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Reapertura de la frontera entre Polonia y Ucrania: Lo que deben saber los operadores de flotas

Creado: 18/06/2025

Actualizado: 20/06/2025

Tras meses de interrupciones, el tráfico de mercancías entre Polonia y Ucrania vuelve a circular libremente. Pero con las tensiones aún latentes y la amenaza de nuevos bloqueos en la mente de todos, los operadores de flotas deben permanecer alerta ante los riesgos y preparados para proteger el bienestar de los conductores a ambos lados de la frontera.

Este artículo explica las causas de la interrupción, cómo afectó a los conductores y las medidas que puede tomar para reducir el impacto si vuelve la huelga.

¿Qué causó el bloqueo fronterizo Polonia-Ucrania de 2024?

La situación comenzó a finales de 2023, cuando los camioneros polacos empezaron a protestar en los principales pasos fronterizos. Alegaban que la decisión de la UE de no exigir permisos a los transportistas ucranianos, introducida como medida temporal en tiempos de guerra, había provocado una afluencia de operadores de bajo coste que subcotizaban a las empresas polacas.

Las protestas se intensificaron, bloqueando las principales rutas de transporte de mercancías hacia Ucrania y atrapando a miles de vehículos en colas kilométricas. En su punto álgido, el bloqueo dejó más de 5.000 camiones varados en la frontera, algunos esperando más de una semana para cruzar. Los conductores comunitarios no ucranianos también sufrieron largos retrasos, horarios apretados y malas condiciones.

Lo que empezó como una disputa logística se convirtió en una protesta más amplia de los camioneros polacos por las importaciones ucranianas, el acceso al mercado y el impacto de las medidas de emergencia de la UE en el transporte. Pronto se sumaron los agricultores polacos, frustrados por el efecto de los productos agrícolas ucranianos en los precios nacionales.

Los conductores polacos también criticaron el sistema electrónico de colas de Ucrania para los pasos fronterizos -conocido como eCherha-, alegando que ponía en desventaja a los transportistas de la UE. Aunque el sistema se diseñó para agilizar el movimiento de mercancías permitiendo a los transportistas reservar con antelación las franjas horarias de cruce, los operadores polacos afirmaron que daba a las empresas ucranianas mayor flexibilidad y un acceso más rápido. Cuestiones como las barreras lingüísticas, la escasa integración con los sistemas logísticos de la UE y una aplicación incoherente hicieron que muchos conductores de la UE tuvieran que esperar más tiempo en la frontera, lo que alimentó aún más la percepción de trato injusto y contribuyó al malestar general.

Cronología de los bloqueos fronterizos entre Polonia y Ucrania

Noviembre de 2023: Comienzan las protestas en los pasos fronterizos de Dorohusk, Hrebenne y Korczowa.

Diciembre de 2023: Se bloquean más cruces, incluido el de Medyka; tres conductores ucranianos mueren esperando en las colas.

Enero de 2024: El gobierno polaco llega a un acuerdo para pausar el bloqueo hasta marzo.

Marzo-abril de 2024: Se reanudan los bloqueos esporádicos en los cruces más pequeños.

Mayo de 2025: Se inicia un nuevo bloqueo de cuatro meses en Yahodyn-Dorohusk, pero es anulado en los tribunales.

Junio de 2025: Todos los principales pasos fronterizos permanecen abiertos, pero persiste el riesgo de futuras perturbaciones.

¿Qué está haciendo el Gobierno polaco para mejorar la situación?

En respuesta a la interrupción y sus implicaciones más amplias, el gobierno polaco ha adoptado una postura proactiva. Los pasos fronterizos con Ucrania han sido designados infraestructuras críticas, lo que les confiere una mayor protección frente a futuros bloqueos y contribuye a garantizar la continuidad del flujo de mercancías, ayuda humanitaria y apoyo militar.

También se ha creado un nuevo Consejo de Cooperación con Ucrania para reforzar en general los lazos entre ambos países. Parte de su cometido es mejorar la coordinación del comercio y el transporte. Paralelamente, Polonia está invirtiendo en infraestructuras fronterizas orientales y colaborando con funcionarios de la UE para presionar en favor de unas condiciones más justas para los transportistas polacos. Aunque estas medidas no resuelvan la situación de la noche a la mañana, indican un compromiso a largo plazo con la estabilidad y el diálogo estructurado.

El impacto en los conductores

El bloqueo creó unas condiciones inaceptables para los conductores profesionales. Muchos pasaron días o semanas en sus taxis sin acceso a aseos, comida o agua corriente. Algunos quedaron atrapados a temperaturas bajo cero, sin calefacción ni refugio.

Tres conductores ucranianos murieron durante el bloqueo, y se cree que el agotamiento y las enfermedades no tratadas contribuyeron a ello.

