Susie Jones
Nouvelles et mises à jour • 5 min lire

Histoires de camionneurs : récits de la grande route

Créée: 22/08/2024

Mise à jour : 22/08/2024

Nous voulons mettre en lumière la communauté des transporteurs routiers et apprendre à connaître les personnes qui se trouvent derrière le volant.

Des hélicoptères qui atterrissent devant leurs camions aux voitures qui roulent du mauvais côté de l'autoroute, apprenez-en plus sur les chauffeurs qui livrent vos marchandises.

Alan

Alan conduit depuis 23 ans et a décidé de rejoindre l'industrie après avoir écouté les chansons d'Ally Thomson sur la conduite des camions. Lorsqu'on lui demande ce qu'il aime le plus dans son travail, il répond que c'est "la solitude qu'apporte la conduite d'un camion - il y a une séparation totale avec la vie de famille".

Les camions Volvo sont ses préférés, car il parcourt le Royaume-Uni pour transporter les marchandises d'Amazon. Il dit avoir transporté beaucoup de produits intéressants, "le choix est illimité - il suffit de penser à tout ce que vend Amazon".

Pour les conducteurs qui stationnent la nuit, il est difficile de se divertir pendant les temps morts. Cependant, des conducteurs expérimentés comme Alan ont mis au point leur routine du soir. Il déclare qu'il "aime regarder Sky TV sur l'iPad" lorsqu'il est garé pour la nuit.

Pour les conducteurs qui ont du mal à se divertir au volant, nous avons rassemblé une liste de moyens pour [empêcher l'ennui] (https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/you-bored-road-snap-account%3FtrackingId=WdH0FfVaRlqIItFQ9kHa5A%253D%253D/?trackingId=WdH0FfVaRlqIItFQ9kHa5A%3D%3D) de se manifester.

Si les longues heures passées sur la route peuvent sembler monotones à beaucoup, Alan explique qu'il y a toujours quelque chose qui le tient en haleine.

"Je crois que la chose la plus folle que j'ai vue en conduisant, c'est un hélicoptère qui atterrit juste devant moi", explique-t-il, bien loin de la réputation monotone qui a entouré le secteur pendant des décennies.

Fort de ses 23 ans d'expérience dans le secteur, Alan propose quelques conseils qui vous permettront de garder vos dents fraîches lors de vos voyages.

Il explique que "le conseil que je donnerais à toute personne débutant dans le secteur est de toujours penser à charger sa brosse à dents".

Richard

Il y a 36 ans, Richard a commencé sa carrière dans le secteur du transport routier et n'a jamais regardé en arrière. Il a attrapé le virus de la conduite lorsqu'il a rejoint ses deux frères aînés pour aider à livrer des marchandises à travers le Royaume-Uni.

"J'adore prendre un chargement et partir. Je décide quand je fais une pause et où je me gare. C'est génial d'être sur la route et de voyager dans tout le Royaume-Uni", explique-t-il.

Au cours de sa carrière, la vie sur la route l'a conduit jusqu'à Milan, en Italie - un voyage éprouvant même pour les conducteurs les plus expérimentés. Lorsqu'on lui demande comment il se divertit pendant ses voyages, il répond : "J'aime écouter de la musique et regarder des films pendant mon temps libre."

Le meilleur camion pour cela ? "Un Scania Next Generation 450S", répond-il.

Pour Richard, 30 ans dans le secteur ne sont pas allés sans leur lot d'histoires folles et de livraisons inhabituelles : "J'ai vu une voiture rouler à contresens sur une autoroute, en sortant d'une bretelle d'accès. La chose la plus intéressante que j'ai eue à l'arrière du camion, c'est un char de parade de la Saint-Wilfred".

Bien qu'il aime toujours la route, Richard affirme qu'il y a parfois un prix à payer. Il donne un aperçu de la réalité de cette profession et des conseils à ceux qui souhaitent la rejoindre.

"Réfléchissez bien si c'est la carrière qui vous convient. Attendez-vous à de longues heures de travail et à manquer de vie de famille.

