Susie Jones
Nachrichten und Updates • 3 min lesen

Fünf Lkw-Mythen entlarvt

Erstellt: 19.08.2024

Aktualisiert: 19.08.2024

Lkw-Fahrer sind seit Jahrhunderten das Rückgrat des globalen Handels - sie transportieren Waren und Güter in die ganze Welt. Doch trotz seiner wichtigen Rolle war der Lkw-Verkehr lange Zeit von Mythen und Missverständnissen umgeben.

Auch wenn einige dieser Mythen mit Vorsicht zu genießen sind, können andere der Lkw-Branche und den in ihr Beschäftigten schaden. Daher ist es von größter Bedeutung, diese falschen Vorstellungen auszuräumen, damit das Lkw-Fahren auch für künftige Generationen eine attraktive Berufswahl bleibt. Wir haben unsere Fahrer-Community auf Facebook nach den größten Mythen gefragt, die sie im Laufe ihrer Karriere gehört haben.

1. Lkw-Fahrer sitzen den ganzen Tag

"Lkw-Fahrer sitzen den ganzen Tag nur herum." Ein Satz, den man häufig von Trucker Luke hört.

Die Welt des Lkw-Verkehrs besteht aus mehr als nur dem Fahren. Lkw-Fahrer arbeiten oft mit anderen an Terminals, Docks und Lagerhäusern zusammen, um Fracht zu ent- und beladen. Auch hinter dem Lenkrad geht nicht alles glatt. Lkw-Fahrer müssen sich auf das Manövrieren ihrer Fahrzeuge konzentrieren und sich an die strengen Fahrtenschreibervorschriften halten. Sie müssen genau wissen, welche Bereiche sie befahren dürfen und welche nicht, und sie müssen sich der potenziellen Gefahren bewusst sein.

2. Alle Trucker sind Männer

Dies ist ein veraltetes Klischee, das der Realität des modernen Lkw-Verkehrs nicht gerecht wird. In letzter Zeit hat sich das Verhältnis zwischen männlichen und weiblichen Lkw-Fahrern deutlich verschoben. Im Jahr 2021 machten weibliche Fahrer nur [1 %] (https://britishtrucking.co.uk/female-truckers-in-the-uk-percentages-in-the-haulage-industry-2021/#:~:text=There%20are%20currently%20315%2C000%20registered,job%20than%20their%20male%20counterparts.) der 315.000 Lkw-Fahrer im Vereinigten Königreich aus. Diese Zahl steigt jedoch von Jahr zu Jahr, da sich die Branche weiterentwickelt und sich der Inklusion verschrieben hat. Fahrerinnen wie Jodi Smith sind unschätzbare Fürsprecherinnen für Frauen in der Branche. Jodi dokumentiert ihre Erfahrungen als Lkw-Fahrerin online und inspiriert damit andere, sich hinter das Steuer zu setzen.

3. Jeder kann einen Lkw fahren

Viele gehen davon aus, dass sie, wenn sie ein Auto fahren können, auch einen Lkw fahren können. Das Lkw-Fahren erfordert jedoch besondere Fähigkeiten, die nicht für jeden geeignet sind. Für das Führen eines Lastkraftwagens ist ein Befähigungsnachweis für Fahrer (CPC) erforderlich. Um den CPC zu erhalten, müssen Fahrer fünf Prüfungen ablegen:

  • Theorie

  • Fallstudie

  • Übungen im Gelände

  • Fahren im Straßenverkehr

  • Praktische Demonstrationen

Hinzu kommt, dass das Lkw-Fahren einen Lebensstil erfordert, der nicht jedermanns Sache ist - mit langen einsamen Stunden auf der Straße, die oft unerwartete Herausforderungen mit sich bringen.

4. Bremsweg

"Autofahrer denken, der Bremsweg eines Lkw sei derselbe wie der eines Pkw", das hat der Lkw-Fahrer Paul schon zu oft gehört.

Der Bremsweg eines Lkw unterscheidet sich aufgrund mehrerer Faktoren erheblich von dem eines Pkw: - Gewicht: Das Gesamtgewicht eines beladenen Lkw ist höher als das eines typischen Pkw, was bedeutet, dass er mehr Kraft benötigt, um abzubremsen und zum Stillstand zu kommen.

  • Mechanik: Das Bremssystem eines Lastkraftwagens ist auf schwere Lasten zugeschnitten, d. h. sie haben größere und robustere Achsen und Bremskomponenten, was zu längeren Reaktionszeiten und längeren Bremswegen führt.

Bei einer Geschwindigkeit von 60 km/h benötigt ein Lkw 132 m zum Bremsen, ein Pkw dagegen nur 73 m. Dies zeigt, wie wichtig es ist, bei einer Vollbremsung genügend Platz zwischen sich und einem Lkw zu lassen.

