A Bright Future for Haulage Companies

There has been considerable speculation regarding the potential for exciting developments in the haulage industry during recent times. The Chartered Institute of Logistics and Transport has released a comprehensive report highlighting expected changes in the transport industry. Industry analysts have taken the opportunity to highlight challenges that will need to be overcome by haulage companies in the years ahead. The most significant claims are examined in this article, however, experts agree, the transport and haulage industries are here to stay and, in fact, the future looks bright.

Land Use

Experts in the field of logistics have claimed that it will be necessary to create urban hubs and grant local authorities the power to organise traffic logistics in their respective areas. They would be able to draw upon extensive local knowledge to reduce the levels of traffic congestion and streamline deliveries. It is quite possible that the logistics specialists already working for larger haulage companies will be able to have their say on a local level.

National Transport Infrastructure

There may well be a need to centralise the management of road and rail networks in the near future. Significant investment will be necessary to build the links between towns and cities of different sizes, and there have also been calls for further action to improve road safety across the UK. Haulage companies are in general agreement regarding the need for comprehensive road maintenance and traffic management, and the production of driverless vehicles and delivery drones may well have a positive impact on the levels of congestion.

Energy Efficiency

There are plenty of concerns regarding the upward curve in fuel prices. It seems likely that the leading motoring organisations and haulage companies will have to continue to try to find solutions to this problem in tandem with the government. It may be necessary to consolidate freight groups and form local logistics networks for the achievement of improved efficiency, and specialist transport businesses are also expected to invest in longer-length trailers and electric vans with the aim of minimising fuel consumption. The increased focus on environmental issues may well prompt the development of alternative transport methods in the long-term future.

Management Of the Workforce

Some of the leading industry experts are expecting a decline in the availability of skilled haulage workers over the coming years. This problem may be partially alleviated by the influx of drivers and logistics personnel from foreign countries, however haulage companies are being encouraged to invest in training and the development of new opportunities for delivery staff. It is quite likely that they will opt to increase their rates to facilitate comprehensive training of the workforce.

Unexpected Scenarios

There is a fair chance that many of the aforementioned initiatives will begin taking place in the near future. However, representatives of haulage companies should not be surprised by developments that aren't widely expected. Some people say that parcels and packages may soon all be delivered by autonomous robots - as in the fledgling Amazon model - and that the national postal service might cease to exist.

In truth, it is impossible to predict the future of any industry with complete accuracy, but with the huge influx of online commerce, the transport industry looks like it won’t be facing a downward turn anytime soon.