systems. Enabling the installation of residential solar and energy-storage systems would make it more economical to recharge EVs, and thus encourage EV ownership. These systems would also reduce grid loads, which helps to lower electricity prices at peak times and to free more capacity for vehicle charging. Officials can set the stage for these advances by working out the extent and makeup of the necessary charging systems, which remain unclear in many cities.
KRISTY KNICHEL- Knichel Logistics
More and more, we are seeing new technologies break into the transportation scene. Uber Freight launched last spring and is essentially an app for freight that operates like Uber’ s ridesharing service. Both Convoy and Amazon have apps that target on-demand freight, as well. These apps operate by matching trucking companies with shippers who have freight that needs to move.
One of the things I think they may have success with is capturing transactional market share. Currently, these apps are in their infancy and are in limited geographic markets, but there is potential for growth. From our end, we are seeing transactional business pick up substantially, so it’ s highly probable that more shippers will become willing to embrace any solution that provides them with a truck. And carriers will be more than willing to embrace it if they feel those platforms can offer them higher- and faster-paying freight.
Another potential disruptor is the autonomous vehicle boom. Tesla has already unveiled their electric semi-truck, which has a range of 500 miles on one charge. Pre-orders are piling in from large asset companies, so there is clearly an interest in this technology. No longer having to pay for diesel fuel or the upkeep of maintaining a combustion engine, while having increased visibility from the streamlined cabin of this truck are all alluring factors to many drivers. It looks like right now the only thing holding Tesla back is the 500-mile cap and current lack of charging stations.
I still think we are a few years out from seeing autonomous trucks impact the industry in any significant way. A lot of the activity, industry chatter and pre-orders are likely due to the fact that larger asset companies want to make sure they are not just standing around with their hands in their pockets – they want to show their shareholders that they are not ignorant of innovative technology and what may be a new era of transportation.
SPENDEDGE Real Time Logistics Tracking
Analytics and big data will facilitate integration of trucks and containers into logistics throughout the supply chain. Cloud-based architecture and mobile applications will help transport carriers and companies in tracking and monitoring their vehicle location, temperature, pressure, health of the driver and estimated arrival time of the vehicle. The vehicles will also be enabled with sensors that will assist in determining route and space thereby making the operations more efficient and effective.
Predictive Network
Predictive analytics can be used to tap into new growth opportunities in the transportation industry. The huge amount of data at the disposal of carriers can be used to derive actionable insights to predict consumer behaviour and their shopping habits. This also means that carriers can pursue these insights to provide on-time delivery irrespective of peak traffic periods and other possible roadblocks. The freight and shipping carriers can leverage this data to manage their fleets, improve capacity, optimise routes and forecast traffic.
INTERNATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF PUBLIC TRANSPORT( UITP)
Urbanisation is accelerating, and cities are playing an increasingly important role in shifting towards the production and exchange of ideas and knowledge. These trends are affecting the shape of cities and the demand for mobility, with proximity and connectivity now more valued than ever. In this context, public transport has a bright future, as the demand for mobility is
77