Las perturbaciones también causaron una importante tensión mental y emocional, sobre todo a los conductores ucranianos que intentaban llegar a sus hogares o regresar de ellos en tiempos de guerra. Los retrasos no sólo afectaron al comercio, sino también al transporte de combustible, ayuda y material militar, esenciales para la defensa nacional de Ucrania.

Aunque los manifestantes polacos insistieron en que se permitía el paso de vehículos de ayuda humanitaria y militar a través de la frontera, los informes de las autoridades ucranianas indican que no siempre fue así.

Estas condiciones no sólo fueron traumáticas para los conductores, sino que también pusieron de manifiesto las lagunas en la gestión de riesgos de las flotas y la planificación de emergencias. Ahora, los operadores deben considerar las perturbaciones fronterizas como una amenaza permanente.

Lo que los transportistas deben saber

Aunque la situación se ha estabilizado, las tensiones subyacentes entre los transportistas polacos, los operadores ucranianos y la política de la UE siguen sin resolverse. Los gestores de flotas que operan en la región o cerca de ella deben estar alerta ante la posibilidad de que se produzcan nuevas huelgas, especialmente durante los momentos de presión estacional o las revisiones de la política de la UE.

He aquí las recomendaciones del equipo SNAP para gestionar la situación con eficacia:

1. Supervisar la situación en la frontera polaco-ucraniana

Manténgase al día con las noticias de las asociaciones logísticas polacas y ucranianas y de fuentes gubernamentales. Suscríbase a las alertas de tráfico fronterizo y siga a socios logísticos de confianza para obtener actualizaciones en tiempo real.

2. Planificar rutas flexibles

Disponga de planes de contingencia que redirijan los vehículos a través de Hungría, Eslovaquia o Rumanía si los pasos entre Polonia y Ucrania vuelven a bloquearse.

3. Apoye el bienestar de los conductores

Asegúrese de que sus camiones están abastecidos con lo esencial: comida, agua, bancos de energía y botiquines médicos.

Durante los periodos de agitación, el acceso a aparcamientos seguros para camiones en Polonia es esencial, para que sus conductores estén seguros, descansen y se alejen de la carretera. Proporcione a los conductores información actualizada sobre aparcamientos seguros para camiones y áreas de descanso a lo largo de su ruta.

Nuestra aplicación intruck tiene un mapa interactivo de aparcamientos para camiones, con 11.000 proveedores de servicios para vehículos pesados en toda Europa, incluidos Polonia, Hungría y Eslovaquia. Es una herramienta fácil de usar para encontrar áreas de descanso seguras para camiones en Polonia, lo que la hace especialmente valiosa durante los periodos de huelga.

Aunque la aplicación no ofrece actualmente la posibilidad de reservar aparcamiento para camiones en Ucrania, los operadores y conductores ucranianos pueden utilizar intruck para localizar paradas de descanso fiables dentro de la UE durante viajes de larga distancia o momentos de interrupción.

4. Reserve soluciones de aparcamiento seguro para camiones en Polonia

Con el aumento de la demanda durante los periodos de interrupción, es fundamental reservar con antelación. Los conductores también pueden utilizar intruck para encontrar y reservar con antelación aparcamientos de confianza para camiones en Polonia. Tanto si sus vehículos se adentran en Europa del Este como si regresan hacia el oeste, permite a sus conductores acceder a aparcamientos para camiones cerca de Varsovia y otras zonas de mucho tráfico.

5. Comunicarse regularmente con los conductores

Establezca horarios de facturación, especialmente si se prevén largas esperas o desvíos. Asegure a los conductores que su bienestar es una prioridad y proporcióneles apoyo si se enfrentan a retrasos inesperados. Si es posible, sugiera con antelación aparcamientos seguros para camiones en Ucrania, para que sepan dónde descansar.

De cara al futuro

La reapertura de la frontera entre Polonia y Ucrania es una buena noticia para las flotas que operan en Europa del Este. Pero con las tensiones políticas sin resolver, es esencial estar preparados.

"La situación está cambiando rápidamente", afirma Nick Renton, Director de Estrategia Europea y Desarrollo Empresarial de SNAP. "Ante la posibilidad de nuevos trastornos en la frontera entre Polonia y Ucrania, recomendamos a los operadores de flotas que pongan en marcha planes sólidos para dar prioridad al bienestar de los conductores y minimizar los riesgos operativos. Esto incluye flexibilizar los horarios de entrega, proporcionar suministros esenciales en los vehículos y garantizar que los conductores tengan acceso a un aparcamiento seguro para los camiones".

"Nuestra red de paradas de camiones reservables en toda Europa y Polonia le da las herramientas para mantenerse ágil, ofreciendo tranquilidad tanto a los operadores como a los conductores cuando las condiciones sobre el terreno se vuelven impredecibles."

Vea nuestro mapa interactivo de aparcamientos seguros para camiones en Polonia hoy.

