Susie Jones
Nachrichten und Updates • 4 min lesen

Wie kann die Vielfalt der Fahrer in der Branche gefördert werden?

Erstellt: 21.08.2024

Aktualisiert: 21.08.2024

Wenn wir Sie bitten würden, einen Lkw-Fahrer zu beschreiben, könnte Ihre Antwort das stereotype Bild eines älteren, weißen Mannes vermitteln. Ist das richtig? Traditionell war die Lkw-Branche von Männern dominiert. Im Laufe der Jahre ist die Branche vielfältiger geworden und hat Frauen, Menschen unterschiedlichen Alters und mit unterschiedlichem Hintergrund die Möglichkeit eröffnet, in die Branche einzusteigen. Die Vielfalt nimmt zu, aber externe Herausforderungen wie der Brexit und die Pandemie haben diese Entwicklung gebremst (https://).

Frauen in der Branche

Obwohl im Vereinigten Königreich bis zu [100.000 Lkw-Fahrer fehlen, sind nur 1 bis 3 %] (https://www.itv.com/news/2021-08-13/how-female-truckers-are-gearing-up-to-stem-shortfalls-in-the-haulage-industry) der Lkw-Fahrer Frauen. Warum also entscheiden sich nicht mehr Frauen für ein Leben auf der Straße?

  • Sicherheit: Schätzungsweise [60 %] (https://www.businessinsider.com/female-truckers-describe-how-to-stay-safe-trucker-shortage-2022-2?r=US&IR=T) der Lkw-Fahrerinnen haben sich bei der Arbeit unsicher gefühlt. Viele haben das Bedürfnis geäußert, unter einer Ampel zu parken, ihre Stopps zu planen und Pfefferspray mitzuführen.

  • Technik und Ausrüstung: Ergonomisch gesehen wurden Lkw für Männer gebaut. In der Vergangenheit empfanden Frauen das Greifen nach Bedienelementen, das Einstellen von Sitzen und die körperlichen Aspekte der Arbeit als hinderlich. Dank des technischen Fortschritts ist körperliche Anstrengung jedoch kein Problem mehr. Die meisten modernen Lkw verfügen heute über Servolenkung und Automatikgetriebe, um die Arbeit zu erleichtern.

Trotz dieser Rückschläge verschaffen sich Frauen Gehör und setzen Veränderungen in der Branche durch. Fahrerinnen wie Jodi Smith sind unschätzbare Fürsprecherinnen für die Branche. Jodi teilt ihre Erfahrungen im Lkw-Verkehr online und beweist, dass diese Branche nicht nur eine Männerwelt ist.

"LKW-Fahrer ist kein Männerberuf - ich kann diesen Job mit einem kompletten Satz Acrylfarben machen! Es ist ziemlich anstrengend, aber nicht schwer", sagt Jodi, als wir 2021 mit ihr sprachen (https://fleetpoint.org/driver-training-safety/driver-safety-2/are-women-the-future-of-trucking/). Mit sieben Jahren Erfahrung im Rücken setzt sich Jodi weiterhin dafür ein, dass mehr Frauen in die Truckergemeinschaft aufgenommen werden.

Ein Ergebnis, das zu sichereren Straßen führen könnte - American Transportation Research Institute Daten zeigen, dass Frauen als Berufskraftfahrerinnen sicherer sind. Bei männlichen Fahrern ist die Wahrscheinlichkeit, in einen Unfall verwickelt zu werden, um 20 % höher als bei ihren weiblichen Pendants.

Altersvielfalt in der Branche

Nach Angaben des Office of National Statistics liegt das Durchschnittsalter eines Lkw-Fahrers bei achtundvierzig Jahren, und 47 % der Lkw-Fahrer im Vereinigten Königreich sind über fünfzig und wollen bald in Rente gehen. Diese Statistiken und der aktuelle Fahrermangel deuten darauf hin, dass in der Branche ein Bedarf an jüngeren Fahrern besteht.

