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Consejos para conductores • 4 min leer

Cómo ser conductor de camión

Creado: 16/08/2024

Actualizado: 10/10/2024

El trabajo de conductor de camión puede ser una carrera atractiva, pero requiere ciertas habilidades, tanto en la carretera como a la hora de buscar ofertas. ¿Cómo se consigue el carné de conducir? ¿Qué documentos se necesitan y cuánto tiempo se tarda en obtener el permiso de conducir? Siga leyendo para saberlo todo sobre las ofertas de trabajo de conductor de camión, tanto para conductores recién titulados como para automovilistas experimentados.

Trabajos de conductor de camión: la escasez de conductores sigue afectando al sector del transporte

Antes de aprender a ser conductor de camiones, es importante echar un vistazo al mercado en su conjunto. Los últimos años han sido difíciles para el sector del transporte en el Reino Unido, especialmente en 2021, cuando los efectos del Brexit y el COVID afectaron gravemente a la disponibilidad de empleo. Desde entonces, los salarios no han dejado de aumentar, siendo actualmente un 30% más altos de media que en 2021. Este cambio se considera una parte importante del esfuerzo para luchar contra la escasez de conductores y hacer que los puestos de trabajo en el sector de los vehículos pesados sean más atractivos para los conductores interesados.

En la actualidad, el número total de conductores de camiones en el Reino Unido se sitúa justo por encima de los 300.000, volviendo a los niveles anteriores a la pandemia. Sin embargo, la escasez de conductores sigue siendo visible: a pesar de que las nuevas contrataciones vuelven a llenar lentamente el mercado, más del 40% de las empresas basadas en flotas siguen viéndose afectadas. Aunque se trata de una situación difícil para las empresas, también crea nuevas oportunidades de empleo para posibles conductores, tanto experimentados como recién titulados.

¿Por qué son importantes los puestos de trabajo en vehículos pesados?

A pesar de que los medios de transporte alternativos son cada vez más populares entre las empresas, el transporte de mercancías por carretera sigue ocupando el primer puesto en el transporte de mercancías en el Reino Unido y Europa. En el propio Reino Unido, más del 65% de las mercancías se transportan por carretera. Esto es especialmente visible en determinados sectores que requieren flexibilidad y llegar a lugares inalcanzables por aire o mar, como el transporte de alimentos y productos agrícolas. En este sector, la cuota del transporte por carretera alcanza el 98%; estadísticas similares se observan en el transporte de maquinaria. Además, los puestos de trabajo en el sector de los vehículos pesados no van a desaparecer pronto; incluso con la conducción autónoma bastante avanzada en las fases de prueba, los buenos conductores seguirán siendo un activo importante en todos los sectores.

¿Qué hace atractivo el trabajo de camionero?

Los trabajos de conductor de vehículos pesados conllevan muchos retos, pero al mismo tiempo pueden ser muy emocionantes y atractivos. Como se necesitan conductores en muchas zonas, los trabajadores con las aptitudes necesarias pueden encontrar fácilmente empleos estables y bien remunerados. Es una carrera que ofrece mucha flexibilidad y permite visitar muchos lugares interesantes. Además, se trata en gran medida de un trabajo autosupervisado, lo que lo hace perfecto para las personas a las que les gusta trabajar casi siempre solas. También es una carrera en la que se puede sentir realmente un propósito: sin camioneros, sería mucho más difícil obtener todo lo que comemos, bebemos, vestimos y utilizamos a diario. Los conductores con experiencia pueden ganar más de 45.000 libras al año, mientras que el sueldo inicial suele rondar las 25.000 libras. Lo que también merece la pena destacar es que no suele haber requisitos educativos en el sector de los vehículos pesados, lo que facilita abrirse camino incluso a una edad temprana.

¿Cómo puedo ser conductor de camión?

Si busca una carrera estable, emocionante y muy bien remunerada, probablemente se pregunte cómo puede convertirse en conductor de camiones. A menos que ya esté cualificado, tendrá que obtener el permiso correcto antes de empezar a trabajar. Algunas empresas pueden ofrecer programas de apoyo para ayudar a los futuros conductores a obtener los certificados necesarios. ¿Cómo se consigue ser conductor de camión? En primer lugar, tendrá que cumplir estos tres requisitos:

  • Ser mayor de 18 años.
  • Tener el carné de conducir.
  • Aprobar el examen del Certificado de Aptitud Profesional (CAP) y obtener el certificado.

