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MOSCOW, August 13The problem of a shortage of truck drivers can be partially solved by using unmanned technologies in inter-warehouse movements, this will free up people and send specialists to work on intracity and interregional transportation, this opinion was expressed by Artem Vaskanyan, Deputy General Director for Logistics at 3PL operator NC Logistic.
«The personnel problem can be partly solved by using unmanned technologies, which, for example, are suitable for inter-warehouse movements, where a large number of drivers are involved. Unmanned vehicles can handle short distances and simple operations if all the algorithms are set up correctly. They will help free up people involved in moving cargo within one terminal. These specialists will be able to work on intracity and interregional transportation,» Vaskanyan said. 
Driver's license categories C, D, E are required for both driving trucks and high-power forklifts, which are used for inter-warehouse movements.
The expert emphasized that there is a shortage of truck drivers in Russia today. According to him, this problem is primarily due to the low influx of young people into the profession. Truck drivers are mainly people over 50 years old.
«The prestige of the profession has fallen sharply, so young candidates are not ready to get a job as drivers of heavy-duty trucks even for a good salary. The main reasons for the biased attitude towards the profession are the heavy workload, financial responsibility for the goods and the condition of the truck, constant pressure regarding delivery times and the stereotypical image of a truck driver,» Vaskanyan added.
According to the expert, the fight against the shortage of personnel in logistics includes a large-scale launch of specialized educational programs in colleges. It is necessary to develop educational programs jointly with logistics companies. Students will get acquainted with the profession of a driver and understand what conditions companies offer for this position. 
“Such training is an effective way to destroy numerous stereotypes about truck drivers and attract young people. An increase in wages alone will not increase the prestige of the profession; only an integrated approach, including active educational work, is effective,” Vaskanyan noted.
The expert concluded that companies should also offer drivers comfortable working conditions. The main points are a working car, a regulated work and rest schedule, payment for an overnight stay in a hotel, voluntary health insurance, corporate uniform, additional payments in the form of bonuses for commitment to the company and at the end of the year, participation in corporate life. For drivers, it is necessary to apply the same methods of motivation that already apply to office employees.