Susie Jones
Nachrichten und Updates • 5 min lesen

Trucker-Geschichten: Geschichten von der offenen Straße

Erstellt: 22.08.2024

Aktualisiert: 22.08.2024

Wir wollen die Lkw-Gemeinschaft beleuchten und die Menschen hinter dem Lenkrad kennen lernen.

Von Hubschraubern, die vor ihren Lastwagen landen, bis hin zu Autos, die auf der falschen Seite der Autobahn fahren - erfahren Sie mehr über die Fahrer, die Ihre Waren ausliefern.

Alan

Alan ist seit 23 Jahren Fahrer und entschied sich für die Branche, nachdem er Ally Thomsons Trucker-Songs gehört hatte. Auf die Frage, was er am meisten an seinem Beruf liebt, antwortet er: "Die Einsamkeit, die das Lkw-Fahren mit sich bringt - man ist komplett vom Privatleben getrennt."

Volvo-Lkw sind sein Favorit, da er quer durch Großbritannien reist, um Waren von Amazon zu transportieren. Er sagt, er habe schon viele interessante Produkte transportiert, "die Auswahl ist grenzenlos - man denke nur an alles, was Amazon verkauft".

Für Fahrer, die über Nacht parken, ist es schwierig, sich während der Ausfallzeit zu unterhalten. Erfahrene Fahrer wie Alan haben ihre Abendroutine jedoch perfekt im Griff. Er sagt, dass er "gerne Sky TV auf dem iPad schaut", wenn er für die Nacht geparkt hat.

Für Autofahrer, denen es schwerfällt, sich am Steuer zu unterhalten, haben wir eine Liste von Möglichkeiten zusammengestellt, wie man Langeweile vermeiden kann.

Während die langen Stunden auf der Straße für viele eintönig erscheinen mögen, erklärt Alan, dass es immer etwas gibt, das ihn auf Trab hält.

"Ich glaube, das Verrückteste, was ich beim Fahren gesehen habe, war ein Hubschrauber, der direkt vor mir gelandet ist", erklärt er - weit entfernt von dem eintönigen Ruf, der die Branche seit Jahrzehnten umgibt.

Alan ist seit 23 Jahren in der Branche tätig und hat einige Ratschläge parat, die dafür sorgen werden, dass Ihre Zähne auf Reisen frisch aussehen.

Er erklärt: "Der Rat, den ich jedem geben würde, der neu in der Branche ist, ist, immer daran zu denken, seine Zahnbürste aufzuladen."

Richard

Vor 36 Jahren begann Richard seine Karriere in der Speditionsbranche und hat nie zurückgeblickt. Als er sich mit seinen beiden älteren Brüdern zusammentat, um bei der Auslieferung von Gütern im Vereinigten Königreich zu helfen, wurde er vom Fahrfieber gepackt.

"Ich liebe es, eine Ladung zu bekommen und loszufahren. Ich kann selbst entscheiden, wann ich eine Pause mache und wo ich parke. Es ist großartig, auf der Straße zu sein und durch ganz Großbritannien zu reisen", erklärt er.

Im Laufe seiner Karriere hat ihn das Leben auf der Straße bis nach Mailand, Italien, geführt - eine aufreibende Reise selbst für die erfahrensten Fahrer. Auf die Frage, wie er sich auf seinen Reisen unterhält, antwortet er: "Ich höre gerne Musik und sehe mir in meiner Freizeit Filme an."

Der beste Lkw für diese Aufgabe? "Es muss ein Scania Next Generation 450S sein", sagt er.

In seinen 30 Jahren in der Branche hat Richard immer wieder verrückte Geschichten und ungewöhnliche Lieferungen erlebt: "Ich habe ein Auto gesehen, das auf der Autobahn in die falsche Richtung fuhr und von einer Ausfahrt kam. Das Interessanteste, was ich je hinten im Lkw hatte, war ein Umzugswagen vom St. Wilfred's Day.

Obwohl er die offene Straße immer noch liebt, sagt Richard, dass dies manchmal seinen Preis hat. Er bietet einen guten Einblick in die Realität dieses Berufs und gibt Ratschläge für diejenigen, die in der Branche arbeiten möchten.

"Überlegen Sie sich sehr genau, ob dies der richtige Beruf für Sie ist. Stellen Sie sich darauf ein, dass Sie lange arbeiten und viel vom Familienleben verpassen.

Sean

Da Sean in einer Familie von Fahrern aufwuchs, lag ihm das Lkw-Fahren im Blut, und vor 20 Jahren setzte er sich hinter das Steuer und schlug eine Karriere im Transportgewerbe ein.

