Viareds Företagsförening has highlighted Drivers First and the development of Viared’s truck parking facility in Borås. In the article, they share more about the investment in secure truck parking, improved services and safer conditions for professional drivers in Viared.

Read the full article from Viareds Företagsförening below.

23 September 2026

A few years ago, parked trucks along the streets were a common sight in Viared. This created challenges for accessibility and road safety, while drivers lacked a suitable place to stop while waiting for loading or unloading, or for their daily rest.

Viareds Företagsförening decided to work towards a solution. Following extensive collaboration with member companies, property owners, the City of Borås and other stakeholders, the Viared truck parking facility eventually became a reality. A challenge that no single company could solve on its own was addressed through a joint effort.

And the parking facility has made a difference. When VFF previously met the driver Christos, he explained that it saved him at least one hour a day and made his working day both easier and safer.

The initiative is now entering its next phase. Since 1 August, Drivers First has taken over the operation of the facility and will continue to develop it. At the same time, the company has become a new member of Viareds Företagsförening.

“Viared is a very interesting area for us. There are significant transport flows, many companies that depend on efficient logistics, and a clear need for a safe and well-equipped place for professional drivers,” says Johanna Holmén, CCO at Drivers First.

Safety first – fencing is being installed

Drivers First is not coming to Viared to build a truck parking facility from scratch. It is already there and serves an important purpose. The focus now is on developing the existing facility, with the first improvements already underway.

This week, work has begun on installing fencing around the entire facility. The parking area will be monitored by CCTV and equipped with controlled entry and exit, increasing security for drivers, vehicles and cargo.

The existing facility building, which already includes toilets, will also be refurbished. Future plans include significantly more services: showers, vending machines, laundry facilities and a driver lounge with TV, Wi-Fi and free coffee. Drivers First is also exploring sleep pods, a mobile service station and charging infrastructure for heavy vehicles as the transition to electric transport continues.

“We want to create more than just a place to park a truck. Drivers spend a significant amount of time on the road, and they need both security and practical services that make everyday life easier,” says Johanna.

Better conditions can help attract more people to the profession

The name Drivers First reflects the company’s fundamental approach – putting the driver first. The initiative is also part of a larger issue facing the transport industry.

The shortage of professional drivers is already a challenge, and Johanna believes the industry needs to become more attractive to new groups of people. Better conditions on the road are part of that.

“If we want more people to choose a career as a professional driver, we also need to look at the working environment around the job. Safe and clean places to stop, where drivers can shower, do laundry, eat, rest and feel secure, matter. This is particularly important if the industry is to attract more young people and more women.”

New pricing model as the facility develops

As the parking facility is developed, Drivers First is also introducing a new hourly pricing model. Drivers pay based on how long they use the facility, while gaining access to a safer parking environment and, over time, more services.

Johanna emphasises the importance of monitoring the impact of the changes together with the businesses in Viared and the City of Borås.

“Of course, we want drivers to use the parking facility. That is why we need to follow the development and maintain a good dialogue with the city, so that together we can see what works and whether any further measures are needed.”

One issue to monitor is whether trucks begin parking along the streets in the area again to avoid parking fees. Parking on the streets is prohibited, but Johanna emphasises the importance of continued dialogue with the City of Borås and ensuring that the parking restrictions are enforced.

“The important thing is that we follow how it works in practice. The goal is for the parking facility to become the natural choice for drivers.”

Viared is part of a larger investment

Viared will not be Drivers First’s only facility. The company currently operates four truck parking facilities, with another two scheduled to open during the autumn.

“Viared has everything that makes this type of investment relevant. There are many transport-intensive companies, significant truck flows and, importantly, an established parking facility that is already being used. For us, it is about building on what already exists and developing the site together with the local business community,” says Johanna.

New member of Viareds Företagsförening

As Drivers First takes over the operation, the company is also becoming a new member of Viareds Företagsförening. For Johanna, this is a natural part of establishing the company in Viared.

The parking facility is located in the middle of an area with many transport-intensive businesses, and engaging with these companies will be important as the facility continues to develop.

“We want to get to know the companies in Viared and understand their needs. What are they hearing from drivers? What works well and what could be improved? The business association is an important gateway for us to build those relationships,” says Johanna.

She also sees value in the established collaboration between companies in the area.

“A lot is happening in Viared, and there are many issues that businesses have in common. For us, it is valuable to become part of that community, connect with local companies and take part in the dialogue.”

“I welcome transport companies, freight forwarders and drivers to get in touch. We see great opportunities to work together to optimise both inbound and outbound flows around Viared and find solutions that make everyday life easier for both drivers and businesses.”