Susie Jones
Noticias • 4 min leer

Red Lion Truckstop - Un modelo de éxito

Creado: 28/08/2024

Actualizado: 28/08/2024

A sólo 200 metros de la M1, en la salida 16, se encuentra la parada de camiones Red Lion. Fundado hace más de 30 años, el Red Lion se ha convertido en el destino preferido de los conductores. Descrito como el paraíso de los camioneros, su ambiente comunitario, su deliciosa comida y su amplia gama de instalaciones hacen de esta parada galardonada un firme favorito. El operador, Ali Sadrudin, nos habla del lugar.

"El recinto puede albergar más de 200 camiones por noche. Hay una estación de servicio de combustible de alta velocidad, que no sólo dispensa gasóleo y AdBlue, sino también gas natural comprimido (GNC). También hay un nuevo lavadero de camiones con 3 cepillos. El edificio de servicios cuenta con restaurante y bar, tienda de accesorios para camiones, lavandería, centro de juegos, cajeros automáticos, duchas y aseos con personal, y espacios para actos y reuniones".

Instalaciones

Algunos pueden ver las paradas de camiones como un mero lugar de descanso para los conductores, pero también desempeñan un papel crucial en la mejora del bienestar de los conductores. En SNAP, sabemos que es imprescindible proporcionar a los conductores unas instalaciones limpias. Pero, ¿qué más necesitan los camioneros?

"Creo que los clientes buscan lo básico, pero bien hecho. Buena comida, instalaciones limpias y seguridad para sus vehículos y sus cargas. Si puedes ofrecer esto, tendrás clientes satisfechos que repetirán", afirma Ali.

Basta con echar un vistazo a la página de Facebook del Red Lion para darse cuenta de que siguen este mantra y de que funciona. Comentarios como "la mejor parada de camiones del país" y "posiblemente una de las mejores paradas de camiones de Inglaterra" respaldan las más de 4.000 reseñas positivas de Google.

Seguridad

Sin embargo, Ali y su equipo no sólo se preocupan de que la comida sea deliciosa y las instalaciones estén limpias. También se toman la seguridad muy en serio. En 2020, se estimó que en el Reino Unido se produjeron más de 4.000 delitos relacionados con camiones, mercancías y carga, lo que supuso un coste de 250 millones de libras para el país. Sitios como el Red Lion han introducido medidas de seguridad para reducir esta cifra.

Ali afirma que "SNAP nos ha ayudado a obtener la certificación TAPA PSR Nivel 3". En febrero de 2023, The Red Lion recibió el premio Park Mark Freight. Ali nos cuenta qué medidas de seguridad se tomaron para lograr este galardón.

"Las instalaciones son seguras por diseño. Tenemos guardas que patrullan las 24 horas del día, los 7 días de la semana, y un tercero supervisa las cámaras de seguridad. Tenemos una valla ininterrumpida de 3 metros alrededor de las instalaciones, con cámaras fijas que vigilan todos los puntos de la misma, para poder detectar cualquier entrada no autorizada o daños en los paneles de la valla. Además, el recinto está totalmente iluminado con los niveles de iluminación requeridos por la policía y cuenta con cámaras de detección de movimiento estratégicamente situadas para detectar cualquier movimiento no autorizado y asegurarse de que todas las zonas del recinto están vigiladas. El sistema ANPR detecta las matrículas que entran y salen del recinto y avisa rápidamente a la policía si es necesario llamarles".

El Red Lion también ha tomado medidas adicionales para garantizar que las conductoras se sientan cómodas y seguras durante sus visitas. Dispone de duchas, aseos y vestuarios para mujeres. Estas medidas no han pasado desapercibidas, ya que, en enero de 2023, la parada de camiones fue nombrada una de las mejores paradas de camiones del Reino Unido para mujeres conductoras de camiones.

