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Notícias e actualizações • 4 min ler

Será a logística uma nova alternativa ao ensino superior para os jovens que abandonam a escola?

Criado: 03/09/2025

Atualizado: 03/09/2025

Durante anos, a sabedoria convencional foi a de que os alunos que abandonavam a escola deviam continuar a estudar. Quer se tratasse de uma faculdade, universidade ou formação profissional, a mensagem era a mesma: primeiro estudar, depois trabalhar. Mas esta narrativa está a começar a mudar. Confrontados com o aumento das propinas, o aumento da dívida e a incerteza quanto ao valor de um diploma, muitos jovens estão a reavaliar as suas escolhas.

Ao mesmo tempo, o sector da logística está à espera de novos talentos. Oferece rendimentos imediatos, desenvolvimento estruturado e perspectivas de carreira a longo prazo - tudo isto sem os custos do ensino superior. A questão que se coloca já não é a de saber se a logística pode ser uma opção provisória para os jovens que abandonam a escola, mas se representa uma verdadeira alternativa à universidade.

Um sector que precisa de talento

A necessidade de novos operadores no sector da logística é premente. A Road Haulage Association (RHA) alertou para o facto de o Reino Unido ter de recrutar 200 000 novos condutores de camiões nos próximos cinco anos - o equivalente a 40 000 condutores por ano - para manter as cadeias de abastecimento em movimento e evitar que se repita a escassez registada em 2021.

Se olharmos para o nível europeu, o desafio é ainda maior. Em 2023, a Europa enfrentava um [défice de mais de 233 000 condutores profissionais] (https://talkinglogistics.com/2025/07/01/europes-truck-driver-shortage-whats-driving-it-and-how-logistics-leaders-are-responding/) - um número que, se não for resolvido, deverá aumentar para 745 000 em 2028. O condutor médio tem 47 anos, com cerca de 30% com mais de 55 anos, o que revela uma vaga de reforma que se aproxima. No entanto, apenas 5% dos condutores têm menos de 25 anos. Sem a entrada de jovens, o sector corre o risco de parar.

Não se trata apenas de encher táxis. Trata-se de salvaguardar o bom funcionamento das economias. A falta de motoristas tem efeitos em cadeia que afectam tudo, desde as prateleiras dos supermercados aos projectos de construção.

Nas [palavras de Sally Gilson, líder da política de competências da RHA] (https://trans.info/en/rha-driver-shortage-404538): "Se quisermos preparar o sector para o futuro a longo prazo, temos de recrutar, formar e manter dezenas de milhares de condutores anualmente para satisfazer a procura. Com uma mão de obra envelhecida, precisamos também de atrair mais jovens para o sector. Para o conseguirmos, temos de dar prioridade a opções de formação flexíveis e financiadas."

Entretanto, os dados do Eurostat mostram que, em junho de 2025, o desemprego juvenil na UE era de 14,7%, com 2,857 milhões de jovens sem trabalho, o que se manteve estável mês após mês. Estes números revelam um significativo défice de oportunidades para os jovens que abandonam a escola. Numa altura em que muitos enfrentam perspectivas sombrias, a logística apresenta um caminho de clareza, formação e independência financeira.

Mudança de percepções

A perceção da logística como um trabalho de último recurso está a dar lugar ao reconhecimento dos seus benefícios tangíveis. Um artigo recente Motor Transport feature destaca factores como a segurança do emprego, a fiabilidade da remuneração, a flexibilidade dos horários de trabalho e a possibilidade de viajar. Para muitos, é precisamente esta combinação de vantagens que distingue a logística. Além disso, os estágios e os programas para licenciados permitem que os jovens recrutas adquiram qualificações ao mesmo tempo que ganham experiência prática.

Como comenta Matthew Bellamy, Diretor-Geral da SNAP: "Para os jovens que abandonam a escola, a logística não é apenas uma alternativa. É uma via rápida para uma carreira qualificada e preparada para o futuro. Começa-se a ganhar experiência e independência de imediato, sem os custos ou atrasos da universidade."

Embora a condução seja a função mais visível, a logística engloba muito mais. Os alunos que abandonam a escola podem passar para o armazenamento, planeamento, tecnologia ou serviço ao cliente, antes de progredirem para a liderança. A digitalização da logística também criou a procura de novas competências - análise de dados, otimização de rotas e gestão da sustentabilidade - que apelam a uma geração de nativos digitais.

