Susie Jones
Noticias • 4 min leer

Cómo abordar la diversidad de conductores en el sector

Creado: 21/08/2024

Actualizado: 21/08/2024

Si le pidiéramos que describiera a un camionero, su respuesta podría reflejar la imagen estereotipada de un hombre blanco de edad avanzada. ¿Es esto cierto? Tradicionalmente, el sector del transporte por carretera ha estado dominado por los hombres. A lo largo de los años, el sector se ha diversificado y ha abierto oportunidades a mujeres y personas de distintas edades y procedencias. La diversidad está creciendo, pero retos externos como el Brexit y la pandemia lo han stunado.

Las mujeres en la industria

A pesar de un déficit de hasta 100.000 conductores de vehículos pesados en el Reino Unido, sólo entre el 1% y el 3% de los camioneros son mujeres. Entonces, ¿por qué no se apuntan más mujeres a la vida en la carretera?

  • La seguridad: Se calcula que el 60% de las camioneras se han sentido inseguras en el trabajo. Muchas han expresado la necesidad de aparcar bajo una luz, planificar sus paradas y llevar spray de pimienta.

  • Tecnología y equipamiento: Ergonómicamente, los camiones se construyeron para los hombres. En el pasado, a las mujeres les resultaba difícil alcanzar los mandos, ajustar los asientos y los aspectos físicos del trabajo. Sin embargo, los avances tecnológicos hacen que el esfuerzo físico no sea un problema. La mayoría de los camiones modernos tienen ahora dirección asistida y cajas de cambios automáticas para facilitar las cosas.

A pesar de estos contratiempos, las mujeres hacen oír su voz e imponen cambios en el sector. Conductoras como Jodi Smith son valiosas defensoras del sector. Jodi comparte sus experiencias en Internet y demuestra que este sector no es sólo un mundo de hombres.

"Conducir un camión no es cosa de hombres. ¡Puedo hacer este trabajo con un juego completo de acrílicos! Es bastante físico, pero no es duro", afirma Jodi cuando hablamos con ella allá por 2021. Con siete años de experiencia a sus espaldas, Jodi sigue abogando por que más mujeres se unan a la comunidad de transportistas.

Un resultado que podría conducir a carreteras más seguras - Los datos del Instituto Americano de Investigación del Transporte muestran que las mujeres son conductoras comerciales más seguras. Los hombres tienen un 20% más de probabilidades de sufrir un accidente que las mujeres.

Diversidad de edades en el sector

Según la Oficina Nacional de Estadística, la edad media de los conductores de camiones es de cuarenta y ocho años, y el 47% de los camioneros del Reino Unido tienen más de cincuenta años y están a punto de jubilarse. Estas estadísticas, sumadas a la actual escasez de conductores, sugieren la necesidad de contar con conductores más jóvenes en el sector.

Es más fácil decirlo que hacerlo; muchos conductores jóvenes se enfrentan a los siguientes retos:

  • Formación: Obtener el permiso de conducir comercial puede costar hasta 2.000€.

  • El seguro: Aunque la edad mínima para conducir un camión en el Reino Unido es de 18 años, muchos tienen dificultades para conseguir un seguro.

  • Experiencia: Algunas empresas quieren contratar a conductores con experiencia, lo que puede suponer un contratiempo

  • Condiciones: La vida de los camioneros puede ser exigente: las largas jornadas y el tiempo que pasan lejos de sus seres queridos pueden ser un factor disuasorio. Sin embargo, la vida en la carretera tiene muchas ventajas, como la comunidad, los viajes, el salario y la estabilidad laboral.

Las empresas que buscan conductores pueden beneficiarse de la contratación de camioneros más jóvenes. Son más propensos a adaptarse a una industria en constante cambio. Además, aprenden rápido y acogen con agrado los avances tecnológicos. El aumento del número de conductores jóvenes se traducirá en un menor índice de rotación, lo que reducirá los costes de las empresas. También garantizará que el sector satisfaga la creciente demanda de bienes y servicios.

Sin embargo, ¿cuáles son los inconvenientes para usted si es un conductor de edad avanzada? Algunos sugieren que la edad afecta a las capacidades físicas y cognitivas, lo que repercute en la capacidad de conducir con seguridad. Estas capacidades son vitales para los camioneros, ya que tienen que hacer frente a largas jornadas, exigencias físicas y situaciones de estrés.

La FMCSA ha abordado estas preocupaciones. La normativa obliga a los conductores mayores a someterse a frecuentes exámenes médicos y evaluaciones de la conducción. Recientemente, se informó de que un camionero de 90 años de Sheffield seguía conduciendo tras recibir el alta médica. Muchos argumentan que los conductores mayores aportan décadas de experiencia y conocimientos, lo que sugiere que, si están sanos, no debería haber ningún obstáculo para su contratación.