Sean

Ayant grandi dans une famille de chauffeurs, Sean avait le camion dans le sang. Il y a 20 ans, il s'est mis au volant et a poursuivi sa carrière dans le secteur du transport routier.

Ce travail comporte de nombreux avantages, mais pour Sean, la liberté qu'il offre est ce qu'il aime le plus. Cette liberté l'a conduit jusqu'en Écosse pour un service de six semaines. Pendant ces longs trajets, il se distrait en téléphonant à ses amis et en regardant la télévision.

En outre, les relais routiers ont joué un rôle essentiel pour Sean dans la lutte contre l'isolement qu'entraîne la conduite. Souvent très animés, les relais routiers permettent à Sean de retrouver ses amis lors de ses déplacements.

Ces arrêts au stand sont l'occasion idéale d'entendre les histoires abracadabrantesques d'autres camionneurs. Comme Richard, la chose la plus étrange que Sean ait vue au cours de ses voyages a été "une voiture roulant à contresens sur une autoroute dans l'obscurité" - une histoire bien trop répandue dans la communauté des routiers.

Sean a choisi un DAF XF 530 pour transporter des matériaux de construction à travers le Royaume-Uni. Il conseille à tous ceux qui souhaitent faire carrière dans le transport routier de "foncer".

Dave

Dave conduit des camions depuis 30 ans et a voyagé jusqu'au Danemark et en Espagne. Lorsqu'il ne voyage pas dans son camion préféré, un Volvo FH, il aime regarder des feuilletons dans le confort de sa cabine.

"Le comportement de certains automobilistes m'a donné quelques histoires folles à raconter", explique-t-il. Cependant, lorsque nous avons demandé à Dave quelle était la chose la plus intéressante qu'il ait eue à l'arrière de son camion, il n'a rien dit - "c'est top secret", a-t-il déclaré.

Après 30 ans de transport de marchandises, Dave a appris plusieurs choses sur le monde du transport. Il donne un bon conseil à ceux qui cherchent à démarrer leur carrière dans le secteur : "assurez-vous de vous spécialiser dans quelque chose".

Alastair

Relativement nouveau dans le secteur, Alastair a décidé de poursuivre une carrière de chauffeur de camion pour se tenir occupé après sa retraite. Avec cinq ans à son actif, il apprécie par-dessus tout la variété de la profession.

Pendant cette période, Alastair a pu voyager à travers le Royaume-Uni et l'Europe : "Je suis allé à Inverness, à Copenhague, à Lisbonne, à Budapest et à Rome", déclare-t-il.

Pour éviter de s'ennuyer, Alastair aime écouter "Radio 4, LBC et 5 Live".

En voyageant à travers l'Europe, il a été témoin de son lot de comportements inhabituels de la part des autres usagers de la route. Mais c'est plus près de chez lui qu'il a dû manœuvrer son camion à travers "les manifestations à Londres. C'est probablement la chose la plus folle que j'ai vécue", explique-t-il.

Pour les fans de 007, Alastair raconte la fois où il a dû transporter des objets top secrets.

"L'objet le plus intéressant que j'ai transporté à l'arrière du camion est probablement le matériel d'exposition de James Bond", déclare-t-il.

Bien qu'Alastair ne soit pas dans ce secteur depuis longtemps, il a quelques mots pour ceux qui débutent dans le secteur.

"Le conseil que je donnerais à quelqu'un qui envisage de rejoindre le monde du transport est de rester calme".

Sean V

L'amour de Sean pour la route remonte aux nombreuses vacances d'été passées avec son père à bord de son camion. Après 30 ans de conduite, son amour de la route continue de grandir.

"Ce que j'aime dans ce travail, c'est de voir tous les beaux endroits du Royaume-Uni et de l'Europe", explique-t-il. C'est un travail qui l'a conduit vers de nombreuses destinations, Rome étant la plus lointaine.

Lorsqu'il n'explore pas les villes, Sean aime se divertir en regardant la télévision, en utilisant son iPad et, jusqu'à récemment, en jouant dans le confort de son propre taxi.

La chose la plus folle dont il a été témoin sur la route ?