Ingresos y expansión

Uno de los muchos beneficios para los gestores de locales que utilizan SNAP es la mejora de la rentabilidad y la optimización. Como cliente fundador de SNAP, Ali explica cómo SNAP ha aportado a la empresa ingresos adicionales desde su incorporación en 2009.

"Ha sido un proceso gradual a lo largo de los años, sin embargo, como los hábitos de gasto de los conductores cambian continuamente y cada vez no utilizan dinero en efectivo, puedo imaginar que un nuevo sitio que asuma SNAP tendría un retorno inmediato. Aproximadamente el 65% de los ingresos totales del sitio proceden de SNAP".

Sin duda, las cosas han cambiado mucho en el sector desde 2009. Ali explica cómo el sitio ha tenido que adaptarse a la evolución del sector y al aumento de la demanda.

"Inicialmente, el sitio solo podía alojar 130 vehículos pesados por noche, pero en 2018 se amplió a más de 200 para adaptarse al aumento de la demanda", afirma Ali. Para los conductores y las flotas que utilizan SNAP, esas 200 plazas son fáciles de reservar.

Apenas cuatro años más tarde, el centro experimentó una nueva expansión con la introducción de una nueva instalación de lavado de camiones. Inaugurado en noviembre de 2022, el moderno lavadero de camiones de tres cepillos es apto para la mayoría de los LGV.

Unirse a SNAP como socio de servicios

Unirse a SNAP pone su establecimiento frente a 160.000 conductores y 7.000 flotas. Para las paradas de camiones, como el Red Lion, que se esfuerzan constantemente por ofrecer nuevas iniciativas e instalaciones a sus clientes, SNAP les brinda la oportunidad de hacerlo.

"SNAP ha permitido al sitio ofrecer un método de pago alternativo que sólo puede beneficiar al cliente y atraerlo al sitio", afirma Ali.

Las ventajas de SNAP

Más de 160.000 conductores utilizan la Cuenta SNAP. Por lo tanto, es vital contar con unos estándares elevados. Aunque los socios de servicios que aceptan pagos de la Cuenta SNAP son empresas independientes, revisamos cada sitio y nos aseguramos de que cumplen nuestros estándares. Además, nuestro equipo de red está disponible siempre que sea necesario.

"SNAP siempre nos ha apoyado desde el primer momento en que nos afiliamos", dice Ali.

Cuando se le pregunta qué es lo mejor de SNAP para ellos, Ali afirma: "es el nivel de servicio, han ido más allá para adaptar el sistema de tickets a nuestras necesidades."

¿Y su consejo para los propietarios de aparcamientos de camiones que estén pensando en abrir su local a los conductores del SNAP?

"¡Hágalo! ¿Por qué no querría atraer más clientes a su sitio?".

Inscribirse en SNAP

Para mejorar su rentabilidad y optimizar el funcionamiento de su sitio web, visite snapacc.com.

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miércoles 18 junio 2025 • Noticias

REAPERTURA DE LA FRONTERA ENTRE POLONIA Y UCRANIA: LO QUE LOS OPERADORES DE FLOTAS DEBEN 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. 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miércoles 04 junio 2025 • Noticias

EL IMPACTO DEL APAGÓN DE LA PENÍNSULA IBÉRICA DE 2025 EN EL TRANSPORTE POR CARRETERA

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On 28 April 2025, a widespread power outage swept across the Iberian Peninsula, leaving millions of homes, businesses and public services in Spain and Portugal without electricity. The Spain-Portugal blackout, which began at 12:33pm local time, affected major cities including Madrid, Barcelona, Lisbon and Porto, as well as large parts of the surrounding regions. In some areas, power returned within four to six hours; in others, the disruption lasted well into the following morning.Although the precise cause is still under investigation, early reports suggest a failure in the cross-border transmission network disrupted electricity flow across both national grids. The impact was swift and widespread, halting train services, grounding aircraft, affecting hospitals and public services and paralysing digital infrastructure. 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viernes 16 mayo 2025 • Noticias