Das ist leichter gesagt als getan, denn viele junge Fahrer stehen vor folgenden Herausforderungen:

  • Ausbildung: Der Erwerb eines gewerblichen Führerscheins kann bis zu 2.000 £ kosten

  • Versicherung: Obwohl das Mindestalter für das Führen eines Lkw im Vereinigten Königreich bei 18 Jahren liegt, haben viele Schwierigkeiten, eine Versicherung zu bekommen

  • Erfahrung: Einige Unternehmen wollen erfahrene Fahrer einstellen, was ein Rückschlag sein kann

  • Die Bedingungen: Das Leben von Truckern kann anstrengend sein - lange Arbeitszeiten und die Abwesenheit von Angehörigen können abschreckend wirken. Das Leben auf der Straße hat jedoch auch viele Vorteile, wie Gemeinschaft, Reisen, Bezahlung und Arbeitsplatzsicherheit.

Unternehmen, die Fahrer suchen, können von der Einstellung jüngerer Lkw-Fahrer profitieren. Sie sind eher bereit, sich an eine sich ständig verändernde Branche anzupassen. Außerdem lernen sie schnell und begrüßen technologische Fortschritte. Wenn immer mehr jüngere Fahrer in die Branche einsteigen, wird die Fluktuationsrate sinken - und damit auch die Kosten für die Unternehmen. Außerdem wird dadurch sichergestellt, dass die Branche die wachsende Nachfrage nach Waren und Dienstleistungen befriedigen kann.

Aber was sind die Nachteile für Sie, wenn Sie ein älterer Fahrer sind? Es wird vermutet, dass sich das Alter auf die körperlichen und kognitiven Fähigkeiten auswirkt und die Fähigkeit, sicher zu fahren, beeinträchtigt. Diese sind für Lkw-Fahrer lebenswichtig, da sie lange Arbeitszeiten, körperliche Anforderungen und Stresssituationen bewältigen müssen.

Die FMCSA hat diese Bedenken aufgegriffen. Die Vorschriften sehen vor, dass sich ältere Fahrer regelmäßig ärztlichen Untersuchungen und Fahrbewertungen unterziehen müssen. Kürzlich wurde berichtet, dass ein 90-jähriger LKW-Fahrer aus Sheffield noch immer Lkw fährt, nachdem er bei bester Gesundheit untersucht worden war. Viele argumentieren, dass ältere Fahrer jahrzehntelange Erfahrung und Wissen mitbringen - und meinen, wenn sie gesund sind, sollte es kein Hindernis für eine Beschäftigung geben.

Wie kann Vielfalt den derzeitigen Fahrermangel beheben?

Im Jahr 2022 stellte das Amt für Veteranenangelegenheiten der Wohltätigkeitsorganisation Veterans into Logistics 100.000 £ zur Verfügung. Die Wohltätigkeitsorganisation bietet Veteranen die Möglichkeit, LKW-Fahrer zu werden. Dank der Finanzierung konnte die Wohltätigkeitsorganisation ihr jährliches Schulungsangebot erheblich ausweiten, die Zahl der Mitarbeiter erhöhen und die Zahl der angebotenen Schulungen verdreifachen. XPO, ASDA und Muller Milk & Ingredients sind alles Unternehmen, die Veteranen direkt nach der Ausbildung einstellen.

Darüber hinaus stellte ASDA 40.000 Pfund für Weiterbildungsmaßnahmen zur Verfügung. Die Unterstützung von Wohltätigkeitsorganisationen wie "Veterans into Logistics" schafft eine vielfältigere Kultur innerhalb der Lkw-Fahrerschaft und geht gleichzeitig aktiv gegen den derzeitigen Fahrermangel vor.

Was kann getan werden, um mehr Vielfalt zu erreichen?