¿Cómo puede la diversidad resolver la actual escasez de conductores?

En 2022, la Oficina de Asuntos de los Veteranos concedió 100.000 libras a la organización benéfica Veterans into Logistics. Esta organización ofrece a los veteranos la oportunidad de convertirse en conductores de vehículos pesados. La financiación ha permitido a la organización aumentar significativamente su formación anual, aumentar el número de empleados y triplicar la formación disponible. XPO, ASDA y Muller Milk & Ingredients son empresas que contratan activamente a veteranos directamente después de la formación.

Además, ASDA aportó 40.000 libras para contribuir a la formación continua. El apoyo a organizaciones benéficas como Veterans into Logistics crea una cultura más diversa dentro de la conducción de camiones, al tiempo que aborda activamente la actual escasez de conductores.

¿Qué se puede hacer para atraer más diversidad?

Contar con una plantilla diversa abre las empresas a diferentes puntos de vista y experiencias. ¿Qué pueden hacer las empresas para atraer a una mano de obra diversa?

  • Invierta en formación: La formación para educar a los empleados sobre temas como el sesgo implícito, la inclusión en el lugar de trabajo, la prevención de la discriminación y cómo apoyar una plantilla diversa puede tener un efecto positivo.

  • Invierta en un proceso de contratación inclusivo: Anonimizar el CV de un candidato puede reducir los prejuicios inconscientes.

  • Promueva una cultura integradora: Comunica a los posibles candidatos cómo abordas los problemas actuales de diversidad e inclusión.

  • Llegar a los grupos infrarrepresentados en esta industria.

Promover y acoger una cultura diversa en la conducción de camiones puede beneficiar sustancialmente al sector. No sólo contribuirá a crear un entorno de trabajo más integrador y acogedor, sino que también ayudará a paliar la actual escasez de conductores. Las empresas de transporte tienen la responsabilidad de acoger la diversidad tanto como los conductores.

¿Qué país demanda conductores de camión?

Un informe publicado en diciembre de 2022 sugería que la escasez en Europa se había disparado un 42% de 2020 a 2021. El Reino Unido ocupaba el primer puesto, con 100.000 puestos vacantes. México y China también ocuparon los primeros puestos de la lista: la escasez en México aumentó un 30% y la de China se elevó a un asombroso 140%.

¿Necesitaremos camioneros en el futuro?

La introducción de los camiones autónomos ha hecho pensar a muchos que no hay futuro para los camioneros. Sin embargo, no es así.

  • Los camiones autónomos se implantarán gradualmente en determinadas regiones. La probabilidad de que esto afecte a la mayoría de los conductores es escasa.

  • Si los camiones autónomos se implantaran en todo el mundo, seguirían haciendo falta conductores. La demanda de camioneros no hará sino aumentar, ya que hay demasiadas cosas que podrían ocurrir si no hubiera un conductor en la cabina.

¿Cuáles son los estereotipos de los camioneros?

Conocemos la importancia de los camioneros, pero a los ojos de unos pocos, los estereotipos negativos siguen ligados al sector. Esta imagen puede deberse a la tergiversación de los medios de comunicación y, a veces, a unos pocos conductores inexpertos. Pero, ¿cuál es esta imagen estereotipada? ¿Y por qué es errónea?

  • Sobrepeso - Algunas paradas de camiones ofrecen comida rápida poco saludable, lo que podría dar la impresión de que los camioneros sólo la consumen. Sin embargo, esa no es la norma. Comer sano en la carretera puede ser un reto, pero muchos siguen una dieta equilibrada y hacen ejercicio con regularidad. Consulte nuestros consejos para comer sano en la carretera.

  • Malos conductores - Un estereotipo que no podría estar más lejos de la realidad. Los camioneros profesionales se toman la seguridad muy en serio. Suelen respetar el límite de velocidad, extremar la precaución en condiciones meteorológicas adversas y dejar mucho espacio entre ellos y los demás conductores.

  • Todos nos enfadamos en la carretera, y los camioneros no son una excepción. Sin embargo, es injusto atribuir este estereotipo únicamente a los camioneros.

  • Todos los camioneros son hombres - Los hombres superan en número a las mujeres en este sector; sin embargo, las camioneras están aumentando.