Además, el permiso de conducir camiones se divide en varias clases, que determinan el tipo de vehículo que se puede conducir. He aquí el desglose básico:

  • C1 (clase 3 o 7,5 toneladas): los vehículos más pequeños utilizados en el transporte por carretera, con un peso de entre 3.500 y 7.500 kg.
  • C1+E (7,5 toneladas más remolque): vehículos de la categoría C1 con remolques de más de 750 kg.
  • C (clase 2 o "rígida") - vehículos de más de 7,5 toneladas, con carrocería de base rígida.
  • C+E (clase 1 o "articulado"): cualquier combinación de vehículo pesado más remolque, hasta un peso de 44 toneladas.

Como las clases de permiso más altas tienen más requisitos, también pagan más: los trabajos mejor pagados pueden encontrarse para conductores con el certificado C+E.

¿Cómo convertirse en conductor de clase 1?

Para obtener la convalidación de sus cualificaciones es necesario pasar unos días de formación y realizar un examen. Sin embargo, antes tendrá que aprender a ser conductor de clase 2, ya que el permiso C+E sólo está disponible para conductores titulares de permisos para vehículos pertenecientes a la categoría C. El proceso es más o menos el mismo, pero los requisitos son mucho menores: la formación de clase 2 está disponible para cualquier persona mayor de 18 años titular de un permiso de conducción ordinario.

Cómo ser conductor de camión - paso a paso

Resumiendo la información sobre los permisos, si quieres convertirte en conductor de vehículos pesados, necesitarás:

  1. Obtener el permiso de conducción ordinario.
  2. Conviene señalar que el permiso C+E es el que ofrece más oportunidades y que el proceso para pasar del C al C+E es bastante sencillo.
  3. Apúntate a la formación C1, C1+E o C.
  4. Finalizar la formación y realizar el examen necesario para obtener el permiso C1, C1+E o C.
  5. Si quieres ampliar tu carrera profesional, inscríbete en el permiso C+E. El proceso de formación es bastante corto y te permite obtener rápidamente los permisos necesarios.

¿Cuánto se tarda en ser conductor de camión?

Sin tener en cuenta posibles retrasos, el proceso completo no suele durar más de seis u ocho semanas. La parte de formación práctica dura sólo cinco días. Quizá se pregunte también cuánto cuesta ser conductor de camión: el coste total, excluida la formación, suele oscilar entre 250 y 300 libras (contando los gastos del examen médico). La formación es mucho más cara y sale entre 1000 y 2000 libras, dependiendo de las ofertas disponibles. En los últimos años, había un programa gubernamental para financiar la formación de conductores de camiones HGV, pero terminó en 2023 - sin embargo, todavía se pueden encontrar ofertas similares en algunas empresas que buscan conductores.

Cómo ser conductor de camión. Preparar un buen CV

Aparte de los requisitos del permiso, también tendrás que presentarte a las empresas que buscan conductores. Recuerde que el documento debe ser claro, legible e incluir tanta información sobre sus aptitudes y certificados como sea posible. Mantén la información concisa y relevante, centrándote en los aspectos que son importantes para un trabajo de conductor de camiones. Incluya información de contacto, su perfil personal, experiencia profesional y cualificaciones HGV si ya ha superado las certificaciones.

Dónde y cómo solicitar empleo en el sector de los vehículos pesados

Puede buscar empleo en el sector de los vehículos pesados en muchos lugares, incluidos los listados locales, los portales de empleo en línea e incluso los grupos de las redes sociales. Las empresas pueden utilizar varios métodos de solicitud, pero el proceso habitual consiste en enviar el CV al reclutador y esperar la llamada de vuelta para hablar del puesto. Recuerde que incluso los mejores candidatos sufren contratiempos: es importante mantener la cabeza alta y seguir intentándolo, así como solicitar cualquier aportación que pueda mejorar sus posibilidades en el futuro.

Cuenta SNAP - soporte profesional para operadores de camiones

Muchos operadores de flotas utilizan diversos tipos de software TMS (Sistema de Gestión del Transporte) para hacer más eficientes las operaciones diarias. Una de estas soluciones es SNAP, que permite encontrar aparcamientos para camiones y aparcamientos específicos, así como facilitar el lavado de camiones y el pago de peajes. Como conductor, es probable que utilice este tipo de software a diario. Merece la pena informarse sobre las posibilidades que ofrece antes de empezar a trabajar.