Eine vielfältige Belegschaft öffnet Unternehmen für unterschiedliche Sichtweisen und Erfahrungen. Was können Unternehmen tun, um eine vielfältige Belegschaft zu gewinnen?

  • Investieren Sie in Schulungen: Schulungen zur Aufklärung der Mitarbeiter über Themen wie implizite Voreingenommenheit, Inklusion am Arbeitsplatz, Diskriminierungsprävention und die Unterstützung einer vielfältigen Belegschaft können sich positiv auswirken.

  • Investieren Sie in einen integrativen Einstellungsprozess: Die Anonymisierung des Lebenslaufs eines Bewerbers kann unbewusste Vorurteile verringern.

  • Fördern Sie eine integrative Kultur: Vermitteln Sie potenziellen Bewerbern, wie Sie aktuelle Fragen der Vielfalt und Integration angehen.

  • Sprechen Sie unterrepräsentierte Gruppen in dieser Branche an.

Die Förderung einer vielfältigen Kultur im Lkw-Fahrergewerbe kann für die Branche von großem Nutzen sein. Es wird nicht nur dazu beitragen, ein integrativeres und einladenderes Arbeitsumfeld zu schaffen, sondern auch dem anhaltenden Fahrermangel entgegenwirken. Speditionsunternehmen haben die Verantwortung, die Vielfalt ebenso zu fördern wie die Lkw-Fahrer.

In welchem Land werden Lkw-Fahrer gesucht?

Aus einem im Dezember 2022 veröffentlichten Bericht geht hervor, dass der Mangel an Lkw-Fahrern in Europa zwischen 2020 und 2021 um 42 % gestiegen ist. Das Vereinigte Königreich führt die Liste mit 100.000 offenen Stellen an. Mexiko und China standen ebenfalls weit oben auf der Liste, wobei der Mangel in Mexiko um 30 % und in China um unglaubliche 140 % zunahm.

Brauchen wir in Zukunft noch Lkw-Fahrer?

Die Einführung selbstfahrender Lkw hat viele zu der Annahme veranlasst, dass es keine Zukunft für Lkw-Fahrer gibt. Das ist jedoch bei weitem nicht der Fall.

  • Autonome Lkw werden schrittweise in bestimmten Regionen eingeführt. Die Wahrscheinlichkeit, dass die meisten Fahrer davon betroffen sein werden, ist gering.

  • Auch wenn autonome Lkw weltweit eingesetzt würden, würden immer noch Fahrer benötigt. Der Bedarf an Lkw-Fahrern wird nur noch steigen, denn es gibt zu viele Dinge, die passieren könnten, wenn kein Fahrer im Führerhaus sitzt.

Was sind die Stereotypen der Lkw-Fahrer?

Wir wissen um die Bedeutung der Lkw-Fahrer, aber in den Augen einiger weniger sind mit der Branche immer noch negative Stereotypen verbunden - diese Darstellung kann auf eine falsche Darstellung in den Medien und manchmal auf einige unerfahrene Fahrer zurückzuführen sein. Doch was ist das für ein stereotypes Bild? Und warum ist es falsch?

  • Übergewicht - Einige Raststätten bieten ungesundes Fast Food an, was den Eindruck erwecken könnte, dass Lkw-Fahrer nur dieses konsumieren. Das ist aber keineswegs die Norm. Sich unterwegs gesund zu ernähren, kann eine Herausforderung sein, aber viele achten auf eine ausgewogene Ernährung und treiben regelmäßig Sport. Sehen Sie sich unsere Tipps für [gesunde Ernährung unterwegs] an (https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/how-healthy-truck-driver-snap-account/?trackingId=g91E6xbfIMoJTora4dSipQ%3D%3D).

  • Schlechte Fahrer - ein Klischee, das nicht weiter von der Wahrheit entfernt sein könnte. Berufskraftfahrer nehmen die Sicherheit sehr ernst. Sie halten sich oft an die Geschwindigkeitsbegrenzung, sind bei schwierigen Wetterbedingungen besonders vorsichtig und lassen viel Platz zwischen sich und anderen Fahrern.

