As Criminal Attacks on Supply Chains Accelerate, what Price a Truck Driver’s Safety?

The global truck driver shortage now spans 3.6 million unfilled positions in 36 countries, according to IRU, the world road transport organisation.

In Europe, IRU says, over half of road transport operators are unable to expand due to driver shortages, with some facing revenue decline. The EU, Norway, and the UK together are missing over 233,000 truck drivers, a figure that could exceed 745,000 by 2028.

While an ageing population plus a reluctance by young people to pursue commercial driving careers are prime factors for this outlook, another barrier is concerns over driver safety. Over the past decade, criminal attacks on trucks and drivers have escalated year-on-year, with regular reports of violence.

TAPA EMEA’s online Driver Training is designed to protect the safety and security of drivers – and is available to TAPA EMEA members’ at just €25.00 per driver (or €50.00 for non-members). And a more cost-efficient solution is available for bulk bookings by companies with large transport fleets and driver pools.

Since its launch at the start of 2025, over 350 drivers have successfully completed TAPA EMEA’s Driver Training. The 150-minute online course helps to…

Improve driver safety and security of vehicles and loads
Increase each driver’s risk awareness to enhance risk mitigation

The course uses clear, engaging, and varied content using facts, explanations, images, examples, and video materials, and can be completed at the driver’s own pace. A certificate is awarded to every driver successfully completing the 3-modules: (1) introduction & general topics, (2) minimum security requirements, and (3) TSR (TAPA Trucking Security Requirements)-related necessities.

Trainings are now also available in 7 local languages: