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Tag: lorries

XPO and PepsiCo Announce UK Transport Partnership

Posted on by David Priestman

XPO Logistics has entered into a major new partnership with PepsiCo to become their chosen core transport partner for England and Wales. The partnership with XPO Logistics will operate across all four of its main UK distribution sites in Leicester, Lutterworth, Coventry, and Warrington.

PepsiCo is one of the world’s leading food and beverage manufacturers. Every day, millions of people across the UK enjoy PepsiCo’s snacks, oats and carbonated soft drinks. The company’s portfolio encompasses world famous brands such as Pepsi MAX, Doritos, 7UP Zero Sugar, and Quaker Oats, alongside its much-loved, local and regional brands, including Walkers, Wotsits, Monster Munch, and Pipers.

Beyond the cupboard staples and snack-time favourites, PepsiCo is a business committed to driving positive action for the planet and people, through its PepsiCo Positive (pep+) agenda. Launched in 2021, pep+ is PepsiCo’s end-to-end sustainability and business strategy. It’s a framework that drives action across agriculture, supply chains, product portfolios, and communities. To support this vision, PepsiCo has selected XPO Logistics as a key partner to advance its decarbonisation strategy in the UK.

Under the new partnership, XPO Logistics will deploy state-of-the-art Mercedes-Benz eActros electric vehicles, converting more than 1 million road kilometres annually from diesel to battery electric. This transition represents a reduction of over 1,200 tonnes of CO₂ emissions per year from PepsiCo’s transport operations — a critical step on the road to net zero emissions by 2050.

But sustainability is about more than just trucks. At the heart of the initiative is XPO Logistics’ proprietary CO₂ Reporting Dashboard, a cutting-edge tool powered by AI-driven scenario modelling, live data analytics, and proactive planning insights. This system enables PepsiCo to track, verify, and optimise carbon reduction strategies in real-time, while improving logistics efficiency and service to customers.

Dan Myers, Managing Director – UK and Ireland, XPO Logistics, said: “Sustainability is in our DNA. We are proud to partner with PepsiCo on this journey, combining investment in electric mobility with advanced technology and operational excellence. Our shared ambition goes beyond compliance — it’s about transformation. I believe this is just the beginning of what we can achieve together.”

This collaboration forms a key part of PepsiCo’s broader decarbonisation journey, demonstrating how purposeful partnerships can accelerate climate action and improve value chain resilience. With shared values, shared investment, and a shared vision, PepsiCo and XPO Logistics are delivering a positive impact for consumers, the supply chain, and the planet.

Heiko Selzam, Managing Director, Daimler Truck UK, said: “We are very proud to strengthen our partnership further with XPO Logistics with this order of our award-winning eActros 600s for the PepsiCo partnership. This commitment underscores the recognition of both companies of the critical role these vehicles will play in achieving their sustainability goals. Following extensive collaboration, this order firmly establishes the eActros 600 as a leading solution in the electric truck market. We are looking forward to seeing these trucks operational from 1 August.”

Andrew Smethurst, UK Logistics Director, PepsiCo, said, “XPO Logistics has shown itself to be the ideal partner to help advance our PepsiCo Positive ambition. From their industry-leading sustainability credentials to a strong safety culture and transparent operational model, their team has consistently delivered innovation and value. This new partnership will play a vital role in further reducing our logistics emissions as we move iconic products like Walkers crisps and Doritos to our customers across the UK.”

XPO Logistics is a leading innovative supply chain company in Europe, offering end-to-end logistics solutions that combine full-truckload, less-than-truckload, pallet distribution, last-mile delivery, global freight forwarding, and warehousing services. The company tailors its solutions to the specific needs of its customers in a wide range of industrial and consumer sectors.

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Tesco Announces Logistics Centre at London Gateway

Technology Expertise United to Accelerate Fleet Electrification

Posted on by David Priestman

Hitachi ZeroCarbon and MUFG have joined forces to supercharge the global transition to electric vehicles by removing the technical and capital constraints to decarbonisation. In combining Hitachi’s technology and operational expertise with MUFG’s financial strength, fleets benefit from strategic EV guidance and support, and reliable access to low-cost capital that protects long-term asset value.

