Dag van de vrachtwagenchauffeur 2025: Truckers een stem geven

Anyone working in the haulage industry is no stranger to the term; 'Driver Shortage' a phrase all too common since COVID-19 and Brexit disrupted the sector. The UK was hit hard during this time, with many EU drivers leaving the country a big loss as European drivers made up a significant portion of its truck driving workforce.Six months after our on this topical issue, we examine where the sector is now. Figures published by showed an increase of almost 55,000 HGV Drivers employed over the last year a 21% rise. Several initiatives have come to fruition to try to ease the driver shortage in the UK. • The government has implemented 33 initiatives aimed at easing the shortage. These include but are not limited to, relaxing the rules for late-night supermarket deliveries, driver training boot camps, and increasing the number of available driving tests. • Truck drivers have been across the UK, with 55% wanting improved facilities. The has provided £16 million to truck stops to improve facilities. Influencers have played a significant role in changing public perceptions regarding the industry. Drivers like and use their platforms to highlight the highs and lows of working in the sector.Logistics UK also reported that the number of drivers under the age of 35 rose by 31,630 between Q3 2023 and Q3 2024. Despite this, the industry still relies on older drivers with more than 53% across the sector aged 50 and over. A report from the RHA, titled , suggests initiatives to attract younger people into the industry by:• Fully implementing the 8 Gatsby Benchmarks to provide an effective career guidance system to all school-age students to boost awareness. • Increasing collaboration with schools and colleges.• Developing a formal school or college-based qualification such as a T-Level.• Incorporating logistics modules in the current curriculum.• Leveraging government-supported initiatives incorporated within the Make Work Pay programme, showcasing logistics as an accessible and rewarding career path.Although work has already begun to tackle the driver shortage, more work needs to be done to avoid a repeat of 2021:• More government funding must become available for truck stops to improve facilities. • Providing ongoing support for aspiring drivers, including boot camps to reduce training costs.• Offering greater flexibility within the new Growth and Skills Levy.• Collaborating with schools and colleges at a local level to promote careers in the industry. HGV drivers are leaving the industry for a multitude of reasons:• Ageing workforce: With many truck drivers over 50, the industry has seen an influx of drivers retiring. • Working hours: Trucking is a lonely profession, with drivers working long, irregular, and antisocial hours behind the wheel. • Working conditions: There have been significant concerns regarding the state of facilities, long hours, and unpredictable schedules.

From general driver unhappiness to the recent driver CPC changes to delays to the , 2024 has been a whirlwind for the logistics industry. And there’s plenty on the horizon for 2025 – here we explore the trends expected to shape the sector. It's anticipated that automation will play a key role in the year ahead. There will be developments in autonomous vehicle technology, transportation management systems, and electronic logging devices – resulting in more adoption and considerable changes within the industry. Plus, an increase in for , predictive maintenance, and fleet management is on the cards. This will trigger better results such as improved operational efficiency and reduced costs. The Internet of Things (IoT) and machine learning will be particularly valuable, being utilised to foresee equipment malfunctions, which will curtail downtime. On a similar note, telematics will share valuable live data related to vehicle performance, driver behaviour, and cargo status – leading to better safety and compliance. Attracting more female truckers is a way to deal with the . Employers could provide a wider range of roles, introduce training programmes and policies that would benefit women, and make the working environment more inclusive. With the latter, ideas include mentoring or working patterns that better suit the lives of truckers (like day shifts and covering circular routes to support those with family commitments). However, discussion on the revealed both male and female drivers need change. While some pointed out that certain things could be better for women (for instance, one remarked that 90% of depot facilities don’t have sanitary bins), there were many comments about the overall employee package and truck stop amenities: And so, companies should look at how to entice and retain their entire workforce. They may offer better compensation, working conditions, and opportunities for development. Likewise, they can implement training to ensure people have all the right capabilities – for now and the future. Another core focus will be – especially due to increasingly stricter environmental laws, the move towards net zero, and skyrocketing fuel prices. Alternate fuel vehicles didn’t meet expectations in 2024, so it’s anticipated that while innovation in this area will still happen, there will be more of a shift towards focusing on how fleets can boost operational efficiency (for example, by using technology, data, and AI to reduce wasted time). Companies will also look to build greener supply chains by working with more eco-friendly suppliers and carriers. Similarly, the move to electric trucks is on the rise – there will be more of a rollout of EV charge points in truck parks this year. However, fleet companies face barriers such as substantial upfront costs and an insufficient amount of charging infrastructure. Lastly, there’s a predicted surge in air and ocean cargo, which will have a knock-on effect on the trucking industry. This is only heightened by global supply chains becoming more and more interconnected. As a result, there will be a rise in long-distance freight – making it even more important that drivers have adequate breaks at safe truck stops. And this is where can help. Our has over , including in Austria, Bulgaria, Czechia, Greece, Hungary, Italy, and Romania. We help make fleet management simple and ensure both operators and truckers can adhere to in 2025 and beyond. To learn more, get in touch with our team on +44 (0)1603 777242.

