Transport & Logistiek Vlaanderen (TLV) is the professional network for companies in transport and logistics in Flanders, Belgium. TLV represents and supports transport operators and SMEs through advocacy, practical advice, industry expertise and services. Since the summer of 2026, TLV has become an active member of ESPORG.
“We know our members and understand the challenges they face in their daily operations. We use these insights to shape our services and advocacy work,” says Johan Staes, CEO of TLV. “As a social partner, TLV also contributes to collective labour agreements covering areas such as wages and working conditions for truck drivers. This role gives us a close view of the challenges the sector is faced with. Many of these challenges do not stop at national borders. That is exactly why cooperation within ESPORG is so valuable to us.”
For ESPORG, TLV’s membership strengthens the connection between the European secure truck parking network and the transport operators who rely on these facilities every day.
“Welcoming TLV to ESPORG is an important step in bringing the perspective of transport operators even closer to our work,” says Dirk Penasse, General Manager of ESPORG. “The challenges facing drivers and transport companies — from safe and secure rest conditions to the energy transition — are European challenges that require practical, cross-border solutions. By working together with important road transport organisations such as TLV, we can make sure that the development of Europe’s truck parking network responds to the real needs of the sector.”
Making the profession more attractive, also for female drivers
The shortage of truck drivers is a major challenge. Over the next ten years, around a quarter of Belgium’s current drivers will reach the retirement age. Attracting more new drivers to the profession is key.
Good working conditions are vital in this process. Drivers who spend days on end on the road need safe and comfortable places to rest, rather than having to park on motorway entrance or exit ramps because there is no alternative. Secure parking areas, clean sanitary facilities, showers and access to healthy food are basic requirements. They contribute to both driver’s wellbeing and road safety.
Good facilities can also help attract new groups to the profession, with women having an important role to play. ESPORG’s initiatives to improve driver wellbeing and make the profession more appealing therefore closely match TLV’s priorities.
Truck parking as a link in the energy transition
Truck parking areas will also be highly essential in the energy transition. Uncertainty about charging infrastructure remains a barrier for those transport operators considering investing in electric trucks. Future-proof parking areas with sufficient fast-charging facilities and access to alternative fuels such as HVO and hydrogen can help reduce this uncertainty.
“Joining ESPORG, enables us to exchange knowledge and experiences, to learn from developments in other European countries and to bring the voice of Belgian transport operators into the European debate. Driver wellbeing, secure parking infrastructure and the energy transition require cooperation across national borders. TLV wants to actively contribute to this, with solutions that work in practice for both drivers and transport operators,” concludes Johan Staes.