This partnership addresses the biggest barriers to electrification faced by fleets all around the world: capital availability and change management. Across the industry, fleet operators have less than a decade to decarbonise, but the cost of replacing diesel vehicles, installing new infrastructure or upskilling workers can delay or prevent businesses from reaping the benefits and revenue opportunities of the EV transition.

MUFG’s global financial strength and presence ensures that fleets can scale their electrification seamlessly across markets, while Hitachi’s platform helps operators to better understand, manage and optimise their assets, for example electric vehicles, batteries or charging infrastructure. Fleets maintain full operational control of their services while benefitting from the financial and technical expertise of both partners. Hitachi’s managed service maximises the residual value of assets, ensuring they can be reused or recycled at the end of the lease period, protecting investment returns for fleet operators.

Commenting on the partnership, Hiroki Miyashita, Managing Director of Business Co-creation Division at MUFG said: “We have a proud history of working closely with Hitachi, and our shared values and business philosophies have driven fundamental transformation across countless industries. We are committed to addressing the barriers in the way of societal progress, and combining our expertise with Hitachi will help the commercial fleet ecosystem decarbonise at speed, and realise the real-time benefits of electrification far more quickly.”

The model has already made its mark with the leading UK bus operator, First Bus. The operator is on a mission to decarbonise its 4500-bus fleet by 2035 and has already purchased more than 1000 EV batteries, and benefitted from managed services for 1500 buses to enable electrified operations.

First Group, the parent company of First Bus, has saved more than £20M in deferred capital, and is anticipating more than £40M in future savings. This NextGen project was recognised for Innovation of the Year at the IJGlobal Awards 2023, showing how technical and financial expertise underpins the successful decarbonisation of commercial fleets.

Ram Ramachander, Chief Executive Officer at Hitachi ZeroCarbon said: “Cost remains the greatest hurdle to fleet electrification. We’re removing that barrier by giving fleet managers the confidence that decarbonisation is not only achievable, but financially viable. With access to financing through partners like MUFG, operators can accelerate progress toward their net zero targets while unlocking new revenue streams. By helping customers optimise their assets, we’re enabling long-term investment returns and creating meaningful commercial value. It’s a win-win, advancing both sustainability and profitability, and making fleet electrification a practical reality.”

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EU Changes Road Transport Rules

Truck Driver Expense Software

Posted on by David Priestman

Life on the road can be unpredictable. For thousands of professional drivers crossing Europe daily, access to the right tools, driver expenses and support can make all the difference. From unexpected road tolls to last-minute repairs, managing trip-related expenses has long been challenging – often involving out-of-pocket payments, time-consuming reimbursements, and administrative bottlenecks.

In response to these ongoing challenges, Girteka has implemented a new digital payment system – Payhawk, that transforms how drivers handle work-related expenses. The solution provides both virtual and physical cards, activated specifically for the duration of each trip, allowing drivers to easily cover all pre-approved costs like parking, hotel stays, some of road tolls, washing stations, minor vehicle maintenance, and unpredicted expenses.

Driving Forward with Simplicity and Security

For drivers, the change means less hassle and more confidence. Each transaction is logged via a mobile app, where receipts are uploaded instantly and reviewed by managers in real-time. In case of more significant or unforeseen expenses, drivers can request a limit increase directly through the app – often receiving approval within minutes.

“At first, it took some getting used to it, like with any new thing,” shared Roman, a professional truck driver. “But now, it’s comfortable. I can easily separate business and personal expenses, and it’s resolved much faster when something unexpected happens. I feel more supported by the company.”

This structured process increases security – ensuring all expenses are pre-approved or monitored – and prevents misuse. Limits are set per trip, and approvals are tied to the amount requested, reinforcing accountability without delaying operations.

Impact Beyond the Wheel

The benefits extend well beyond the cab. The new system reduces administrative overhead for Girteka’s operations, HR, and accounting teams by eliminating manual reimbursements and paper-based workflows. With expenses visible online in real-time, financial oversight is tighter, and response times are faster. But first and foremost, it is beneficial for drivers, who now can stop worrying about unpredicted payments.

This approach enables better planning and data-driven decision-making. Trip expense data can now be analyzed to optimize routes, budget forecasts, and service offerings, proving Girteka’s long-term commitment to digital innovation.

