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Just as an interesting insight into UK versus European transport contract cultures, how do drivers see the respective pros and cons of operating in the two areas? Of course, there are some generalisations here as the term ‘Europe’ covers many and very varied countries and their divergent transport cultures. Road quality This might be a tale of two cities. Many continental motorways are toll roads and, as a result, traffic volumes are lower and there appears to be more money available for things such as maintenance. That might mean that on the whole, continental motorways are superior, though they can be very expensive when you are considering a long haul. In terms of smaller roads, although they may not exactly be brilliant, in Britain they may be infinitely better there than in some continental countries where they are in appalling condition. There are honourable exceptions, such as France, where the ‘A’ road system is generally superb but in some other countries when driving them, you’ll feel like you’d be better off in a Moon buggy. Food and facilities Perhaps on motorways, it’s not easy to choose between one country and another. These days, prices may not be hugely different and the food might be reasonably similar also. When you are on ‘A’ roads however, things might be significantly different. Generally, on the continent, there are more places to stop, parking is often easier and commercial drivers better catered for, than you may find to be the norm in the UK. The food itself might also be much more varied and home-prepared, whereas in the UK it’s not always easy to see much difference between smaller road establishments and motorway services. Congestion Sadly, many UK drivers carrying out transport contract commitments will readily admit that traffic congestion is far less of a problem in most European countries than it is in the UK. Outside of some major conurbations, massive delays are relatively rare - unlike in Britain where they are the norm almost irrespective of where you are in the country. Attitudes to commercial drivers Some drivers operating on transport contract work see many European countries as being intrinsically more welcoming to goods vehicles than the United Kingdom. There seems to be a general European acceptance of the fact that vehicles are linked to people going about their legitimate work to the greater benefit of their economies and society, than might be the norm back home. Sometimes in Britain, commercial vehicles are vilified as being dangerous, polluting and socially hostile. While there may indeed be certain issues in some of that, even so, at the moment modern society doesn’t have much of an alternative. That seems to be better recognized abroad sometimes. Making progress This is always a controversial but fun area to discuss! Some drivers will tell you (including many from the continent) that Europe essentially divides into two blocks - Northern Europe, including the UK, and central / Southern Europe. Some argue that in the former it is typically possible to get things done relatively quickly and outside of the norm. In the second, well, it might be sometimes rather more of a challenge! Are those outdated stereotypes perhaps? Form your own view! Prices There is the danger of drifting into politics here, but one has to consider that the UK and much of Europe are on two different currencies. There are also huge differences again between the prices in different Eurozone countries. Even so, when taking everything into account, some drivers might find that many basic commodities are now cheaper in the UK than in much of Northern and Western Europe. Oddly though, that might exclude diesel in many cases. Something that is pretty important if you’re in transport contract work. Perhaps all this proves is that nowhere is ideal! Norman Dulwich is a Correspondent for Haulage Exchange, the leading online trade network for the road transport industry across the UK and Europe. It provides services for matching transport contract opportunities and to buy and sell road transport and haulage work in the domestic and international markets.
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