Susie Jones
Notícias e actualizações • 2 min ler

Por dentro da Formula Premier Truckstop: Explorando o seu sucesso e a sua relação com o SNAP

Criado: 07/08/2025

Atualizado: 07/08/2025

Situada em Ellesmere Port, a dois passos da M53, encontra-se a [Formula Premier Truckstop] (https://www.formulaservices.co.uk/). Eleita a Paragem de Camiões do Ano 2023 do Reino Unido, o local tornou-se um dos favoritos da comunidade de camionistas. Em homenagem à sua ligação com a Fórmula 1 (em tempos, o local forneceu combustível a carros de corrida de todo o mundo), a paragem de camiões está revestida do icónico vermelho, com muitas recordações desportivas para manter os visitantes ocupados durante horas.

No momento em que celebram o seu 10º aniversário, sentamo-nos com o Diretor de Operações Ash Evans para falar de tudo, desde as novas instalações e objectivos de sustentabilidade ao bem-estar dos condutores e à sua relação com a SNAP.

Há 10 anos que funcionamos como uma paragem de camiões. Estamos abertos a todos os condutores de camiões, grandes ou pequenos, rígidos e árcticos. Temos uma estação de serviço que está aberta desde que se tenha um cartão de combustível ", explica Ash.

Instalações

O local dispõe de uma série de instalações fantásticas para proporcionar aos condutores de camiões uma casa longe de casa.

Temos cerca de 150 lugares, um restaurante no local, um ginásio e casas de banho exclusivas para homens e mulheres. Tentamos incluir o máximo possível no preço do estacionamento ", afirma Ash.

Ao fazermos uma visita guiada ao local, passamos por uma sala de jogos dedicada, equipada com uma mesa de bilhar e uma mesa de ténis de mesa, uma área de estar completa com cadeiras de massagem e uma infinidade de consolas de jogos para ajudar a relaxar um condutor após um longo turno. No lado mais prático, o local oferece instalações de lavagem, um ginásio e uma área de cozinha para fazer refeições caseiras. Para aqueles que não gostam de cozinhar depois de um dia ao volante, podem utilizar o restaurante no local - que agora oferece vales de refeição SNAP.

Estão sempre à procura de formas de melhorar o local. As instalações de que dispõem tornam o local agradável para os condutores. Torna a viagem de um condutor muito mais segura e fácil quando sabe que tem este tipo de instalações no fim da viagem. "

- Stuart Willetts, Diretor de Desenvolvimento Comercial do Reino Unido na SNAP.

Recentemente, o local renovou as suas instalações femininas, com casas de banho topo de gama, tipo spa. Esta renovação incluiu uma casa de banho e um chuveiro neutros em termos de género - ambas as áreas estão fechadas à chave para garantir a segurança.

Tivemos um feedback muito bom sobre as novas instalações e um grande aumento de motoristas do sexo feminino no local, o que é bom de ver ", explica Ash.

Descubra as novas instalações da Formula através do nosso quickfire Q&A com Ash.

Como é que a SNAP beneficiou a Formula

Ash e a equipa têm uma relação próxima com Stuart Willetts, um dos Gestores de Desenvolvimento de Negócios da SNAP no Reino Unido, que está sempre ao telefone para esclarecer quaisquer dúvidas.

"A relação que temos com a SNAP e que mantemos há vários anos reflecte realmente a qualidade do vosso trabalho ", afirma Ash.

Ash explica como a oferta de vales de refeição SNAP beneficiou não só os condutores, mas também o local:

*Nos últimos anos, uma das melhores coisas foi a introdução dos vales de refeição através do SNAP. O facto de não dispor desta oferta costumava ser um pouco negativo para os condutores. Receber uma refeição com o seu estacionamento e não ter de pagar as despesas é uma grande vantagem.

Isso tem sido muito bom em termos de satisfação do cliente e também de aumento de receitas. "

Bem-estar do condutor

O bem-estar dos motoristas tem sido um tema de discussão no sector há muito tempo. Com taxas de suicídio entre os condutores de camiões [20% mais elevadas] (https://www.matesinmind.org/what-we-do/sector-specific-support/transport-and-logistics) do que a média nacional, as paragens de camiões desempenham um papel vital na melhoria do bem-estar dos condutores. Algo que Ash acredita que não deve ser difícil de alcançar numa paragem de camiões:

Os condutores não querem muito. Querem um sítio bom e limpo para se lavarem, fazerem a barba, fazerem o que precisam de fazer e terem uma boa refeição. Não é um grande pedido para alguém, e não deveria ser um grande pedido para uma empresa fornecer-lhes isso. "

Este tem sido, sem dúvida, um ponto fulcral para a Fórmula, influenciando tudo, desde as suas instalações e melhorias contínuas até à segurança de quem estaciona.

*"Temos ANPR, 80 câmaras CCTV, uma vedação perimetral a toda a volta, uma barreira de ar e segurança 24 horas por dia", afirma Ash.

A indústria tem um longo caminho a percorrer, e a Formula Truck Stop está a colocar a fasquia alta. Perguntámos a Ash o que poderia a indústria fazer para ajudar no bem-estar dos condutores:

A melhor coisa que podem fazer é criar mais paragens de camiões que satisfaçam os desejos e as necessidades do condutor moderno, com boas instalações. Todos nós precisamos de continuar a insistir para que isso aconteça. "

Algo que Stuart sabe muito bem que tem de acontecer, uma vez que o seu papel na SNAP lhe permite sentir empatia com os desafios diários que os camionistas enfrentam:

Uma das vantagens da minha função é o facto de estarmos sempre na estrada. Assim, temos uma ideia do que é para os condutores estarem sempre a conduzir e terem necessidade de uma pausa ao fim do dia. Isso dá-nos um pouco de empatia e simpatia para com os condutores. Isso permite-nos ver os nossos Parceiros de Serviço com uma visão genuína daquilo com que os condutores têm de lidar. "

Crescimento futuro

A paragem de camiões percorreu um longo caminho desde o seu humilde início. Com a SNAP a ajudar a simplificar as operações, o local pôde concentrar-se na expansão e na prossecução dos seus objectivos de sustentabilidade. Com mais de 195.000 condutores de camiões na rede SNAP, o local teve de acrescentar uma área de estacionamento de excesso, dando-lhes mais 50 lugares, para satisfazer a procura crescente.

Ash explica que o site está agora a concentrar-se nos seus objectivos de sustentabilidade:

*Estamos atualmente a trabalhar em alguns projectos, um dos quais é um novo sistema de água quente e aquecimento que utilizará uma bomba de calor de fonte de ar e será realmente eficiente em termos energéticos.

*Também temos painéis solares a serem instalados este ano para ajudar na nossa redução de carbono.

Junte-se à crescente rede da SNAP

Inspirado pelo que acabou de ler? Comece hoje mesmo a sua história de sucesso com a SNAP.

Veja a entrevista completa com a [Formula Truckstop no nosso canal do YouTube] (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=89ZdgNd1DDE&t=1s)

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segunda-feira 21 julho 2025 • Notícias e actualizações

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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. 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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. 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quarta-feira 02 julho 2025 • Notícias e actualizações

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quarta-feira 18 junho 2025 • Notícias e actualizações

REABERTURA DA FRONTEIRA ENTRE A POLÓNIA E A UCRÂNIA: O QUE OS OPERADORES DE FROTAS DEVEM SABER

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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 .