Transport and Logistics Poland in August 2026 demanded the launch of a list of deficit professions and the faster legalization of abroad jobs for transport companies employing at least 250 people. The manufacture estimates a shortage of 100–120,000 drivers. Without the reaction of the government, trucks will stand, and Polish companies will lose contracts and advantage in Europe.
The manufacture presents 2 options
Organization of Transport and Logistics Poland submitted comments on the government task UD396, concerning the employment of foreigners. The first option assumes that the Minister liable for work would be required to issue a regulation listing the professions affected by the shortage of workers. The decision would be in agreement with the economical and home affairs departments.
The second option is simply a separate list of deficit professions carried out in cross-border services. The administration would take account not only of the labour marketplace situation but besides of safety of supply and continuity of transport. Official TLP position indicates that the driver shortage is already structural.
The current Law of 20 March 2025 allows to establish a list of deficit professions, but the applicable regulation has not been issued. The Ministry of Family, Labour and Social Policy has communicated to “Puls Biznes” that it is presently not working on it. The mechanics enshrined in the law so remains dead, and the entrepreneur inactive does not know erstwhile he will be able to usage it.
Faster procedure for large carriers
TLP besides wants to include any transport companies in a list of companies of strategical importance to the national economy. These are road hauliers of persons or things whose activities are applicable to supply chains, State transport safety or the functioning of the economy. On average, at least 250 workers would be required.
Entry on specified lists would give precedence to handling matters related to the legalisation of work and residence of foreigners. The thought is understandable due to the fact that a car without a driver doesn't make money. The company loses the order, incurs the cost of downtime and exposes the client to a competitor from another country. In a business where the deadlines and the continuity of transport decide on the contract, the months of authoritative waiting mean a real failure of the market.
This problem is imposed on another operating costs of carriers. High fuel prices straight hit the bill of each route, and the personnel congestion takes distant the ability of companies to usage their fleet. The State cannot require Polish capital to fight on the European marketplace if it itself binds its hands with a chronic procedure.
Legal recruitment alternatively of migration chaos
A dispute over drivers cannot be brought to a false choice between closing the marketplace and uncontrolled influx of people. Poland has the right to conduct a selective migration policy subject to national interest. The staff needed should come to a specific, legal job, after checking papers and maintaining state control over the stay.
A faster procedure cannot mean an appearance procedure. The transport manufacture operates at borders, carries advanced value goods and is liable for the continuity of supplies. Verification of identity, rights and employment past remains necessary. The office is expected to operate smoothly, not thoughtlessly.
At the same time, the government should remove barriers for Poles wishing to enter the profession: the cost of training, the hard start and the deficiency of a predictable way to acquiring qualifications. Recruitment from abroad may complement the gap but will not replace national staff policy. The Polish economy needs its own specialists, and the state should aid to educate them.
Polish position in European transport is at stake
Road transport is part of the bloodstream of the economy. Production, trade and timely transportation depend on it. A country investing billions in large communication projects must not neglect people who actually carry goods. Debate on transport costs and competitiveness applies to the full system, not to 1 branch.
The TLP proposals are now part of the consultation of the UD396 project. The final solution is for the government. It should combine 3 things: the interest of Polish carriers, state safety and the improvement of national staff. If the administration leaves a dead recipe and multi-month queue, the bill will be paid by entrepreneurs, workers and consumers. For Poland, this means weaker companies and greater dependence on abroad competition.
