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
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