Challenges in Spain’s transportation sector, a Sword of Damocles

Several Spanish digital publications are echoing the challenges currently faced by freight transport on the country’s roads, as well as throughout the rest of the European Union.

They detail that operational costs have increased across the board, from wages and a reduction in the number of truck drivers, to taxes, expensive fuels, and technological modernization that forces new investments.

They warn that it is a vicious cycle of needs where low wages and poor work-life balance deter young people from entering the sector, worsening the shortage, which in turn leads to lost clients and reduced revenue, making it impossible to improve working conditions. It is a structural problem.

Competition is also a matter to consider. While some companies try to survive by complying with the law, others, through tricks like fraudulent cooperatives or changing their fiscal address, condemn them to “loss-making contracts.” It is an unequal struggle that is bleeding the sector dry, an opinion reiterated in publications specialized in transport.

However, a thread of hope is seen in technology. It is not a magic wand, but it can be a key ally for improving safety (with GPS and apps), efficiency (with Big Data and fleet management), and even planning for better work-life balance.

But it is clear that technology alone is not enough. To solve the transport problems, experts say, political will is required to put an end to unfair competition and regulate tolls fairly; also, a change of model that allows for fair prices that cover costs and decent wages, and a firm commitment to renewing the fleet towards more efficient and safe vehicles, even if the transition from diesel is slow and costly.

In summary, it is a sector at a complete crossroads. Either these challenges are faced decisively, with real collaboration between companies and the administration, or the situation will only worsen, with the risk that this poses for the entire supply chain. A crucial issue! For the Transport sector in the peninsula.