Malheureusement, Sean est également témoin d'un spectacle trop courant chez les chauffeurs de camion : "une voiture roulant à contresens sur l'autoroute", explique-t-il.

Au cours de ses 30 années de carrière, Sean déclare que les camions DAF sont ceux qu'il préfère conduire, et que l'objet le plus intéressant qu'il a transporté était "du matériel médical spécialisé".

L'amour de Sean pour le secteur l'emporte sur certains aspects négatifs du travail. Cependant, pour ceux qui cherchent à démarrer leur carrière dans le secteur du transport routier, il a ces sages paroles à leur offrir :

"Si vous envisagez de rejoindre l'industrie, attendez-vous à faire de longues heures.

S'inscrire à SNAP aujourd'hui

SNAP vous facilite la vie en vous connectant à notre vaste réseau de services de transport routier. [Inscrivez-vous dès aujourd'hui] (https://snapacc.com/sign-up/)

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mercredi 02 juillet 2025 • Nouvelles et mises à jour

COMMENT LE FINANCEMENT DES INFRASTRUCTURES AU ROYAUME-UNI POURRAIT AVOIR UN IMPACT SUR L'INDUSTRIE DE LA MOBILITE

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After years of patchy investment and mounting congestion, the UK government has committed to more than £700 billion in infrastructure spending over the next decade – much of it earmarked for the nation’s roads. From new freight corridors to cutting-edge digital traffic systems, the impact of the 10-Year Infrastructure Strategy on commercial drivers and the wider mobility industry could be transformational.Roads are just one part of the UK’s transport mix – but they carry the overwhelming majority of goods. , 81% of domestic freight and 75% of imports and exports move by road, making it the backbone of UK logistics and the economy.And, despite making up just over two per cent of the UK’s road network by length, the carries 34% of all road journeys – including many of the most time-sensitive, high-volume freight routes. For the drivers using them, their condition and capacity have a direct impact on safety, efficiency and delivery performance. However, data shows that around 24,500 miles – more than one in every 10 miles – of the network in England and Wales is likely to require maintenance in the next 12 months.A number of recent emergency bridge closures have further exposed how vulnerable the network has become. In some areas, cracked support structures and decades-old concrete have created dangerous conditions for all road users – especially HGVs, which are often the first to face weight restrictions or forced rerouting.The government has responded with a new £1 billion fund to repair and rebuild deteriorating bridges, crossings and flyovers as part of its infrastructure strategy. It’s a welcome step – and one that reflects growing industry pressure. For professional drivers, it could mean fewer detours, fewer sudden restrictions, and less time lost to infrastructure that isn’t fit for modern logistics.But safety isn’t just about avoiding catastrophic failures. It’s also about long-term resilience – ensuring roads, bridges and lay-bys are maintained properly before they become hazards. This renewed focus on maintenance signals that road upkeep may finally start to match the scale, size and speed of the vehicles that depend on it.While high-profile projects dominate announcements, it’s often the everyday condition of the road surface that has the biggest impact on drivers. For those in haulage, potholes are more than a nuisance – they’re a persistent safety hazard and a costly burden.Repeated exposure to uneven surfaces increases wear and tear on HGVs, damages tyres and suspension and contributes to driver fatigue. In some cases, pothole damage has forced vehicles off the road for emergency