Susie Jones
Novinky a aktualizace • 4 min čtení

Řidiči kamionů žádají reformu odvětví

Vytvořeno: 05.02.2025

Aktualizováno: 05.02.2025

V současné době tvoří řidičky nákladních vozidel ve Spojeném království pouhé 1 % všech řidičů - toto číslo se za posledních deset let zvýšilo o 144 % s tím, jak bylo zavedeno více iniciativ na podporu rozmanitosti a odstranění nedostatku řidičů.

Článek Fleetpoint popisuje mnoho způsobů, jak by odvětví mohlo přilákat více žen:

  • Vytváření vstřícného a přívětivého pracovního prostředí.

  • Modernizace infrastruktury a občanské vybavenosti.

  • Flexibilní a rodinné pracovní podmínky.

  • Vytvoření jasných cest pro kariérní růst.

Navzdory tomu řidiči na sociálních sítích tvrdili, že tyto dlouhodobé problémy v odvětví musí být řešeny pro všechny, než budou zavedeny nové iniciativy, které by nedostatek řidičů odstranily.

Nedostatek řidičů - jak je na tom odvětví nyní?

Nedostatek řidičů je pro dopravní průmysl trvalým problémem, ale po konferenci COVID-19 a brexitu dosáhl kritické úrovně. V roce 2024 chybělo v Evropě, Norsku a Spojeném království více než 233 000 řidičů nákladních automobilů - do roku 2028 by tento počet měl v důsledku stárnutí pracovní síly přesáhnout 745 000 řidičů.

Odvětví se stále potýká s důsledky a pracuje na zavádění nových iniciativ na podporu rozmanitosti, zlepšování pracovních podmínek a odstraňování rozdílů v počtu pracovních sil.

Vláda zavedla zhruba [33](https://www.gov.uk/government/topical-events/hgv-driver-shortage-uk-government-response/about#:~:text=We%20extended%20dangerous%20goods%20(ADR,to%20take%20refresher%20training%20now.) opatření k řešení nedostatku řidičů nákladních vozidel ve Spojeném království. Patří mezi ně mj:

  • Zvýšení efektivity stávajících dodavatelských řetězců.

  • Poskytování podpory a školení novým řidičům nákladních vozidel.

  • Rozšíření kapacity pro testování řidičů těžkých nákladních vozidel.

  • Zlepšení licenčních procesů.

  • Zlepšení podmínek.

  • Zajištění stability řetězce dodávek pohonných hmot.

Co je třeba změnit? Řidiči mají svůj názor.

49 % řidičů na sociálních sítích tvrdí, že změny musí být provedeny bez ohledu na pohlaví - 27 % řidičů a řidiček nákladních vozidel souhlasí s tím, že se odvětví musí vyvíjet pro všechny. 24 % uvedlo, že tato práce již není atraktivní, což zdůrazňuje potřebu změn v tomto odvětví. Co si tedy řidiči přejí změnit?

Zařízení

55 % respondentů si přálo, aby se zlepšilo vybavení pro všechny:

"Je třeba lepšího zázemí a lepšího zacházení. Celé odvětví je v troskách a špatně se s námi zachází."

"Vybavení je hrozné pro všechny řidiče, muže i ženy."

Průzkum Transport Focus v listopadu 2024 zjistil, že dvě třetiny řidičů jsou nespokojeny se zařízeními zastávek pro nákladní automobily - značné problémy způsobuje špinavé vybavení, špatné možnosti stravování a nedostatek společenského prostoru.

Vláda a odvětví nákladní dopravy přijaly významná opatření a investovaly 14 milionů liber na podporu inovací a zlepšení pracovních podmínek.

V říjnu 2024 získalo 23 úspěšných žadatelů až 4,5 milionu liber na vylepšení svých zastávek pro kamiony. Modernizace budou zahrnovat nové sprchy, restaurace a vylepšené bezpečnostní prvky, které řidičům poskytnou větší klid. Kromě toho bude v rámci programu vytvořeno přibližně 430 parkovacích míst pro těžká nákladní vozidla.

Pay

Na druhém místě v žebříčku se umístilo lepší odměňování, přičemž 14 % řidičů uvedlo, že zvýšení mezd by přimělo více řidičů k nástupu do odvětví:

"Udělejte ji atraktivní pro všechny, zvyšte mzdy."

