Some of the most challenging European routes for international freight services are found in regions where terrain and weather create obstacles to transportation. The Massif Central in France, the Mediterranean coast, the Trans-Pyrenean routes, and Northern Scandinavia each present unique difficulties which require skill and experience to navigate safely.
Massif Central, France
The Massif Central is a mountainous region that covers about 15% of mainland France and features some of the most arduous driving conditions in the country. The area is characterized by steep gradients and winding roads, some of which ascending to over 1,100 meters.
Additionally, Massif Central features diverse microclimates as the altitude changes over short distances. A truck driver might start a journey in clear weather and suddenly encounter fog or a thunderstorm that requires a quick and safe response. Moreover, the remote nature of much of the area means that amenities and services such as repair shops or rest areas are fewer and further between. This can pose challenges in cases of mechanical failure or when adverse weather strikes unexpectedly.
Mediterranean Coast, France
The Mediterranean coastal routes, particularly those along the Italian and French Riviera, also pose challenges for the distribution of goods via large trucks. The narrow roads here are often hemmed in by the mountains on one side and the sea on the other which leaves little room for maneuvering. What is more, these roads were not originally designed to accommodate the heavy traffic of modern times, especially not the large trucks that are a common sight today. Many of these roads such as the famous SS1 Aurelia in Italy follow ancient routes that wind along the coast with numerous sharp bends and blind corners.
Trans-Pyrenean Routes
The Pyrenees, a mountain range that forms a natural border between France and Spain, are characterized by winding roads that snake along the contours of the mountains. These roads feature a series of sharp bends and curves and are narrow and flanked by steep drops on one side and rocky walls on the other which leaves little room for error.
An example of this is Col du Tourmalet, one of the highest paved roads in the Pyrenees which includes all three challenging elements. This pass is notorious for its narrow roads and tight turns, compounded by precipitous edges with little to no barriers in some sections and sheer falls of several hundred meters in certain areas.
Northern Scandinavia
The northernmost parts of Norway, Sweden, and Finland are known for their harsh winters where temperatures can plummet to as low as -50 degrees Celsius during the coldest periods. In such cold conditions, snow accumulates on the road and ice forms from moisture on the surface which results in slippery and hazardous roads.
Additionally during the polar night, the sun does not rise above the horizon at all for periods ranging from a day to several weeks, depending on the latitude. In the absence of natural light, headlights and auxiliary lighting serve as the primary sources but they do not provide the same depth perception and contrast that daylight offers. The problem worsens due to the reflective nature of snow and ice which scatter artificial light, create glare, and further reduce visibility for drivers.