Who hasn’t heard this? “There’s no shortage of drivers these days, only a shortage of good drivers.” This phrase, often repeated by transport companies, appears frequently in many discussions. I decided to find out from both employers and employees what it truly means to be a good driver.

Drivers themselves, especially those with more experience, take a moment to think before answering the question. “Being aware of the size and weight of the vehicle we’re driving,” says Sjors, a driver from the Netherlands. Peter from Spain emphasizes the importance of personal cleanliness when dealing with customers. “A driver shouldn’t go into the office in flip-flops, barefoot, in dirty sweats, and leaving an unpleasant smell,” he adds.

Other drivers share similar views. Many of those I surveyed highlight that a good driver takes care of the truck, avoids causing damage, and regularly checks the basic functions and equipment of the vehicle. There were also those who claimed that a good driver can back up to the ramp with his eyes closed, but that’s more bravado than a real quality of a good driver.

In any case, according to those involved, a good driver should possess these qualities. But is there really such a shortage of professionals in our field with these attributes? I doubt it.

Now, let’s look over to the transport companies. Here, the profile of a “good driver” looks a bit different, but there is one common trait. Companies mainly value punctuality and thinking skills. Thinking on the road, when securing loads, when dealing with clients or loaders – the theme of thinking came up repeatedly in the responses from my interviewees. Additionally, companies require a “good driver” to possess qualities that match the specific needs of their business. “At our company, a good driver isn’t afraid of heights, as he sometimes has to climb onto the container to close the doors,” said Erik, a dispatcher from the Netherlands.

A German liquid fuel transport company expects a good driver to obviously be familiar with ADR regulations, but also to be cautious and capable of reacting in crisis situations. For a Polish company, a “good driver” is someone who doesn’t complain when they need to stay on the road longer, and who can, of course, change a tire if needed.

From the many conversations I’ve had, it’s clear that there isn’t a single, universal profile of a good driver. That’s why I believe that claiming there’s a shortage of good drivers is quite unfair.

In another article, we’ll look into what it means to work for a “good company.”

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