Zvyšování mezd bude pro vedoucí pracovníky v odvětví znamenat značné náklady. Pokud by se průměrná mzda řidiče nákladního vozidla zvýšila v souladu s národní mzdou na úrovni životního minima, provozovatelé vozových parků by mohli ročně získat 1,5 miliardy liber navíc.

Přesto investice zlepší míru udržení zaměstnanců, sníží náklady na nábor a náklady na školení. Nabídka vyšších platů by nejen zvýšila atraktivitu profese pro nové zájemce, ale také by uznala klíčovou roli, kterou řidiči hrají při udržování dodavatelského řetězce.

Přístup k řidičům

Názory veřejnosti na řidiče kamionů se v průběhu let výrazně změnily. Život řidičů kamionů je často romantizován ve filmech a populárních médiích - což vede mnohé k přesvědčení, že to mají snadné. Zároveň však byli prezentováni jako tvrdě pracující hrdinové, což je obraz, který se postupem času zhoršil.

Ke konci 20. století se vnímání změnilo, protože pracovní podmínky se staly tvrdšími a řidiči nákladních automobilů se stali terčem nespravedlivých stereotypů - často kvůli zkreslenému obrazu v médiích a někdy i kvůli několika nezkušeným řidičům. Tyto negativní stereotypy se zmírnily během pandemie COVID-19, kdy se zvýšilo uznání veřejnosti pro řidiče kamionů.

V současné době mají řidiči kamionů respekt, nicméně toto odvětví je stále zatíženo negativními stereotypy a postoji. Změnu by si přálo 6 % řidičů:

"Když si vzpomenu na Covid, byli jsme považováni za hrdiny, ale pak se to vrátilo do normálu. Není divu, že současní řidiči, muži i ženy, chtějí z oboru odejít. Už mají dost toho šmejdského zacházení, kterému denně čelí."

"Bylo by hezké, kdyby s vámi nejednali jako s póvlem."

V posledních letech začaly sociální sítě zpochybňovat a měnit negativní vnímání. Mnoho řidičů se na platformách, jako je TikTok a Instagram, dělí o své postřehy, vyvrací mylné představy a získává si respekt lidí mimo obor.

Zpětná vazba ukazuje, že je naléhavě nutné, aby odvětví nákladní dopravy provedlo změny, které by přilákaly a udržely stávající i nové řidiče. Nedostatečné zastoupení žen zůstává významnou výzvou a investice do zařízení, která uspokojí jejich potřeby, jsou klíčové. Tyto investice však musí být inkluzivní a přínosné pro všechny zaměstnance.

Ve kterých zemích je nedostatek řidičů nákladních vozidel?

Nejhůře jsou postiženy země v Evropě, kde mnoho dopravních společností nemůže rozšiřovat své podnikání, protože nemohou najít kvalifikované pracovníky.

V Evropě stárne populace řidičů nákladních automobilů, jejichž průměrný věk je 47 let(https://www.iru.org/news-resources/newsroom/half-european-truck-operators-cant-expand-due-driver-shortages#:~:text=The%20EU%2C%20Norway%20and%20the,an%20average%20age%20of%2047.). Třetina řidičů kamionů je starší 55 let a očekává se, že v příštích deseti letech odejde do důchodu. Kromě toho je méně než 5 % řidičů nákladních automobilů v Evropě mladších 25 let - což poukazuje na mezeru, která vznikne po odchodu stárnoucí pracovní síly do důchodu.

Je nějaký den pro řidiče kamionů?

Den řidičů nákladních vozidel se koná 22. ledna a byl založen společností NN1 Personnel. Cílem tohoto dne je oslavit řidiče nákladních vozidel a vše, co dělají pro ekonomiku a společnost.

Jaký je výhled odvětví nákladní dopravy pro rok 2025?

Z našeho blogu The Road Ahead for 2025 vyplývá, že v tomto roce budou v odvětví nákladní dopravy vystupovat do popředí následující skutečnosti:

  • Využití výhod umělé inteligence.

  • Řešení rozdílů mezi pohlavími a nedostatku řidičů.

  • Podpora ekologičtějšího průmyslu.

  • Zvyšování objemu dálkové nákladní dopravy.