  • Schlecht gelaunt - Wir alle werden im Straßenverkehr wütend, und Trucker sind da keine Ausnahme. Allerdings ist es unfair, dieses Klischee nur auf Trucker zu übertragen.

  • Alle Lkw-Fahrer sind Männer - In dieser Branche gibt es mehr Männer als Frauen, doch die Zahl der weiblichen Lkw-Fahrer steigt.

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Donnerstag 16 Oktober 2025 • Nachrichten und Updates

6 STRATEGIEN FÜR DAS FUHRPARKMANAGEMENT, DIE IHR GESCHÄFTSERGEBNIS VERBESSERN WERDEN

Guest

Fleet managers in the United Kingdom face financial challenges on many fronts. Escalating operational costs due to volatile fuel prices, intensifying sustainability transformation pressures, capital-intensive vehicle procurement, chronic talent shortage and unscheduled and extended downtime hurt the bottom line.If you have already invested in basic solutions to optimise routes, improve driver performance, minimise fuel consumption, monitor asset health and schedule preventive maintenance, but you haven’t seen significant gains, then consider adopting these six practical strategies to record positive net income consistently.Many fleet professionals view assets as unavoidable money pits and have come to terms with their tendency to drain resources. This notion normalises inefficient fuel consumption, unreasonably high maintenance costs and frequent downtime due to sudden breakdowns. Less-than-roadworthy vehicles endanger driver and cargo safety, resulting in higher future insurance rates and lasting reputation damage.Developing a structured fleet life-cycle and replacement strategy is essential to retiring specific vehicles before they hurt company coffers. It helps you manage your budget prudently, allowing you to make informed decisions based on long-term goals instead of immediate needs.Prioritise cost per mile, vehicle age and mileage. These vital metrics indicate when an asset becomes a good candidate for retirement instead of waiting for it to become inoperable. This proactive approach reduces your total cost of ownership, allowing you to resell declining assets while their value is relatively high. The proceeds from the sale can offset the price of procuring and integrating vehicles with partial automation capabilities into your fleet.The chronic labour shortage in the logistics industry drives up fleet management costs through rising wages, extended vehicle repair times and losses arising from delays and missed deadlines. This issue predated the pandemic, and Brexit only made it worse. In 2023, UK in a Changing Europe and Centre for European Reform estimated that the UK recorded a after the freedom of movement ended.The key is to raise awareness of logistics as an exciting career at the grassroots level. Fleet managers could do more to introduce the industry to primary and secondary students. Explaining what HGV drivers and mechanics do and their contributions to society can bring prestige to these occupations. Apprenticeship programmes can work wonders, as the 2022/2023 Logistics UK survey found that roles seek them.Poor workplace design is an underrated fleet management dilemma. Slowdowns to the order fulfilment process can trigger a domino effect that ultimately inflates operational costs. They can lead to increased idle time, talent underutilisation, unmet delivery schedules and customer dissatisfaction. Workflow inefficiencies may force you to reallocate resources, reshuffling drivers and vehicles and changing routes to compensate for delays.Facility-related disorganisation is outside the purview of fleet managers. Close collaboration with warehouse management matters to increase the logical flow and speed of movement of goods within the space. Simple improvements like hanging enough high bay LED lights and installing doors can reduce errors and boost productivity.Leverage technology to ensure clear communication. Adopting a software solution that merges or helps warehouse and fleet management systems interoperate gives all relevant stakeholders complete visibility into each department’s