Driving less stressful deliveries

Q&A: SNAP’s Matthew Bellamy talks about ackling the HGV and commercial driver shortage through stress reduction

The ongoing shortage of HGV drivers remains one of the biggest challenges facing the haulage industry, leaving fleets under increasing pressure to attract and retain talent.

Across Europe, more than 426,000 truck driver positions are currently unfilled, with the International Road Transport Union (IRU) expecting this figure to double by 2028. 

The Road Haulage Association (RHA) estimates that the UK needs 60,000 new HGV drivers each year for the next five years to meet demand and replace those leaving the industry.

We spoke to Matthew Bellamy, managing director of SNAP, a digital solutions provider for international freight mobility, about how fleet operators can tackle the driver shortage and retain drivers through stress reduction.

How does stress impact HGV drivers compared to regular car drivers?

HGV drivers face pressures that go far beyond those experienced by regular motorists. Limited parking for large vehicles, navigating narrow or congested streets, and high traffic volumes can make driving, in particular urban driving, more challenging and stressful. This turns routine journeys into time-pressured, high-stress experiences.

A 2025 survey from Geotab revealed that 91% of commercial drivers believe workplace stress had a negative impact on their driving, and 47% considered quitting their jobs amid workplace stress. 

With stress behind the wheel threatening driver wellbeing, safety, and retention, it is vital that fleet operators take steps to manage this. 

Why is it important for fleet operators to understand what contributes to increased stress levels in drivers?

Driving and parking in Europe’s cities presents daily challenges for HGV drivers, and high stress levels don’t just affect wellbeing; they impact fleet efficiency too.

For logistics managers, knowing where these challenges are greatest is crucial for route planning, driver safety, and operational performance.

SNAP’s recent research into Europe’s most stressful cities to drive in found Liverpool, Prague, and Dublin ranked as the most challenging.  

Key contributors for HGV driver stress included congestion, limited parking, and complex urban layouts. These pressures can quickly translate into lost time, missed deliveries, increased fatigue, and a higher risk of minor collisions or near-misses when driving to a tight schedule. 

How can identifying stressors help fleet operators make better journey planning decisions?

Understanding stressors across Europe helps fleet operators plan routes more effectively with a data-driven approach. By identifying persistently congested areas, limited parking zones, or complex urban routes, fleets can adjust schedules and model routes based on realistic journey times.

These insights also inform driver training, technology adoption, and risk management strategies. For example, fleets can provide additional guidance for navigating difficult urban environments where vehicles consistently slow down due to queues or a lack of suitable parking. 

Route optimisation tools can then build these factors into journey planning, helping operators design more efficient routes, while proactively preparing drivers for known pressure points along the way.

What other considerations are crucial for fleet operators in reducing driver stress?

Beyond route planning, access to secure, well-equipped truck parks is essential for supporting driver wellbeing. 

Drivers are legally required to take 11 hours of daily rest to maintain safety and alertness, and truck parks should help facilitate this rest. A lack of available stops is a risk to driver rest times, with a 2024 Transport Focus survey revealing that only 37% of drivers were satisfied with the number of available stopping places in the UK.

Safety is a key concern in truck parks, with HGV drivers facing risks related to burglary or vandalism. In December 2025 alone, 557 new freight crimes were reported to the Transported Asset Protection Association (TAPA) across 38 countries in the EMEA region, underscoring the significant risks faced by drivers. Sites with robust perimeter fencing, controlled entry points and 24/7 surveillance enable drivers to properly rest, worry free. 

Additionally, amenities like food, Wi-Fi, electrical hookups, and basic maintenance can greatly enhance driver comfort, helping them rest and prepare for their next journey.

When planning routes, fleet operators should prioritise rest stops that offer safety and amenities, ensuring drivers can rest comfortably and stress-free. Doing so helps support wellbeing, improve morale, and in turn boosts retention, contributing to a safer, more efficient, and sustainable workforce.

How can reducing driver stress help tackle the ongoing HGV driver shortage?

Reducing stress is a key part of making truck driving a more attractive and sustainable profession. 

High stress levels not only affect driver wellbeing but also increase turnover, with many experienced drivers considering leaving the industry. By focusing on smarter journey planning, awareness of stress hotspots, and access to secure, well-equipped rest facilities, fleet operators can create a safer and more supportive working environment.

This approach helps retain existing drivers, improve morale, and attract new talent at a time when demand is rising sharply. Ultimately, tackling stress on the road isn’t just about driver comfort, it’s a strategic solution to addressing the wider workforce shortage and ensuring fleets can operate efficiently and safely into the future. 

Matthew Bellamy is managing director at SNAP.

SNAP is a digital payment system and ecosystem designed for HGV drivers and fleet operators to manage payments for parking, washing, roadside assistance, and Dartford Crossing tolls. It works via license plate recognition to consolidate costs into a single monthly invoice, removing the need for cash, cards, or receipts.