HGV drivers are increasingly concerned about the rise in freight-related crime, with most fuel and asset thefts occurring in the second half of the year, according to new research. The Road Haulage Association (RHA) has warned that the industry requires 11,000 additional secure parking spaces to help deter organised crime and provide operators with peace of mind when drivers park overnight.

A survey of 500 professional drivers by Samsara, a specialist in industrial technology, revealed that a third of respondents believe thefts are on the rise, with the majority of incidents happening between July and December. Nearly half (47%) knew of colleagues who had fallen victim to fuel or asset theft, and 32% felt that UK truck stops lacked adequate security.

The RHA has confirmed the growing issue of freight crime, stating it poses challenges for hauliers in recruiting and retaining staff. They are calling for tougher sentencing for criminals targeting HGVs and the introduction of a specific offence for freight crime to reflect its wider impact.

The association highlighted that over 5,300 freight crime incidents occurred last year, resulting in the theft of goods worth £68 million. The average loss per incident was over £13,000, prompting the RHA to urge the government to take immediate action to tackle the issue.

XPO, a leading provider of sustainable logistics solutions across Europe, has launched a new Female Driver Academy aimed at attracting more women into the logistics industry. The Academy offers a 12 to 16-week training programme, during which participants will be employed by XPO from day one, allowing them to earn a living while developing their skills as HGV drivers. The goal is to create a highly skilled team of professional female drivers who are well-versed in XPO's customer operations.

The Academy is part of XPO's wider Driver Excellence Academy, which supports individuals from diverse backgrounds in obtaining HGV qualifications. Trainees can upskill from a Cat B car licence to a Cat Class C (Rigid) or Cat CE (Artic), with the possibility of progressing straight to a Cat CE licence. The programme provides ongoing mentorship and guidance to ensure participants have the support they need during training.

XPO’s initiative has gained the backing of key customers, who have pledged to offer employment opportunities to successful candidates upon completion of the training. The company aims to expand its pool of HGV drivers while promoting gender diversity in a traditionally male-dominated industry.

By offering tailored training and employment opportunities, XPO is working to make the logistics sector more inclusive, while addressing the industry's growing demand for qualified drivers.

Businesses across the UK are urging the government to approve the Development Consent Order (DCO) for the Lower Thames Crossing, which has been in planning for over a decade. More than 70 organisations, including Asda, Landsec (owner of Bluewater), the British Chambers of Commerce, and the Port of Dover, have signed a letter to Transport Secretary Louise Haigh, emphasising the critical importance of this Nationally Significant Infrastructure Project. The decision on the DCO is due by 4 October 2024.

The Lower Thames Crossing is set to provide a vital link between the north, Midlands, and the south-east ports, creating a new road tunnel between Essex and Kent. The crossing is expected to boost the UK economy by up to £40 billion, generating high-quality jobs and skills, especially in Kent and Essex. Currently, the Dartford Crossing, which handles 40% of all freight traffic, is regularly congested, costing the economy over £200 million annually. The new crossing would ease this burden, improving productivity and reducing delays.

Business leaders from major companies, such as Asda and Bluewater, have highlighted the benefits the crossing would bring, including improved transport efficiency and reduced emissions. Asda's logistics team noted that the project would enhance operational efficiency by providing an alternative route for HGVs, while Bluewater stressed the positive impact on regional growth and customer experience.

The crossing would be a key part of the UK’s transport infrastructure, helping move goods more efficiently. It would also play a crucial role in supporting the supply chain, with half of all freight vehicles travelling through Dover destined for regions beyond London.

Cornwall College Camborne has welcomed two new lorries as part of a major investment to enhance training opportunities for students in the heavy goods vehicle (HGV) industry. The college says this "significant investment" will benefit both full-time students and apprentices, helping them develop the necessary skills to succeed in the growing HGV sector.

Funded by the Department for Education, the new vehicles will provide hands-on experience with state-of-the-art technology, giving students access to the latest tools and techniques used in the industry. Neil Atkinson, curriculum area manager for engineering and motor vehicles, called the purchase a "fantastic addition" that will allow for more comprehensive and up-to-date training.

Luke Bazeley, head of campus, said the HGVs are a "game changer" for aspiring engineers and mechanics. He emphasised that these vehicles would enable students to learn locally, giving them vital skills for a sector with increasing demand for trained professionals.

This investment marks a key step in expanding the college's ability to prepare students for successful careers in the HGV industry, offering them real-world experience with modern equipment.

The UK government has announced £10.5 million in funding to help ports prepare for the new EU border checks that are set to be introduced this autumn. This financial support will assist the Port of Dover, Eurotunnel at Folkestone, and Eurostar at St Pancras in implementing the EU's new Entry/Exit System (EES).

The EES will require travellers from the UK and other non-EU countries to undergo digital border checks, including the capture of biometric data such as fingerprints and photographs. This system is intended to replace traditional passport stamping, with registration valid for three years after the initial entry. The government’s funding is aimed at equipping these ports with the necessary technology to ensure smooth processing and reduce queue times for travellers.

Initially scheduled to begin in 2022, the EES has faced several delays and is now expected to launch in November 2024. The funds will be used by the Port of Dover to expand its processing facilities, while Eurostar and Eurotunnel will focus on upgrading technology and training staff to meet the new requirements. Transport Minister Lilian Greenwood highlighted the importance of minimizing queue times at the ports, despite the EES being an EU-led initiative. Officials from Eurostar and Getlink, which manages Eurotunnel, have also emphasised their commitment to a smooth transition, having already invested significant resources in preparation for the system's rollout.

Each port is set to receive £3.5 million from the government to support these preparations, marking the first allocation of funds specifically aimed at preventing delays related to the EES. This investment is expected to play a crucial role in ensuring that the new border checks do not cause significant disruptions for travellers.