As Europe aims to become the world’s first climate-neutral continent by 2050, the haulage industry must accelerate its transformation. Haulage leaders are exploring available funding and innovative solutions to achieve sustainability goals within truck parks. SNAP, a digital marketplace for the haulage industry, has predicted how truck parks will evolve to advance the logistics and haulage industry and its carbon footprint by 2049.
With EV and AI technology set to transform the haulage industry SNAP has predicted that truck parks will need to improve EV infrastructure through offering two separate charge points. One charge point area to allow local drivers to complete quick pitstops, and the second to accommodate overnight charging. The increasing need for electricity as part of the infrastructure needed for EVs will mean parks will need to generate power on-site.
Electricity sourced by wind power will be introduced to support wider sustainability initiatives and enable necessary power. AI optimization of energy needs will also be key to achieving climate goals. By managing energy use efficiently, AI can direct power during peak times and conserve it during low demand, reducing waste and lowering carbon emissions from parks.
Other rapid technological advancements include autonomous trucks, which are set to be on the road as soon as 2026. As the complexities of technology develop, on-site training facilities will be required to support drivers to develop the skills that will become necessary to continue to work in the industry and ensure the talent shortage doesn’t worsen.
To combat the alarming €8.2 billion lost to cargo theft every year across Europe, SNAP has shared how advanced technology will create safer parks:
• 24/7 security, including the use of robot policing, such as dogs and police patrols that provide autonomous surveillance, allowing all areas of truck parks to be monitored, without a human needing to be present.
• Secure entrances and exits that will only be accessed by pre-booked trucks, and monitored via license plate recognition.
• Thermal cameras to detect any unusual activity.
• Facial recognition to detect individuals within the truck parks.
• AI criminal pattern predictions, to anticipate crime.
Matthew Bellamy, managing director at SNAP commented on the predictions. “It is important for haulage leaders to keep their finger on the pulse of industry trends and changes. As technological advancements are accelerating rapidly, decision-makers must explore available funding and leverage the latest technology to improve the safety and well-being of drivers, whilst working towards reducing emissions. We look forward to seeing these recent investments transforming the haulage industry within the next 24 years.”
As seen across various industries, increased adoption of automation will allow humans to take on different roles. To aid the transition into a more automated world, facilities to support mental health and minimise loneliness will also be key. SNAP has revealed how future features of their 2049 truck park would offer a safe and secure environment for all, including:
• Providing an area for drivers to socialize, create communities, and combat loneliness.
• Ensuring secure parking spaces are available, allowing drivers to comfortably take daytime breaks away from their trucks, promoting a healthy work-life balance.
• Supplying 24/7 automated shops, which use smart payment systems that allow drivers to charge expenses to their companies. Vending machines that will supply hot, and freshly made meals, providing healthy and convenient food options for drivers.
Major recent investments to transform truck parks include €750 million from the IRU advocacy and £16 million from the UK government.
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