Trucker tales: stories from the open road

No industry is safe from the threat of cyberattacks, not least of all trucking. In fact, 4.3% targeted . For hackers, they’re an ideal victim. This is because they process substantial sensitive data and can’t afford time delays, making them great prospects for ransomware.Transportation businesses are also susceptible to other types of cyberattack due to how technology and have transformed the sector, increasing the reliance on these and multiple connected systems – which gives cybercriminals entry into larger organisations. With other reasons to target the industry including that there’s a general lack of awareness around cybersecurity in the sector, it’s evident that it’s incredibly vulnerable.The statistics back up the concern. For example, – specifically in the transport space. While this may seem scary, knowing the signs of cybercrime will help you reduce your chance of being a victim of it. In this blog, we share the five most common ones.Are employees complaining about the operating system, internet, or software running slow? Or they can’t open a particular application? While this isn’t necessarily a cyberattack, it is a key indicator. So, if you notice any type of performance deterioration, flag it to the relevant people. It’s crucial that whatever the problem is, it’s taken out of the online world as soon as possible.On a similar note, if there’s uncharacteristically high system, network, or disk activity, this is another sign – most applications are usually idle in the background.You’ll likely know all about phishing attacks – and they’re getting more and more sophisticated. If anything appears to be from a legitimate company and requests bank information or a payment, then it’s best to check with the organisation in question.Opening a link and needing to enter an ID and password is another way that hackers can intercept emails. Responding to the email is an issue too – this confirms the recipient email address, which may trigger further phishing attacks. As a result, relevant training is crucial.Emails aren’t the only thing you and employees should be aware of. Web pop-up windows are best avoided – you shouldn’t even close them. While some will be completely innocent, there’s always the risk that one could contain malware or spyware that puts your network at peril.In addition, make sure to tackle any strange activity from a user. This could be logging in during unusual hours and from abnormal locations or from a few different locations in a short period of time.Is a programme doing any of the following:· Running itself· Switching itself off· Reconfiguring itselfOr are there even multiple programmes doing this? First, check if there’s a source within the company that could have caused this. If there’s not, then it’s a symptom of a cyberattack.If an employee can’t access an account or document, or they’re somehow locked out of a system and have received an email claiming that their password has been changed, this is another key indication of a cybercrime.Although you can’t stop this one, a great practice is to ensure every team member has a strong password that’s updated on a regular basis. This will also help avert situations like hackers deleting software or files, changing file contents, or installing software.As you can see, prevention is crucial to not falling foul of a cyberattack. And core to this is ensuring that providers’ technology is as safe as can be.With SNAP, you’ll have a secure account to use for your fleet operations, giving you peace of mind over the risk of cybercrime – learn more about what we could do for your business on .

"It is very important for drivers to take their breaks in safe and secure places, and it is unimaginable for us not to provide additional comfort," says Charlotte Decouard, Communication Manager at Certas Energy Retail France. After opening its first French parking site in May 2023, Certas Energy is launching its second high-spec truck parking facility in Saint Geours-de-Maremne. We spoke to Charlotte Decouard to learn more about the new truck stop and their relationship with SNAP. The truck stop will open on Tuesday, the 19th of March 2024, offering 140 parking spaces and accepting SNAP Account payments. Charlotte said, "The site is located in the town of St Geours-de-Maremne, on the A63 motorway, approximately 70 km from the Spanish border. The exit from St Geours is from the north and the south. The entrance to the site is 300m from the highway. "This is the second Truck parking by Certas Energy. The first opened in May 2023 in Montmarault (A71/A79), and like the first, the site has individual showers & toilets, microwaves, vending machines, free wifi, laundry, and, of course, the possibility of paying with SNAP." Charlotte explained that Certas had been planning the truck stop in Saint Geours for two years, and the installation had taken around one year to complete. As a modern truck parking business, the new venue in Saint Geours-de-Maremne offers the following facilities to truck drivers during their transit through the south of France:• High-security standards 1.80m fences• CCTV 24/7• Shower and toilet facilities• Hot & cold drinks dispensers• Free wifi to stay connected• Washing machinesHaving already successfully partnered on Montmarault Truck Parking by Certas, and The Hollies, the Stop in the UK SNAP and Certas Energy were keen to reignite their working relationship at Saint Geours-de-Maremne. Charlotte said, "SNAP support us in the best payment solution, giving us the possibility of paying on-site directly and adapting to our parking." As one of the leading truck stop security experts, SNAP Access & Security worked on reinforcing the safety of St Geours-de-Maremne. The technicians have installed ANPR cameras on the entries and exits and have synced them with the preexisting barriers. The team has also equipped the truck stop with SNAP payment terminals enabling drivers to pay easily for their parking sessions. Charlotte said, "The relationship is very good, and we have regular meetings to monitor the various files linked to the installation and the characteristics of the site."The Saint Geours-de-Maremne Truck Parking by Certas venue has also used local security experts to bolster their site security and protect drivers staying in their truck stop. Charlotte said, "To increase our level of security, we have installed shock cables on our exterior fence."In addition, we have installed intelligent cameras in the parking lot to detect the intrusion of pedestrians at the barriers, and we have also installed intelligent cameras which detect the presence of cars at the entrances. In both cases, alerts are sent to our CCTV.""In the coming months, We will accredit our parking via TAPA's PSR level 2 or Gold Level."To learn more about Saint Geours-de-Maremne Truck Parking by Certas, visit .