operations. Forming a cross-functional team cultivates a culture of collaboration and shared responsibility, holding everyone collectively accountable for mistakes and preventing finger-pointing.An innovative, pragmatic approach to vehicle upkeep is necessary to decrease unscheduled downtime. Proactive tuneups and automatic maintenance scheduling are , but digitising inspection and streamlining repairs are just as important to catch red flags early, restore asset roadworthiness quickly and help technicians work efficiently.Mobile pretrip inspections are instrumental in preventive asset maintenance and compliance. Apps capture real-time data, empower drivers to communicate issues to management and facilitate recordkeeping for review, analysis and reporting. Digital work orders help you monitor repairs across your fleet and ensure none will affect delivery schedules.Upgraded gear makes life easier for your technicians and complements initiatives to play to their strengths when assigning tasks. The latest diagnostic tools can be a significant expense but also a major time-saver. They pay for themselves by reducing premature component wear, preventing breakdowns and helping you negotiate for lower insurance rates. Every new technology has a learning curve, so value proper training to upskill your personnel accordingly.Well-maintained fleet vehicles could still break down midjourney due to road conditions in the UK. According to a January 2024 report featuring data gathered by 7,000 Stan the App users, on British carriageways. This figure only covered 13% of the country’s road network, suggesting that the actual number of defects might reach 11.5 million.Areas with colder, wetter weather are more likely to have depressions in road surfaces. Local governments fill millions of potholes yearly, so it can be challenging to plan routes ahead of time to avoid them. Integrating autonomous features into fleet vehicles — like deep learning-powered object detection and adaptive suspension — should help, but real-time pothole avoidance remains an ongoing challenge.Prudent fleet managers anticipate breakdowns regardless of how properly maintained their assets are and focus on readiness. They work with preapproved local mobile mechanics and independent auto repair shops to fix broken vehicles, minimise downtime and promote driver productivity and safety.Vet freelance automotive technicians by verifying their credentials, understanding their specialisation and checking their tools. Thirty-party mechanics should be the option of last resort, so train your drivers in basic troubleshooting and equip them with proper gear.Leaving last-mile delivery to self-driving systems can make this critical aspect of logistics more efficient and less costly. Big-name companies like Amazon, FedEx and UPS have used their deep pockets to pilot autonomous last-mile delivery, proving that driverless vans and drones could feasibly reduce the operational costs of urban logistics and increase customer satisfaction.Successful autonomous vehicle integration pilots should inspire organisations with smaller fleets to innovate. However, the perceived high up-front investment is only one of the obstacles many fleet managers face. Infrastructure, regulations and consumer acceptance are also significant considerations.Fortunately, the British Parliament has passed the Automated Vehicles Act 2024 to lay the regulatory foundation for autonomous last-mile operations. In June 2025, Member of Parliament Lilian Greenwood shared an update that the government , which indicated that the policymakers weren’t cutting corners to inspire stakeholders once the law is implemented.Overhauling your fleet operations is crucial for improving your bottom line, but any change comes with opportunities and risks. Managers can try various strategies, from detailed life-cycle plans to autonomous vehicle integration. With foresight, innovation, creativity, collaboration, pragmatism and resourcefulness, you can resolve pressing pain points and overcome new challenges to be in the black.

