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 that are unrealistic and do not consider the location and availability of safe rest stops, leaving drivers vulnerable in transit zones or at border crossings.
Furthermore, during periods of civil unrest and border blockades, drivers are increasingly vulnerable to targeted attacks, finding themselves caught in the crossfire of protests and facing vehicle destruction, physical harm, and even death.
Within fragmented subcontracting chains, drivers often experience a climate of managerial coercion to force compliance with illegal driving hours or unrealistic "just-in-time" delivery windows. Companies may use physical intimidation, verbal abuse or psychological harassment, particularly against migrants and third-country workers. These drivers may be further silenced by threats of deportation or the withholding of identity documents, leading them to view it as 'part of the job' and resulting in a severe lack of trust in formal reporting systems.
Gender-based violence and harassment are persistent risks, with women in the sector reporting high levels of harassment at loading docks and in car parks. The absence of gender-specific safety measures, such as adequate lighting and secure facilities, at client-controlled sites directly increases the risk of sexual harassment and physical assault. Women truck drivers frequently report experiencing harassment, unwanted attention, threats and physical violence, particularly in parking areas, at border crossings, in depots and at customer sites, none of which have been designed with women’s safety in mind. This is often exacerbated by a lack of safe commuting options between regional depots and public transport hubs, forcing female drivers to navigate high-risk industrial zones on foot. Inadequate lighting, poor sanitation and a lack of secure facilities can further increase vulnerability, particularly during overnight stops or long-haul assignments.
Fear of harassment or violence may influence women’s willingness to accept certain routes, shifts or assignments, limiting their access to work and progression within the industry. Where reporting mechanisms are weak or ineffective, incidents may go unreported, allowing risks to persist.