5. Lkw-Fahrer sind schmutzig

Im Laufe der Jahre wurde Lkw-Fahrern das Klischee des schmutzigen und faulen Fahrers angedichtet - eine ungerechte Verallgemeinerung. Viele Fernfahrer verbringen viel Zeit außer Haus und in ihren Kabinen - das bedeutet, dass ihre Hygiene und die Sauberkeit ihrer Kabinen eine Priorität sind.

Es ist wichtig, mit den Mythen und falschen Vorstellungen über den Beruf des Lkw-Fahrers aufzuräumen, um ihn besser zu verstehen. Die Entlarvung einiger gängiger Mythen wird die Attraktivität der Branche für künftige Generationen erhöhen und das Bewusstsein für den Beruf des Lkw-Fahrers als hochqualifizierten Beruf schärfen, der eine wichtige Rolle in unserer Wirtschaft spielt.

Ist Lkw-Fahren einsam?

Bevor man eine Karriere als Lkw-Fahrer in Erwägung zieht, sollte man sich darüber im Klaren sein, was dieser Beruf mit sich bringt. Ein Problem für viele Lkw-Fahrer ist der Umgang mit der Einsamkeit - lange Stunden auf der Straße mit wenig oder gar keiner Kommunikation ist für manche schwierig, für andere aber ein Traum.

Darüber hinaus kann die Abwesenheit von geliebten Menschen für viele eine Belastung darstellen. Es ist jedoch für Fahrer einfacher geworden, mit Freunden und Familie per Telefon oder Videoanruf zu kommunizieren. Es gibt auch viele Foren und hilfreiche Tipps für Trucker, um die Einsamkeit zu lindern.

Kann ein Lkw-Fahrer einen Zweitjob haben?

Angesichts der Lebenshaltungskostenkrise im Vereinigten Königreich ziehen immer mehr Fahrer einen Zweitjob in Betracht. Eine Nebentätigkeit birgt jedoch Probleme und Risiken, vor allem in der Lkw-Branche. Die Fahrer müssen prüfen, ob ihr Unternehmen eine Nebentätigkeit zulässt, bevor sie weitere Schritte unternehmen.

Bei der Ausarbeitung einer Nebentätigkeitspolitik sollten Unternehmen und Betreiber die Auswirkungen auf die Leistung, Anwesenheit und Müdigkeit der Fahrer berücksichtigen. Ganz zu schweigen von der Einhaltung der Arbeitszeiten der Fahrer und der Arbeitszeitvorschriften.

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Mittwoch 16 April 2025 • Nachrichten und Updates

WELCHE AUSWIRKUNGEN HABEN GESCHWINDIGKEITSBEGRENZUNGEN VON 20 KM/H AUF FUHRPARKS?

Susie Jones

In 2023, HGVs were involved in collisions that resulted in fatalities, a decline from 2022 but a concerning statistic nonetheless. These accidents could have resulted from several factors, such as driver fatigue, poor vehicle maintenance, weather conditions, or the actions of other road users. However, data from road safety charity Brake suggests that of road-related deaths had speed reported as a road safety factor. In this blog, we'll explore how the implementation of 20mph speed limits could impact fleet operations and lower fatality numbers. According to , only 10% of HGV collisions occurred on a motorway the other 90% were more likely to happen on an urban or rural road. Rural roads present truck drivers with narrow spaces, sharp turns, and interactions with vulnerable road users like cyclists and pedestrians, increasing the likelihood of accidents. Urban areas pose a greater risk for truck drivers due to higher-density traffic, frequent stops, pedestrian activity, and complex road layouts combined with the unpredictability of urban roads makes them more of a hazard for truck drivers. Figures published by the have shown 100 fewer casualties on urban roads in 2024 compared to the same period in 2023 before the 20mph speed limit was enforced in urban areas.The scheme is supported by organisations such as Brake and Cycling UK, and now fleet management specialists are encouraging haulage companies to get behind the scheme. They argue that the shift from 30mph to 20mph will have minimal impact on fleet efficiency and strongly reinforce the idea that it would save lives each year. According to FleetCheck, haulage operators had mixed feelings towards the initiative. Some saw the changes as a hindrance to efficiency arguing that lower speed limits may force some fleets into reducing the number of deliveries they can make in any given period. Drivers on SNAP's social media pages had strong feelings toward the suggestion. One driver commented:"Who is going to back more 20mph zones? The whole standard of driving is the problem. Ever since we came out of lockdown, the standard of driving has been diabolical, that's including cars, vans, and trucks."The sentiment remained the same on socials, with many not supporting the change. Reduced speed zones offer several benefits for truck drivers. • Lower speeds improve reaction times and reduce stopping distances, making it easier to avoid collisions particularly in urban areas.• Trucks are more likely to have less vehicle wear and tear with reduced speed limits. As mentioned, some fleet companies are concerned that lower speed limits could reduce the number of deliveries they could make in any given period. Fleets could also face the following challenges:• affecting time-sensitive deliveries, impacting scheduling and customer expectations.• companies may have to adjust routes to account for slower speeds.• investing in additional driver training to ensure compliance with new speed limits will be crucial. Although these issues can pose additional challenges for fleet companies, many can be managed proactively. Many would argue the long-term safety benefits outweigh the obstacles. In a revisited campaign titled , SNAP identified the most hazardous GB locations. We delve deeper to discover which roads could benefit from a reduced speed limit. SNAP discovered the South East had the most hazardous roads. Kent has the most dangerous roads in Britain and is on the Kent Highway Network by 2050. Which roads are the most concerning?• A short road running for just four miles but was named Britain's highest-risk route in 2018. The report singled out a stretch of the A254 between the junction of the A28 at Margate and the junction with the A255 near Ramsgate. The speed limit on this stretch varies between 30mph and 40mph built-up areas and a heavy traffic flow from the port of Dover make this road particularly dangerous for cyclists, pedestrians, and other road users. Could this stretch of road benefit from slower speed limits?• Notorious for its high accident rates, the A252 runs for 8.7 miles. In 2020, work commenced to reduce the number and severity of accidents, among the changes, a decrease from 60mph to 50mph on this stretch, except where lower limits are in force. However, is this enough to shake off the road's reputation as one of Britain's worst?Surrey and Essex were also at the top of the list and had a combined total of accidents over the last five years. High accident rates in Surrey can be attributed to its mix of populated towns and rural roads. 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Montag 07 April 2025 • Nachrichten und Updates