Setting a New Standard in Logistics

With over 500 drivers already using Payhawk, the new payment system and usage expanding weekly. By June, more than half of all drivers (6,000) are expected to rely on the digital payment solution daily as the system becomes fully embedded into the company’s operational model.

The initiative is part of a broader strategy to create a digitalized, efficient, and human-centered logistics environment, from improved driver support to more intelligent cost control.

“Technology in logistics should empower people – not complicate their work,” noted Mindaugas Paulauskas, CEO of Girteka Transport Girteka. “This project reflects our commitment to making everyday tasks easier for our drivers while building a smarter and more transparent system for the company.”

In an industry where time, trust, and efficiency are everything, Girteka continues to lead with innovation, care, and a clear vision for the future of transport.

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InPost Acquire Delivery Company Yodel

Posted on by David Priestman

European e-commerce logistics provider InPost has announced its acquisition of parcel delivery company Yodel, aiming to accelerate its expansion in the UK market.

InPost stated that the acquisition will unify out-of-home and doorstep delivery solutions under a single brand, enhancing its operational scale, broadening its service offering, and delivering greater convenience for both retailers and customers.

As part of the deal, InPost has acquired 95.5% of the share capital of Judge Logistics Ltd (JLL), the parent company of Yodel Delivery Network. PayPoint will retain a minority stake of 4.5%.

Following the transaction, InPost UK’s market share has grown to around 8%, positioning it as the third-largest agnostic e-commerce logistics carrier in the country. This move builds on InPost’s previous acquisition of Menzies Distribution in October 2024, which granted it full control over its logistics operations in the UK.

Rafał Brzoska, founder and CEO of InPost Group, described the deal as a major milestone in the company’s strategy to transform the UK delivery landscape and strengthen its pan-European presence. He noted that the acquisition accelerates what would have taken five years of organic growth and underlines the company’s long-term commitment to the UK, a market with significant growth potential.

Neil Kuschel, CEO of InPost UK, called the acquisition a transformative step for the company’s UK operations. He highlighted the integration of doorstep deliveries with InPost’s extensive locker network as a key advantage that will allow the company to offer increased reliability, flexibility, and efficiency to customers and e-commerce retailers. “By combining Yodel’s trusted to-door service with our market-leading out-of-home offering, we are creating a carrier that genuinely responds to how people want to send and receive parcels in today’s fast-paced, convenience-focused world,” Kuschel said.

With this acquisition, InPost aims to realize several strategic objectives. It anticipates rapid growth in the UK, delivering over 300 million parcels annually and serving more than 500 e-commerce merchants. The company’s market share has already reached approximately 8%, supported by 10,000 automated parcel machines and over 18,000 out-of-home delivery points.

The acquisition enables InPost to offer a unique and comprehensive service, combining next-day home delivery with a vast out-of-home network under one brand. It also diversifies InPost’s business both geographically and by customer segment, with the UK now contributing around 30% of the Group’s total revenue. From a financial standpoint, the deal is seen as a strategically sound investment, significantly boosting InPost’s presence and long-term growth in the UK market.

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BOC Procure Articulated Flatbed Trailer Fleet

Posted on by David Priestman

BOC, the UK & Ireland’s largest provider of industrial, medical and specialist gases, began procuring specialist articulated flatbed trailers and rigid bodywork solutions from Tiger Trailers in 2023, and the 59 vehicles supplied by the Cheshire manufacturer in Q1 2025 take the running total to 135. Comprising 29 trailers and 30 rigid solutions, they signal an ever-strengthening and growing relationship.

Lorraine Purvis, BOC Head of Deliver – Cylinder Transport PGP, says: “The Tiger team have worked hard to deliver the needs of our business to a very high quality. The transport team are looking forward to integrating these vehicles into our fleet. I would like to thank them for their attention to detail and continued support they show us as a business. Also, a big thanks to Mark Beal our Fleet engineer who has worked tirelessly with Tiger to seek improvements on our fleet.”

Tiger’s flatbed trailers for the gas cylinder division of BOC’s fleet are designed for each transporting up to twenty-six BOC pintle pallets, secured in three rows of fifteen bottles, with a central aisle featuring a portable safety gate that closes off the load when part-laden. When not in use the gate is stowed within the front headboard. Following driver feedback from Schenk (formerly Suttons Tankers), various operational improvements have been implemented to the constantly expanding fleet.