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miércoles 18 septiembre 2024 • Consejos para conductores

VISIÓN CLARA: LA IMPORTANCIA DEL CUIDADO DE LA VISTA PARA LOS CAMIONEROS

Susie Jones

takes place from the 23rd to the 29th of September, and as a truck driver, maintaining good vision is crucial to your job. Optical Express reported that road crashes involving drivers with poor vision accounted for roughly yearly casualties.Truck driving is a physically demanding role, but it is just as demanding visually requiring constant vigilance and the ability to quickly identify or react to changing road conditions. Poor vision can affect a driver's ability to judge distances, read signs, and detect other vehicles, reducing safety for the driver and other road users.Drivers must complete a t when applying for an HGV licence this occurs every five years after 45 and every year after the age of 65. As part of the medical, truck drivers must have a vision examination by a doctor, optician, or optometrist.To pass the examination, drivers require visual acuity of at least 0.8 (6/7.5) on the Snellen scale in their best eye and at least 0.1 (6/60) in the other.Group 2 HGV drivers need a horizontal visual field of at least 160 degrees with an extension of at least 70 degrees left and right and 30 degrees up and down. No defects should be present within a radius of the central 30 degrees.After 45 years old, drivers must complete their D4 Medical Assessment every five years and every year after 65. However, opticians recommend that every road user has an eye test at least every two years.If a driver experiences the following, they should get their eyes tested immediately:• Headaches• Eyestrain• Pressure behind the eyes• Double vision• Difficulty seeing during the night• Halos around lights.Under the law, employers must ensure their employees are fit to drive this could cover several things, but eyesight is one of them. Employers should test their driver's eyesight every six months by carrying out a number plate sight check 20 metres away.If an HGV driver requires glasses or contact lenses to reach the minimum vision requirement, they can't have a spectacle power greater than eightdioptres. For contact lenses, there is no restriction on contact lens power.The recommends the following to maintain good eye health:• Eat a well-balanced diet with foods that help your vision.• Exercise regularly to prevent diabetes and other conditions that can lead to vision problems.• Inform an optician if you notice any changes.• Wash your hands before putting them near your eyes or if you're handling contact lenses.• Protect your eyes when performing tasks that could damage them.• Wear sunglasses that block 99% or 100% of UVA and UVB radiation.• Follow the 20-20-20 rule every 20 minutes, look 20 feet away for 20 seconds.• Try not to smoke smoking is just as harmful to your eyes as it is to your body.The visual standards HGV drivers must meet are higher than those of other road users. In the UK, drivers must have a visual acuity of at least 0.5 (6/12) on the Snellen scale. In addition, drivers must be able to read a car number plate made after the 1st of September 2001 from 20 metres.The UK law on vision and driving falls below many European countries.By a number plate self-test from 20 metres. A visual acuity/visual field test is mandatory in other European countries.A driving test examiner performs the test in the UK, Cyprus, The Netherlands, and Norway. Several European countries require an Optometrist/Ophthalmologist/Doctor to carry out the test.• The UK, Austria, Belgium, Czech Republic, France, Germany, and Sweden require no further visual tests.• Algeria, Estonia, Hungary, Italy, Latvia, Spain, and Turkey require a visual assessment every ten years.• Algeria, Estonia, Finland, Greece, Hungary, Italy, Latvia, Portugal, Serbia, Spain, and Turkey require visual tests from 65 or younger.It's vital to inform the DVLA if you have any of the following eye conditions:• Blepharospasm• Cataracts• Diabetic retinopathy• Glaucoma• Eye loss• Macular degeneration• Monocular vision• Nyctalopia• Retinitis pigmentosa• Visual field defect.Drivers need to meet the following standards:• Can read a number plate 20 metres away• No double vision• Have a regular field of vision in at least one eye.If a driver is unsure whether they meet the visual standards for driving, they must get advice from a GP, optician, or eye specialist. of the information a driver receives comes from vision with most maneuvers made based on a sense of sight. Vision cannot be substituted or supplemented and is the most important physical factor behind the wheel.

