Susie Jones
Notizie e aggiornamenti • 2 leggere

All'interno di Formula Premier Truckstop: esplorazione del loro successo e del rapporto con SNAP

Creato: 07/08/2025

Aggiornato: 07/08/2025

A Ellesmere Port, a pochi passi dalla M53, si trova Formula Premier Truckstop. Eletto "Truckstop dell'anno 2023" nel Regno Unito, il sito è diventato uno dei preferiti dalla comunità degli autotrasportatori. Rendendo omaggio al loro legame con la Formula 1 (un tempo il sito forniva carburante alle auto da corsa di tutto il mondo), l'autogrill è ricoperto dall'iconico colore rosso, con numerosi cimeli sportivi che tengono occupati i visitatori per ore.

Mentre festeggiano il loro 10° anniversario, ci sediamo con il direttore operativo Ash Evans per parlare di tutto ciò che riguarda i nuovi impianti e gli obiettivi di sostenibilità, il benessere degli autisti e il loro rapporto con SNAP.

"Da 10 anni operiamo come autogrill. Siamo aperti a tutti i camionisti, grandi e piccoli, rigidi e artici. Abbiamo una stazione di rifornimento aperta a patto che abbiate una carta carburante ", spiega Ash.

Strutture

Il sito ospita una serie di fantastiche strutture per offrire ai camionisti una casa lontano da casa.

Abbiamo circa 150 posti auto, un ristorante in loco, una palestra e servizi igienici dedicati a uomini e donne. Cerchiamo di includere il più possibile nel prezzo del parcheggio ", afferma Ash.

Mentre ci viene fatto fare un giro della sede, passiamo attraverso una sala giochi dedicata, attrezzata con un tavolo da biliardo e uno da ping pong, un'area lounge completa di poltrone massaggianti e una pletora di console di gioco per aiutare a rilassare un autista dopo un lungo turno. Per quanto riguarda gli aspetti più pratici, il sito offre servizi di lavaggio, una palestra e un'area cucina per preparare pasti fatti in casa. Chi non ha voglia di cucinare dopo una giornata al volante, può usufruire del ristorante in loco, che ora offre buoni pasto SNAP.

"Sono sempre alla ricerca di modi per migliorare il sito. Le strutture di cui dispongono rendono il luogo piacevole per gli autisti. Il viaggio di un autista è molto più sicuro e facile quando sa di avere questo tipo di strutture alla fine del viaggio ".

- Stuart Willetts, responsabile dello sviluppo commerciale nel Regno Unito di SNAP.

Di recente, il sito ha rinnovato le strutture femminili, con bagni all'avanguardia e simili a quelli di una spa. L'ammodernamento ha incluso una toilette e una doccia neutre dal punto di vista del genere: entrambe le aree sono chiuse a chiave per garantire sicurezza e protezione.

*"Abbiamo avuto un ottimo riscontro sulle nuove strutture e un grande aumento di autiste donne sul posto, il che è positivo", spiega Ash.

Scoprite le nuove strutture di Formula attraverso il nostro quickfire Q&A con Ash.

Come SNAP ha avvantaggiato Formula

Ash e il team hanno un rapporto stretto con Stuart Willetts, uno dei responsabili dello sviluppo commerciale di SNAP nel Regno Unito, che è sempre a disposizione per rispondere a qualsiasi domanda.

"Il rapporto che abbiamo con SNAP, e che abbiamo da diversi anni, riflette davvero quanto siete bravi in quello che fate ", afferma Ash.

Ash spiega come l'offerta di buoni pasto SNAP abbia portato benefici non solo agli autisti, ma anche al sito:

"Negli ultimi anni, una delle cose migliori è stata l'introduzione dei buoni pasto tramite SNAP. L'assenza di questa offerta era un po' negativa per gli automobilisti. Ottenere un pasto con il parcheggio e non doverlo pagare da soli è un grande vantaggio ".

Si è rivelato molto positivo in termini di soddisfazione dei clienti e di aumento dei ricavi ".

Benessere del conducente

Il benessere dei conducenti è da tempo un tema di discussione molto sentito nel settore. Con un tasso di suicidi tra i camionisti superiore del 20% rispetto alla media nazionale, le aree di sosta svolgono un ruolo fondamentale nel migliorare il benessere dei conducenti. Un obiettivo che, secondo Ash, non dovrebbe essere difficile da raggiungere per un autogrill:

*Gli autisti non vogliono molto. Vogliono un posto buono e pulito dove lavarsi, radersi, fare quello che devono fare e mangiare bene. Non è una grande richiesta per qualcuno, e non dovrebbe essere una grande richiesta per un'azienda fornirgliela".