WAS FLOTTENMANAGER ÜBER DIE EU-VERKEHRSVORSCHRIFTEN WISSEN MÜSSEN

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We know fleet managers are juggling driver shortages, rising fuel costs and the considerable task of keeping trucks compliant. Now toss in a complex web of EU transport regulations that evolve faster than your fleet's mileage. Does this sound familiar?Welcome to the European haulage frontline.From hours of service rules to emissions targets, the EU's regulatory landscape is a challenge and a half but also a roadmap for more innovative, safer, and sustainable haulage. Whether running a family-owned firm in Poland or overseeing pan-European operations from the UK, staying ahead of the rules isn't optional. It's survival.EU transport regulations affect nearly every aspect of your operation: driver hours, vehicle emissions, border controls, parking, and digital compliance. Falling behind could mean fines, delays, or contract losses.The good news is that if you understand the system, you can use it to your advantage. Knowing the rules makes it easier to make your business stand out from the competition. The European Union has strict rules on how long drivers can operate on the road. Fleet managers must ensure their drivers:Drive no more than 9 hours a day (extendable to 10 hours twice a week) Don't exceed 56 hours of driving in a week Take a 45-minute break after 4.5 hours of driving.Digital tachographs must be fitted to all relevant vehicles to track compliance. Failure to do so is one of the most common reasons for penalties.Find out more about . This sweeping set of reforms is transforming haulage across borders. Key changes include:Regular return of vehicles to their home country every 8 weeks Equal pay for drivers operating in host EU countries New rules on cabotage and posting of drivers.It's a game-changer for fleet managers overseeing international transport.Discover more about the. Low-emission zones (LEZs), CO2 targets for new trucks, and incentives for electric vehicles are just the beginning. Fleet managers need to adhere to Euro 7 emission standards. These include:Know where low-emission zones are located (especially in cities like Paris, Berlin, and Milan) Invest in cleaner technology or retrofit older vehicles Track emissions data for reporting requirements.The European Union is pushing towards automated enforcement:Smart tachographs are mandatory in all new vehicles These devices transmit GPS data and can be scanned remotely by authorities Digital fleet management tools are no longer a luxury – they're your legal safety net.Fleet managers must plan parking and resting spots in compliance with driver welfare rules:Drivers must spend weekly rest periods outside the cab Secure truck parking is becoming mandatory in some regions.Fleet managers must ensure drivers follow the EU-regulated limits: 9 hours per day (with flexibility), proper breaks, and max weekly/monthly driving caps.The Mobility Package reform ensures fair competition, driver welfare, and proper oversight in international haulage and road transport – with stricter rules on cabotage, pay, and returns.Drivers who break tachograph rules can expect fines, potential bans, and a damaged reputation for the firm. Non-compliance isn't just a risk – it's expensive.Yes. Most major European countries and cities have strict policies and emissions targets to reduce vehicle air pollution, so fleet operators need to plan ahead. Fleet managers don't just manage trucks; they also manage risk, compliance, and reputation for their business. Understanding EU transport regulations is the difference between thriving in modern haulage and falling behind. makes that job more manageable. From digital payments to truck parking and compliance solutions, we support the people who keep Europe moving.Regulations are tightening, but competent fleet managers? They're tightening their game, too.Ready to get compliant, stay competitive and drive the future of freight? .

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Mittwoch 26 Februar 2025 • Nachrichten und Updates

DIE ROLLE DES FLOTTENMANAGEMENTS IM LKW-VERKEHR: WARUM ES WICHTIG IST

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