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jueves 29 agosto 2024 • Consejos para conductores

GUÍA PRESUPUESTARIA DEL CAMIONERO

Susie Jones

As a truck driver, you are used to travelling long distances and working anti-social hours which can often mean added expenses. But how do you save money as a truck driver? Tracking your expenses and managing your money can be difficult, but we’ve put together some handy tips to help you budget. Taking the time to prepare for the journey can save you money and give you peace of mind. • Supplies: Work out what items you will need to ensure you don’t have to fork out on expensive items whilst on the road. • Food: Preparing your food may be a simple trick but an effective one when it comes to saving the pennies. Eating out is often expensive and sometimes unhealthy, try making your meals in your cab. Having a microwave and fridge in your cab will make meal-prepping that much easier. Check out our tips for staying . • Journey planning: Planning the most efficient route can save you money on fuel and unexpected toll charges. Knowing where you will be stationed for the night and booking in advance can make your journey more cost-effective. Download our to find truck parking near your transit route. The hardest but the most effective tip. Create a monthly or weekly budget that you can stick to and keep track of your expenses. There are many ways to set out your budget, you could write your expenses in a monthly calendar, jot them down in a notebook, or use an app to assist you. has an extensive list of apps that can help. Investing in an inverter will give you the ability to run small appliances. Having a fridge to keep items fresh, an electric griddle for cooking, and a coffee machine to make your cup of joe just how you like it will stop you from spending a fortune. Say goodbye to expensive fast food and hello to home-cooked meals for half the price. A cost that you can’t avoid. However, there are many ways that you can save on it: • Tyre pressure: Underinflated tyres will reduce your fuel economy, so it’s important to regularly check them. • Reduce idling: Stop the engine if you know you’re going to be stationary for a while. An hour of idling can burn roughly a gallon of fuel. • Use cruise control: Cruise control can reduce unnecessary acceleration and deceleration. • Drive in a higher gear: This will maximise fuel efficiency as travelling at high speeds in lower gears can consume 45% more fuel. • Air conditioning: It can increase your fuel consumption by up to 0.4 miles per gallon. If possible, travel with the window open before resorting to air con. In addition to these tips, offers a sustainable, transparent pricing structure and discounted rates at our partner company, Certas Energy’s refuelling locations. Some employers will offer their drivers reward programmes to assist them with saving money. Items such as a discount on food, drink, showers, and cleaning facilities can all help with saving. Additionally, if you are a SNAP customer, we’re able to offer you food vouchers at participating truck stops. Whether it’s getting in touch with family via video call or streaming your favourite shows, having the option to hook up to the WiFi can save you a substantial amount. Solely using your phone’s data can get expensive and can leave you with an unexpectedly high bill. Most truck stops will offer WiFi for drivers, and you can always find out which truck stops offer this on our page. This is often down to the individual, as with any job you will have aspects you find difficult that others wouldn’t. Long hours, time spent away from loved ones, and a sedentary lifestyle can make the job tough. On top of this, you will have to deal with external difficulties such as road congestion, tight scheduling and sometimes working overtime. However, it’s not all doom and gloom, many truck drivers have a lot of work opportunities, independence, flexibility, and the chance to travel abroad. As stated above, there can certainly be some downsides to life on the road. Truck driving is certainly not for everyone, but those who do end up in the role benefit from a few perks: • Job stability – The current shortage of drivers means that you will have no trouble finding and keeping a job. • Pay – A career in truck driving can offer good pay and additional benefits. • Travel – If you don’t like to be confined to a single place every day then getting to travel around parts of the UK and Europe is a huge benefit. In addition to some of these perks, you will find a lot of truck drivers wouldn’t trade their life behind the wheel for a 9-5 office job. There are quite a few steps to become an HGV driver and the cost can vary depending on who you take your tests with. We’ve broken it down for you in a few easy steps. Before you can obtain your Class 2, you will need to have a full car licence, be over 18, and have a provisional HGV licence. Your provisional HGV licence will consist of two forms, a D2 (This is free) and a D4. A D4 form is your medical and the cost can vary between £50-£120. There are four parts to obtaining your HGV licence, and the cost of each can vary. According to the website, gaining your HGV licence will cost roughly £304. However, this cost may fluctuate if you book using an unofficial website. On top these fees, you need to pay for lessons which can cost up to £1,390. Once passed, you will have your HGV Class 2 (C Class) licence and can drive a rigid. To drive commercially you will need to get your tacho card which will set you back £32. This will need to be renewed every five years and will cost £15. To become a Class 1 driver you need to take one more test. A Class 1 licence will qualify you to drive a truck over 3,500kg with a trailer of over 750kg. This will cost £115. 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martes 27 agosto 2024 • Consejos para conductores

