The risk
Complex subcontracting chains in the sector can create significant human rights risks for truck drivers. These risks often stem from a 'race to the bottom' on costs and a lack of visibility in the fragmented and multi-tier subcontracting chains. As drivers are highly mobile and often work
Isolation and lone working are inherent in road transport and present significant safety, health and human rights risks for drivers. Truck drivers typically work alone for long periods, often in remote or unfamiliar environments, with limited access to immediate assistance in the event of accidents
High mobility is a defining feature of road transport and a core source of risk for truck drivers. Drivers operate across long distances, frequently crossing borders and jurisdictions, and working in constantly changing environments such as highways, ports, warehouses and customer sites. The 2019
Addressing human rights risks in the road transport sector requires a human rights due diligence approach that goes beyond document reviews and audits.
This approach should meaningfully involve road transport workers and their representative trade unions in identifying, preventing and mitigating
The sector's fragmented, mobile and cross-border nature is increasingly undermining freedom of association and collective bargaining. The widespread misclassification and informalisation of drivers create a structural barrier that legally prevents (or greatly complicates) workers from joining unions
The rapid integration of algorithmic management and digital surveillance in the sector is creating a new level of human rights risks. While modern trucking increasingly involves digital monitoring through telematics and in-cab cameras for safety purposes, when subcontractors use these tools to
Clean, safe and secure parking and welfare facilities are essential for the highly mobile, cross-border sector to operate effectively. The scarcity of rest areas disproportionately affects women and young drivers and those in NSFE. These groups are not only more likely to experience a lack of
Truck drivers are often the target of criminal activity by third parties, including cargo theft and assault. This is particularly the case when they are forced to rest in unlit or unmonitored locations due to a shortage of secure parking areas. This risk can be exacerbated by commercial schedules
Discrimination is a structural risk that disproportionately affects migrant and third-country drivers in the sector, who are disproportionately involved in cross-border trucking. They may be exposed to a heightened risk of violence, harassment and discrimination at border crossings, rest areas
In road transport, including long-distance freight and passenger transport, risks arise from extended periods away from home, dependence on a single employer or platform, debt tied to licences or equipment. Debt bondage and non-payment of wages can leave drivers without the financial means to leave
