Boom-ul infrastructurii din România - Ce înseamnă acesta pentru sectorul mobilității

Across Europe, demand for professional lorry drivers has never been higher. In the UK, the Road Haulage Association estimates that in the next five years to keep supply chains running. And the situation is the same across most of Europe. According to I data, there were 426,000 unfilled driver positions across Europe in 2024. But this creates an opportunity. As , the haulage industry offers the prospect of steady work for school leavers considering alternatives to university and adults looking to retrain. Becoming a lorry driver is a pathway to secure earnings and a structured career.The question many ask is: how to become a lorry driver? The answer depends not just on training and licences, but on understanding what it means to join a profession that keeps Europe’s economy moving.One of the main attractions of a driving career is its accessibility. You don’t need a university degree or years of specialist training to start; a standard car licence (Category B) is all that’s required before working towards professional qualifications. The minimum age for training is 18 in both the UK and across the EU, which means school leavers can move directly from a car licence to professional HGV driver training. That said, many firms prefer international drivers to be at least 21, given the extra responsibility that comes with long-distance haulage.Medical fitness is also important. Every applicant has to pass a medical before they can hold an HGV licence. In the UK, this involves a range of tests, eyesight checks, blood pressure readings and screening for conditions such as epilepsy, heart disease or sleep apnoea.European nations apply the same EU-wide medical standards, with regular renewals ensuring drivers remain healthy throughout their careers.For many people considering the move into professional driving, a key concern is: how much do lorry drivers earn? The answer varies depending on location, experience and the type of work undertaken, but across Europe, the profession offers competitive pay compared to other entry-level jobs.● A new driver in the UK on around £27,000 a year. Those who move into long-haul work, especially on international routes, can see their pay rise towards £45,000 – sometimes more if they’re hauling specialist or hazardous loads. those handling specialist loads, hazardous goods or operating across borders. ● In , salaries tend to be lower than in the UK, typically around €36,600, although large logistics firms in major cities may offer more. ● has seen strong demand for drivers in recent years, but wages remain modest, averaging around 92,400 PLN (approximately €21,690).● sits at the lower end of the scale, with drivers generally earning 80,550 RON (€16,000), although international haulage contracts can significantly boost take-home pay.Of course, salary isn’t the whole story. Many companies offer overtime pay, meal allowances or bonuses for hitting delivery targets. And with demand for drivers showing no sign of slowing, the job also brings a level of security that few other entry-level careers can match.Before you can get behind the wheel of a lorry, you’ll need the right licence. In the UK, this means progressing beyond a standard car licence to what’s officially known as a Large Goods Vehicle (LGV) or Heavy Goods Vehicle (HGV) licence. The terms are often used interchangeably, but both cover the same categories of professional driving.Some people begin with a Category C1 licence, which covers medium-sized vehicles between 3.5 and 7.5 tonnes – often used for smaller delivery trucks. However, most aspiring lorry drivers go straight to the Category C licence, sometimes called a Class 2 HGV licence. This allows you to drive rigid vehicles over 7.5 tonnes. For those who want to progress to articulated lorries – the larger vehicles commonly used on long-distance and international routes – the Category CE licence (Class 1) is required.Alongside these qualifications sits the Driver Certificate of Professional Competence (CPC), a legal requirement across both the UK and EU. This certificate involves a mix of initial training and periodic refreshers, designed to keep drivers up to date on safety, regulation and road skills.This system mirrors the EU-wide licensing framework. The main differences between countries lie in the training providers, the costs involved and, in some places, the availability of test slots.Securing your HGV licence is the