The rear of the chassis is designed to provide an access ladder up to the central aisle, various components from the pintle blades to the grab handles are finished in yellow for safety, and a fire extinguisher and a tube document holder are fitted to each trailer to comply with ADR & IMDG regulations.

Ignacio Torres-Manzi, Tiger Trailers’ Technical Sales Manager, comments: “It is a great privilege for us to work with another fantastic customer and continue building upon the working relationship. A huge thanks to the wider BOC team for the continued efforts, with a particular shout-out to Mark Beal for all his expertise offered into the process. We look forward to the continuation of Tiger being a key partner to BOC for hopefully many years to come!”.

These new pintle trailers will be operating within the customer’s cylinder trunking network across the UK, Ireland, as well as into Europe, feeding the supply chain with full and made-up loads for onward distribution to its end customers. The trailers are operated by Schenk UK on behalf of BOC.

The latest order of rigid bodywork solutions from Tiger for BOC are built on DAF XB 18-tonne chassis from the Ford & Slater DAF dealership in Leeds. Designed for transporting eight pallets for easy delivery to a wide range of customers, the bodies are framed by galvanised plates on all four sides, with a pressed steel fabricated and galvanised walkway down the middle, and a large stowaway cylinder trolley fitted to the offside rear, completed with a kerb ramp. A downrated 1-tonne Dhollandia DHVOG.15. K1 1000.800 tail lift is incorporated at the back.

Other specification details of BOC’s latest Tiger rigid bodies include a small medical cylinder holder, a toolbox, cellar rope, full-enclosure wraparound safety gates, and solar platform lights to fully encompass the comprehensive BOC specification.

The new rigids will join a 100% fleet of DAF trucks and undertake the network distribution from 35 UK sites stretching from Inverness to Plymouth and Port Talbot to Thetford.

Part of the Linde Group, BOC’s fleet size is 650 vehicles from light vans, rigids from 14t to 32t, plus tractor units operating at 44 tonnes. The BOC trailer fleet, which includes tankers as well as the specialised pintle trailers consists of 320 vehicles across the UK & Ireland. The gases delivered cover every aspect of industry, from manufacturing and science to aviation and healthcare.

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Show-Stopping Trailers Unveiled by Transport Company

All-in-one electric fleet management platform

Posted on by David Priestman

 Hitachi ZeroCarbon today unveils a holistic suite of EV fleet solutions designed to simplify every step of fleet electrification, from planning and strategy support, facilitating EV financing, through to a technology platform delivering charging management and battery optimisation – driving decarbonisation across the fleet ecosystem.

With various legal directives across Europe mandating that all new vehicles must be zero-emission by 2035, fleet managers have only a decade to decarbonise. Recognising that many fleets are at different stages of their electrification journey, from building the business case, to looking for affordable financing, to trialling EVs, Hitachi now provides a one-stop-shop service that supports all aspects of the EV fleet ecosystem. The comprehensive solution suite empowers fleet operators to accelerate the runway to electrified transport.

New solutions that are now available include:

• ZeroCarbon Fleet: The combination of Hitachi’s charging and battery management capabilities, Fleet ensures vehicles are safely charged to meet daily operations, manages batteries to protect their long-term performance, and enables organisations to unlock new energy revenue streams from EV fleets.

• ZeroCarbon Charge: Charge is a 24/7 managed service and technology platform, providing real-time alerts, live vehicle monitoring, load balancing and advanced tariff optimisation for reliable charging operations and lower electricity costs.

• ZeroCarbon BatteryManager: The battery is the most valuable component of an electric vehicle. BatteryManager provides a managed service and advanced asset analytics technology platform to help protect performance, extend battery life and maximise its residual value.

• ZeroCarbon Strategy: Hitachi’s energy expertise supports fleet managers through every step of the electrification process, through designing bespoke decarbonisation strategies, conducting site assessments, calculating total cost of ownership, facilitating access to financing through its partners and identifying new energy and asset utilisation revenue opportunities.

