Argentina’s road freight sector is facing a growing shortage of qualified truck drivers, with the greatest pressure concentrated in specialised transport operations serving the mining, oil and gas and dangerous goods sectors.
Rather than experiencing a uniform shortage of drivers, the market is increasingly facing a gap between the number of available drivers and the qualifications required for more demanding transport operations.
According to Guido Heras, Director of Technical Affairs at FPT/FADEEAC, driver availability varies significantly depending on the region and type of transport activity. While general freight experienced less pressure during the economic slowdown of 2023 and 2024, specialised sectors continued to face difficulties finding suitably qualified drivers.
The strongest demand is being recorded in areas connected to oil and gas and mining, including copper and lithium operations. These sectors often require drivers to complete specialised training, medical and psychophysical assessments, and additional safety requirements, reducing the pool of eligible candidates.
In some cases, transport companies are unable to fill positions despite receiving regular applications because candidates do not meet the required standards. This can leave vehicles idle and reduce available fleet capacity.
Competition for experienced drivers is also increasing as mining and oil and gas companies attract qualified personnel with higher wages and, in some cases, improved working conditions compared with conventional road freight operations.
An ageing workforce is adding to the challenge. More than 40% of drivers in some smaller family-owned transport companies may be over the age of 55, while younger workers face barriers related to minimum age requirements, experience expectations and limited opportunities to enter specialised transport operations.
Working conditions are another factor affecting recruitment. Extended periods away from home, limited roadside facilities and the perception of professional driving as an unattractive career can make it harder for operators to attract new entrants.
Training is therefore emerging as a key part of the solution. FADEEAC has highlighted sector-specific programmes that combine specialised driver training with relevant examinations and practical requirements for industries such as oil and gas and mining.
Similar programmes are being developed for high-capacity vehicle combinations and other specialised freight operations, helping operators build a pool of drivers equipped to meet the technical and safety requirements of higher-value transport segments.
As demand for mining, oil and gas and cross-border freight services grows, Argentina’s transport industry will need to expand training capacity while improving access to qualified drivers.
The challenge is increasingly shifting from simply attracting more truck drivers to developing a skilled workforce capable of supporting the specialised freight operations where demand is growing fastest.
