Trucker tales: stories from the open road

In the fast-moving world of mobility and road transport, effective is essential for keeping trucks moving, reducing costs, and improving efficiency.Whether you operate a small fleet or manage a large trucking company, the right fleet management software can transform how companies manage their vehicles, drivers, and operational expenses.Fleet management is crucial to ensuring trucks arrive where they need to be, on time, and cost-effectively.Truck fleet management minimises delays and reduces unnecessary spending by tracking vehicle performance, fuel consumption, and driver activity.Without a structured approach, fleets risk performance issues that can lead to higher operational expenses and reduced profitability.Fleet operators are greatly concerned about driver wellbeing. But, a well-managed fleet ensures correctly maintained vehicles, optimises routes to reduce fatigue, and adheres to compliance regulations.Fleet management software helps businesses monitor driver behaviour, enforce safety policies, and reduce the risk of accidents or penalties for non-compliance.Some of the most significant costs in the haulage industry are fuel expenses, vehicle maintenance, and downtime.Implementing truck fleet management solutions helps operators track fuel usage, plan effective routes, and ensure vehicles are serviced at the right time preventing costly breakdowns and unplanned repairs.With the correct data, fleet managers can make informed decisions that cut unnecessary expenses and improve profitability.Sustainability is becoming an increasing priority across the transport industry. Fleet management systems allow operators to track emissions, monitor fuel efficiency, and introduce eco-friendly driving practices that lower environmental impact.Fleets can use data-driven solutions to make strategic adjustments that align with industry regulations and corporate sustainability goals.Upscaling a truck fleet presents challenges, such as managing increased logistics complexity and maintaining productivity. Here are some challenges that fleets may encounter when scaling their fleet.• As fleets grow, advanced scheduling, route optimisation, and maintenance planning become essential to prevent delays and downtime. • Additionally, ensuring consistent safety standards and regulations becomes more difficult as the fleet expands, increasing the risk of issues and penalties. • Scaling also requires significant investment in infrastructure, such as hiring and training more drivers and upgrading fleet management software.At SNAP, we understand the challenges fleet operators face. Our network of digital solutions for the mobility industry helps businesses streamline their operations and improve driver safety and convenience.We provide access to a growing network of parking and washing locations across Europe, helping fleets reduce unplanned stops, enhance route productivity, and keep trucks moving without delays.As fleet management technology evolves, we are committed to providing innovative solutions that support the industry's changing needs.Fleet management software and data-driven insights help haulage managers streamline operations, reduce spending, and ensure their fleets operate at their full potential.Fleet management is more than tracking vehicles. It's about making strategic decisions to upgrade efficiency, reduce risks, and support long-term business growth.With the right truck fleet management approach, operators can overcome industry challenges and ensure their fleets run smoothly.Looking for more innovative fleet management solutions? Discover how SNAP's services can optimise your operations. .

Founded in 1995, Batim International Transport provides transport and freight forwarding services across Europe. The company prides itself on excellent quality and a state-of-the-art fleet consisting of SCANIA and Mercedes vehicles. The company has its headquarters in Stary Sącz, Poland is no stranger to growth. In its early beginnings, Batim started with two tractor units and now has over 500. In this short time, the company acquired many accreditations and certificates including the 2014 Best Employer of the Year and Forbes Magazine recognition in 2015. By expanding the company's fleet and improving its services, the company is constantly striving for growth.Batim International joined SNAP in the early days and continues to use its SNAP Account to book parking spaces across Europe for its large fleet. We spoke to Operations Manager, Krzysztof, who talks about the company’s experience with SNAP. SNAP provides fleets with over 450 service partners across Europe where they can use our fleet payment solution. “We joined SNAP for the no cash transactions” explains Krzysztof. A benefit for many fleets as SNAP provides a payment solution to pay without cash or a card for truck services. This payment solution can be used on items such as truck washing, Dartford Crossing, and truck parking. The latter, Krzysztof states, has been particularly beneficial. “SNAP has benefited me by giving me the possibility of booking a parking lot, so I don’t have to worry about a place for the driver.” The ability to search for a truck stop service partner through SNAP has also been an advantage for Krzysztof. He explains that "the possibility to check and find all the detailed information on many truck stops in different countries, to be sure there is everything needed regarding particular cargo and facilities for the drivers" has been one of the most useful features for him. Additionally, SNAP has huge benefits for Batim’s drivers. Krzysztof's fleet of drivers can rest assured knowing they have a large network of truck parks and depot parking sites to choose from. Krzysztof says SNAP’s “large network of truck parks" has been invaluable. Many businesses across the continent have added to their earnings with our Depot Parking Scheme. The scheme allows fleets to offer their depot parking spaces to the network and make extra cash helping drivers avoid vulnerable laybys and industrial estates. Batim International is helping to alleviate the European parking shortage by joining this scheme with their depot in Belgium. The site offers 20 spaces for other drivers when their trucks are on the road. Driver well-being has been a hot topic of discussion within the trucking community. As a demanding profession, it’s easy to see how long hours, social isolation, and a sedentary lifestyle can affect mental health. Fleets have a responsibility to look after their drivers' well-being. However, truck stops can have a significant impact too. Depot parking sites and truck stops with basic facilities can significantly improve driver well-being. Something Krzysztof and the team think is vital for their fleet of over 800 drivers. When asked about what truck stops can do to assist with driver well-being, Krzysztof states “Predominantly drivers need a clean shower and toilet.” Seemingly a simple solution to many, however, the impact it can have on a driver’s experience is substantial. Providing fleets and drivers with the support they need to run efficiently and effectively is something we pride ourselves on at SNAP. Our experienced Customer Service & Account Management team assist fleets and drivers with any queries. Something Krzysztof and the team have found useful. “We have contacted SNAP’s customer service team – via email as well as on the phone. We’ve always been met with an individual approach regarding a single case, an understanding, and goodwill from the employees of SNAP to help as much as possible” Krzysztof explains. Our fleet payment solution is used every 13 seconds across the continent to pay for truck services. Visit snapacc.com to join over 7,000 fleets using SNAP Account as their all-in-one fleet payment solution.

