These are turbulent times. Unprecedented upheaval, change and conditions have been seen all over the world. Whatever your industry, you’ve certainly noticed significant shifts in the way your industry operates.
This is certainly true of the transportation world.
In this article, we explore five major changes the transportation industry has gone through – or expects to experience – in recent and upcoming years. Importantly, we’re also exploring how it might affect you and your business, or at least, the way you travel and commute.
By becoming aware of these five major changes, you can take steps to prepare. This could mean adjusting your budget, changing how you drive, making adjustments to your travel and commute, or exploring “green” and greener options.
Circumstances may not be in your control – but the way you react to them is. Go through these five major changes, be ready to adapt, and you’ll not only survive the changes, but learn to thrive in them as well.
Key change 1: environmentally conscious policies and incentives
The environment is one of the hottest contemporary topics across a range of industries. More than ever, companies are aiming to tackle what experts call the “climate crisis.” This is not only seen in business but also across policy making both nationally and internationally.
Examples include things like introducing the popular “walk to work” or “cycle to work” designed to reduce congestion and pollution on major roads, as well as incentivizing workers to improve their health.
More examples at the national or policy level include tax credits and incentives for companies and individuals to buy only environmentally friendly vehicles – such as electric or hybrid cars that can then be written off as a legitimate expense.
Other widespread transportation policies with an eco-leaning include the construction of bike paths and bike paths, as well as congestion charges and tariffs designed to reduce the use of non-essential transportation—particularly in areas with high levels of pollution.
It is expected that there will be more “aggressive” or proactive environmental policies affecting transportation in the future.
For all of these reasons, and more, if you’re considering purchasing a vehicle for your business, eco-friendly options have the best chance of fitting your budget and standing the test of time.
Key change 2: automation
The major change that is expected to greatly affect the transportation industry in the near future is automation. Whether through the use of robotics and artificial intelligence in manufacturing, engineering and management, or even the use of self-driving cars and self-driving vehicles, transportation is getting smarter.
Digital has been incorporated into nearly every new type of transportation, and is being relied upon for a growing number of uses and responsibilities.
Many of us — and many companies — are all too familiar with and dependent on GPS tracking, for example, but in the future, this could become more futuristic and less populated. Managing a fleet of delivery drones, or self-driving cars, might reduce the entire business team to just one management individual, for example.
It may take years, but it’s always worth exploring the small ways automation and AI can help you, your transportation method, or your transportation business thrive.
It could be as simple as using software to log your business miles when you travel for work, exploring fully automated delivery options, and more.
Key change 3: Boundaries and definitions
One of the recent controversial changes in the transport industry has been the turmoil surrounding Brexit – the UK’s exit from the European Union. This could have a significant impact on British imports and exports, and many find it difficult to fully comprehend the changes.
Some of the main areas that will be affected are the increasing level of bureaucracy and ‘red tape’, potential shortages and delays in goods, price hikes due to increased levels of supply difficulty, and contentious border issues – eg Northern Ireland (which is still in the EU single market for goods).
In general, it is expected that this will not be the case Brexit will affect transport In the coming years, however, there may be many new border issues 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 to the law
Until recently, law change has often been slow to be revised and even slower to enter into force. But this is starting to change.
Experts in the transportation industry agree that there may be large-scale revisions to certain policies, approaches and laws in the coming years – and that they are expected to come into effect faster than ever.
Laws can change the way we drive rules on hands-free phone use in cars, increases in motor vehicle tax dictated by the amount of CO2 a vehicle uses (effective in 2021), and new rules that will have motorists facing fines and penalty points if they are caught making videos, taking pictures, or holding their device while driving.
Given the rapidly changing nature of driving and transportation and (especially) its intersection with technology, it is expected that laws and policies will be reviewed and published faster than ever before.
Stay up to date to avoid falling into the trap of a rule you probably didn’t know existed!
Key change 5: Telework
One of the most significant changes the transportation industry has experienced The rise in telework.
But telecommuting is no longer just a response to national lockdowns or reduced travel during a global pandemic. It’s also a widespread change in the way we work and how companies choose to operate.
Telecommuting can reduce the amount of congestion and pollution on national roads. It can save time and money in commuting and connecting workforces from all over the world – regardless of their physical location. It is a complex issue in terms of pros and cons, but one that will inevitably become a major point of discussion in the contemporary transportation industry.
Regardless of your background, you don’t have to be an expert on these topics, but by having a reasonable level of awareness about these major issues affecting the transportation industry, you will be better prepared for the future!