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viernes 26 septiembre 2025 • Noticias

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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. 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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. 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lunes 22 septiembre 2025 • Noticias

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Romania is fast emerging as a strategic logistics and freight hub in Southeastern Europe. Supported by billions in EU and national funding, the country’s infrastructure renaissance is attracting fleet operators, logistics investors and manufacturers. In this article, we explore what these developments mean for fleets, drivers and the wider transportation sector.Romania's transport infrastructure has seen a dramatic shift in pace and scale. The government has earmarked around 25 billion lei (£4.27 billion) for road projects in 2026, reflecting an unprecedented focus on highways and freight corridors. In mid‑2025, Romania had around 1,325km of highways in service (1,188 km motorways and 138 km expressways), with another 741km under construction and 669km in tendering stages.By 2030, Romania plans to double its highway network, modernise strategic railway routes, expand urban transport and connect regions that have long been isolated. 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miércoles 03 septiembre 2025 • Noticias

¿ES LA LOGÍSTICA UNA NUEVA ALTERNATIVA A LA FORMACIÓN CONTINUA PARA LOS JÓVENES QUE ABANDONAN LA ESCUELA?

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For years, the conventional wisdom has been that school leavers should continue into further education. Whether that meant college, university or vocational training, the message was the same: study first, then work. But that narrative is beginning to shift. Faced with rising tuition fees, increasing debt and uncertainty about the value of a degree, many young people are re-evaluating their choices.At the same time, the logistics industry is crying out for new talent. It offers immediate earnings, structured development and long-term career prospects – all without the cost of higher education. The question is no longer whether logistics could be a stopgap option for school leavers but whether it represents a genuine alternative to university.The need for fresh entrants to logistics is pressing. 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With an ageing workforce, we also need to attract more young people into the industry. To get there, we must prioritise flexible, funded training options.”Meanwhile, data shows that in June 2025, youth unemployment across the EU was 14.7%, with 2.857 million young people out of work, which has remained steady month-on-month. These figures reveal a significant opportunity gap for school leavers. At a time when many face bleak prospects, logistics presents a path of clarity, training, and financial independence.The perception of logistics as a last-resort job is giving way to recognition of its tangible benefits. A recent highlights factors such as job security, reliable pay, flexible working patterns and the chance to travel. For many, it is precisely this combination of benefits that makes logistics stand out. In addition, apprenticeships and graduate-style schemes allow young recruits to build qualifications while gaining hands-on experience. As Matthew Bellamy, Managing Director at SNAP comments: “For school leavers, logistics isn’t just an alternative. It’s a fast track to a skilled, future-ready career. You begin building experience and independence straightaway, without the costs or delays of university.”While driving is the most visible role, logistics encompasses far more. School leavers can move into warehousing, planning, technology, or customer service, before progressing into leadership. The digitalisation of logistics has also created demand for new skills – data analysis, route optimisation, and sustainability management – that appeal to a generation of digital natives.SNAP, for example, works with fleets across Europe to provide digital tools that support drivers’ wellbeing, help them find safe parking, and streamline daily operations. These investments are not just about efficiency – they are about making logistics a credible and attractive career path.“The industry needs fresh faces with digital skills, resilience and a modern outlook,” Bellamy continues. “School leavers bring exactly that – and attracting more women will help us adapt even faster.”Diversity is one of the greatest untapped opportunities in logistics. According to , women account for just 23% of employees in transport and storage across Europe and Central Asia. The European data is even more concerning when it comes to drivers specifically: .Encouraging more young women into logistics careers – whether as drivers, planners, or managers – is essential. It not only broadens the talent pool but also changes the culture of the industry, making it more representative and resilient. Highlighting female role models, creating inclusive training environments, and improving welfare facilities are practical steps that can make logistics more appealing to all.Too often, it is portrayed as a male-dominated and physically demanding industry. And while those stereotypes may once have held some truth, they are increasingly outdated. Today’s logistics sector relies as much on technology and teamwork as it does on physical labour.For logistics to compete with further education, the industry must deliver on three fronts:● Training pathways – offering apprenticeships, certifications and mentorship to give recruits a sense of progression.● Welfare and facilities – ensuring that drivers, particularly younger and more diverse entrants, have access to safe parking, clean rest stops and supportive environments.● Career storytelling – showcasing the variety of roles and long-term potential within the sector.For operators, the business case is clear. already report that they cannot expand because of driver shortages. Nearly half cite falling productivity, and 39% say revenues are declining. Without change, shortages will not just limit growth – they will erode the bottom line.The debate over further education versus work will never be one-size-fits-all. Some young people will continue to thrive in universities and colleges. But logistics is a viable, forward-looking option.For school leavers, it means immediate pay, independence and scope for progression. For the industry, it means tapping into a pool of talent that is urgently needed. For society, it means strengthening the resilience of an essential sector.The challenge now lies with the industry to match its demand with vision: to provide training, welfare, and opportunities that rival those offered by further education. If it succeeds, logistics will not just be an alternative to university – it will be an advantage.