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Freitag 03 Oktober 2025 • Nachrichten und Updates

SCHADSTOFFARME ZONEN IN SPANIEN: WAS FLOTTENBETREIBER WISSEN MÜSSEN

Guest

By the end of 2025, 149 Spanish cities – from Madrid and Barcelona to tourist hubs like Valencia, Alicante and Benidorm – will restrict access for high-emission vehicles. For fleet operators, that means new compliance risks, costly upgrades and tighter delivery schedules.Spain’s low-emission zones (Zonas de Bajas Emisiones, or ZBEs) are part of a wider European push to improve air quality and cut transport emissions. They already operate in major cities across the country and are enforced with fines of up to €200, with rules varying from city to city.In this guide, we explain how ZBEs work, what vehicle categories are affected and what operators need to do to keep their fleets on the road.ZBEs are being introduced under Spanish law in cities with more than (and those over 20,000 with particularly poor air quality), in order to improve urban air quality and support EU climate goals. Access to a ZBE is determined by a vehicle's environmental badge (distintivo ambiental), as issued by the Spanish Directorate-General for Traffic (DGT).The categories are:Full access● 100% electric vehicles (BEV)● Hydrogen fuel cell vehicles (FCEV)● Plug-in hybrids with at least 40km electric rangeGenerally unrestricted access● Standard hybrids (HEV)● Plug-in hybrids with less than 40km electric range● Gas-fuelled vehicles (CNG/LNG/LPG)Access with some time/area restrictions● Petrol vehicles: Euro 4/5/6 (typically 2006 onwards)● Diesel vehicles: Euro 6 (typically 2014 onwards)Increasingly restricted, often barred during peak hours● Petrol vehicles: Euro 3 (typically 2000-2005)● Diesel vehicles: Euro 4-5 (typically 2006-2013)Generally banned from all ZBEs● Petrol vehicles below Euro 3 standards● Diesel vehicles below Euro 4 standardsPetrol vehicles below Euro 3, and diesels below Euro 4 standards, are typically banned from ZBEs, although restrictions vary by city.It’s important to note that foreign vehicles must register with local city councils before entering a ZBE, even if they meet equivalent Euro standards. Without registration, compliant vehicles may face automatic fines, which has become a common issue for international hauliers operating in Spain.Madrid and Barcelona have had ZBEs in place for several years, with highly specific rules and large coverage areas. By the end of 2025, the system will expand to cover 149 cities, including smaller towns and tourist destinations such as Benidorm, Valencia, Seville and Alicante.Some cities are still implementing or gradually enforcing their zones, with transitional periods in place (e.g., warnings until late 2025 in Valencia and Benidorm). Others, such as , will start to fine non-compliant vehicles from December 2025.It should be noted that cities may have differing rules, with some allowing non-compliant vehicles for essential services, so it is important to be aware of a specific city’s rules before dispatching a vehicle. Spain is not alone: more than 320 cities across Europe now operate LEZs, with France’s Crit’Air system, Germany’s Umweltzonen and the UK’s ULEZ among the most established. For cross-border hauliers, this creates a patchwork of rules, stickers and penalties that raise compliance risks and costs.You must ensure that your vehicles display the appropriate DGT badge or register if foreign-plated. Fines for non-compliance are typically set at , although they can vary by municipality. Cities like Madrid and Barcelona have already begun issuing these penalties via automatic number plate recognition (ANPR) systems.Many logistics companies face hurdles because older diesel trucks are now banned or restricted from cities. In fact, . This means a significant number of vehicles are non-compliant and must be replaced if hauliers want to enter ZBEs.Vehicle prices are adding to the pressure: an , while are even pricier.CETM-Madrid, the Spanish Confederation of Freight Transport, estimates that cumulative outlays for Madrid-based road-freight and calls for deadline adjustments and more support.Data shows that the changes are having an impact on delivery schedules. A recent survey of businesses in pilot zones found that Congestion is also common during restricted delivery windows (8-10am), when many operators compete for access. Around also cited a lack of adequate loading/unloading areas as a major contributor to delays.This “time compression” effect – where deliveries are forced into fewer hours – creates bottlenecks at zone perimeters, raising the likelihood of late arrivals and disrupted supply chains.Schedule disruption extends beyond vehicle routing to workforce management. Barcelona's approach to ZBEs illustrates the challenge: the city offers (21:00-07:00) to reduce daytime congestion, but Spanish labour agreements state that night-work pay has premiums of approximately 25%.This creates a difficult choice for fleet operators: accept daytime congestion and delays, or absorb increases in labour costs for night operations.Despite the challenges, ZBEs deliver clear public health gains. Studies of the Madrid Central LEZ recorded (NO₂) within the zone. Broader European research shows soot emissions dropping by up to .These reductions translate directly into improved air quality, fewer respiratory illnesses and reduced hospital admissions. For urban residents – and drivers spending hours in congested traffic – the health benefits are tangible if inconvenient. “Low emission zones are here to stay,” comments Raqual Martinez, European Sales Manager at SNAP. “The challenge for our community is adapting without compromising efficiency or driver welfare. At SNAP, we’re committed to supporting fleets in Spain and across Europe, helping them turn regulatory change into operational advantage.”While we can’t change the LEZ rules, our intruck app makes life on the road simpler. Drivers can use it to find and book secure truck parking and washing, see what facilities are available at each stop, and plan rest breaks that fit tighter delivery windows – whether they’re running into Madrid, skirting Barcelona, or crossing borders on longer routes. Download the today for smoother operations across Spain's evolving transport landscape.