A SNAP, por exemplo, trabalha com frotas em toda a Europa para fornecer ferramentas digitais que apoiam o bem-estar dos condutores, ajudam-nos a encontrar estacionamento seguro e simplificam as operações diárias. Estes investimentos não têm apenas a ver com eficiência - têm a ver com tornar a logística uma carreira credível e atractiva.

"A indústria precisa de caras novas com competências digitais, resiliência e uma perspetiva moderna", continua Bellamy. "Os jovens que abandonam a escola trazem exatamente isso - e atrair mais mulheres ajudar-nos-á a adaptarmo-nos ainda mais rapidamente."

Eliminar a diferença de género

A diversidade é uma das maiores oportunidades inexploradas na logística. De acordo com [o Banco Mundial] (https://blogs.worldbank.org/en/europeandcentralasia/more-women-are-needed-in-transport-jobs-in-europe-and-central-as), as mulheres representam apenas 23% dos empregados no sector dos transportes e armazenamento na Europa e na Ásia Central. Os dados europeus são ainda mais preocupantes no que respeita especificamente aos motoristas: [apenas 4% são mulheres] (https://talkinglogistics.com/2025/07/01/europes-truck-driver-shortage-whats-driving-it-and-how-logistics-leaders-are-responding/).

É essencial encorajar mais mulheres jovens a enveredar por carreiras na área da logística - seja como motoristas, planeadoras ou gestoras. Não só alarga a reserva de talentos, como também muda a cultura da indústria, tornando-a mais representativa e resistente. Dar destaque a modelos femininos, criar ambientes de formação inclusivos e melhorar as instalações de bem-estar são medidas práticas que podem tornar a logística mais atractiva para todos.

Demasiadas vezes, é retratada como uma indústria dominada por homens e fisicamente exigente. E embora esses estereótipos possam ter tido alguma verdade, estão cada vez mais desactualizados. O sector da logística atual depende tanto da tecnologia e do trabalho de equipa como do trabalho físico.

O papel dos empregadores e da indústria

Para que a logística possa competir com o ensino superior, a indústria deve atuar em três frentes:

Percursos de formação - oferecer estágios, certificações e orientação para dar aos recrutas um sentido de progressão.

Bem-estar e instalações - garantir que os condutores, em especial os mais jovens e os mais diversificados, tenham acesso a estacionamento seguro, paragens de descanso limpas e ambientes de apoio.

Contar histórias sobre carreiras - mostrar a variedade de funções e o potencial a longo prazo no sector.

Para os operadores, os argumentos económicos são claros. [Mais de metade das empresas europeias de transporte rodoviário de mercadorias] (https://talkinglogistics.com/2025/07/01/europes-truck-driver-shortage-whats-driving-it-and-how-logistics-leaders-are-responding/) já afirmam que não podem expandir-se devido à escassez de condutores. Quase metade refere a queda da produtividade e 39% afirmam que as receitas estão a diminuir. Se não houver mudanças, a escassez não limitará apenas o crescimento, mas afectará os resultados.

A logística como primeira escolha

O debate sobre o ensino superior versus trabalho nunca será único. Alguns jovens continuarão a desenvolver-se nas universidades e nos institutos superiores. Mas a logística é uma opção viável e virada para o futuro.

Para os jovens que abandonam a escola, significa um salário imediato, independência e possibilidades de progressão. Para o sector, significa aproveitar uma reserva de talentos que é urgentemente necessária. Para a sociedade, significa reforçar a capacidade de resistência de um sector essencial.

O desafio consiste agora em fazer corresponder a procura à visão do sector: proporcionar formação, bem-estar e oportunidades que rivalizem com as oferecidas pelo ensino superior. Se for bem sucedido, a logística não será apenas uma alternativa à universidade - será uma vantagem.

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segunda-feira 22 setembro 2025 • Notícias e actualizações

