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These are turbulent times. Unprecedented upheavals, changes and circumstances have been seen all over the world. Whatever your field, you’ve 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 the very least, the way you travel and commute.

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 how you react to them is. Explore these five key changes, prepare to adapt, and you’ll not only survive the changes, but learn to thrive on them.

KEY CHANGE 1: Environmentally conscious policy and incentives

The environment is one of the hottest contemporary topics in a variety of industries. More companies than ever are aiming to tackle what experts call a “climate crisis.” This is being seen not only in business, but also in national and international policy making.

Examples include things like the introduction of the popular Walk to Work or Cycle to Work schemes, which is designed to reduce congestion and pollution on major roads, as well as incentivize workers to improve their health.

More national or all-policy examples include tax breaks and incentives for businesses and individuals to only buy green cars, such as electric or hybrid vehicles, which can then be written off as a legitimate expense.

Other widespread transport policies with an ecological bias include the construction of bicycle lanes and cycle routes, as well as congestion charges and tariffs designed to reduce the use of non-essential transport, especially in areas with high levels of pollution.

It is expected that there will be even more “aggressive” or proactive environmental policies affecting transport in the future.

So for all these reasons, and more, if you’re 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

One key change that is expected to substantially affect the transportation industry in the near future is automation. Whether through the use of robots and artificial intelligence in manufacturing, engineering, and administration, or even through the use of self-driving cars and autonomous vehicles, transportation is getting smarter.

Digital elements have been incorporated into almost all new types of transportation and are being linked for an increasing number of uses and responsibilities.

Many of us, and many companies, are already fully familiar with and trust 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 small ways that automation and artificial intelligence could help you, your mode of transportation, or your transportation business thrive.

It can be as simple as using software to track your business miles when traveling for work, to 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 surrounding Brexit, i.e. the United Kingdom’s departure from the European Union. This could have a huge impact on British imports and exports, with many finding the changes difficult to fully understand.

Some key areas that will be affected are increased levels of red tape and ‘red tape’, potential product shortages and delays, higher prices due to higher levels of supply difficulty, and contentious border issues, such as with Northern Ireland (which remains 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 there may be various border issues and tariffs imposed around the world.

The global marketplace is more volatile and competitive than ever before, and the dramatic changes ahead in the transportation industry are expected to reflect this.

KEY CHANGE 4: Faster changes to the law

Until recently, a change in the law often took a long time to be reviewed and even longer to go into effect. But that is starting to change.

Transportation industry experts agree that there may be widespread revisions to certain policies, approaches, and laws in the coming years, and that they are expected to take effect faster than ever before.

Laws can change the way we drive, from rules on using hands-free phones in cars, to increases in car taxes dictated by how much CO2 the vehicle uses (coming into effect in 2021) and new rules that will see motorists face fines and penalty points if they are caught filming videos, taking photos, or holding their device while driving.

Due to the rapidly changing nature of driving, transportation, and (especially) their intersection with technology, laws and policies are expected to be reviewed and implemented faster than ever before.

Stay up to date to avoid getting caught by a rule you might not even know existed!

KEY CHANGE 5: Remote work

One of the biggest changes experienced by the transportation industry is the rise of remote work.

But remote work is no longer just a response to national lockdowns or reduced travel during a global pandemic. It’s also a pervasive change in the way we work and how businesses choose to operate.

Remote work can reduce the amount of congestion and pollution on national highways. You can save time and money traveling and connect workers from all over the world, 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 transportation industry.

Regardless of your background, you don’t have to be an expert on these topics, but by possessing a reasonable level of awareness of these key issues affecting the transportation industry, you’ll be better prepared for the future!