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pondělí 21 července 2025 • Novinky a aktualizace

JAK ZMĚNA KLIMATU OVLIVŇUJE ODVĚTVÍ MOBILITY

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Climate change is no longer a distant risk. For those working in road transport, it’s a daily operational reality – one that’s becoming harder to ignore with every passing year. From heatwaves that melt tarmac to floods that cut off major routes, the impact of a shifting climate is baked into the business of moving goods.For fleet managers, this means navigating evolving regulations, updating infrastructure and rethinking continuity planning. For drivers, it means adapting to new risks on the road – from tyre blowouts to disrupted delivery windows. And for the entire sector, it signals the need for a more resilient, climate-aware approach to mobility.In July 2022, the UK experienced its . As temperatures climbed to 40℃, roads began to soften, with sections of the closed due to surface degradation. Fleet operators were forced to reroute deliveries, sometimes at short notice, while engine temperatures soared and vehicles struggled to maintain performance.That same year, high winds from caused widespread damage across freight corridors in Western Europe, overturning high-sided vehicles and damaging temperature-sensitive cargo. Meanwhile, in January 2024, Storm Henk flooded vast areas of central England. Key routes in the Midlands were and some drivers were stranded for hours.These are not isolated events. They are signs of a transport system increasingly vulnerable to climate threats. Road surfaces, vehicle components and logistics networks are all being tested by changing conditions – and the consequences are being felt throughout the supply chain.When it comes to climate-related disruption, the impacts aren’t just felt on individual routes. Whole supply chains are being affected – sometimes with little warning. In The Netherlands, rising sea levels and heavier rainfall are prompting authorities and businesses to reassess the resilience of critical logistics infrastructure, particularly in low-lying industrial areas. The Port of Rotterdam – Europe’s largest seaport – has to adapt to climate risk, reinforcing quay walls, elevating access roads and upgrading stormwater systems to protect against flooding. Inland logistics centres are also under scrutiny, as extreme weather has exposed vulnerabilities in access routes and drainage.Fleet technology is improving fast, especially when it comes to electrification and smart diagnostics. But climate change is creating new stresses for even the most advanced vehicles. Battery efficiency can in cold weather, reducing the effective range of electric vans. Meanwhile, high temperatures and put additional strain on vehicle cooling systems.To address these issues, some operators are investing in predictive maintenance systems that use telematics to anticipate wear and schedule repairs before costly failures occur. Others are upgrading cab comfort systems to protect driver wellbeing during periods of extreme heat or cold. While these changes involve upfront investment, they can pay dividends in uptime, safety and driver retention.Rising climate risk is reshaping insurance, too. Some insurers are responding to the increased frequency of extreme weather claims by and tightening exclusions. Business interruption policies, in particular, are under , especially where supply chains are vulnerable to repeat disruption. And while cargo insurance remains a consideration, not all policies automatically cover delays caused by climate events such as flooding or high winds.Fleet managers should review their cover in light of these emerging risks. That means checking for exclusions, assessing how climate-related events are defined, and ensuring that critical gaps – such as downtime due to road closures – are adequately addressed. In some cases, demonstrating a proactive approach to risk management, flood mitigation and driver training can also help secure more favourable terms.While the physical impacts of climate change are already visible, regulatory shifts are adding another layer of complexity for operators. Low-emission zones are expanding rapidly across the UK and Europe, placing new demands on fleet composition and compliance. In London, the Ultra Low Emission Zone (ULEZ) continues to grow, while cities like Birmingham and Oxford have introduced their own variations. At the European level, the package have set ambitious targets for decarbonisation. Fleet operators are being incentivised – and increasingly required – to switch to cleaner fuels and technologies. From electrification mandates to supply chain transparency rules, operators now face a new baseline for what’s considered acceptable business practice.For those managing fleets, these changes present both a logistical challenge and a strategic opportunity. Embracing sustainability isn't just about avoiding penalties – it’s about futureproofing operations and staying ahead of changing customer expectations.Adaptation doesn’t happen overnight, but incremental changes can have a meaningful impact. Some operators are now carrying out climate risk assessments across their fleet operations, identifying assets and routes most vulnerable to disruption. Others are offering drivers updated training to improve safety and decision-making during extreme weather events.Fuel choices are shifting too. Hauliers looking for lower-carbon alternatives are turning to HVO – hydrotreated vegetable oil – an alternative to diesel that cuts emissions without requiring new infrastructure. Meanwhile, those investing in load optimisation software are seeing benefits not just in fuel economy but in emissions reductions that support compliance goals.There’s no longer any doubt that climate change is shaping the future of road transport, not in decades, but right now. The challenge for operators is to shift from a reactive mindset to a more strategic, long-term mindset. That means understanding the risks, acting on them early, and recognising that resilience is fast becoming a source of competitive advantage.“We’re hearing the same thing from fleet operators across the UK and Europe,” says Nick Renton, Head of European Strategy and Business Development at SNAP. “Climate disruption isn’t a future risk – it’s already here, affecting everything from warehousing and route planning to driver welfare. The fleets that thrive will be the ones that treat climate resilience as a business strategy, not just an emergency response.“It matters because the cost of inaction is rising – not just financially, but in terms of missed deliveries, operational downtime and the wellbeing of drivers on the road. If we want to keep goods moving and businesses growing, we need to start building that resilience in now.”At SNAP, we work closely with fleets across the UK and Europe to help them navigate this new reality. Whether it’s through insights, partnerships, or smarter tools for on-the-road operations, we’re here to support those who keep the wheels turning – whatever the weather. to take advantage of our fleet management solutions.