O BOOM DAS INFRA-ESTRUTURAS NA ROMÉNIA - O QUE SIGNIFICA PARA O SECTOR DA MOBILIDADE

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Romania is fast emerging as a strategic logistics and freight hub in Southeastern Europe. Supported by billions in EU and national funding, the country’s infrastructure renaissance is attracting fleet operators, logistics investors and manufacturers. In this article, we explore what these developments mean for fleets, drivers and the wider transportation sector.Romania's transport infrastructure has seen a dramatic shift in pace and scale. The government has earmarked around 25 billion lei (£4.27 billion) for road projects in 2026, reflecting an unprecedented focus on highways and freight corridors. In mid‑2025, Romania had around 1,325km of highways in service (1,188 km motorways and 138 km expressways), with another 741km under construction and 669km in tendering stages.By 2030, Romania plans to double its highway network, modernise strategic railway routes, expand urban transport and connect regions that have long been isolated. The challenge is immense, but the outcome could transform the country’s position on Europe’s transport map.Key projects include the A7 north-south axis running from Ploiești to Siret, which will aid transport to the Ukrainian border, due for completion by 2026. Another is an 11km expressway connecting Satu Mare to Romania’s border with Hungary. The A0 Bucharest Ring Road will ease freight and passenger traffic around the capital, with the southern half already in use. Other major works include the Suceava-Oar and Timișoara-Moravița corridors, as well as the 2.9 km Meseș Tunnel, set to become the longest road tunnel in Romania.“These corridors won’t just improve east-west and north-south links – they will connect previously isolated regions like Moldavia and the North-East to the rest of the country and the EU,” comments Eduard Ularu, Business Development Manager at SNAP.But infrastructure isn’t just roads. over the Danube, opened in July 2023 at a cost of €500 million (€363 million co‑funded by the EU), delivers the first crossing over the maritime Danube and significantly improves connectivity to Constanța and Dobruja.Other vital developments include planned rail upgrades at Constanța port and DP World Romania’s €130 million expansion of container and ro-ro capacity, doubling throughput and adding logistics links by road and rail.Romania’s freight and logistics market is sizable. USD 21.11 billion in 2025, it is forecast to rise to USD 24.27 billion by 2030. Meanwhile, the road freight segment alone is projected at USD 9.07 billion in 2025, climbing to USD 10.37 billion by 2030.These figures reflect Romania’s growing role as a trans-European corridor, serving routes from Hungary, Bulgaria, Ukraine, Moldova and the Black Sea ports. Ukraine now directs much of its on the Black Sea coast, eyeing a doubling from 2 million to 4 million tons per month through Romanian infrastructure.“These investments will help Romania compete more strongly with major logistics hubs like those in Poland and Greece,” comments Eduard Ularu. “Constanța has huge potential, and with the right infrastructure in place, it can finally become the gateway for European trade it was meant to be.”Improved warehousing, lower labour costs, and friend‑shoring trends are further encouraging manufacturers and retailers to locate logistics centres in Romania, increasing demand on roads and pushing growth across the network. The infrastructure upgrades aren’t just physical – they’re digital too. As the country expands its highways and freight corridors, it’s embedding smart systems designed to support faster, safer and more efficient journeys.Across the network, are being installed, including weigh-in-motion sensors, inductive traffic loops and roadside cameras. These systems will feed into real-time traffic control centres in cities like Bucharest, Brașov and Timișoara, helping authorities—and fleet operators—respond to incidents and congestion faster.Bucharest is also , using AI and smart detectors to optimise vehicle flows and reduce bottlenecks. This has major implications for freight operators navigating dense urban areas, improving travel time reliability and reducing idling.At a national level, Romania is shifting towards . The new TollRO system – planned for launch in 2026 – will replace the current e-vignette with a distance-based, emissions-sensitive tolling model, in line with EU directives. This change could encourage cleaner fleets and offer fairer pricing for logistics operators who invest in low-emission vehicles.For drivers, this means fewer delays, clearer real-time information, and more responsive road conditions. For operators, it’s a chance to futureproof fleet planning, route management and sustainability strategies.For fleets and drivers, Romania’s modernisation brings both benefits and trade‑offs. Perhaps most importantly, it’s likely to result in improved network efficiency. With smoother routes and faster corridors, the investments are likely to reduce travel times and idling. Dangerous single-lane national roads will gradually be replaced by safer, faster highways. This will increase productivity and also reduce the time drivers spend behind the wheel. However, it’s not all positive. Ongoing works on motorways like A7 and A8 may cause delays and route changes while the works are undertaken. It could also mean higher freight volumes (especially at Constanța and border crossings), which may strain existing infrastructure.“Right now, construction zones like DN2 and parts of the A0 Bucharest Ring Road are causing detours and bottlenecks,” Ularu explains. “Trucks are losing hours on routes that should take minutes – and that impacts everything from fuel budgets to delivery reliability.”In addition, new corridors, tighter safety rules, and shifting road-use charges require greater compliance attention.Despite infrastructure gains, secure rest parking and welfare facilities remain patchy in some freight corridors, especially near border areas and major hubs. Construction zones often lack formal lay-by zones, leaving drivers exposed and with nowhere to rest.“We’re still seeing dangerous stopovers and overcrowded lay-bys on key freight routes,” says Eduard. “Modern highways will bring dedicated service and rest areas every 30–50 kilometres, complete with fuel stations, shops, and food courts. For drivers, this means safer places to park, with proper lighting, CCTV surveillance and secure rest zones that reduce the risk of theft. Sanitary facilities such as showers and clean toilets – a rarity on national roads – will finally become the norm.”SNAP is addressing this gap through its interactive parking map across Romania. Drivers can easily locate trusted, secure truck parking, book spots in advance where available, and plan safer routes via the SNAP map.Planning a journey through Romania? Use the SNAP map to find secure, driver‑friendly parking along key freight routes.This infrastructure modernisation process also plays a key role in enabling greener logistics. With a better flow of traffic, there will be lower levels of emissions caused by idle vehicles and stop-start driving.There will also be transport corridor upgrades to support emerging EV and hydrogen refuelling infrastructure, reducing reliance on fossil fuels. Romania’s infrastructure investment marks a pivotal change for freight and mobility across Southeastern Europe. For fleets, this translates into faster corridors, deeper logistics capacity, and higher volumes of trade but also closer scrutiny of welfare, compliance and resilience.As a forward-thinking industry leader, SNAP advocates for well-informed operations, flexible route planning, and driver-focused tools that support both safety and efficiency. Romania is not only modernising – it's reshaping how goods move across the region.“This isn’t just about roads – it’s about resilience, sustainability and building a smarter freight future across Europe. Romania is right at the heart of that shift,” Eduard states.