These solutions were born out of Hitachi ZeroCarbon’s involvement in Optimise Prime, the world’s largest commercial trial of over 8000 EVs. Hitachi worked closely with major UK fleets, leading technology providers and local distribution network operators to develop and test impactful EV fleet solutions.

Alongside its ability to support fleets through a variety of funding solutions, from providing access to low-cost finance, co-invested equity and debt-based finance, Hitachi ZeroCarbon now has a market-leading end-to-end proposition for fleets. Solutions can all be tailored to the specific needs of public transport operators, utilities and facilities fleets, hauliers and last mile delivery businesses.

Commenting on the launch, Mike Nugent, Chief Revenue Officer, Hitachi ZeroCarbon said: “We understand that every business is unique, and has its own set of decarbonisation challenges, so we’re proud to have curated a service that threads the entire process together in one seamless offering. Our customers are telling us they don’t know where to start, and need support through every step of the journey. That’s why we combine bespoke strategies with a people-first approach to transformation, showing how close management of charge infrastructure and battery assets can deliver real business value. We are experts at taking the complexity out of electrification, and removing capital constraints, so operators can enjoy greater benefits, sooner.”

Stig Tvergrov at Posten Bring, one of Hitachi ZeroCarbon’s key customers, added: “We operate in a challenging environment where the conditions can change dramatically based on season. We needed a resilient and proven electrification partner that had the solutions to anticipate challenges and address them before they materialised.

“Hitachi’s ZeroCarbon’s end-to-end service ticked a lot of boxes, and through our deployment of ZeroCarbon Charge, we achieved complete visibility into the health and performance of our key battery assets, so we can optimise our vehicles based on route, journey, or condition. The service plugged seamlessly into our existing site hardware and software too, which meant no disruption during installation. It led to us having complete visibility over both vehicles and chargers, allowing us to rely on new technology and help us towards achieving our climate goals early.”

Hitachi ZeroCarbon already manages over a thousand electric vehicle assets across Europe, North America and Asia, supporting the global shift to electrified transport. Across its portfolio, Hitachi provides an around-the-clock managed service, with swift incident resolution and expert support to prevent operational risk or disruption. Its services are technology agnostic, so can integrate with any existing fleet hardware or software systems, while its expertise in data science provides market-leading charging and battery optimisation to maximise the value from electric vehicle fleets. 

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Girteka Logistics Business Appoint New CEO

Posted on by David Priestman

Effective April 7th, Nikolay Pargov has been appointed CEO of Girteka logistics business (currently named Girteka Europe West UAB). He’ll continue to focus on growth of the logistics business, driving commercial and operational excellence, enhancing efficiency, and creating value for all stakeholders.

“With a strong and committed team, we’re well-positioned to deliver outstanding service and reliability to our customers,” says Nikolay. “I’m honored by the trust placed in me and look forward to continuing our mission of being Europe’s leading provider of temperature-controlled and high-care cargo transportation.”

Pargov joined the company in September 2024. He brought over 20 years of experience in logistics, having worked with companies such as DHL, C.H. Robinson Europe, and Transporeon.

New Name Reflects Strategic Focus

To better reflect the core of its business, Girteka Europe West UAB will officially become Girteka Logistics UAB as of the 2nd of May.

“The name “Girteka Europe West” no longer reflects the essence of our business and how we are structured today. “Girteka Logistics” better aligns with our core business and future direction – delivering operational excellence and driving growth in logistics,” says Edvardas Liachovičius, Girteka Group CEO.

Business Structure of Girteka Group

Girteka Group operates through main business areas. Girteka Logistics specializes in temperature-controlled and high-care cargo transportation across Europe. TNDM Trucking delivers dedicated fleet services tailored to customers. ClassTrucks ensures supply, management and sale of trucks and trailers, supporting efficient transport asset management. Girteka Group also owns Thermo-Transit which provides logistics services in fresh fish, food, and beverages delivery to and from Scandinavia.

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Show-Stopping Trailers Unveiled by Transport Company

Show-Stopping Trailers Unveiled by Transport Company

Posted on by David Priestman

Two specially modified and uniquely liveried Schmitz Cargobull S.KO COOL box-body semi-trailers have been unveiled to join family-owned business C&M Transport’s fast-growing fleet in Wrexham. C&M Transport, a temperature-controlled specialist, places huge value in the presentation of its vehicles and uniformed drivers. On that basis, it decided to put Schmitz Cargobull’s ability to customise trailers to the test to give its latest purchases added character.

