By Marco Digioia
Secretary General European Road Haulers Association – UETR
The digitization of freight transport will be one of the main elements of European Commission’s Strategy for Sustainable and Intelligent Mobility (Smart), which is scheduled for the end of this year. The purpose of the initiative is to take up current and future challenges in terms of environment, economy and social changes. The European Green Deal, Ursula von der Leyen’s blueprint and roadmap to make Europe the first climate neutral continent and reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions by 2030 from at least 40% to 55% (90% in the transport sector), is very ambitious. Transport companies are ready to play their part with the use of new technologies. Digitization, connected and self-driving vehicles, shared economy and innovative mobility platforms are now becoming real and their widespread diffusion will contribute to achieving EU goals. Hopefully, companies will be provided with measures and financial support. Commercial vehicles and trucks are on track. New generation ones will be equipped with sophisticated technology and native connectivity. “Older” fleets are called to modernize in order to stay competitive; in this sense, the role of Telematics Service Providers (TSP) is indispensable.
New technologies will control the entire life cycle of vehicles and will reduce all risks, improve efficiency, increase productivity and make them compliant with current legislation. Legal compliance guarantees fair competition between operators, as well as road and social safety. In the future, it will be essential to invest in 5G, artificial intelligence, blockchain and common databases to bring benefits to business and society.