CÓMO SER UN CAMIONERO SANO

Susie Jones

As a demanding profession, truck driving frequently involves long hours, a sedentary lifestyle, and extended periods away from home which can often take its toll on the health of many drivers. Unhealthy habits such as the consumption of fast food, lack of physical activity, and disruptive sleeping patterns can all lead to potential health complications in the future. But how do you stay fit as a truck driver? It is easier said than done but we've compiled a list of tips to help keep you at your peak whilst on the road. A simple tip and a commodity that we often take for granted, however, most health issues occur from dehydration. Regular sips of water or squash throughout the day will expel metabolic waste and toxins from your system and keep you more energized and alert. Keeping a refillable water bottle with you will not only remind you to stay hydrated but is better for the environment as well. The temptation of fast food after a long day is something that we can all relate to, however, just like keeping hydrated, your diet plays a significant role in your health as well as how you will end up feeling throughout the day. It is recommended that truck drivers eat three to four times a day, either two meals and two snacks or two meals and one snack. Try to maintain a meal and snack plan that is high in omega-3, iron, and vitamin C, such as green leafy vegetables, fish, and fruits. Avoid frequently consuming food and drink like pasta, bread, sweet drinks, and stimulants such as coffee and energy drinks. Check out our list of healthy snacks to keep in your cab:• Granola bars • Energy bars • Popcorn • Nuts • Dried fruit • Dark chocolate In addition to purchasing healthy food whilst out on the road, it can sometimes be healthier and more cost-effective to meal prep. has a fantastic selection of recipes to help you maintain a healthy diet whilst on the job. Due to the job's nature, getting enough sleep can be difficult for a truck driver and can lead to devastating results for everyone on the road. Simple tips and tricks such as the following could assist you with a decent night's kip: • Create an environment in the cab that feels like home. Check out our post about how to make your lorry cab a home • Keep your sleep area dark • A hot shower: Use our page to find out which truck stops offer this facility • Try out some Apps to assist you with sleeping • Find the ideal spot to park with little noise and disruption. Our intruck app provides 5,000 HGV (Heavy Goods Vehicle) locations across Europe for you to choose from whilst our team can provide bespoke security solutions enabling you to get a better night’s sleep knowing that you and your truck are safe. One of the hardest tips to follow whilst out on the road but an important one, nonetheless. Long hours of sitting throughout the day can lead to poor posture, back pain, and potential health complications. After a long day behind the wheel, it may be tempting to sit and relax, however, a quick 15 minutes of activity like walking or stretching can make you feel rejuvenated and less stressed. has some useful exercises tailored for truck drivers if you are looking to incorporate several types of physical exercise into your routine. Being out on the road full-time can make it difficult to get all your necessary vitamins. Taking a multivitamin each day can boost your immune system and help you stay healthy. We know that looking after your physical health on the road is important but how much time do truck drivers take to look after their mental health? The mental health charity Mind released statistics revealing that 30% of self-reported work-related illnesses in the transport and logistics industry are due to anxiety, loneliness, stress, and depression. They also implied that this number could be higher as most people do not seek the help they require. In addition to this, 95% of people off sick will not give the real reason for their absence from work if it is regarding their mental health. Following the above tips and tricks can have a knock-on, positive, effect on your mental health. Furthermore, it is important to have open and honest conversations with other truck drivers, supervisors, or dispatchers. Not only does a healthy lifestyle lead to better mental health but evidence suggests that it can also make you a better driver. A study showed that drivers who were asked to exercise daily reported greater ease in turning their heads were able to rotate their bodies further and were able to get into their cars more rapidly. Long hours appear to be one of the hardest aspects of truck driving. Truckers are often faced with long miles to cover and antisocial hours. These long miles and antisocial hours can lead to an unhealthy lifestyle. Due to the lifestyle of many truck drivers, on average, they are statistically more likely to have health problems compared to people in other careers. Truckers are often faced with a few obstacles such as cramped working spaces, stressful situations, unusual sleeping patterns, and lack of nutritional food that all have an influence on their health.Maintaining a healthy lifestyle as a truck driver requires a conscious effort but the benefits of doing so are well worth it overall. The above tips will enable you to take control of your health and improve your well-being. Keep an eye out for more tips and tricks from us at SNAP.