AMSTERDAM: April 12, 2018. A survey of European road haulage operators by the world transport organization IRU says 50 percent of respondents think their top challenge of paper management will be resolved by digitization.

According to the IRU, 65 percent of operators are looking to invest in technology over the next six months to improve their day-to-day operations while 38 percent plan to invest in new fleet management solutions, and 25 percent in electronic or digitized documentation.

Asked what would be the most important changes to impact their businesses over the next 5-10 years, 40 percent cited autonomous vehicles, 26 percent digital service platforms and new transport providers, while only 20 percent said drones would have a significant effect.

“What we are witnessing today is an industry predominantly looking to use technology to solve basic operational challenges, such as moving to digital documentation and improving traceability, security and efficiency,” said IRU Global Innovation lead Zeljko Jeftic.

For 28 percent of survey respondents, digital is seen as a way to overcome the industry’s shortage of drivers although 32 percent do not believe driverless trucks will resolve the issue.

Founded in 1948, the IRU created the TIR trade facilitation convention for the cross-border transport of goods. IRU has members and activities in more than 100 countries. However only 133 operators responded to the survey conducted in March and April this year.

Together with the Oman Ministry of Transport & Communications, the IRU will hold its World Congress in Muscat, November 6-8 this year. More information: https://www.iruworldcongress.com/