Currently, female HGV drivers in the UK make up just of all drivers a figure that has increased by over the last decade as more initiatives are introduced to promote diversity and close the driver shortage gap.A article describes the many ways the industry could attract more women into the industry: • Cultivating a supportive and welcoming work environment.• Upgrading infrastructure and amenities.• Flexible and family-friendly work arrangements.• Building clear pathways for career growth.Despite this, drivers on argued that these long-standing challenges in the industry must be addressed for everyone before new initiatives are brought in to close the driver shortage. The driver shortage has been a persistent issue for the transportation industry, but after COVID-19 and Brexit, it reached critical levels. In 2024, Europe, Norway, and the UK were missing over truck drivers a number set to exceed 745,000 by 2028 due to an aging workforce. The industry is still grappling with the consequences and is working towards implementing new initiatives to promote diversity, improve working conditions, and close the workforce gap. The Government has implemented roughly actions to deal with the shortage of HGV drivers in the UK. Including, but not limited to:• Increasing efficiency in existing supply chains.• Providing support and training for new HGV drivers.• Expanding HGV driver testing capacity.• Improving licencing processes.• Improving conditions.• Ensuring the stability of the fuel supply chain.49% of drivers on social media argued that changes must be implemented regardless of gender with 27% of female HGV drivers agreeing the sector must evolve for everyone. 24% stated the job was no longer appealing, highlighting the need for change in the industry. So, what do drivers want to see changed?55% wanted to see facilities improved for everyone:"There needs to be better facilities and better treatment full stop. The whole industry is a shambles, and we are mistreated.""The amenities are awful for all drivers, men and women."In November 2024, a found that two-thirds of drivers were dissatisfied with truckstop facilities with dirty amenities, poor food options, and a lack of social space causing significant issues. The Government and the haulage industry have taken significant measures by investing £14 million to drive innovation and improve working conditions.In October 2024, 23 successful applicants were awarded up to £4.5 million to enhance their truckstops. The upgrades will include new showers, restaurants, and enhanced security features to give drivers greater peace of mind. In addition, the scheme will create around 430 parking spaces for heavy goods vehicles. Better pay came second on the list, with 14% of drivers arguing that increased wages would encourage more into the industry:"Make it attractive to everyone, increase wages."Increasing wages will come at a significant cost for industry leaders. If the average truck driver's salary increased in line with the National Living Wage, fleet operators could face an additional £1.5 billion a year. Despite this, investment will improve retention rates, reduce recruitment expenses, and lower training costs. Offering higher salaries would not only make the profession more attractive to new entrants but would also recognise the critical role drivers play in maintaining the supply chain. Over the years, public opinions toward truck drivers have evolved significantly. The life of a trucker has often been romanticised in films and popular media leading many to believe they have it easy. However, it also presented them as hardworking heroes, an image that has deteriorated over time.Towards the end of the 20th century, perceptions shifted as working conditions got tough and truck drivers were given unfair stereotypes often due to media misrepresentation and sometimes to a few inexperienced drivers. These negative stereotypes were alleviated during the COVID-19 pandemic when public appreciation for truck drivers grew.Today, there is respect for truckers however, the industry remains plagued with negative stereotypes and attitudes. Something of which 6% of drivers wanted to see change:"Thinking back to Covid, we were deemed heroes, but afterward, it returned to normal. It's no wonder current drivers, men and women, want to leave the industry. They are sick of the rubbish treatment they face daily.""It would be nice not to be treated like you're scum."In recent years, the rise of social media has started to challenge and change negative perceptions. Many drivers are taking to platforms like TikTok and Instagram to share insights into their role, dispel misconceptions, and earn respect from those outside the industry. Feedback shows the urgent need for the haulage industry to implement changes to attract and retain existing and new drivers. The underrepresentation of women remains a significant challenge, and investing in facilities to cater to their needs is crucial. However, this investment must be inclusive and benefit the entire workforce. Countries in Europe have been hit the hardest, with many trucking companies unable to expand their business because they can't find skilled workers. Europe has an ageing truck driver population, with an . One-third of truckers are over 55 and expected to retire in the next ten years. Additionally, less than 5% of truck drivers in Europe are below the age of 25 highlighting the gap that will be left once an ageing workforce has retired. takes place on the 22nd of January and was Established by NN1 Personnel. The day aims to celebrate truck drivers and all they do for the economy and society. From our blog, , we expect the following to be prominent in the trucking industry this year:• Embracing the advantages of AI.• Tackling the gender gap and driver shortage.• Promoting a greener industry.• Increasing long-distance freight.