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quinta-feira 07 agosto 2025 • Notícias e actualizações

POR DENTRO DA FÓRMULA PREMIER TRUCKSTOP: EXPLORANDO O SEU SUCESSO E A SUA RELAÇÃO COM A SNAP

Susie Jones

Situated in Ellesmere Port, a stone's throw away from the M53, is . Voted UK's Truckstop of the Year 2023, the site has become a firm favourite among the trucking community. Playing homage to their link to Formula 1 (the site once provided fuel to racing cars around the world), the truck stop is doused in the iconic red, with plenty of sporting memorabilia to keep visitors busy for hours. As they celebrate their 10th anniversary, we sit down with Operations Manager Ash Evans to discuss everything from new facilities and sustainability goals to driver welfare and their relationship with SNAP. explains Ash.The site hosts a range of fantastic facilities to provide truck drivers with a home away from home. states Ash.As we're given a tour around the site, we walk through a dedicated gaming room, equipped with a pool and a table tennis table, a lounge area complete with massage chairs and a plethora of games consoles to help relax a driver after a long shift. On the more practical side, the site offers washing facilities, a gym, and a kitchen area to make homemade meals. For those who don't fancy cooking after a day behind the wheel, they can make use of the on-site restaurant now offering SNAP meal vouchers. Recently, the site renovated its female facilities, with state-of-the-art, spa-like washrooms. Included in this upgrade was a gender neutral toilet and shower room both areas are kept locked to ensure safety and security. explains Ash. Discover the new facilities at Formula through our with Ash.Ash and the team have a close relationship with Stuart Willetts, one of SNAP's UK Business Development Managers, who is always at the end of the phone to go over any queries. states Ash. Ash explains how offering SNAP meal vouchers has benefited not only the drivers but the site as well:Driver well-being has been a hot topic of discussion within the industry for a long time. With suicide rates among truck drivers than the national average, truck stops play a vital role in improving driver welfare. Something of which Ash believes shouldn't be difficult for a truck stop to achieve:This has certainly been a key focus for Formula, influencing everything from their facilities and continuous improvements to the safety and security of those parking up. Ash states. The industry has a long way to go, and Formula Truck Stop is setting the bar high. We asked Ash what the industry could do to help with driver well-being:Something that Stuart is all too aware must happen, as his role within SNAP allows him to empathise with the day-to-day challenges truck drivers face:The truck stop has come a long way since its humble beginnings. With SNAP helping to streamline operations, the site has been able to concentrate on expanding and pursuing its sustainability goals. With over 195,000 truck drivers on the SNAP network, the site had to add an overflow parking area, giving them an extra 50 spaces, to meet the growing demand. The site is now focusing on their sustainability goals, Ash explains:.Inspired by what you've just read? . Catch the full interview with

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segunda-feira 21 julho 2025 • Notícias e actualizações

COMO AS ALTERAÇÕES CLIMÁTICAS ESTÃO A AFECTAR O SECTOR DA MOBILIDADE

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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.