One of the biggest challenges drivers face is finding safe parking facilities. revealed that many feel the security in place at truck stops isn’t to a satisfactory standard.Let’s delve into the various aspects that contribute to secure truck parking from the drivers' perspective, exploring the essential measures and amenities. On top of this, we’ll look into the overall environment that fosters a sense of protection. Truckers need to park to comply with strict regulations regarding rest periods. Plus, they require locations where they can rest, refuel, and refresh without the . With approximately 81% of freight transported by road, the demand for secure truck parking really is critical for the industry’s success. Inadequate measures can lead to severe repercussions, including cargo theft, vehicle damage, and personal safety concerns. This has caused – it can deter them from taking breaks and ultimately affect their performance on the road.A fundamental aspect of secure truck parking is the implementation of physical barriers. Robust perimeter fencing is vital in preventing unauthorised access. Controlled entry and exit points, such as gates that require keycard or code access, are a necessity. Such measures significantly reduce the likelihood of intrusions and enhance overall safety.Effective lighting is also imperative. Well-lit areas discourage criminal activity and provide drivers with a sense of protection and the confidence to navigate truck stops, particularly during the nighttime. Comprehensive video surveillance is another important aspect. CCTV cameras should cover the entire parking facility, enabling constant monitoring and recording of activities. Many truckers appreciate knowing their vehicles and cargo are under 24/7 surveillance, as it may prove an effective deterrent to potential criminals.The presence of trained security personnel adds an extra layer of protection. Guards can respond promptly to incidents, assist, and maintain a visible presence that enhances the overall feeling of safety. Truckers are often more at ease knowing there are professionals on-site to handle any issues that may arise.Having easily accessible emergency communication systems is key – there should be emergency call boxes or intercom systems, which allow drivers to quickly contact security or crisis services if needed. In remote areas where immediate assistance may not be readily available, this feature is particularly crucial.Clean and well-maintained toilets and showers are also highly valued, especially on long journeys. Measures should extend to these facilities to ensure that they’re locked and under surveillance – this will not only increase driver comfort, but also contribute to their overall sense of safety.While not directly related to secure truck parking, additional amenities can significantly enhance the overall comfort of a parking area. The likes of food and beverage options, WiFi access, and electrical hookups for refrigerated trailers make for a more welcoming space. Basic maintenance services can also be beneficial, allowing truckers to address minor issues without leaving the premises.A secure truck parking facility should also effectively look after drivers. A great deal shared that they feel undervalued at certain locations, which can negatively impact their experience. Those that treat truckers with respect and provide a friendly atmosphere encourage repeat visits and foster loyalty.Investing in staff training is imperative to improving this. Employees should understand the unique needs of truckers and know how to provide excellent customer service.It’s important to know that female drivers, who make up a small percentage of the trucking workforce, often face additional challenges regarding safety. Many women report feeling unsafe in predominantly male environments, particularly when truck stops lack adequate security measures – it’s vital to consider their specific needs and take steps to ensure they’re both safe and happy.Another consideration is that some truckers have specific dietary needs. So, offering healthy food options and catering to various dietary requirements can enhance their experience and contribute to the positive wellbeing of drivers.Innovations such as smart surveillance systems, automated entry controls, and real-time monitoring can significantly improve measures. Truck stops that invest in solutions like these have a greater chance of attracting more fleets and drivers who are seeking safe options.Addressing challenges in this space requires collaboration between various stakeholders, including government agencies, logistics companies, and parking facility operators. By working together, these groups can develop comprehensive strategies to better security and the entire experience for truckers.Advocating for policy changes that prioritise the needs of drivers is crucial for creating safer environments. Industry organisations and advocacy groups can play a significant role in raising awareness about the importance of secure truck parking and pushing for legislative changes that support infrastructure improvements.Here at SNAP, we prioritise the safety of drivers and help truck parks do so through our dedicated Access & Security division. From to to to to , we’ll put in place everything to best protect truckers, vehicles, and cargo for , , , and more. You can learn more about , or discover our other services (like parking and washing) on the .