The result was two S.KO COOL trailers featuring a wealth of after-market additions via Truck Center Vreden, a Schmitz Cargobull Service Partner.

Jonno Williams, Operations Manager at C&M Transport, says: “Having something that stands out from the crowd is important to us. So, when we learnt that Schmitz Cargobull offers a customisation service, we knew we had to try it. The trailers were delivered quickly and look great, so we’re really pleased we did.”

The mono-temp reefers, which are equipped with Carrier Transicold refrigeration units, feature extra strip lights along the rear, side and top of the trailers, as well as upgraded rear-light clusters, stainless steel wheel arches, illuminated stainless steel fuel guards, and Alcoa Dura-Bright alloys to add a smart, personal touch.

The trailers also feature bespoke wraps after the business ran a competition inviting local schools to supply designs showcasing Wrexham to demonstrate that there’s more to the city than a football club owned by two Hollywood film stars.

The winning designs by Holly Jones, from Ysgol Bryn Alyn; and Juliette Devereux, from Ysgol Morgan Llwyd, were transformed into full-length wraps by ASAP Signs on the first trailer. They highlight the UNESCO-recognised Pontcysyllte Aqueduct and the Gresford Colliery memorial, respectively. The work of local artist Mikey Jones, showing the Wrexham skyline, features on the second trailer.

Underneath the unique designs, Schmitz Cargobull’s proven FERROPLAST technology combines the increased insulation of a polyurethane hard foam with a durable and resistant covering of multiple layers of coated metal. The result is a self-supporting product without any thermal bridges that may affect cooling performance. If any damage does occur, the panels can be easily repaired rather than the trailer side requiring whole body repair.

Each trailer will be covering 2,000 plus miles a week over the breadth of the UK and Continental Europe, something their strong galvanised MODULUS bolted chassis are ideally suited to handle. Each chassis comes with a 10-year warranty against rust-through on all galvanised parts, too.

“I can’t fault the build quality, it’s excellent. The interior width of the trailers has also been a big hit with our drivers. Most of what we move is palletised but some goods – such as ice cream and fresh cut flowers on Danish flower dollies – extend beyond the pallets. That’s normally a headache but it’s no longer a problem with these new reefers,” adds Williams.

The deal was facilitated by Geoff Ward, Regional Manager for the North West, Wales and the West Midlands at Schmitz Cargobull UK & Ireland.

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New CEO for Temperature-Controlled Logistics Firm

New Thames Crossing Gets Go-Ahead

Posted on by David Priestman

The UK logistics and freight community has welcomed the news that the Lower Thames Crossing has been granted development consent by the Secretary of State for Transport.

The announcement, made by the Department for Transport, follows a detailed examination process and represents a key milestone for what is set to become a major new route beneath the River Thames, connecting Kent and Essex.

This 14.5-mile project, lead by National Highways, features two tunnels under the River Thames, aiming to alleviate congestion at the Dartford Crossing by rerouting 13 million journeys annually.

The British International Freight Association (BIFA) praised the decision, noting the long-running support from industry stakeholders.

“This is a great result for the campaign, backed by politicians and businesses, as well as BIFA, for a project that was first mooted in 2009 as a means of addressing the problems that congestion at the Dartford Crossing causes,” said Steve Parker, BIFA Director.

“Media reports indicate that work will commence in 2026 and could be complete by 2032. Our members, who manage the transport of a considerable amount of the UK’s visible trade, will be delighted.

“Delays in transit pose a risk to their reputations, and have significant financial consequences.”

The Dartford Crossing remains one of the UK’s busiest road links, and the new tunnel is expected to provide an alternative route to help alleviate traffic pressure. The decision to grant consent follows a period of extensive consultation and planning, and the project will now move into the next stages of development.

The Labour MP for Dartford, Jim Dickson said “This decision will unlock economic growth across the country and finally deliver a solution to the traffic chaos faced by my constituents on a daily basis.”