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středa 02 července 2025 • Novinky a aktualizace

JAK BY FINANCOVÁNÍ INFRASTRUKTURY VE VELKÉ BRITÁNII MOHLO OVLIVNIT ODVĚTVÍ MOBILITY

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After years of patchy investment and mounting congestion, the UK government has committed to more than £700 billion in infrastructure spending over the next decade – much of it earmarked for the nation’s roads. From new freight corridors to cutting-edge digital traffic systems, the impact of the 10-Year Infrastructure Strategy on commercial drivers and the wider mobility industry could be transformational.Roads are just one part of the UK’s transport mix – but they carry the overwhelming majority of goods. , 81% of domestic freight and 75% of imports and exports move by road, making it the backbone of UK logistics and the economy.And, despite making up just over two per cent of the UK’s road network by length, the carries 34% of all road journeys – including many of the most time-sensitive, high-volume freight routes. For the drivers using them, their condition and capacity have a direct impact on safety, efficiency and delivery performance. However, data shows that around 24,500 miles – more than one in every 10 miles – of the network in England and Wales is likely to require maintenance in the next 12 months.A number of recent emergency bridge closures have further exposed how vulnerable the network has become. In some areas, cracked support structures and decades-old concrete have created dangerous conditions for all road users – especially HGVs, which are often the first to face weight restrictions or forced rerouting.The government has responded with a new £1 billion fund to repair and rebuild deteriorating bridges, crossings and flyovers as part of its infrastructure strategy. It’s a welcome step – and one that reflects growing industry pressure. For professional drivers, it could mean fewer detours, fewer sudden restrictions, and less time lost to infrastructure that isn’t fit for modern logistics.But safety isn’t just about avoiding catastrophic failures. It’s also about long-term resilience – ensuring roads, bridges and lay-bys are maintained properly before they become hazards. This renewed focus on maintenance signals that road upkeep may finally start to match the scale, size and speed of the vehicles that depend on it.While high-profile projects dominate announcements, it’s often the everyday condition of the road surface that has the biggest impact on drivers. For those in haulage, potholes are more than a nuisance – they’re a persistent safety hazard and a costly burden.Repeated exposure to uneven surfaces increases wear and tear on HGVs, damages tyres and suspension and contributes to driver fatigue. In some cases, pothole damage has forced vehicles off the road for emergency repairs, disrupting deliveries and affecting service-level agreements.For drivers, the risks are personal. Trying to avoid potholes – especially on narrow or busy roads – can lead to dangerous manoeuvres. Add poor weather, limited lighting or tight delivery schedules and the stakes only rise.As part of its wider infrastructure push, the government has allocated as part of the Plan for Change to upgrade local infrastructure, including potholes, cracked surfaces and worn-out carriageways. The aim is to bring roads up to a safer, more reliable standard – particularly on freight-heavy routes.It won’t fix the problem overnight, but it marks a shift in priorities – recognising that driver welfare starts with the basics, and that a safe, comfortable journey depends on well-maintained roads.For fleets, the knock-on benefits include fewer unplanned repairs, lower insurance claims and less driver downtime. For drivers, it means fewer jolts, less stress and one less thing to worry about on a long shift.Driver welfare is front and centre of modern transport conversation. Long hours, delayed schedules and inadequate facilities have taken their toll. But the government’s latest plans offer hope for a safer, better-connected network.Across the UK, driver facilities have struggled to keep up with demand. Parking is often limited, services are stretched and many rest areas fall short on comfort and security – especially for long-haul operations. That’s why the government is also : more secure parking, better welfare amenities and planning reforms to speed up the development of new sites.At the same time, investment in charging and refuelling hubs for electric and hydrogen trucks is accelerating. Moto, for example, has committed to installing over 300 HGV electric chargers at 23 motorway locations, while Ashford Truckstop is being transformed into a major charging hub for cross-Channel freight. These facilities aren’t just about keeping vehicles moving – they’re about giving drivers safe, well-equipped places to rest and recharge themselves.If your drivers are looking for a safe place to stop, our intruck app allows them to identify and book rest stops across the UK and Europe. Traffic jams, unpredictable routes and pressure to hit delivery windows contribute to driver stress and fatigue – and they make the road a more dangerous place to be.Major infrastructure upgrades like the Lower Thames Crossing, A66 dualling and M60 Simister Island improvements are designed to reduce congestion and cut accident risks at some of the UK’s most notorious pinch points. In addition, there’s still a push to introduce digital tools that support safer, smoother journeys. Real-time traffic alerts, smart detection systems and better traffic management will help fleet managers and drivers respond quickly to disruptions and reroute where needed. is already laying the groundwork, with smart infrastructure that can detect hazards earlier, manage traffic flows more intelligently and communicate clearer, real-time updates.A step forward for mobility and driver welfare. The coordinated national effort to tackle the UK’s infrastructure backlog and to modernise the roads in a way that benefits the drivers who rely on them most.The real test will be in delivery. Turning funding into tangible improvements will require listening to drivers, learning from frontline experience and measuring success by how the roads feel – not just what they cost.“This new wave of investment isn’t just about cutting journey times,” says Stuart Willetts, UK Business Development Manager, at SNAP. “It’s about building a transport network that supports driver wellbeing and operational efficiency and the clean mobility transition. We can’t wait to see the results.”Use the near you – no matter what road you’re on.