CAMIONES AUTÓNOMOS: DESENTRAÑANDO EL CAMINO A SEGUIR

Susie Jones

Autonomous trucks a daunting idea for some, but seemingly, the future of the logistics industry. As technology advances within the sector, the prospect of having partially or fully autonomous vehicles delivering your goods is high. In fact, it could be as close as 2026, according to the UK government, as in May 2024, the Automated Vehicles (AV) Act became law.However, what happens when an autonomous truck gets into an accident? Who is liable? In this blog, we'll delve into the world of autonomy, how it could impact the mobility sector, who is liable when accidents occur, and what drivers think of the change.There are six levels of driving automation:• Level 0 No automation. The human performs all driving tasks.• Level 1 Driver assistance. The vehicle features a single automated system. • Level 2 Partial automation. The vehicle can perform steering and acceleration. However, a human still monitors all tasks and can take control at all times.• Level 3 Conditional automation. The vehicle can perform most driving tasks. However, human override is still required.• Level 4 High automation. Geofencing is required, and the vehicle can perform all driving tasks under specific circumstances. Human override is an option. • Level 5 Full automation. The vehicle performs all driving tasks in all conditions. No human attention or interaction is required. Sensors, cameras, and artificial intelligence enable autonomous trucks to drive independently. Advanced programs make decisions instead of human drivers. • Legalities Who is liable when accidents occur? Is it the driver, their employer, or the maintenance company? We delve into this below. • Infrastructure Our existing roads are built for a world of petrol engines. Therefore, infrastructure must be upgraded or replaced to support self-driving vehicle fleets, requiring money and a substantial amount of political will. • Societal shifts An evolution in public attitudes will need to occur, too. The prospect of AI vehicles is daunting to many, with concerns regarding safety, journey tracking, and the legal grey areas regarding road accidents. • Security A system relying on digital networks becomes more vulnerable to cyber threats. The safety of autonomous trucks has been a hot topic of discussion within the sector, with many debating whether the technology is at a reliable standard to deal with unpredictable weather and recognise obstacles something that is of concern for truck drivers on SNAP's social media pages:"In the slightest bit of rain, my truck loses all automatic capabilities, AEBS, and cruise control. There is no way trucks will be allowed to drive themselves without a driver anytime soon."“This will kill more people on the roads and cause more queues. Just think how reliable your electronics are on your Euro 6 vehicle. The same people are making autonomous trucks.”In the event of an accident, responsibility may shift between the driver and the manufacturer. The court must determine whether an accident was caused by a technical fault, inadequate maintenance, or driver error. A manufacturer will become liable in the following instances: • Sensor malfunction• Software glitches• Inadequate cybersecurity measures• Inadequate testingA driver of an autonomous truck may be liable for an accident if they neglect the necessary service or maintenance required for the vehicle to operate properly one could argue that this liability could fall on fleet managers, too. Despite this, there is still some confusion among those in the mobility sector. We asked truck drivers on our who they believe would be held liable in the event of an accident with an autonomous vehicle. 51% of drivers thought the driver would be responsible, 37% suggested automated truck manufacturers, and 12% believed software developers. It's evident that more clarification is needed among those in the sector before autonomous trucks are a permanent fixture on our roads. In their revisited campaign, SNAP looks at the future of the mobility sector. As technology advances, autonomous vehicles will play a significant role in the industry, with a 50% chance that machines could take over all human jobs in the next 120 years.However, how will they deal with some of Europe's most hazardous highways? Truck driving is more than just sitting behind the wheel it's often about navigating ever-changing and unpredictable road conditions. It poses the question of whether autonomous trucks could deal with some of the poorest roads in Europe. From their most recent campaign, , SNAP identified Europe's most dangerous roads, with results showing Bulgaria, Lithuania, and Czechia as the most concerning.One could argue that autonomous trucks will face challenges while trying to navigate some of these roads without human interaction. Limited GPS accuracy, sensor interference, and a lack of consistent infrastructure could complicate things.