{"id":309330,"date":"2025-10-30T18:41:40","date_gmt":"2025-10-30T08:41:40","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.railfreight.com\/?p=67023"},"modified":"2025-10-30T18:41:40","modified_gmt":"2025-10-30T08:41:40","slug":"automotive-logistics-body-highlights-serious-labour-shortages-including-rail","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.vibewire.com.au\/?p=309330","title":{"rendered":"Automotive logistics body highlights serious labour shortages, including rail"},"content":{"rendered":"

A recent survey by the Association of European Vehicle Logistics (ECG) found that 96% of members involved in moving vehicles by either road, rail and maritime\/waterways or using compounds, had serious concerns about labour shortages. While the increasing deficiency of truck drivers in Europe has captured the headlines, other modes of transport are also finding it very difficult to recruit staff.<\/strong>
\n<\/span>According to one estimate, the global rail sector in the EU, the UK and T\u00fcrkiye was lacking over 300,000 workers in 2025 and the number is rising. Germany reported over 98,000 vacancies in 2024, with posts to fill in engineering, construction, transportation, and logistics within rail. The shortage was particularly acute in technical and operational rail positions.<\/p>\n

DB Cargo Logistics input<\/h2>\n

Interviewed for the ECG survey, Kai Birnstein, head of Automotive at DB Cargo Logistics, said that tensions in staff numbers in the rail segment of finished vehicle logistics (FVL) complicates recruitment and retention.\u201d It is especially apparent in cross-border traffic operations. For example, delays in journey times due to rerouting can mean replacement staff are required to man locomotives at locations other than the scheduled crew change points.<\/p>\n

Birnstein also highlighted that the training to become a train driver usually takes between 9 and 12 months. For Karl G\u00fcmpel, head of Sales at DB Cargo Logistics, the biggest shortage of labour in the segment usually concerns wagon inspectors. \u201cThey inspect freight cars for safety, technical condition and readiness ahead of the departure of trains. They also identify defects and organize necessary repairs.\u201d<\/p>\n