TWIF: New Lower Thames crossing and better HGV driver recruitment

Welcome to This Week in Freight, your go-to source for the latest haulage and road freight news and advice in the UK.

Every Friday, we gather the week’s top stories affecting fleet managers, operators, and drivers, keeping you informed on industry trends, updates, and key developments.

🏁 The Lower Thames Crossing is a go

The government has granted planning approval for the £9bn Lower Thames Crossing – a new 14-mile A-road and the longest road tunnel in the UK – linking Kent to Essex to relieve Dartford congestion.

Now set to begin construction in 2026, the project will almost double road capacity east of London, improving connectivity between the South East, the Midlands, and the North.

Once built, the route is expected to boost trade, cut freight delays, and support supply chains while lowering emissions with low-carbon construction and extensive green infrastructure.

Get the details on MotorTransport.

👨‍🔬 A better way to recruit HGV drivers

From shortlisting and interviews to onboarding and retention, every step matters if you want drivers who actually stay.

We’ve put together a practical guide for haulage fleets looking to hire permanent HGV drivers with the right experience and attitude, covering:

✅ Licence and compliance checks
✅ Smart interview questions
✅ Long-term retention tips

Read the full guide for a hiring process that actually works.

🦺 How safe is your warehouse?

From slips and trips to improper storage and untrained forklift use, warehouse risks can impact your entire supply chain. Warehouse News’ new guide highlights the top hazards businesses face—and how to reduce accidents, damage, and costly delays.

Whether you run your own storage facility or rely on third-party warehouses, getting proactive about health and safety can protect your goods, your people, and your bottom line.

Read the full checklist of warehouse risk factors and find out how to keep your operations running smoothly.

🛌 Rested drivers = safer roads

Whether your fleet operates across the UK or into Europe, staying compliant with drivers’ hours rules is non-negotiable.

From driving limits and rest periods to tachograph rules and international regulations, we break it all down clearly, so you can keep your fleet running smoothly and avoid unwanted fines.

Check out our drivers’ hours guide for a refresher on what applies to your drivers.

👶 No HGVs for 17 year olds

The EU has backtracked on plans to force all member states to allow 17-year-olds to train as HGV drivers, instead leaving it up to individual countries.

While some road safety advocates are relieved, others fear missed opportunities to ease the driver shortage.

The final legislation introduces new rules for novice drivers – including a mandatory two-year probation period and training on advanced safety tech – but drops the proposed zero-alcohol requirement for young drivers.

☎️ Seasonal freight spikes can catch you off guard

But they don’t have to.

With historical data, scalable support, and smarter route planning, you can tackle any peak head-on.

Discover how the UK’s most agile hauliers are handling the pressure – and delivering on time – in our guide to managing seasonal demand.

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