Gen Z being drawn to commercial driving

A survey conducted by Samsara of 1,001 people aged between 16-25 years of age in the UK found that young people are more open to a career in logistics and physical operations as might be assumed.

The research, which was supported by Logistics UK, comes amid the challenge the logistics industry faces in not only recruiting staff, but retaining them: at the start of 2025, the UK’s active HGV driver workforce had declined by 1.9% compared to 2024. Samsara’s research showed that more than half (58%) said a career in operations or logistics is appealing, while almost two-thirds (62%) said they have a positive view of the sector overall.

The benefits listed of a career in logistics included flexibility (47%), autonomy (43%), avoiding office life (40%), good pay potential 37%) and opportunities to travel (28%). However, of the reasons listed why young people wouldn’t pursue this career, long hours (45%) topped the list, followed by perceptions of boring work (28%), male dominance (28%), low pay (27%) and poor working conditions (22%).

Therefore, the research concluded that logistics needs to be viewed as a stable, modern career and the role employers, educators and technology can play in that is critical. Positivity from current drivers about the role technology plays in their work reflects how cameras, sensors and mobile apps are beneficial in providing greater visibility over vehicles, cutting down on admin, and allowing fleets to spot risks earlier. 55% said that in-vehicle technology has improved, while almost half (49%) said their job technology is better.

Furthermore, 57% of respondents said they are interested in jobs that use the latest AI, which presents the logistics industry with the opportunity to reposition itself as a thriving digital sector and attract new talent. This echoed by the 42% who said showcasing modern technology and smart vehicles would help to bring new entrants into the industry, alongside better awareness and clearer progression routes.