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středa 18 června 2025 • Novinky a aktualizace

ZNOVUOTEVŘENÍ POLSKO-UKRAJINSKÝCH HRANIC: CO BY MĚLI VĚDĚT PROVOZOVATELÉ VOZOVÉHO PARKU

Guest

After months of disruption, freight traffic between Poland and Ukraine is moving freely again. But with tensions still simmering and the threat of renewed blockades on everyone’s minds, fleet operators must remain alert to the risks – and prepared to protect driver welfare on both sides of the border.This article explains what caused the disruption, how it affected drivers, and the steps you can take to reduce the impact if industrial action returns.The situation began in late 2023 when Polish truck drivers began protesting at major border crossings. They claimed that the EU’s decision to waive permit requirements for Ukrainian hauliers – introduced as a temporary wartime measure – led to an influx of lower-cost operators undercutting Polish firms.The protests escalated, blocking key freight routes into Ukraine and trapping thousands of vehicles in queues stretching for miles. At its peak, the blockade left at the border, some waiting more than a week to cross. Non-Ukrainian EU drivers, too, suffered long delays, strained schedules and poor conditions. What began as a logistical dispute evolved into a broader protest by Polish truckers over Ukrainian imports, market access, and the impact of emergency EU transport measures. Polish farmers soon joined in, frustrated by the effect of Ukrainian agricultural products on domestic prices.Polish drivers also for border crossings – known as eCherha – arguing that it put EU hauliers at a disadvantage. While the system was designed to streamline freight movement by allowing carriers to pre-book crossing slots, Polish operators claimed it gave Ukrainian firms greater flexibility and faster access. Issues such as language barriers, limited integration with EU logistics systems and inconsistent implementation left many EU drivers waiting longer at the border, further fuelling the perception of unfair treatment and contributing to the broader unrest. Protests begin at Dorohusk, Hrebenne and Korczowa crossings. More crossings are blocked, including Medyka; three Ukrainian drivers die waiting in queues. The Polish government comes to an agreement to pause the blockade until March. Sporadic blockades resume at smaller crossings. A new four-month blockade began at Yahodyn-Dorohusk but was overturned in court. All major border crossings remain open, but the risk of future disruption remains.In response to the disruption and its wider implications, the Polish government has taken a proactive stance. Border crossings with Ukraine have been designated as critical infrastructure, giving them greater protection from future blockades and helping to ensure the continued flow of freight, humanitarian aid and military support. A new Council for Cooperation with Ukraine has also been established to generally strengthen ties between the two countries. Part of its remit is to improve coordination across trade and transportation. In parallel, Poland is investing in eastern border infrastructure and engaging with EU officials to press for fairer terms for Polish hauliers. While these actions may not resolve the situation overnight, they signal a longer-term commitment to stability and structured dialogue.The blockade created unacceptable conditions for professional drivers. Many spent days or weeks in their cabs with no access to toilets, food or running water. Some were stuck in freezing temperatures with no heating or shelter. during the blockade period, with exhaustion and untreated medical conditions believed to be contributing