The Spanish company Grupo Mazo, specializing in refrigerated transport, has launched an ambitious project to hire Cuban truck drivers to meet the growing demand for drivers in Spain. This initiative is a response to the severe labor shortage in the sector, which is significantly affecting the supply chain. It particularly benefits Cubans with Spanish citizenship and those who have a driver's license permitting them to operate such vehicles.
Grupo Mazo, based in Alzira, Valencia, has identified Cuba as a potential talent pool due to its previous experience in the Cuban market. Francisco Mazo, the company's commercial director, notes that the recruitment and training process for new employees can take up to six months. In April, the company successfully added seven Cuban truck drivers to its workforce, marking a significant step in its strategy to internationalize talent.
The decision to hire outside of Europe stems from the urgent need to keep the company's trucks operational, especially during critical periods such as the start of the citrus season and the end of vacation times. "We face the reality of having trucks idle due to a lack of personnel," Mazo comments. The situation is exacerbated by the tendency of Bulgarian drivers not to return to Spain after vacation, seeking better opportunities in other countries or returning to their homeland.
However, the process of hiring non-EU workers presents additional challenges, such as validating foreign driving licenses and conducting aptitude tests by the Dirección General de Tráfico (DGT). Besides Cuba, Grupo Mazo has considered other Latin American countries like Ecuador, Chile, and Peru to diversify its recruitment sources. Nonetheless, the challenges of work-life balance for drivers remain a significant barrier to ensuring a sustainable generational shift in the sector.
Challenges and Opportunities in Hiring Cuban Truck Drivers
In light of Grupo Mazo's initiative to recruit Cuban truck drivers, several pertinent questions arise. Here are some frequently asked questions and their answers:
What is the main reason for Grupo Mazo's recruitment of Cuban truck drivers?
Grupo Mazo is recruiting Cuban truck drivers to address a severe labor shortage in the transport sector, which is affecting the supply chain in Spain.
What are the challenges faced in hiring non-EU truck drivers?
The challenges include validating foreign driving licenses and conducting aptitude tests by Spain's Dirección General de Tráfico (DGT).
Why has Grupo Mazo chosen Cuba as a recruitment source?
Grupo Mazo has previous experience in the Cuban market and sees potential in Cuban drivers, particularly those with Spanish citizenship and valid driving licenses.