Questo aspetto è stato certamente un punto chiave per Formula, che ha influenzato tutto, dalle strutture e dai continui miglioramenti alla sicurezza di chi parcheggia.

"Abbiamo ANPR, 80 telecamere a circuito chiuso, una recinzione perimetrale lungo tutto il perimetro, una barriera di protezione e una sicurezza presidiata 24 ore su 24", afferma Ash.

Il settore ha una lunga strada da percorrere e Formula Truck Stop sta puntando in alto. Abbiamo chiesto ad Ash cosa potrebbe fare il settore per contribuire al benessere dei conducenti:

"La cosa più importante che possono fare è creare più aree di sosta per camion che rispondano ai desideri e alle esigenze degli autisti moderni, con buone strutture. Dobbiamo tutti continuare a spingere perché questo accada ".

Una cosa che Stuart sa benissimo che deve accadere, visto che il suo ruolo all'interno di SNAP gli permette di immedesimarsi nelle sfide quotidiane che i camionisti devono affrontare:

Uno dei vantaggi del mio ruolo è che siamo sempre in viaggio. Così abbiamo un assaggio di cosa significhi per gli autisti guidare continuamente e avere bisogno di una pausa alla fine della giornata. Questo ci permette di provare un po' di empatia e simpatia per gli autisti. Questo ci permette di vedere i nostri Service Partner con una visione autentica di ciò che gli autisti devono affrontare ".

Crescita futura

L'autogrill ha fatto molta strada dai suoi umili inizi. Con l'aiuto di SNAP per snellire le operazioni, il sito ha potuto concentrarsi sull'espansione e sul perseguimento dei suoi obiettivi di sostenibilità. Con oltre 195.000 camionisti iscritti alla rete SNAP, il sito ha dovuto aggiungere un'area di parcheggio in eccesso, con 50 posti in più, per soddisfare la crescente domanda.

Il sito si sta ora concentrando sugli obiettivi di sostenibilità, spiega Ash:

Attualmente stiamo lavorando a un paio di progetti, uno dei quali è un nuovo sistema di riscaldamento e acqua calda che utilizzerà una pompa di calore ad aria e sarà molto efficiente dal punto di vista energetico.

Quest'anno abbiamo anche installato dei pannelli solari per contribuire alla riduzione delle emissioni di carbonio ".

Unisciti alla rete in crescita di SNAP

Ispirato da ciò che hai appena letto? Inizia oggi la tua storia di successo con SNAP.

Guarda l'intervista completa con [Formula Truckstop sul nostro canale YouTube].(https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=89ZdgNd1DDE&t=1s)

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lunedì 21 luglio 2025 • Notizie e aggiornamenti