repairs, disrupting deliveries and affecting service-level agreements.For drivers, the risks are personal. Trying to avoid potholes – especially on narrow or busy roads – can lead to dangerous manoeuvres. Add poor weather, limited lighting or tight delivery schedules and the stakes only rise.As part of its wider infrastructure push, the government has allocated as part of the Plan for Change to upgrade local infrastructure, including potholes, cracked surfaces and worn-out carriageways. The aim is to bring roads up to a safer, more reliable standard – particularly on freight-heavy routes.It won’t fix the problem overnight, but it marks a shift in priorities – recognising that driver welfare starts with the basics, and that a safe, comfortable journey depends on well-maintained roads.For fleets, the knock-on benefits include fewer unplanned repairs, lower insurance claims and less driver downtime. For drivers, it means fewer jolts, less stress and one less thing to worry about on a long shift.Driver welfare is front and centre of modern transport conversation. Long hours, delayed schedules and inadequate facilities have taken their toll. But the government’s latest plans offer hope for a safer, better-connected network.Across the UK, driver facilities have struggled to keep up with demand. Parking is often limited, services are stretched and many rest areas fall short on comfort and security – especially for long-haul operations. That’s why the government is also : more secure parking, better welfare amenities and planning reforms to speed up the development of new sites.At the same time, investment in charging and refuelling hubs for electric and hydrogen trucks is accelerating. Moto, for example, has committed to installing over 300 HGV electric chargers at 23 motorway locations, while Ashford Truckstop is being transformed into a major charging hub for cross-Channel freight. These facilities aren’t just about keeping vehicles moving – they’re about giving drivers safe, well-equipped places to rest and recharge themselves.If your drivers are looking for a safe place to stop, our intruck app allows them to identify and book rest stops across the UK and Europe. Traffic jams, unpredictable routes and pressure to hit delivery windows contribute to driver stress and fatigue – and they make the road a more dangerous place to be.Major infrastructure upgrades like the Lower Thames Crossing, A66 dualling and M60 Simister Island improvements are designed to reduce congestion and cut accident risks at some of the UK’s most notorious pinch points. In addition, there’s still a push to introduce digital tools that support safer, smoother journeys. Real-time traffic alerts, smart detection systems and better traffic management will help fleet managers and drivers respond quickly to disruptions and reroute where needed. is already laying the groundwork, with smart infrastructure that can detect hazards earlier, manage traffic flows more intelligently and communicate clearer, real-time updates.A step forward for mobility and driver welfare. The coordinated national effort to tackle the UK’s infrastructure backlog and to modernise the roads in a way that benefits the drivers who rely on them most.The real test will be in delivery. Turning funding into tangible improvements will require listening to drivers, learning from frontline experience and measuring success by how the roads feel – not just what they cost.“This new wave of investment isn’t just about cutting journey times,” says Stuart Willetts, UK Business Development Manager, at SNAP. “It’s about building a transport network that supports driver wellbeing and operational efficiency and the clean mobility transition. We can’t wait to see the results.”Use the near you – no matter what road you’re on.

