers who are ready to work when you need them. Unlike traditional recruitment methods that can take weeks or months, AER Temp's smart technology platform connects you with qualified drivers in a fraction of the time.
Our rigorous compliance and onboarding process ensures that every driver in our network meets the strict requirements for articulated truck operation in Ireland. We verify CE licences, check digital tachograph cards, confirm CPC certifications are current, and validate driving experience. This means when you book a driver through AER Temp, you're getting someone who's genuinely qualified and ready to operate your vehicles safely and legally.
The AER Temp Advantage for Your Business
What sets AER Temp apart is our combination of personal service and technological efficiency. With over 3 million shifts processed and a network of 30,000 workers, we have the scale and experience to handle your staffing needs, whether you require one driver for a day or a team for a busy seasonal period.
Our platform makes posting shifts quick and easy, with instant access to available drivers in your area. Need someone for an early morning start? Looking to cover a route at short notice? Our automated notification system alerts qualified drivers immediately, and our machine learning tools help identify the candidates most likely to accept and excel in each role.
For warehousing and logistics companies, the temp-to-perm option is particularly valuable. You can trial articulated truck drivers in your operation before making permanent hiring decisions, reducing recruitment risk and ensuring the right cultural and operational fit.
Looking Ahead
Industry revenue in freight road transport has grown to reach an estimated €3.8 billion in 2025 IBISWorld, and demand continues to climb. As Ireland's economy grows and consumer expectations for rapid delivery increase, the need for qualified articulated truck drivers will only intensify.
Don't let driver shortages hold your business back. AER Temp is here to provide the flexible, reliable staffing solutions you need to keep your fleet on the road and your customers satisfied. With offices in Dublin and Belfast, we're strategically positioned to support logistics operations throughout Ireland.
Ready to solve your driver shortage challenge? Contact AER Temp today or visit www.aertemp.com to discover how we can keep your business moving forward.
