Nearly 91,000 trucks on the road every day for companies in Belgium

The road transport sector in Belgium currently has more than 10,800 companies, which is an increase of 30 percent compared to ten years ago. The number of trucks increased even more spectacularly in the same period. In 2014, Belgian companies together used approximately 54,000 trucks every day; today that number has risen to just under 91,000, which represents an increase of almost 70 percent. About 84,000 people are employed in the transport sector.

Broader intake needed

The growth in the sector requires a broader influx of new truck drivers. There are currently eleven Belgian secondary schools that offer truck driver training. Two more schools will be added next school year. Ten years ago, just under 400 students chose this field of study, today there are 605. The Social Fund for Transport and Logistics also has a fleet of training tractors and vehicles, with which training programs are also offered.

To express her appreciation for the sector, Minister De Ridder today visited transport company Vervaeke in Zellik. “Our drivers are the driving force behind our economy. Partly thanks to their efforts, Flanders continues to run,” says the minister. “Today Vervaeke also shows how innovation, including their hydrogen truck and a first in automated tankers, is crucial to strengthen Flanders as the logistics hub of Europe.”