Die Arbeit bringt viele Vorteile mit sich, aber am meisten liebt Sean die Freiheit, die ihm die Arbeit bietet. Diese Freiheit hat ihn für einen sechswöchigen Dienst sogar bis nach Schottland gebracht. Auf diesen langen Fahrten telefoniert er mit Freunden und sieht fern.

Darüber hinaus haben Truckstops für Sean eine wichtige Rolle gespielt, um die Isolation zu überwinden, die das Autofahren mit sich bringt. In den Truckstops herrscht oft reges Treiben, und Sean kann sich auf seinen Reisen mit Freunden treffen.

Diese Boxenstopps bieten die perfekte Gelegenheit, verrückte Geschichten von anderen Lkw-Fahrern zu hören. Ähnlich wie Richard war für Sean das Seltsamste, was er auf seinen Reisen gesehen hat, "ein Auto, das im Dunkeln in die falsche Richtung auf einer Autobahn fuhr" - eine Geschichte, die in der Lkw-Gemeinschaft nur allzu häufig vorkommt.

Ein DAF XF 530 ist Seans bevorzugter Lkw für den Transport von Baumaterialien im Vereinigten Königreich. Er rät jedem, der eine Karriere im Lkw-Verkehr anstrebt, "einfach loszulegen!"

Dave

Dave fährt seit 30 Jahren Lkw und ist schon bis nach Dänemark und Spanien gereist. Wenn er nicht gerade in seinem Lieblings-Lkw, einem Volvo FH, unterwegs ist, sieht er sich in seinem Fahrerhaus gerne Soaps an.

"Das Verhalten einiger Autofahrer hat mir einige verrückte Geschichten beschert", erklärt er. Als wir Dave jedoch nach dem Interessantesten fragten, das er je hinten in seinem LKW hatte, blieb er wortkarg - "das ist streng geheim", sagt er.

Nach 30 Jahren im Gütertransport hat Dave einige Dinge über die Welt des Transportwesens gelernt. Er gibt denjenigen, die ihre Karriere in der Branche starten wollen, einen guten Rat: "Spezialisieren Sie sich auf etwas".

Alastair

Alastair ist relativ neu in der Branche und hat sich für eine Karriere als Lkw-Fahrer entschieden, um sich nach seiner Pensionierung zu beschäftigen. Nach fünf Jahren genießt er vor allem die Vielfalt des Berufs.

In dieser Zeit hatte Alastair die Möglichkeit, durch das Vereinigte Königreich und Europa zu reisen: "Ich war in Inverness, Kopenhagen, Lissabon, Budapest und Rom", erzählt er.

Damit keine Langeweile aufkommt, hört Alastair gerne "Radio 4, LBC und 5 Live".

Auf seinen Reisen durch Europa hat er schon so manches ungewöhnliche Verhalten anderer Verkehrsteilnehmer erlebt. Aber es war näher an der Heimat, als er seinen Lkw durch "die Demonstrationen in London" manövrieren musste. Das war wahrscheinlich das Verrückteste, was ich je erlebt habe", erklärt er.

Für die 007-Fans erzählt Alastair von der Zeit, in der er einige streng geheime Gegenstände transportieren musste.

"Das Interessanteste, was ich bisher im Lkw hatte, waren wahrscheinlich James-Bond-Ausstellungsstücke", sagt er.

Obwohl Alastair noch nicht lange in dieser Branche tätig ist, hat er ein paar Worte für diejenigen, die neu in der Branche sind.

"Ein Rat, den ich jemandem geben würde, der darüber nachdenkt, in die Transportbranche einzusteigen, ist, ruhig zu bleiben.

Sean V

Seans Liebe zur Straße geht auf die vielen Sommerurlaube zurück, die er mit seinem Vater in dessen Lkw verbrachte. Nach 30 Jahren Fahrpraxis ist seine Liebe zum Autofahren immer noch ungebrochen.

"Was ich an meinem Job liebe, ist, all die schönen Orte im Vereinigten Königreich und in Europa zu sehen", erklärt er. Dieser Job hat ihn an verschiedene Orte geführt - Rom war die weiteste Reise, die er unternommen hat.

Wenn er nicht gerade die Städte erkundet, unterhält sich Sean gerne mit Fernsehen, seinem iPad und bis vor kurzem auch mit Spielen in seinem eigenen Taxi.

Das Verrückteste, was er auf der Straße erlebt hat?

Leider ist Sean ein weiterer Zeuge eines Anblicks, der unter Lkw-Fahrern nur allzu häufig vorkommt - "ein Auto, das auf der Autobahn in die falsche Richtung fährt", erklärt er.

