The Driver and Haulage Industry in Northern Ireland Report 2022

Transporting goods is a central vein of any established country. Typically, haulage is defined as the commercial transport of goods. The Northern Ireland transport and haulage sector is critical to the economic success of Northern Ireland’s businesses. It is therefore imperative to better understand the industry, its players and stakeholders and any specific nuances. Whilst there is an understanding of the goods transport and haulage sector in the UK more generally the Northern Ireland context is considered to be under explored. It is acknowledged that Northern Ireland (NI), as a region of the UK, may be different due to, for example, its location, size, devolved government, different regulations and diverse customer needs and demands. The aim therefore of this research is to understand this sector in Northern Ireland and specifically the challenges and difficulties facing it including, for example, driver shortages. There appears to be little or no research focusing on Northern Ireland specifically. The particular nuances and perspectives in the region merit investigation and exploration.
Specifically, this research and resultant attempts:
• to provide a better understanding of the haulage industry in Northern Ireland;
• to explore the challenges facing the haulage industry in Northern Ireland; and
• to propose recommendations on how to support the haulage industry in Northern Ireland.