first step into professional driving. In the UK, you can start the process once you hold a standard Category B car licence. From there, you apply for a provisional lorry licence, which allows you to begin training in large goods vehicles. The training itself combines theory and practical elements: classroom sessions on road safety and regulations, followed by supervised driving in heavy vehicles. Candidates must also complete modules for the Driver Certificate of Professional Competence (CPC), which ensures that drivers are equipped not just to operate vehicles safely but also to manage the day-to-day demands of haulage.One of the most common questions for anyone considering this career is how much lorry driver training costs. In the UK, prices vary depending on the provider, location and whether you’re training for a Category C or the more advanced Category CE licence. On average, new drivers can expect to spend between £2,000 and £3,500 to cover medical checks, provisional licence fees, theory tests, practical training, CPC modules and the final driving test. Some companies, particularly larger logistics firms, offer schemes to subsidise or fully fund training in exchange for a work commitment, making the route more accessible.Elsewhere in Europe, the numbers aren’t too different. In Spain, training generally costs between €2,000 and €3,000 for full training and certification. In Poland, the figure is lower, averaging €1,500 to €2,500. Romania has some of the lowest training costs in Europe, with many candidates paying around €1,000 to €1,800 to qualify, although entry-level wages tend to reflect this lower barrier to entry.The time it takes to qualify as a lorry driver depends on where you train, the type of licence you’re aiming for, and how quickly you can secure test dates. In the UK, most people complete their training and pass their tests within two to four months. Some intensive courses compress the process into a matter of weeks, though many drivers find that spacing out lessons helps them absorb the skills more effectively.In Spain and Poland, the process is similar, although longer waiting lists for exam slots can extend the timeline. In Poland, high demand for professional drivers has created bottlenecks at training centres, meaning some candidates wait several months before sitting their practical test. Romania has one of the fastest pathways, with training and testing often completed within eight to twelve weeks.And the learning doesn’t stop once you’ve got your licence. Every professional driver must complete 35 hours of CPC training every five years, keeping their skills up to date and making sure they’re ready for the latest regulations and safety standards.Once you’re qualified, the job comes with strict limits on how long you can spend behind the wheel. These limits are designed to protect both drivers and other road users by reducing fatigue.Across the UK and EU, the rules are the same. Drivers can spend a each day, which can be extended to ten hours twice a week. Weekly limits cap driving at 56 hours, with no more than 90 hours over two consecutive weeks. A driver must also take a break of at least 45 minutes after 4.5 hours of driving. They are also entitled to daily and weekly rest periods to recover before returning to work.These rules are closely monitored, with tachographs fitted in vehicles to record hours and ensure compliance. For those working long-distance routes, such as Spanish drivers covering the Iberian Peninsula or Polish hauliers moving goods across the EU’s eastern borders, these limits shape the rhythm of the job. They determine when and where drivers stop, making access to safe and secure rest areas a vital part of the working day. Becoming a lorry driver isn’t just about passing tests. It’s about stepping into a role that carries real responsibility, but also brings long-term opportunity. With the right licence, the right training and the determination to take on life on the road, it’s a career that can provide both stability and progression.At SNAP, we know what those journeys look like. That’s why we work with fleets and drivers across Europe to make them safer, simpler and more comfortable – from secure parking and better welfare facilities to smart digital tools that save time and stress. Whether you’re just starting out or you’ve been driving for years, we’re here to back you every mile of the way.Download the today to find trusted parking, facilities and services, wherever your route takes you.