In seiner 30-jährigen Laufbahn hat Sean festgestellt, dass er am liebsten DAF-Lkw fährt, und das Interessanteste, was er transportiert hat, war "medizinisches Spezialgerät".

Seans Liebe zur Branche überwiegt einige der negativen Aspekte des Berufs. Für diejenigen, die ihre Karriere im Transportgewerbe starten wollen, hat er jedoch folgende weise Worte parat:

"Wenn Sie in der Branche arbeiten wollen, müssen Sie sich auf lange Arbeitszeiten einstellen.

Melden Sie sich noch heute bei SNAP an

SNAP macht Ihnen das Leben leichter, indem es Sie mit unserem umfangreichen Netz von Straßentransportdiensten verbindet. Melden Sie sich noch heute an.

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Montag 08 Dezember 2025 • Nachrichten und Updates

TRUCK TRENDS: VORHERSAGEN FÜR 2026

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Major changes are coming for the mobility sector.The next 12 months will bring some of the most significant regulatory and technological shifts European transport has seen in years. New emissions rules, driver-monitoring systems, hydrogen trials and autonomous pilots will reshape how fleets operate across the UK and EU.For operators and professional drivers, understanding these changes now will make the difference between adapting confidently and struggling to keep up. come into force in 2026, introducing new requirements for fleets. Nitrogen oxide and carbon monoxide limits will tighten further, with the permitted particle size dropping from 23 nanometres to 10. In addition, for the first time.Every new truck sold will need to comply with Euro VII. While vehicle pricing is likely to be affected, the bigger impact will fall on procurement timelines, fleet renewal cycles and long-term decarbonisation.. These monitor eye and head movement to identify early signs of fatigue or inattention, enabling safer interventions and supporting accident-reduction goals across Europe. By 2029, new cab designs must minimise blind spots through improved glass visibility rather than camera reliance. This will particularly influence urban operations, vulnerable road user safety and future vehicle specification.. After years of exemption, this change effectively brings smaller commercial vehicles under full drivers’ hours enforcement.For operators with mixed fleets, this means introducing:● new driver cards● regular data downloads● updated monitoring processes● revised routing and rest-time planningThousands of vehicles that previously operated freely will need compliance systems in place almost immediately. requires companies with more than 250 employees or €40 million revenue to collect and report verified CO₂ emissions – including Scope 3 transport activity.This will cascade through supply chains. Smaller hauliers without reliable emissions reporting risk losing access to larger contracts, accelerating the push toward better data systems and standardised reporting.Electric HGV production will rise rapidly in 2026. are all expanding manufacturing capacity.To support this, electric charging is also expanding. , as part of HyHAUL's M4 corridor project. Three refuelling stations, each supplying up to two tonnes of hydrogen daily, support the pilot. If successful, the project aims for 30 trucks on the road by the end of 2026 and 300 by 2030. Alongside this, . Five more will follow by 2027.Vehicle manufacturers are taking different approaches to developing hydrogen-fuelled trucks: ● and DAF are planning similar systems. ● will introduce its next-generation hydrogen fuel cell stack in 2026 with improved durability and lower operating costs.Hydrotreated Vegetable Oil (HVO) is emerging as a notable transitional fuel for haulage in 2026, thanks to two factors: stricter biofuel mandates in north-western Europe and its compatibility with existing diesel engines. Reports by confirm that HVO is a “drop-in” fuel: it can be used in many existing heavy-duty vehicles without engine or infrastructure changes, which gives operators a practical pathway to immediate CO₂ reductions. Meanwhile, forecast that HVO consumption could reach record highs in 2026. Germany alone may need an additional 1.5 million tonnes – almost four times 2025 levels – to meet demand. Although uptake remains modest when compared with battery-electric or hydrogen alternatives, the current regulatory push and infrastructure compatibility mean HVO is likely to gain traction in 2026.From spring 2026, in controlled zones – a full year ahead of plans. Enabled by the , this transition supports an industry expected to contribute £42 billion to the UK economy by 2035 and create an estimated 38,000 jobs. Germany is close behind. , supported by €20 million in seed funding. Across northern Europe, autonomous freight along the 1,200-km Rotterdam-Oslo corridor. The programme runs until March 2026 and examines how autonomous vehicles perform across borders, terrain types and logistics hubs.In Sweden, already move goods between warehouses, processing five million data points per second. Their controlled deployments demonstrate the potential for automation in predictable, repeatable routes.Despite this progress, humans will continue to play a central role. . So while automation will support specific functions, such as port operations, depot shuttles and fixed urban routes, long-haul and complex international transport will remain human-led.The scale and speed of change arriving in 2026 is unlike any previous year for European road transport. Multiple regulatory, technological and sustainability shifts will land simultaneously, reshaping how fleets operate across borders."The operators who succeed in 2026 won't be those who resist change but those who prepare for it systematically," says Nick Long, European Strategic Partnership and Development Manager at SNAP. "We're working with fleets across Europe to build the infrastructure that tomorrow's industry needs. Secure parking. Integrated payments for new toll structures. The building blocks of success are available now for those ready to use them."SNAP helps fleets prepare for the future with integrated solutions for parking, payments and fleet management across Europe. Visit snapacc.com to discover how we can support your transition to 2026 and beyond.

