These are turbulent times. Unprecedented upheavals, changes and circumstances have been seen around the world. Whatever your field, you have surely noticed major changes in the way your industry operates.
This is certainly true for the world of transportation.
In this article, we explore five key changes that the transportation industry has experienced, or expects to experience, in recent years and in the years to come. Importantly, we also explore how they might affect you and your business, or at least the way you travel and get around.
By knowing these five key changes, you can take steps to prepare. That could mean adjusting your budget, changing the way you drive, making travel and commuting modifications, or exploring greener and more environmentally friendly options.
Circumstances may not be in your control, but the way you react to them is. Explore these five key changes, prepare to adapt, and not only will you survive the changes, but you will also learn to thrive on them.
KEY CHANGE 1: Environmentally Conscious Policies and Incentives
The environment is one of the hottest contemporary topics in a wide range of industries. More companies than ever are aiming to tackle what experts call the “climate crisis.” This is being seen not only in business, but also in the formulation of national and international policies.
Examples include things like the introduction of the popular Walk to Work or Cycle to Work schemes, which are designed to reduce congestion and pollution on major roads, as well as incentivize workers to improve their health.
More national or general policy examples include tax breaks and incentives for businesses and individuals to purchase only eco-friendly cars, such as electric or hybrid vehicles that can then be written off as a legitimate expense.
Other widespread transportation policies with an ecological bias include the construction of bike lanes and cycle routes, as well as fees and congestion charges designed to reduce the use of nonessential transportation, especially in areas with high levels of pollution.
Even more “aggressive” or proactive environmental policies are expected to affect transportation in the future.
For all of these reasons, and more, if you are considering buying a car for your business, green options have the best chance to fit your budget and stand the test of time.
KEY CHANGE 2: Automation
A key change that is expected to substantially affect the transportation industry in the near future is automation. Whether it’s through the use of robots and artificial intelligence in manufacturing, engineering, and management, or even through the use of autonomous vehicles and autonomous vehicles, transportation is getting smarter.
Digital items have been incorporated into almost every new type of transportation, and are being relied upon for an increasing number of uses and responsibilities.
Many of us, and many companies, are already completely familiar with and rely on GPS tracking, for example, but in the future this may become more futuristic and less populated by individuals. Managing a fleet of delivery drones or autonomous cars can reduce an entire work team to a single manager, for example.
It may be years away, but it’s always worth exploring the little ways automation and artificial intelligence could help you, your mode of transportation, or your transportation business prosper.
It can be as simple as using software to record your business miles when traveling for work, exploring fully automated delivery options, and more.
KEY CHANGE 3: Borders and Tariffs
One of the most controversial recent changes in the transport industry has been the turmoil around Brexit, that is, the UK’s exit from the European Union. This could have a huge impact on UK imports and exports, with many finding the changes difficult to fully understand.
Some key areas that will be affected are an increased level of red tape and ‘red tape’, possible shortages and delays with goods, higher prices due to higher levels of supply difficulties, and contentious border issues, such as with Northern Ireland. (which is still in the EU single market for goods).
In general, it is expected that it is not just Brexit that will affect transport in the coming years, but that there may be several new border problems and tariffs imposed around the world.
The global market is more volatile and competitive than ever, and the upcoming dramatic changes in the transportation industry are expected to reflect this.
KEY CHANGE 4: Faster changes in the law
Until recently, a change in the law often took time to review and even slower to take effect. But that is beginning to change.
Experts in the transportation industry agree that there may be widespread revisions to certain policies, approaches, and laws in the coming years, and they are expected to go into effect faster than ever.
Laws can change the way we drive, from rules about using hands-free phones in cars, to increases in car taxes dictated by the amount of CO2 the vehicle uses (which will take effect in 2021). and the new rules that will see drivers face fine and penalty points if they are seen filming videos, taking pictures or holding their device while driving.
Due to the rapidly changing nature of driving, transportation, and (especially) its intersection with technology, laws and policies are expected to be revised and implemented faster than ever.
Stay up-to-date to avoid getting caught by a rule you didn’t even know existed!
KEY CHANGE 5: Remote work
One of the biggest changes in the transportation industry is the rise of telecommuting.
But remote work is no longer just a response to national lockdowns or travel reductions during a global pandemic. It is also a pervasive change in the way we work and how companies choose to operate.
Remote work can reduce the amount of congestion and pollution on national highways. You can save time and money on the go and connect the world’s workforce, regardless of their physical location. It’s a complex topic with pros and cons, but it will inevitably become a major talking point in the contemporary trucking industry.
Regardless of your experience, you do not need to be an expert on these topics, but with a reasonable level of awareness of these key issues affecting the transportation industry, you will be better prepared for the future!