According to the government, the crossing is a Nationally Significant Infrastructure Project and is designed to support long-term growth, enhance road connectivity, and reduce congestion in a key part of the strategic road network. Construction is slated to begin in 2026 or early 2027, with the crossing expected to open by 2032. This development promises to enhance connectivity between the south and the Midlands, linking key ports and stimulating regional economic growth.

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Tackling Europe’s driver shortage

Posted on by David Priestman

Europe is facing a severe truck driver shortage – around 230,000 driver roles remain unfilled, and this gap could grow to as many as 745,000 vacancies in the coming years. This challenge, driven by an aging workforce and low numbers of recruits, threatens the smooth operation of supply chains across the continent. Many large transport companies, like Girteka, have turned to recruiting drivers from outside the EU. However, taking into consideration the needs and requirements of skilled drivers, driving tests are becoming increasingly important.

Driving tests: a key to securing skilled drivers

Comprehensive driving tests assessments are one effective way to ensure that only well-qualified drivers join the workforce. By putting drivers behind the wheel under controlled conditions in their own country, companies can verify that candidates meet the required standards in safety and driving skills.

Driving tests evaluations serve several essential functions. They allow companies to assess how drivers handle real-world conditions, confirm that drivers follow safe practices and check that drivers are comfortable with the digital systems integrated into modern trucks.

Today’s requirements for truck drivers in Europe

Today’s professional truck drivers in the EU must meet specific requirements, including:

· License requirements: Drivers need a C, C1, CE, or C1E license. For example, a C1 license is for lighter trucks (up to 7,500 kg), while a C license is for heavier trucks.

· Code 95: After initial qualification, drivers earn Code 95, which must be renewed every five years through refresher training.

· Mandatory training: EU Directive 2003/59/EC requires a standard level of training, including practical assessments and driving tests, to improve road safety.

· Regulatory compliance: Drivers must follow strict rules regarding driving hours, rest periods, specified in Mobility Package.

Similar systems exist outside Europe. In the United States, drivers must pass a Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) test that covers pre-trip inspections, vehicle control, and on-road evaluations. While the U.S. system focuses on a one-time licensing test, Europe emphasizes continuous training and periodic driving tests assessments.

Industry leaders in driver training and driving tests

Several companies have set the standard by incorporating comprehensive driving tests assessments into their recruitment and training processes.

Girteka’s Driving Academy

Girteka, a market leader in road transport, has established its own Drivers’ Academy with centers in Lithuania and Poland and recruitment branches outside the EU. New drivers – especially those outside the EU – must complete a series of driving tests and practical assessments before coming to Europe. Arystan, a recent recruit from Kazakhstan, explained that “The driving test at Girteka’s academy was eye-opening. It gave me a clear idea of European road conditions and helped build the confidence I needed before starting my career here.” Another professional driver, Kadyr from Kyrgyzstan, noted that the thorough approach prepared him well for working in Europe by showing exactly what was expected in terms of safety and skills.

XPO Logistics’ Driver Excellence Academy

XPO Logistics has launched a Driver Excellence Academy across multiple sites in the UK. Their program features a staged training plan, supported by qualified instructors, and includes a four-week buddying process after the candidate passes their test. This structured approach not only improves driving skills but also helps address the driver shortage by building a pipeline of well-trained, confident drivers.

DHL Supply Chain’s Driving Ambition Program

DHL Supply Chain offers a “Driving Ambition” program to attract new talent. The program provides comprehensive training for candidates to obtain LGV licenses covering rigid and articulated trucks. With training centers across the UK, DHL focuses on creating long-term careers in the industry.

Why driving tests matter

Driving tests assessments are not just about verifying a candidate’s driving skills – they are a critical tool for ensuring a steady flow of professional drivers and stabilizing Europe’s supply chains. With conditions closer to real ones, these tests help companies identify any potential issues early, from handling adverse weather to mastering digital tools like tachographs and telematics. As Oksana Karpovičienė, Head of HR Expansion Department at Girteka, explains, “Driving tests assessments are crucial in securing quality drivers who meet European standards. This rigorous approach not only boosts driver confidence and competence but also reduces risks on the road, leading to improved safety and fuel efficiency.”

Ultimately, by integrating comprehensive driving tests evaluations into the recruitment and training process, companies can ensure minimum level of skills and further develop a comprehensive upskilling programs to meet demanding quality needs of logistics services in Europe.

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