Artificial intelligence (AI) is a term that has become part of modern vocabulary in recent years. Due to a lack of understanding and misconceptions, it is often perceived negatively. Despite reservations, AI can positively impact sustainability, work processes, and the economy. With over of CO2 emissions produced by the transport industry, can AI make a positive change for a sustainable future?According to Oxford Languages, AI is:The industry is at a critical crossroads, with increased demands and changing delivery types online shopping is one of the fastest-growing demands. While increased demand can benefit the haulage industry, it faces an environmental dilemma that has a vital impact on the planet. The industry impacts the environment in the following ways:• Noise pollution: In large numbers, trucks can contribute to noise pollution. Noise pollution disrupts urban and rural areas, often affecting the well-being of residents and wildlife. Exposure to high levels of noise can lead to stress and cardiovascular issues.• Carbon emissions: Traditional fuels in trucks release CO2 into the atmosphere. Of the total global transport emissions, 29% came from trucking.• Air quality: Trucks emit nitrogen oxides and particulate matter both degrade air quality, harm the environment, and lead to respiratory problems in humans. • Route planning: Inadequate route planning can cost fleets money, time, and resources. AI can accurately predict demands and requirements recommending the most sustainable route. Its algorithms can analyse traffic patterns, weather conditions, and fuel efficiency to optimise delivery routes. This process saves money and contributes to cutting carbon emissions.• Predicting consumer demand: Products are often shipped to the consumer but not claimed, resulting in wasted resources and a substantial environmental impact. AI machine learning and predictive analysis will assist manufacturers in anticipating demand, streamlining supply, and optimising manufacturing processes. Through meaningful insights into the delivery and non-receipt of goods, AI can inform logistics companies about what goods to ship tackling environmental problems from the source.• Driver monitoring: AI algorithms analyse driver patterns, such as speeding, harsh braking, and idling. From this, AI can provide coaching and incentives to more fuel-efficient driving.• Energy reduction: AI can assist fleet companies with their energy management across supply chains. It can identify inefficient areas and provide optimisation strategies including analysis data from smart meters, sensors, and other devices to determine what uses too much energy. Although the utilisation of AI will play a role in the logistics industry, it is unlikely it will take over completely. AI algorithms cannot account for spontaneous events and exceptions therefore, human involvement will still play a crucial role. Career opportunities in the haulage industry will still be there but will look significantly different.The industry can adopt the following:• Low-emission vehicles: Electric and hybrid HGVs can reduce carbon emissions. Both are suitable for short and long-haul transportation. • Alternative fuels: With Net-Zero 2050 fast approaching, energy legislation is weighted towards cleaner alternatives. Hydrotreated Vegetable Oil (HVO) can reduce emissions immediately and significantly. is behind the move to a cleaner alternative helping businesses meet their sustainability goals and take meaningful steps towards their net zero future. HVO provides the following benefits:• An immediate reduction of up to in greenhouse emissions compared to standard diesel, across the product life cycle.• Fewer nitrogen oxides than standard diesel• Less particulate matter than standard diesel• Readily biodegradable • Long shelf life of up to 10 years• Practically FAME-free• Drop in alternative diesel no engine or infrastructure modifications are needed.• Vehicle efficiency: Fuel-efficient engines, reduced idle time, and regular maintenance can improve efficiency. • Smart packaging: Biodegradable and recycled materials can be used by manufacturers when shipping items this reduces waste and lowers costs. Additionally, lighter packaging will improve efficiency, resulting in lower carbon emissions.• Renewable energy: Using renewable energy sources, such as solar or wind power, in operations can significantly reduce carbon emissions. • Reduce detour mileage: SNAP Account allows fleet managers to reduce their detour mileage with over 600 service partners available to SNAP Account customers, there’s bound to be a stop on your route.