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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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lunes 02 diciembre 2024 • Consejos para conductores

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miércoles 18 septiembre 2024 • Consejos para conductores

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jueves 29 agosto 2024 • Consejos para conductores

GUÍA PRESUPUESTARIA DEL CAMIONERO

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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. 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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. 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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. Overall, qualifying as a Class 1 HGV driver can set you back just under £2,000. However, it’s important to state that once you have obtained your licence, you will be on a decent salary, have job stability, get to travel and gain a sense of community within the trucking world. Budgeting as a truck driver can be challenging but is essential if you want to manage your finances. Keeping track of your expenses, setting a budget, and sticking to it will help you save money. The above tips will give you a great starting point in encouraging you to get into healthier financial habits. How do you save money when you’re out on the road? Share your tips and tricks with us at SNAP.