The Future Of Haulage

Demands on drivers, hauliers and fleet managers continue to mount up. It remains to be seen if new technologies will make life easier or more complicated, but those behind the innovations seem determined to persevere.

- John Challen

Most people are big fans of shopping on the internet – let’s face it, what’s not to like? You can purchase exactly what you want, from the comfort of your own home. The majority of the time you can pick up products for a less than it would cost in a high street store. And, if the retailer has any sense, it’s easy to return if there is a problem with the purchased product.

But with the explosion of e-commerce, the job of moving all of these new purchases around the country becomes a bit of an issue. As well as the extra vehicles needed to transport parcels around the country putting a strain on the road network, there are environmental concerns and question marks over last mile delivery.

Potential solutions are on the table – and the rise of autonomous passenger car vehicles is making the transport industry sit up and take notice of that particular proposal. Embracing some of the latest technological and connectivity advances, another idea is platooning – albeit with a mixed response. It’s not a new idea – scientists, engineers and manufacturers have looked at the concept of such ‘road trains’ for decades – but there now seems to be a bit more movement in the area.

Platoons across the pond