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Freitag 26 September 2025 • Nachrichten und Updates

WIE WIRD MAN LASTWAGENFAHRER?

Guest

Across Europe, demand for professional lorry drivers has never been higher. In the UK, the Road Haulage Association estimates that in the next five years to keep supply chains running. And the situation is the same across most of Europe. According to I data, there were 426,000 unfilled driver positions across Europe in 2024. But this creates an opportunity. As , the haulage industry offers the prospect of steady work for school leavers considering alternatives to university and adults looking to retrain. Becoming a lorry driver is a pathway to secure earnings and a structured career.The question many ask is: how to become a lorry driver? The answer depends not just on training and licences, but on understanding what it means to join a profession that keeps Europe’s economy moving.One of the main attractions of a driving career is its accessibility. You don’t need a university degree or years of specialist training to start; a standard car licence (Category B) is all that’s required before working towards professional qualifications. The minimum age for training is 18 in both the UK and across the EU, which means school leavers can move directly from a car licence to professional HGV driver training. That said, many firms prefer international drivers to be at least 21, given the extra responsibility that comes with long-distance haulage.Medical fitness is also important. Every applicant has to pass a medical before they can hold an HGV licence. In the UK, this involves a range of tests, eyesight checks, blood pressure readings and screening for conditions such as epilepsy, heart disease or sleep apnoea.European nations apply the same EU-wide medical standards, with regular renewals ensuring drivers remain healthy throughout their careers.For many people considering the move into professional driving, a key concern is: how much do lorry drivers earn? The answer varies depending on location, experience and the type of work undertaken, but across Europe, the profession offers competitive pay compared to other entry-level jobs.● A new driver in the UK on around £27,000 a year. Those who move into long-haul work, especially on international routes, can see their pay rise towards £45,000 – sometimes more if they’re hauling specialist or hazardous loads. those handling specialist loads, hazardous goods or operating across borders. ● In , salaries tend to be lower than in the UK, typically around €36,600, although large logistics firms in major cities may offer more. ● has seen strong demand for drivers in recent years, but wages remain modest, averaging around 92,400 PLN (approximately €21,690).● sits at the lower end of the scale, with drivers generally earning 80,550 RON (€16,000), although international haulage contracts can significantly boost take-home pay.Of course, salary isn’t the whole story. Many companies offer overtime pay, meal allowances or bonuses for hitting delivery targets. And with demand for drivers showing no sign of slowing, the job also brings a level of security that few other entry-level careers can match.Before you can get behind the wheel of a lorry, you’ll need the right licence. In the UK, this means progressing beyond a standard car licence to what’s officially known as a Large Goods Vehicle (LGV) or Heavy Goods Vehicle (HGV) licence. The terms are often used interchangeably, but both cover the same categories of professional driving.Some people begin with a Category C1 licence, which covers medium-sized vehicles between 3.5 and 7.5 tonnes – often used for smaller delivery trucks. However, most aspiring lorry drivers go straight to the Category C licence, sometimes called a Class 2 HGV licence. This allows you to drive rigid vehicles over 7.5 tonnes. For those who want to progress to articulated lorries – the larger vehicles commonly used on long-distance and international routes – the Category CE licence (Class 1) is required.Alongside these qualifications sits the Driver Certificate of Professional Competence (CPC), a legal requirement across both the UK and EU. This certificate involves a mix of initial training and periodic refreshers, designed to keep drivers up to date on safety, regulation and road skills.This system mirrors the EU-wide licensing framework. The main differences between countries lie in the training providers, the costs involved and, in some places, the availability of test slots.Securing