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mercredi 18 juin 2025 • Nouvelles et mises à jour

RÉOUVERTURE DE LA FRONTIÈRE POLONO-UKRAINIENNE : CE QUE LES OPÉRATEURS DE FLOTTE DOIVENT SAVOIR

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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. Non-Ukrainian EU drivers, too, suffered long delays, strained schedules and poor conditions. What began as a logistical dispute evolved into a broader protest by Polish truckers over Ukrainian imports, market access, and the impact of emergency EU transport measures. Polish farmers soon joined in, frustrated by the effect of Ukrainian agricultural products on domestic prices.Polish drivers also for border crossings – known as eCherha – arguing that it put EU hauliers at a disadvantage. While the system was designed to streamline freight movement by allowing carriers to pre-book crossing slots, Polish operators claimed it gave Ukrainian firms greater flexibility and faster access. Issues such as language barriers, limited integration with EU logistics systems and inconsistent implementation left many EU drivers waiting longer at the border, further fuelling the perception of unfair treatment and contributing to the broader unrest. Protests begin at Dorohusk, Hrebenne and Korczowa crossings. More crossings are blocked, including Medyka; three Ukrainian drivers die waiting in queues. The Polish government comes to an agreement to pause the blockade until March. Sporadic blockades resume at smaller crossings. A new four-month blockade began at Yahodyn-Dorohusk but was overturned in court. All major border crossings remain open, but the risk of future disruption remains.In response to the disruption and its wider implications, the Polish government has taken a proactive stance. Border crossings with Ukraine have been designated as critical infrastructure, giving them greater protection from future blockades and helping to ensure the continued flow of freight, humanitarian aid and military support. A new Council for Cooperation with Ukraine has also been established to generally strengthen ties between the two countries. Part of its remit is to improve coordination across trade and transportation. In parallel, Poland is investing in eastern border infrastructure and engaging with EU officials to press for fairer terms for Polish hauliers. While these actions may not resolve the situation overnight, they signal a longer-term commitment to stability and structured dialogue.The blockade created unacceptable conditions for professional drivers. Many spent days or weeks in their cabs with no access to toilets, food or running water. Some were stuck in freezing temperatures with no heating or shelter. during the blockade period, with exhaustion and untreated medical conditions believed to be contributing factors. The disruption also caused significant mental and emotional strain, particularly for Ukrainian drivers trying to reach or return from home during wartime. Delays affected not only trade but also the movement of fuel, aid and military goods critical to Ukraine’s national defence.While Polish protesters insisted that humanitarian and military aid vehicles were permitted through the border, indicate that this wasn’t always the case.These conditions weren’t just traumatic for drivers – they also exposed gaps in fleet risk management and emergency planning. Operators must now treat border disruption as an ongoing threat.Although the situation has stabilised, underlying tensions between Polish hauliers, Ukrainian operators and EU policy remain unresolved. Fleet managers operating in or near the region should be alert to the possibility of further industrial action – especially during seasonal pressure points or EU policy reviews.Here are the SNAP team’s recommendations for managing the situation effectively:Stay up-to-date with news from Polish and Ukrainian logistics associations and government sources. Subscribe to border traffic alerts and follow trusted logistics partners for real-time updates.Have contingency plans that redirect vehicles through Hungary, Slovakia or Romania if crossings between Poland and Ukraine become blocked again.Ensure your trucks are stocked with essentials: food, water, power banks and medical kits. During periods of unrest, access to secure truck parking in Poland is essential, so that your drivers are safe, rested and off the roadside. Equip drivers with up-to-date information on secure truck parking and rest areas along their route.Our has an interactive map of truck parking, with 11,000 HGV service providers across Europe, including Poland, Hungary and Slovakia. It’s an easy-to-use tool for finding secure truck rest areas in Poland, making it especially valuable during periods of industrial action. Although the app does not currently offer bookable truck parking in Ukraine, Ukrainian operators and drivers can use intruck to locate reliable rest stops within the EU during long-distance journeys or times of disruption.With increased demand during periods of disruption, advanced booking is critical. Drivers can also use intruck to find and book trusted truck parking in Poland in advance. Whether your vehicles are travelling deep into Eastern Europe or returning westward, it allows your drivers to access parking for trucks near Warsaw and other high-traffic areas.Establish check-in schedules, especially if long waits or diversions are expected. Reassure drivers that their wellbeing is a priority and provide support if they face unexpected delays. If possible, suggest secure lorry parking locations in Ukraine in advance, so they know where to take a break.The reopening of the Poland-Ukraine border is welcome news for fleets operating in Eastern Europe. But with political tensions unresolved, it’s essential to stay prepared.“The situation is rapidly changing,” says Nick Renton, Head of European Strategy and Business Development at SNAP. “With the potential for further disruption at the Poland-Ukraine border, we recommend that fleet operators put robust plans in place to prioritise driver wellbeing and minimise operational risks. That includes building flexibility into delivery schedules, providing essential supplies in vehicles and ensuring drivers have access to secure truck parking. “Our network of bookable truck stops across Europe and Poland gives you the tools to stay agile – offering peace of mind to both operators and drivers when conditions on the ground become unpredictable.”View our interactive map of .

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mercredi 04 juin 2025 • Nouvelles et mises à jour