For years, the conventional wisdom has been that school leavers should continue into further education. Whether that meant college, university or vocational training, the message was the same: study first, then work. But that narrative is beginning to shift. Faced with rising tuition fees, increasing debt and uncertainty about the value of a degree, many young people are re-evaluating their choices.At the same time, the logistics industry is crying out for new talent. It offers immediate earnings, structured development and long-term career prospects – all without the cost of higher education. The question is no longer whether logistics could be a stopgap option for school leavers but whether it represents a genuine alternative to university.The need for fresh entrants to logistics is pressing. (RHA) has warned that the UK must recruit 200,000 new lorry drivers in the next five years – the equivalent of 40,000 drivers annually – to keep supply chains moving and prevent a repeat of the shortages experienced in 2021.Zooming out to the European level, the challenge is even starker. In 2023, Europe faced a – a figure forecast to climb to 745,000 by 2028 if left unaddressed. The average driver is 47 years old, with nearly 30% aged over 55, underscoring an approaching retirement wave. Yet only 5% of drivers are under 25. Without younger entrants, the industry risks grinding to a halt.This is not simply about filling cabs. It’s about safeguarding the smooth functioning of economies. The shortage of drivers has ripple effects that touch everything from supermarket shelves to construction projects. In : “If we’re to future-proof the industry for the long term, we need to recruit, train and retain tens of thousands of drivers annually to meet demand. With an ageing workforce, we also need to attract more young people into the industry. To get there, we must prioritise flexible, funded training options.”Meanwhile, data shows that in June 2025, youth unemployment across the EU was 14.7%, with 2.857 million young people out of work, which has remained steady month-on-month. These figures reveal a significant opportunity gap for school leavers. At a time when many face bleak prospects, logistics presents a path of clarity, training, and financial independence.The perception of logistics as a last-resort job is giving way to recognition of its tangible benefits. A recent highlights factors such as job security, reliable pay, flexible working patterns and the chance to travel. For many, it is precisely this combination of benefits that makes logistics stand out. In addition, apprenticeships and graduate-style schemes allow young recruits to build qualifications while gaining hands-on experience. As Matthew Bellamy, Managing Director at SNAP comments: “For school leavers, logistics isn’t just an alternative. It’s a fast track to a skilled, future-ready career. You begin building experience and independence straightaway, without the costs or delays of university.”While driving is the most visible role, logistics encompasses far more. School leavers can move into warehousing, planning, technology, or customer service, before progressing into leadership. The digitalisation of logistics has also created demand for new skills – data analysis, route optimisation, and sustainability management – that appeal to a generation of digital natives.SNAP, for example, works with fleets across Europe to provide digital tools that support drivers’ wellbeing, help them find safe parking, and streamline daily operations. These investments are not just about efficiency – they are about making logistics a credible and attractive career path.“The industry needs fresh faces with digital skills, resilience and a modern outlook,” Bellamy continues. “School leavers bring exactly that – and attracting more women will help us adapt even faster.”Diversity is one of the greatest untapped opportunities in logistics. According to , women account for just 23% of employees in transport and storage across Europe and Central Asia. The European data is even more concerning when it comes to drivers specifically: .Encouraging more young women into logistics careers – whether as drivers, planners, or managers – is essential. It not only broadens the talent pool but also changes the culture of the industry, making it more representative and resilient. Highlighting female role models, creating inclusive training environments, and improving welfare facilities are practical steps that can make logistics more appealing to all.Too often, it is portrayed as a male-dominated and physically demanding industry. And while those stereotypes may once have held some truth, they are increasingly outdated. Today’s logistics sector relies as much on technology and teamwork as it does on physical labour.For logistics to compete with further education, the industry must deliver on three fronts:● Training pathways – offering apprenticeships, certifications and mentorship to give recruits a sense of progression.● Welfare and facilities – ensuring that drivers, particularly younger and more diverse entrants, have access to safe parking, clean rest stops and supportive environments.● Career storytelling – showcasing the variety of roles and long-term potential within the sector.For operators, the business case is clear. already report that they cannot expand because of driver shortages. Nearly half cite falling productivity, and 39% say revenues are declining. Without change, shortages will not just limit growth – they will erode the bottom line.The debate over further education versus work will never be one-size-fits-all. Some young people will continue to thrive in universities and colleges. But logistics is a viable, forward-looking option.For school leavers, it means immediate pay, independence and scope for progression. For the industry, it means tapping into a pool of talent that is urgently needed. For society, it means strengthening the resilience of an essential sector.The challenge now lies with the industry to match its demand with vision: to provide training, welfare, and opportunities that rival those offered by further education. If it succeeds, logistics will not just be an alternative to university – it will be an advantage.

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