your HGV licence is the first step into professional driving. In the UK, you can start the process once you hold a standard Category B car licence. From there, you apply for a provisional lorry licence, which allows you to begin training in large goods vehicles. The training itself combines theory and practical elements: classroom sessions on road safety and regulations, followed by supervised driving in heavy vehicles. Candidates must also complete modules for the Driver Certificate of Professional Competence (CPC), which ensures that drivers are equipped not just to operate vehicles safely but also to manage the day-to-day demands of haulage.One of the most common questions for anyone considering this career is how much lorry driver training costs. In the UK, prices vary depending on the provider, location and whether you’re training for a Category C or the more advanced Category CE licence. On average, new drivers can expect to spend between £2,000 and £3,500 to cover medical checks, provisional licence fees, theory tests, practical training, CPC modules and the final driving test. Some companies, particularly larger logistics firms, offer schemes to subsidise or fully fund training in exchange for a work commitment, making the route more accessible.Elsewhere in Europe, the numbers aren’t too different. In Spain, training generally costs between €2,000 and €3,000 for full training and certification. In Poland, the figure is lower, averaging €1,500 to €2,500. Romania has some of the lowest training costs in Europe, with many candidates paying around €1,000 to €1,800 to qualify, although entry-level wages tend to reflect this lower barrier to entry.The time it takes to qualify as a lorry driver depends on where you train, the type of licence you’re aiming for, and how quickly you can secure test dates. In the UK, most people complete their training and pass their tests within two to four months. Some intensive courses compress the process into a matter of weeks, though many drivers find that spacing out lessons helps them absorb the skills more effectively.In Spain and Poland, the process is similar, although longer waiting lists for exam slots can extend the timeline. In Poland, high demand for professional drivers has created bottlenecks at training centres, meaning some candidates wait several months before sitting their practical test. Romania has one of the fastest pathways, with training and testing often completed within eight to twelve weeks.And the learning doesn’t stop once you’ve got your licence. Every professional driver must complete 35 hours of CPC training every five years, keeping their skills up to date and making sure they’re ready for the latest regulations and safety standards.Once you’re qualified, the job comes with strict limits on how long you can spend behind the wheel. These limits are designed to protect both drivers and other road users by reducing fatigue.Across the UK and EU, the rules are the same. Drivers can spend a each day, which can be extended to ten hours twice a week. Weekly limits cap driving at 56 hours, with no more than 90 hours over two consecutive weeks. A driver must also take a break of at least 45 minutes after 4.5 hours of driving. They are also entitled to daily and weekly rest periods to recover before returning to work.These rules are closely monitored, with tachographs fitted in vehicles to record hours and ensure compliance. For those working long-distance routes, such as Spanish drivers covering the Iberian Peninsula or Polish hauliers moving goods across the EU’s eastern borders, these limits shape the rhythm of the job. They determine when and where drivers stop, making access to safe and secure rest areas a vital part of the working day. Becoming a lorry driver isn’t just about passing tests. It’s about stepping into a role that carries real responsibility, but also brings long-term opportunity. With the right licence, the right training and the determination to take on life on the road, it’s a career that can provide both stability and progression.At SNAP, we know what those journeys look like. That’s why we work with fleets and drivers across Europe to make them safer, simpler and more comfortable – from secure parking and better welfare facilities to smart digital tools that save time and stress. Whether you’re just starting out or you’ve been driving for years, we’re here to back you every mile of the way.Download the today to find trusted parking, facilities and services, wherever your route takes you.