L'IMPACT DE LA PANNE DE LA PENINSULE IBERIQUE DE 2025 SUR LE TRANSPORT ROUTIER DE MARCHANDISES

Guest

On 28 April 2025, a widespread power outage swept across the Iberian Peninsula, leaving millions of homes, businesses and public services in Spain and Portugal without electricity. The Spain-Portugal blackout, which began at 12:33pm local time, affected major cities including Madrid, Barcelona, Lisbon and Porto, as well as large parts of the surrounding regions. In some areas, power returned within four to six hours; in others, the disruption lasted well into the following morning.Although the precise cause is still under investigation, early reports suggest a failure in the cross-border transmission network disrupted electricity flow across both national grids. The impact was swift and widespread, halting train services, grounding aircraft, affecting hospitals and public services and paralysing digital infrastructure. For the transport and logistics sector, the challenge was immediate, touching every aspect of road-based operations, from freight and fuel supply to traffic control and driver welfare.“When power fails, so do many of the systems we rely on to keep roads safe – from traffic lights and signage to communications,” says Raquel Martinez, European Sales Manager at SNAP. “For both drivers and fleet operators, the 2025 blackout highlighted just how quickly routine journeys can become high-risk and how important it is to be aware of where drivers can stop to maintain the security of themselves and their loads.”For transport firms, the first and most pressing issue was the suspension of freight movement. Across the Iberian Peninsula, operations at warehouses, fulfilment centres and cross-docking hubs slowed or stopped entirely. International movements were also affected, with trucks held at borders as authorities worked to restore basic traffic control and ensure road safety.With rail freight at a standstill, some operators attempted to shift loads onto the road network, but this brought its own limitations. Congested routes, inoperative traffic systems and patchy fuel access meant that road transport couldn’t absorb the demand. It took several days to clear the backlog and restore supply chain reliability.The Iberian power cuts also revealed the extent to which modern infrastructure depends on digital systems. Traffic lights in major cities went dark, causing congestion and increasing the risk of accidents. Electronic signage, motorway sensors and smart routing systems all failed, depriving drivers of real-time guidance and updates.Toll booths were similarly affected. With automatic barriers and electronic payment systems out of action, staff in some areas had to lift gates manually or collect cash. This led to delays on major routes, lost revenue for toll operators, and concerns about system integrity once power was restored.One of the clearest signs of the sector’s reliance on electricity came at the fuel pumps. As power failed, petrol stations across Spain and Portugal were forced to close. Pumps and payment systems stopped working, leaving only a small number of forecourts with emergency generators able to serve customers. These were quickly overwhelmed, leading to long queues and, in many cases, drivers stranded without fuel.The disruption also extended upstream, with port facilities and fuel distribution networks unable to operate at normal capacity, delaying the movement of fuel to inland areas and further compounding supply issues.For operators of electric vehicles, the outage posed a particular challenge. EV charging across Spain and Portugal were out of service, rendering EVs unusable unless they already had enough charge to complete their route. With no access to recharging, some deliveries were suspended and electric vehicles temporarily taken off the road.For logistics businesses considering the transition to electric fleets, the Iberian power cuts underlined the importance of contingency planning and backup infrastructure to maintain operations during grid failures.Perhaps the most pressing concerns centred around driver welfare. Rest areas and service stations were plunged into darkness – many without lighting, heating, hot food or functioning toilets. Some drivers were left without a safe or secure place to rest during enforced delays.Communication was another major issue. With mobile networks disrupted, drivers struggled to contact depots, request support or access traffic updates. For many, local radio became the only reliable source of information. The situation served as a stark reminder of how exposed the industry can be when critical infrastructure fails.Although the Spain-Portugal blackout lasted less than 24 hours in most places, the disruption to road transport and haulage was significant. The power outage effects on logistics covered everything from fuel supply and infrastructure resilience to emergency preparedness and driver wellbeing. However, it also prompted renewed discussion around how fleet operators can improve business continuity and safeguard their people in the face of similar events.Establishing and testing a robust business continuity plan is an important first step. This should cover communications protocols, fuel access, routing alternatives and vehicle deployment. Where possible, alternative schedules and delivery partners should be identified in advance – particularly for time-sensitive or critical loads.Supporting driver wellbeing is crucial in situations like this. Emergency kits – containing snacks, water, torches, power banks and reflective clothing – can offer reassurance and practical help. “Operators may also wish to review facilities at depots to ensure drivers have safe places to rest, especially during longer delays,” says Raquel. “Knowing that there is a network of truck stops in the region, such as our partner network, can provide reassurance that there is somewhere to stop until the power returns. “Blackouts of this scale may be rare, but the risk is real. Operators must consider how they build resilience and adapt to situations to keep moving – from securing fuel access to re-evaluating route planning and rest provision during emergencies.”We have an extensive network of truck stops and service areas across Spain and Europe.