Network North: How will it benefit truck drivers?

In June, plans to ease HGV traffic in favour of rail freight at the 'cloud factory' (West Fraser wood panel manufacturing) near Inverness were given the green light. The expansion will remove from the A96 each year. We examine the impact this will have on the haulage industry. The plans will come in two phases, both of which will expand rail freight services to create a sustainable operational future. to be completed by next year and will see 20,000 HGVs removed from the roads yearly. aims to remove 40,000 HGVs, the equivalent of 60% of their current HGV traffic each year. This phase will be completed by 2028. Further expansion of phase two will allow other companies around Inverness to use their rail facilities for freight.Due to the rail freight expansion, the industry will no doubt see a reduction in road haulage to that area. The changes equate to roughly , alleviating the pressure on the A96.Although haulage firms will see a decline in demand for long-distance timber trucking, they will see a rise in shorter, last-mile HGV movements such as, collecting timber to transport to the railyard. The sector may also see growth in rail logistics roles, such as coordinating loading between trucks and trains. In 2022, were transported by HGVs within the UK, involving approximately 156 million HGV journeys. The mobility sector has long been one of the largest sources of greenhouse gas emissions in the European Union. In 2022, it emitted of Europe's transport GHG emissions. Despite this high figure, the industry has shown slow progress in reducing its emissions. The shift to rail at the 'Cloud Factory' is expected to cut around . A small albeit important step in the right direction in aiding the sector's transition to net zero by 2050. Although many may see this change as a negative, the haulage industry could still benefit. Goods will still need to be transported from the road to the rail network this poses a new opportunity for hauliers to offer this specialist service. In the area, transport companies could handle inbound timber deliveries and intermodal freight.West Fraser themselves have estimated that the change will likely see an increase in HGVs to and from the site.As the industry moves toward more rail integration, haulage firms must adapt quickly and invest more. • Fleets will transition from long-haul logging trucks to specialised short-haul journeys. • Investment in specialised equipment may be essential for loading containers. • Partnerships with rail operators and railyard managers could have a positive impact on haulage companies. SNAP provides parking across the UK and Europe. Use the or download to find your space today.

Apprenticeships in the logistics sector have long provided a pathway for young people and career changers to gain experience in the industry while still earning a wage. However, for a long time, the industry has been calling for urgent reform after it had seen a decline in apprenticeships since the rollout of the Apprenticeship Levy and other challenging factors. A concerning trend is that, according to the RHA, the industry will require new truck drivers over the next five years to meet demand and support growth.In February 2025, the Government announced it would enforce changes to the apprenticeship scheme, allowing up to more apprentices to qualify yearly. We look at the key changes and what it means for the industry.• Businesses will be able to decide whether adult learners over 19 will need to complete level 2 English and maths qualification (equivalent to GCSE) to pass their apprenticeship (Effective immediately).• The duration of an apprenticeship has been reduced from 12 months to eight months (Effective from August 2025).• With a shorter apprenticeship duration, fleet companies can quickly train new drivers and logistics staff improving workforce availability. • Companies now have more say in determining whether English and Maths qualifications are necessary A change benefitting the haulage industry, where practical skills are more relevant. • By changing the educational requirements, a barrier has been removed for many potential apprentices looking to get into the industry. • Skills England, a new government body, will give businesses a stronger voice in shaping apprenticeship standards and funding. Fleet operators will benefit from more tailored training programs that meet industry needs. • A shorter apprenticeship duration combined with more employer flexibility will result in a more attractive process for everyone involved.There are several steps employers must take to employ an apprentice, and the steps vary depending on the country. This guidance is for employers in England guidance for other UK countries can be found • for your business.• for this apprenticeship.• Check to see what • to manage funding and recruit apprentices.• • Make an with your chosen apprentice.Employing apprentices provides fleet companies with a cost-effective way to train skilled workers. Government funding for apprenticeship schemes can reduce training costs, making it a viable long-term investment for fleet operators. Companies can benefit from new employees who bring fresh energy into the workplace and who are keen to learn. Apprenticeships in the haulage industry offer the opportunity to earn while gaining valuable skills in logistics, vehicle operations, and safety regulations. Currently, the industry is in demand for skilled drivers, and apprentices will benefit from good opportunities for career advancement.

In 2023, of EU road transport in tonne-kilometers was transported by HGVs amounting to a maximum permissible laden weight of over 30 tonnes.The road transport industry in Europe is undergoing a major transformation; driven by technological advancements and sustainability goals. For the haulage sector, these changes could be essential for staying competitive in a fast-evolving industry. We'll explore some of the changes coming into effect this year and future advancements.Construction for a highway between Crevillente and Alhama in Murcia started in Q4 2024, and completion is expected in 2030. The project will provide state-of-the-art road transportation infrastructure, improving service levels and long-distance journeys between the areas.Improve traffic flow, reduce congestion, and cut travel times. Fleet managers will benefit from lower fuel and maintenance costs and enhanced logistics efficiency.Commenced in Q4 2024, this project consists of a 21.17km four-lane motorway from Trutnov to the border of Poland in the Hradec Kralove Region. The project is part of the D11 motorway that connects Praha, Hradec, Králové, and Trutnov to Poland's border crossing. Improve cross-border connectivity and reduce travel times and congestion. A four-lane motorway will lower fuel costs, improve road safety, and provide a reliable and faster route.With completion set to be in 2027, the A5 tunnel development in Madrid aims to reduce traffic congestion and provide state-of-the-art transportation infrastructure for people in the region. The project will improve air quality, noise pollution, and mobility. Improve traffic flow, reduce congestion, and a faster, more reliable route for freight transport.Six lanes will be constructed on 12.6 km of road between Bechovice and the D1 highway in Praha completion for Q4 2027. This project is one of the remaining sections that would complete the Prague Ring Road. Smoother and faster movement of freight vehicles enhancing transport efficiency. Plans to upgrade the existing 9km A47 single-lane motorway to a dual carriageway are underway between North Tuddenham and Easton in Norfolk, UK. Completion is due in Q4 2026.Dualling this section will create more consistent travel, minimising delays and cutting fuel costs.By 2030, Europe's electric truck market is due to hit highlighting the importance of the expansion and the shift towards sustainable transport. €15 billion is expected to be invested in Europe's electric truck charging infrastructure. looks at where the industry will be regarding the infrastructure required for electric charging at truck stops. Electric vehicles will be ubiquitous globally by 2049 fleets will notice the immediate financial benefits and reap the rewards of efficient vehicle management. Italy has introduced drones to monitor road conditions, soundproof screens and fences, and detect traffic jams, stopped vehicles, and other obstacles. The drones rise to 120 metres and cover both directions of the A35 motorway. The recordings are sent to the Control Center, which improves intervention management and allows for a quick response to any issues on the route. The Drone Asset and Traffic Monitoring Project consists of three operational stages:• Stage one: Beginning in October 2024, this stage included drone tests controlled by specialists and the implementation of a platform for managing real-time video transmission at the Brebemi Control Center. • Stage two: Introduced remote control of drones through the control center, which uses advanced sensors to transmit data and images. • Stage three: In the current stage, drones will operate fully autonomously.The Ministry of Transport and Sustainable Mobility has announced they will be analysing the possibility of adapting three key motorways AP-6, AP-51, and AP-61 to operate without tolls after the agreement expires in November 2029. After this date, these roads will be managed by the Ministry and can be used without a fee. A survey revealed that Western Europe has better road infrastructure compared to Eastern Europe, where there is an overall grim picture of road quality in their countries. The Netherlands took the top spot for road quality in Europe, followed by Switzerland, Austria, Portugal, Spain, and Croatia.