Ashdod Port Warns Truck Driver Shortage Costs Israeli Economy Hundreds of Millions Annually

Nissan Levi, CEO of Ashdod Port, has issued a warning about the severe shortage of truck drivers, which has become a major bottleneck affecting the port and the entire supply chain. In a letter sent to Gilat Rubinstein, CEO of the Federation of Israeli Chambers of Commerce, and Gabi Ben Harush, Chairman of the Truckers Council, Levi highlighted that between 2023 and 2026, the average waiting time for trucks increased by 56%, causing economic damage estimated at hundreds of millions of shekels annually.

Despite only a 9% increase in bulk and general cargo volume handled at the port from 2023 to 2026, the number of trucks rose by 13%, yet waiting times surged significantly, indicating a sharp decline in truck availability and operational continuity. Levi emphasized that the shortage not only impacts the trucking sector but also directly hampers cargo clearance, equipment and workforce utilization, and quay productivity. This results in longer delivery times, higher logistics costs, and operational uncertainty that ultimately raise prices of goods and raw materials in the Israeli economy.

Ashdod Port urges the government to urgently implement a framework for employing foreign truck drivers alongside other measures to increase the domestic driver supply. Recommendations include easing requirements for converting foreign driving licenses, accelerating Israeli driver training, removing regulatory barriers, and improving transport efficiency to reduce waiting times across the supply chain. Although the government is currently considering hiring foreign drivers for the metro project, Levi insists a broader solution is needed for the entire industry.

Levi offered the port’s expertise and data to government committees to demonstrate the shortage’s impact on port operations and the economy. He called the issue a national priority requiring swift, balanced, and practical action before the shortage worsens. Gilat Rubinstein echoed these concerns, stating the driver shortage is no longer just a transport sector problem but a national bottleneck disrupting supply chains, increasing logistics costs, and ultimately affecting consumers. She noted the Israeli economy faces a severe, ongoing labor shortage across many professions.