These are turbulent times. Unprecedented upheavals, changes and circumstances have been seen throughout the world. Whatever your field, you are bound to have 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 could affect you and your business, or at 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 in 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 are calling 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 policy-wide 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 transportation policies with a green bias include the construction of bike lanes and bicycle routes, as well as congestion charges and fares designed to reduce non-essential transportation use, especially in areas with high levels of pollution.

Even more “aggressive” or proactive environmental policies are expected to affect transportation 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 of fitting your budget and standing the test of time.

KEY CHANGE 2: Automation

A 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 thoroughly familiar with and rely on GPS tracking, for example, but in the future this may become more futuristic and less populated by individuals. Managing a fleet of drones for delivery, or autonomous cars, can reduce an entire work team to a single managerial person, 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 log your business miles when you travel 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, that is, the departure of the United Kingdom 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 an increased level of red tape and red tape, potential shortages and delays with products, higher prices due to increased levels of supply difficulty, and contentious border issues, such as with Northern Ireland (which remains being in the single market for EU goods).

In general, it is expected that it is not only Brexit that will affect transport in the coming years, but that there may be various border problems and tariffs imposed throughout the world.

The global marketplace is more volatile and competitive than ever, 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 was often slow to review and even longer to take effect. But that is beginning to change.

Transportation industry experts agree there may be widespread revisions to certain policies, approaches and laws in the coming years, expected to come into force faster than ever.

Laws can change the way we drive, from rules on using hands-free phones in cars, to increases in car taxes dictated by the amount of 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.

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 is also a widespread change in the way we work and how companies 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 around 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!