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Donnerstag 04 Dezember 2025 • Nachrichten und Updates

SORGEN SIE DAFÜR, DASS IHR FUHRPARK WÄHREND DER FERIENZEIT REIBUNGSLOS FUNKTIONIERT

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As the holiday season approaches, you are likely preparing for a surge in delivery demand and more complex operating conditions. This seasonal pressure overlaps with winter weather challenges, creating a unique risk environment for fleets across the UK. The festive period brings extra stress to your vehicles and operations. From consumer-driven surges in mileage to the impact of cold weather on vehicle performance, several seasonal factors converge at once. Understanding these pressures up-front helps you prepare proactively and minimise disruptions across your fleet.Consumer activity , which increases delivery volumes, compresses schedules and raises service expectations. This surge means that even minor disruptions can escalate quickly, as fleets have less flexibility to absorb delays. With more journeys scheduled and tighter handover times, vehicle downtime becomes more costly. A missed inspection or delayed repair can have a much larger operational impact than during other parts of the year.When peak consumer activity overlaps with hazardous weather, fleets experience amplified risk. Traffic congestion increases, road conditions deteriorate and minor mechanical problems can escalate into serious incidents more easily. To combat these issues, you must strengthen preventive maintenance, adjust schedules, and improve real-time monitoring to prevent avoidable breakdowns or delays.Cold temperatures, icy surfaces and reduced daylight all increase mechanical and on-road risks for commercial vehicles, raising the likelihood of weakened batteries, reduced tyre traction and visibility issues. UK roadworthiness standards emphasise the importance of more robust winter maintenance for brakes, lighting, fluids and tyres as conditions deteriorate, reinforcing why winter readiness is essential for uninterrupted fleet operations. Even mild cold , making proactive winter maintenance crucial.Beyond vehicle strain, the holiday season and winter conditions also place pressure on drivers and operational workflows. Increased traffic, unpredictable weather and tighter delivery windows can lead to fatigue, stress and an increased risk of accidents. Careful scheduling, clear communication and proactive support for drivers are essential to maintain safety and ensure that your fleet continues to operate efficiently under these seasonal pressures.Maintaining steady operations during the festive rush requires more than reactive problem-solving. It necessitates deliberate planning across vehicle maintenance, driver readiness, technology utilisation and operational coordination. These streamlined strategies will help you stay ahead of winter season disruptions and maintain consistent fleet performance throughout the holidays.Seasonal demand often requires vehicles to operate in harsher conditions for longer hours, so front-loading maintenance is one of the most effective ways to prevent in-season breakdowns. In construction, downtime can cost , highlighting the importance of proactive upkeep. Focus on winter-critical systems such as batteries, brakes, heating and defrosting systems, tyres, and fluid levels. Addressing minor issues before the holiday rush ensures your vehicles start the season in top condition and reduces the risk of unscheduled downtime when capacity is at its tightest.Drivers face greater pressure during the festive period, from congested roads to unpredictable weather. Preparing them early helps reduce risk and maintain service reliability. 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Secure parts and consumables in advance to avoid repair delays.Holiday and winter conditions amplify every small inefficiency. Preparing early helps prevent avoidable downtime, strengthens driver safety and keeps your operations moving through the toughest time of the year. With precise planning, reliable tools and a proactive maintenance rhythm, fleets can turn seasonal challenges into opportunities for better performance and customer satisfaction.Discover more from

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Dienstag 25 November 2025 • Nachrichten und Updates