factors. The disruption also caused significant mental and emotional strain, particularly for Ukrainian drivers trying to reach or return from home during wartime. Delays affected not only trade but also the movement of fuel, aid and military goods critical to Ukraine’s national defence.While Polish protesters insisted that humanitarian and military aid vehicles were permitted through the border, indicate that this wasn’t always the case.These conditions weren’t just traumatic for drivers – they also exposed gaps in fleet risk management and emergency planning. Operators must now treat border disruption as an ongoing threat.Although the situation has stabilised, underlying tensions between Polish hauliers, Ukrainian operators and EU policy remain unresolved. Fleet managers operating in or near the region should be alert to the possibility of further industrial action – especially during seasonal pressure points or EU policy reviews.Here are the SNAP team’s recommendations for managing the situation effectively:Stay up-to-date with news from Polish and Ukrainian logistics associations and government sources. Subscribe to border traffic alerts and follow trusted logistics partners for real-time updates.Have contingency plans that redirect vehicles through Hungary, Slovakia or Romania if crossings between Poland and Ukraine become blocked again.Ensure your trucks are stocked with essentials: food, water, power banks and medical kits. During periods of unrest, access to secure truck parking in Poland is essential, so that your drivers are safe, rested and off the roadside. Equip drivers with up-to-date information on secure truck parking and rest areas along their route.Our has an interactive map of truck parking, with 11,000 HGV service providers across Europe, including Poland, Hungary and Slovakia. It’s an easy-to-use tool for finding secure truck rest areas in Poland, making it especially valuable during periods of industrial action. Although the app does not currently offer bookable truck parking in Ukraine, Ukrainian operators and drivers can use intruck to locate reliable rest stops within the EU during long-distance journeys or times of disruption.With increased demand during periods of disruption, advanced booking is critical. Drivers can also use intruck to find and book trusted truck parking in Poland in advance. Whether your vehicles are travelling deep into Eastern Europe or returning westward, it allows your drivers to access parking for trucks near Warsaw and other high-traffic areas.Establish check-in schedules, especially if long waits or diversions are expected. Reassure drivers that their wellbeing is a priority and provide support if they face unexpected delays. If possible, suggest secure lorry parking locations in Ukraine in advance, so they know where to take a break.The reopening of the Poland-Ukraine border is welcome news for fleets operating in Eastern Europe. But with political tensions unresolved, it’s essential to stay prepared.“The situation is rapidly changing,” says Nick Renton, Head of European Strategy and Business Development at SNAP. “With the potential for further disruption at the Poland-Ukraine border, we recommend that fleet operators put robust plans in place to prioritise driver wellbeing and minimise operational risks. That includes building flexibility into delivery schedules, providing essential supplies in vehicles and ensuring drivers have access to secure truck parking. “Our network of bookable truck stops across Europe and Poland gives you the tools to stay agile – offering peace of mind to both operators and drivers when conditions on the ground become unpredictable.”View our interactive map of .