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miércoles 18 junio 2025 • Noticias

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After months of disruption, freight traffic between Poland and Ukraine is moving freely again. But with tensions still simmering and the threat of renewed blockades on everyone’s minds, fleet operators must remain alert to the risks – and prepared to protect driver welfare on both sides of the border.This article explains what caused the disruption, how it affected drivers, and the steps you can take to reduce the impact if industrial action returns.The situation began in late 2023 when Polish truck drivers began protesting at major border crossings. They claimed that the EU’s decision to waive permit requirements for Ukrainian hauliers – introduced as a temporary wartime measure – led to an influx of lower-cost operators undercutting Polish firms.The protests escalated, blocking key freight routes into Ukraine and trapping thousands of vehicles in queues stretching for miles. At its peak, the blockade left at the border, some waiting more than a week to cross. 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miércoles 04 junio 2025 • Noticias

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viernes 16 mayo 2025 • Noticias

CAMIONES AUTÓNOMOS: DESENTRAÑANDO EL CAMINO A SEGUIR

Susie Jones

Autonomous trucks a daunting idea for some, but seemingly, the future of the logistics industry. As technology advances within the sector, the prospect of having partially or fully autonomous vehicles delivering your goods is high. In fact, it could be as close as 2026, according to the UK government, as in May 2024, the Automated Vehicles (AV) Act became law.However, what happens when an autonomous truck gets into an accident? Who is liable? In this blog, we'll delve into the world of autonomy, how it could impact the mobility sector, who is liable when accidents occur, and what drivers think of the change.There are six levels of driving automation:• Level 0 No automation. The human performs all driving tasks.• Level 1 Driver assistance. The vehicle features a single automated system. • Level 2 Partial automation. The vehicle can perform steering and acceleration. However, a human still monitors all tasks and can take control at all times.• Level 3 Conditional automation. The vehicle can perform most driving tasks. However, human override is still required.• Level 4 High automation. Geofencing is required, and the vehicle can perform all driving tasks under specific circumstances. Human override is an option. • Level 5 Full automation. The vehicle performs all driving tasks in all conditions. No human attention or interaction is required. Sensors, cameras, and artificial intelligence enable autonomous trucks to drive independently. Advanced programs make decisions instead of human drivers. • Legalities Who is liable when accidents occur? Is it the driver, their employer, or the maintenance company? We delve into this below. • Infrastructure Our existing roads are built for a world of petrol engines. Therefore, infrastructure must be upgraded or replaced to support self-driving vehicle fleets, requiring money and a substantial amount of political will. • Societal shifts An evolution in public attitudes will need to occur, too. The prospect of AI vehicles is daunting to many, with concerns regarding safety, journey tracking, and the legal grey areas regarding road accidents. • Security A system relying on digital networks becomes more vulnerable to cyber threats. The safety of autonomous trucks has been a hot topic of discussion within the sector, with many debating whether the technology is at a reliable standard to deal with unpredictable weather and recognise obstacles something that is of concern for truck drivers on SNAP's social media pages:"In the slightest bit of rain, my truck loses all automatic capabilities, AEBS, and cruise control. There is no way trucks will be allowed to drive themselves without a driver anytime soon."“This will kill more people on the roads and cause more queues. Just think how reliable your electronics are on your Euro 6 vehicle. The same people are making autonomous trucks.”In the event of an accident, responsibility may shift between the driver and the manufacturer. The court must determine whether an accident was caused by a technical fault, inadequate maintenance, or driver error. A manufacturer will become liable in the following instances: • Sensor malfunction• Software glitches• Inadequate cybersecurity measures• Inadequate testingA driver of an autonomous truck may be liable for an accident if they neglect the necessary service or maintenance required for the vehicle to operate properly one could argue that this liability could fall on fleet managers, too. Despite this, there is still some confusion among those in the mobility sector. We asked truck drivers on our who they believe would be held liable in the event of an accident with an autonomous vehicle. 51% of drivers thought the driver would be responsible, 37% suggested automated truck manufacturers, and 12% believed software developers. It's evident that more clarification is needed among those in the sector before autonomous trucks are a permanent fixture on our roads. In their revisited campaign, SNAP looks at the future of the mobility sector. As technology advances, autonomous vehicles will play a significant role in the industry, with a 50% chance that machines could take over all human jobs in the next 120 years.However, how will they deal with some of Europe's most hazardous highways? Truck driving is more than just sitting behind the wheel it's often about navigating ever-changing and unpredictable road conditions. It poses the question of whether autonomous trucks could deal with some of the poorest roads in Europe. From their most recent campaign, , SNAP identified Europe's most dangerous roads, with results showing Bulgaria, Lithuania, and Czechia as the most concerning.One could argue that autonomous trucks will face challenges while trying to navigate some of these roads without human interaction. Limited GPS accuracy, sensor interference, and a lack of consistent infrastructure could complicate things.