POLEN BESCHLEUNIGT DIE UMSTELLUNG AUF EINEN EMISSIONSFREIEN VERKEHR

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Poland’s transportation sector is undergoing a major transformation. In recent months, the government has introduced a series of high-value funding programmes aimed at decarbonising the country’s road network and logistics operations. Much of this activity focuses on infrastructure related to heavy-duty vehicles – a sign that the transition to cleaner freight is being embraced across Europe.The scale of investment – and the speed at which it's happening – will be important for operators, managers and infrastructure planners right across Europe. To understand why, it helps to look at both the wider European context and the specific funding available in Poland.The move towards lowand zero-emission transport has been gathering pace across Europe for several years. The EU’s package and to cut emissions from heavy-duty vehicles by 45% by 2030 and by 90% by 2040. The (AFIR) also states that there must be high-power charging points for heavy vehicles every 60 kilometres along the Trans-European Transport Network (TEN-T) – a system of European roads, railways, ports and airports that forms the backbone of continental freight – by 2030. Hydrogen refuelling stations must be available every 200 kilometres.The UK is following a similar path. Z are being used to test electric and hydrogen HGVs on long-haul routes, while funding is being allocated to depot charging and refuelling infrastructure.Against this backdrop, Poland’s programme shows that Central and Eastern Europe are ready to take a leading role in building cleaner, better-connected transportation.In March 2025, Poland’s (NFOŚiGW) launched two major funding calls worth a combined PLN 2 billion. The first will cover the construction and expansion of power grids that supply high-capacity charging stations, especially those on the TEN-T. It covers both grid expansion and the installation of new connections. This will mean that the network can deliver the energy needed for rapid truck charging. Energy and grid operators can apply for grants if their projects meet minimum power thresholds. The second funding call supports the construction of heavy-vehicle charging stations themselves. The aim is to create 550 publicly accessible points across the country, serving both electric and hydrogen trucks. A final programme, which launched in Q2 2025, gives grants and loans to businesses so they can buy or lease zero-emission trucks in categories N2 and N3. Category N2 covers vehicles with a gross weight between 3.5 and 12 tonnes, while N3 applies to trucks over 12 tonnes. Funding levels range from 30 to 60 per cent, depending on company size. Upper limits of PLN 400,000 apply to N2 vehicles and PLN 750,000 to N3 models. Applications will be , so operators can plan their transition to zero-emission vehicles. These investments sit alongside Poland’s existing programme, which subsidises electric car purchases for individuals and companies, further extending the country’s sustainable transport strategy beyond passenger vehicles.According to the , Poland transports more goods by road than any other EU country. It is a natural gateway between Western Europe and the Baltic States, Ukraine and the Balkans, which means a reliable zero-emission infrastructure in Poland will have a Europe-wide impact.By setting clear power requirements and aligning projects with the TEN-T corridors, the government is ensuring a coordinated approach rather than isolated projects. The goal is a dependable network where electric and hydrogen trucks can move freely along key trade routes. The Deputy Minister for Climate and Environment described the programme as a way to strengthen “the competitiveness of Polish freight operators” while cutting emissions from one of the country’s largest economic sectors.Poland’s domestic network is also part of the wider . A total of nine EU countries – including Poland – committed in September 2025 to accelerate charging infrastructure deployment along key freight routes, such as the North Sea-Baltic and Scandinavian-Mediterranean corridors of the TEN-T.For fleets that operate across Europe, the initiative means charging infrastructure will become more standardised and predictable between countries. This will help drivers plan cross-border routes with greater confidence while supporting the shift towards zero-emission freight.For fleet operators, the timing is encouraging. Zero-emission trucks are rapidly , with sales of nearly 2,000 zero-emission heavy-duty electric trucks registered in the first half of 2025 across the EU. There are challenges, however. Adding high-power charging capacity will mean that grid operators, local authorities and logistics centres have to cooperate. It will also take time to hire technicians with the skills to install and maintain high-voltage equipment.In addition, vehicle costs and operational factors could also slow progress. Even with generous subsidies, businesses must weigh the cost of electric vehicle ownership, route patterns and depot readiness.For the road transport community, Poland’s programme is a significant milestone. Once complete, its charging and refuelling network will connect eastern and western Europe, supporting cleaner and more efficient freight movement.“This is a turning point for heavy transport,” says Nick Renton, Head of European Strategy and Business Development at SNAP. “Poland’s actions show that zero-emission freight is becoming part of daily life, rather than a long-term vision. As charging and refuelling points multiply, operators will be able to schedule cleaner journeys with confidence.”As the situation develops, we will continue to support fleets across Europe with technology, insight and practical tools for drivers. Our helps identify and book rest stops, refuelling points and secure parking, with more zero-emission facilities being added as new sites open. For operators looking to stay ahead of infrastructure changes, it provides a clear view of how the road network is evolving – and where new opportunities are emerging.