At Hire Abroad, we are witnessing a significant and strategic shift in the European labor market, particularly within the transport and logistics sector. Our recent success in placing qualified Bus and Truck Drivers helped us cement this category as an essential element of our operations, and showcased the substantial and unfulfilled demand for these roles across our employer network.
This article aims to be a call to action for both our partnering employment agencies and independent recruiters, showcasing the labour market’s demand for these roles and on what both parties need to focus on to nurture this mutually beneficial partnership.
The Hard Data: A Quarter of Our Success is Behind the Wheel
The numbers aren’t lying: on a global scale, nearly 50% of operators are facing problems with adequate staffing, and in Europe, where the number of unfulfilled truck and bus driver positions may rise to 60% and 50% respectively, by 2026.
The message is clear: It’s worth shifting your strategic focus in these professional areas, as recruiters can secure a consistent, high-volume stream of placements. And to help with that, Hire Abroad is also aligning its efforts with this cause.
The Numbers Speak for Themselves.
The placement of skilled candidates is a core focus for Hire Abroad, and in recent operational cycles, a full 25% of those placements have been drivers. More specifically, Truck Drivers (C and CE category) and Bus Drivers (Category D).
This significant proportion not only demonstrates our capability in vetting and relocating these highly-sought-after professionals but also shows the crucial role of logistics in transport in the overall European economy. And this is especially true for the Netherlands, the Gateway of Europe.
The success in this field has led us to start managing the complex needs of the transportation sector more effectively and focusing on helping recruiters specialise in driver recruitment to meet the surging demand.
A Vast, Untapped Opportunity for Recruiters
Needless to say, the potential for growth in the driver segment is quite considerable for recruiters. While we had substantial success in placing drivers in the recent months, the current demand from our employer clients far outstrips the supply.
In other words:
- We have a much bigger need for drivers from our clients than we currently fill.
- We fill maybe 20% of the total driver vacancies we receive.
This 80% gap represents a massive, immediate opportunity for every recruiter opting to try themselves out in this category. We have an overflow of mandates for driver roles that are simply waiting for the right candidate.
To put things into perspective, we anticipate the capacity to place more than 100 bus drivers in 2026. This means that we’re talking about a stable volume of vacancies employers are willing to commit to. Securing qualified C, CE, and D license holders will translate directly into highly potential placements and great commission opportunities.
The Critical Need for Quality Vetting
For the placements to be successful, employment agencies must also play a crucial role in the initial screening and candidate preparation.
Why? While Hire Abroad has access to a substantial pool driving vacancies (and drivers), we only place around 20% of the available candidates. This points to a disconnect between the available talent and the highly specific experience required by our Dutch clients, or a misalignment with their salary expectations.
This statistic highlights a crucial area for improvement and focus:
- Specificity of Experience: A general driving license is not enough. Clients often require experience with specific types of vehicles, routes, or conditions, like experience on Dutch roads for some trucking roles.
- Realistic Expectations: Clear communication of salary ranges and the full remuneration package (including allowances, overtime, etc.) is essential to ensure candidates are aligned with the market reality before their final interview stage.
By focusing on pre-vetting candidates against the granular requirements outlined below, employment agencies can significantly increase the placement rate of their submitted drivers, moving beyond the current 20% success rate. The agencies and recruiters who successfully deliver precisely what the Dutch market demands will become our most valued and relied-upon partners.
High-Demand Profiles: General Requirements and Specific Client Needs
The market is currently characterized by a rising need for two core profiles: C/CE Truck Drivers and D Bus Drivers. To ensure a high placement success rate, recruiters and agencies must focus on candidates who meet the following stringent requirements, which reflect the non-negotiable standards of the Dutch transport sector.
General Requirements for C/CE Truck Drivers
We are seeking candidates who are not just competent but are ready to commit to the rigors of long-haul and specialized transport.
| Requirement Area | Key Requirements for Success | Client Specifics |
| Licensing & Documentation | Valid C or CE driving license, Code 95, and driver card. | Must be current and verifiable. |
| Experience | Minimum 1 year of C or CE driving experience. | Experience driving in the Netherlands (Dutch roads) is preferred, but for some clients/agencies, this is mandatory. |
| Commitment & Lifestyle | Willingness to work day or night shifts, overtime, and occasional weekends. Willingness to sleep in the truck (essential for long-haul). | Essential requirements reflecting the 24/7 nature of transport. |
| Professionalism | Physically fit and ready for hands-on work. Responsible, reliable, and able to work independently. Stable employment history and strong work ethic. | Vetting for stability reduces churn for our clients. |
| Language | Able to communicate in English at a B1 level. | Clear communication is necessary for logistics, safety, and dispatch. |
| Logistics & Compliance | Own transport required for commuting (mandatory for some agencies, e.g., IQ Select). Clean Criminal Record Proof may be required later. | Agencies must confirm the candidate’s ability to commute. |
General Requirements for Bus Drivers
The market for bus drivers is equally vibrant, with a constant need for reliable professionals to manage public transport and other scheduled services.
| Requirement Area | Key Requirements for Success | Client Specifics |
| Licensing & Documentation | Valid D driving license, Code 95, and Tachograph card. Valid Medical Certificate (assistance available if needed). | Must be current and verifiable. |
| Experience | Minimum 6–12 months of experience as a bus driver. | Experience in public transport is mandatory for some clients. This specificity is crucial. |
| Professionalism | Stable employment history and strong work ethic. Clean Criminal Record Proof may be required later. | Focus on candidates with a proven record of reliability. |
| Language | English language level: at least B1 (A2 acceptable for some clients, but communication in English is mandatory). | Clarity in communication is vital for passenger safety and schedule adherence. |
| Logistics & Accommodation | Having an own car for commuting is a strong advantage. (Rental available for €75 net/week; no private use; fuel costs on driver). | Commuting ability is a key factor in placement success. |
| Inclusivity | Female drivers are warmly encouraged to apply. | A proactive stance on diversity is a benefit to our clients and candidates. |
The Hire Abroad Advantage
By partnering with us on driver recruitment, you are aligning with a platform that not only understands the volume required but also the complex nature of the demand.
We recognise that the transport sector requires a high degree of specialisation. Our strategic commitment to this niche means that:
- High-Volume, Consistent Vacancies: We have a direct line to Dutch employers with an unfulfilled need, ensuring a steady flow of high-quality job orders for your candidates.
- Clear Qualification Benchmarks: We provide clear, detailed requirements (like the mandate for public transport experience for specific employers) to eliminate guesswork and improve your submission-to-placement ratio.
- Future-Proofing Your Business: By focusing on this high-demand specialization, you are positioning your recruitment business for sustainable growth.
Seek New Opportunities With Us
We are actively looking for recruiters who are ready to specialise and capitalise on the massive gap between supply and demand. By sourcing drivers who strictly meet these professional and logistical requirements, you become an indispensable link in our operations chain.
We invite you to focus your resources, leverage the full scope of requirements, and join us in helping Dutch transport companies and drivers alike. Let’s work together to fill the 80% gap and place the next generation of professional drivers.
