Russia Faces a Truck Driver Shortage as Women Enter the Field and Technology Changes the Job
The road transport sector in Russia is facing a significant shortage of drivers. Observers note that women can be hired as truck drivers, a point emphasized by Anton Shaparin, Vice President of the National Automobile Association. The industry is looking for new sources of labor as demand for road transport grows, outpacing rail and pipeline shipments in volume. Yet women remain largely absent from long-distance trucking, a gap that some analysts believe will narrow as conditions improve and opportunities expand. (Source: kp.ru via official statements)
Experts say the shift toward modern, technology-enabled trucking is already underway. Vehicles today offer more comfort and amenities than ever before. Sleeping quarters, washing facilities, and cooking options are standard in many long-haul trucks, with some modern Chinese models even featuring showers. This upgraded level of comfort makes the profession more accessible to a broader workforce. If wages rise, it is plausible that more women will enter heavy truck driving, mirroring their growing participation in last-mile courier roles. This optimistic view reflects a broader trend toward people-friendly technology and improved working conditions that could attract a more diverse pool of drivers. (Source: kp.ru via expert commentary)
Telegram channel No Limits highlighted a trend reported by Strategy Partners expert Alexander Tsypin: truck drivers’ salaries in Russia rose by about 50 percent within a year, now averaging around 165,000 rubles per month. The message points to a persistent shortage of skilled drivers and notes that salary increases alone do not solve the problem. Instead, competition among transportation companies for qualified personnel remains intense, underscoring the need for broader recruitment and retention strategies. (Source: Telegram No Limits, citing Alexander Tsypin)
In related news, a truck that had previously been operated by drivers exploded on a highway near Yaroslavl, illustrating the challenges and risks inherent in road transport. The incident serves as a reminder that while the industry grows and technologies advance, safety and infrastructure remain critical considerations for policymakers, companies, and workers alike. (Source: incident reports)