The Mongolia Model: How Germany Addresses the Truck Driver Shortage
Author: Pickup2 Team
Germany Partners with Mongolia to Tackle Truck Driver Shortage: A Model for International Cooperation
Germany is addressing its acute shortage of industrial vehicle drivers by recruiting skilled workers from Mongolia through an innovative pilot project. Spearheaded by the Bundesanstalt für Straßenwesen (BASt) in collaboration with the Bildungswerk Verkehrsgewerbe Niedersachsen (BVN), this initiative paves the way for Mongolian drivers to join the German workforce while enhancing international standards for driver training and road safety.
The Pilot Project: A Global Approach to Local Challenges
The "Mongolia Model," introduced during an event in Hanover, highlights the potential of global partnerships in solving domestic workforce challenges. As part of the pilot, two Mongolian representatives underwent a six-week training program at BVN in Hanover. Upon returning to Mongolia, these representatives will implement what they learned into local training and certification systems.
This strategy ensures Mongolian drivers can meet German qualification standards more efficiently, enabling them to secure employment as professional drivers in Germany. The project aligns with Germany’s broader efforts to recognise driver qualifications and licenses from non-EU countries.
Legal and Policy Framework: A Step Toward Workforce Mobility
The initiative supports the Federal Ministry for Digital and Transport (BMDV) in establishing legal frameworks for recognising foreign driver qualifications. Bettina Lauer, head of communications at BMDV, confirmed that this pilot is among the first projects of the Ministry's "Road Transport" Commission, led by Federal Minister Volker Wissing. The Minister's visit to Ulaanbaatar in March 2024 further reinforced Germany’s commitment to deepening cooperation with Mongolia.
Benefits for Both Nations
Mongolian Ambassador to Germany, Birvaa Mandakhbileg, praised the initiative for strengthening ties between the two countries. The collaboration not only addresses Germany’s driver shortage but also contributes to Mongolia’s economic development and road safety improvements. According to Ingo Koßmann, head of BASt’s "Traffic Behaviour and Safety" department, the shared standards achieved through this project will enhance road safety and create mutual benefits.
Aligning Training Standards Across Borders
A comparative study of driver qualification systems in Germany and Mongolia revealed that training content and standards are closely aligned. This alignment, combined with Mongolia’s accession to international transport agreements and a bilateral pact with Germany signed in February 2024, simplifies the process for Mongolian drivers to work in Germany.
About the Organisations Behind the Initiative
- Bundesanstalt für Straßenwesen (BASt): Operating under the Federal Ministry for Digital and Transport, BASt focuses on road safety research, traffic infrastructure optimisation, and environmental compatibility in transport.
- Bildungswerk Verkehrsgewerbe Niedersachsen (BVN): Based in Hanover, BVN has provided professional training for transport sector workers since 1974, offering courses for bus drivers, freight operators, and taxi drivers.
The Road Ahead
The "Mongolia Model" demonstrates how strategic international partnerships can address critical labour shortages while fostering global collaboration. As Germany continues to modernise its transport sector, initiatives like these will play a key role in sustaining its workforce and strengthening its position as a leader in innovative workforce solutions.