COME I CAMBIAMENTI CLIMATICI INFLUENZANO IL SETTORE DELLA MOBILITÀ

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Climate change is no longer a distant risk. For those working in road transport, it’s a daily operational reality – one that’s becoming harder to ignore with every passing year. From heatwaves that melt tarmac to floods that cut off major routes, the impact of a shifting climate is baked into the business of moving goods.For fleet managers, this means navigating evolving regulations, updating infrastructure and rethinking continuity planning. For drivers, it means adapting to new risks on the road – from tyre blowouts to disrupted delivery windows. And for the entire sector, it signals the need for a more resilient, climate-aware approach to mobility.In July 2022, the UK experienced its . As temperatures climbed to 40℃, roads began to soften, with sections of the closed due to surface degradation. Fleet operators were forced to reroute deliveries, sometimes at short notice, while engine temperatures soared and vehicles struggled to maintain performance.That same year, high winds from caused widespread damage across freight corridors in Western Europe, overturning high-sided vehicles and damaging temperature-sensitive cargo. Meanwhile, in January 2024, Storm Henk flooded vast areas of central England. Key routes in the Midlands were and some drivers were stranded for hours.These are not isolated events. They are signs of a transport system increasingly vulnerable to climate threats. Road surfaces, vehicle components and logistics networks are all being tested by changing conditions – and the consequences are being felt throughout the supply chain.When it comes to climate-related disruption, the impacts aren’t just felt on individual routes. Whole supply chains are being affected – sometimes with little warning. In The Netherlands, rising sea levels and heavier rainfall are prompting authorities and businesses to reassess the resilience of critical logistics infrastructure, particularly in low-lying industrial areas. The Port of Rotterdam – Europe’s largest seaport – has to adapt to climate risk, reinforcing quay walls, elevating access roads and upgrading stormwater systems to protect against flooding. Inland logistics centres are also under scrutiny, as extreme weather has exposed vulnerabilities in access routes and drainage.Fleet technology is improving fast, especially when it comes to electrification and smart diagnostics. But climate change is creating new stresses for even the most advanced vehicles. Battery efficiency can in cold weather, reducing the effective range of electric vans. Meanwhile, high temperatures and put additional strain on vehicle cooling systems.To address these issues, some operators are investing in predictive maintenance systems that use telematics to anticipate wear and schedule repairs before costly failures occur. Others are upgrading cab comfort systems to protect driver wellbeing during periods of extreme heat or cold. While these changes involve upfront investment, they can pay dividends in uptime, safety and driver retention.Rising climate risk is reshaping insurance, too. Some insurers are responding to the increased frequency of extreme weather claims by and tightening exclusions. Business interruption policies, in particular, are under , especially where supply chains are vulnerable to repeat disruption. And while cargo insurance remains a consideration, not all policies automatically cover delays caused by climate events such as flooding or high winds.Fleet managers should review their cover in light of these emerging risks. That means checking for exclusions, assessing how climate-related events are defined, and ensuring that critical gaps – such as downtime due to road closures – are adequately addressed. In some cases, demonstrating a proactive approach to risk management, flood mitigation and driver training can also help secure more favourable terms.While the physical impacts of climate change are already visible, regulatory shifts are adding another layer of complexity for operators. Low-emission zones are expanding rapidly across the UK and Europe, placing new demands on fleet composition and compliance. In London, the Ultra Low Emission Zone (ULEZ) continues to grow, while cities like Birmingham and Oxford have introduced their own variations. At the European level, the package have set ambitious targets for decarbonisation. Fleet operators are being incentivised – and increasingly required – to switch to cleaner fuels and technologies. From electrification mandates to supply chain transparency rules, operators now face a new baseline for what’s considered acceptable business practice.For those managing fleets, these changes present both a logistical challenge and a strategic opportunity. Embracing sustainability isn't just about avoiding penalties – it’s about futureproofing operations and staying ahead of changing customer expectations.Adaptation doesn’t happen overnight, but incremental changes can have a meaningful impact. Some operators are now carrying out climate risk assessments across their fleet operations, identifying assets and routes most vulnerable to disruption. Others are offering drivers updated training to improve safety and decision-making during extreme weather events.Fuel choices are shifting too. Hauliers looking for lower-carbon alternatives are turning to HVO – hydrotreated vegetable oil – an alternative to diesel that cuts emissions without requiring new infrastructure. Meanwhile, those investing in load optimisation software are seeing benefits not just in fuel economy but in emissions reductions that support compliance goals.There’s no longer any doubt that climate change is shaping the future of road transport, not in decades, but right now. The challenge for operators is to shift from a reactive mindset to a more strategic, long-term mindset. That means understanding the risks, acting on them early, and recognising that resilience is fast becoming a source of competitive advantage.“We’re hearing the same thing from fleet operators across the UK and Europe,” says Nick Renton, Head of European Strategy and Business Development at SNAP. “Climate disruption isn’t a future risk – it’s already here, affecting everything from warehousing and route planning to driver welfare. The fleets that thrive will be the ones that treat climate resilience as a business strategy, not just an emergency response.“It matters because the cost of inaction is rising – not just financially, but in terms of missed deliveries, operational downtime and the wellbeing of drivers on the road. If we want to keep goods moving and businesses growing, we need to start building that resilience in now.”At SNAP, we work closely with fleets across the UK and Europe to help them navigate this new reality. Whether it’s through insights, partnerships, or smarter tools for on-the-road operations, we’re here to support those who keep the wheels turning – whatever the weather. to take advantage of our fleet management solutions.

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mercoledì 02 luglio 2025 • Notizie e aggiornamenti

COME I FINANZIAMENTI ALLE INFRASTRUTTURE DEL REGNO UNITO POTREBBERO AVERE UN IMPATTO SUL SETTORE DELLA MOBILITÀ

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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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mercoledì 18 giugno 2025 • Notizie e aggiornamenti

RIAPERTURA DEL CONFINE POLACCO-UCRAINO: COSA DEVONO SAPERE GLI OPERATORI DI FLOTTA

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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 .