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Industrijske novice • 4 min branja

Proračun Združenega kraljestva za leto 2025: Kaj pomeni za tovorni promet?

Ustvarjeno: 10. 12. 2025

Posodobljeno: 10. 12. 2025

Proračun Združenega kraljestva za leto 2025 prihaja v težkem trenutku za sektor cestnega prometa. Prevozniki se soočajo z naraščajočimi plačami in stroški poslovanja, nizkimi maržami, starajočo se infrastrukturo in stalnimi pritiski na področju zaposlovanja. Hkrati se pospešuje prehod na čistejšo mobilnost, kar ustvarja nova pričakovanja in povečuje potrebo po dolgoročnih naložbah.

V naslednjem članku je opisano, kaj proračun pomeni za infrastrukturo, naložbe, stroške delovne sile in širše poslovno okolje tovornega prometa.

Naložbe v infrastrukturo

Na vozne parke že vrsto let vplivajo slabše stanje cest, omejitve teže na starajočih se mostovih in vse večja nepredvidljivost časa potovanja. To jasno kažejo vladni in industrijski podatki. Po poročanju Road Condition Index bo v Angliji in Walesu v naslednjem letu verjetno potrebno vzdrževanje več kot ene od desetih milj omrežja, zaostanki za obnovo cest pa se še naprej povečujejo. Te težave povzročajo poškodbe vozil, utrujenost voznikov, višje stroške zavarovanja in motnje v voznih redih. Poleg tega povzročajo dodaten pritisk na prevoznike, ki se že tako ali tako spopadajo z majhnimi maržami.

V novem proračunu so ti pomisleki upoštevani. Pozitiven korak je znatno financiranje strateških nacionalnih projektov, vključno s skoraj 900 milijoni funtov, dodeljenimi za Lower Thames Crossing, ki naj bi zmanjšali zastoje, zagotovili zanesljivejše čase potovanja in varnejše vozno okolje za težka tovorna vozila.

Lokalne oblasti bodo prejele tudi del 2 milijardi funtov, namenjenih izboljšanju cest in odpravljanju vse večjega števila lukenj. To bi lahko občutno spremenilo stanje voznih parkov. Po lokalnih cestah se prevaža večina domačega tovora ter predstavljajo prvo in zadnjo miljo skoraj vsake dostave. Njihovo izboljšanje bi moralo zmanjšati obrabo vozil in operativno obremenitev.

Te zaveze ne bodo takoj odpravile desetletja premajhnih naložb, vendar pomenijo pomemben premik k cestnemu omrežju, ki je bolj odporno in bolje prilagojeno realnosti sodobne logistike.

Razvoj delovne sile s pomočjo vajeništva

V proračunu je več pozornosti namenjene tudi znanju in spretnostim. V celoti financirana vajeništva za mlade do 25 let, ki delajo v malih in srednje velikih podjetjih, bi lahko pomagala pritegniti nove udeležence v poklic, ki jih nujno potrebuje.

Pomanjkanje voznikov je dobro dokumentirano. Združeno kraljestvo mora v naslednjih petih letih zaposliti približno 200 000 novih voznikov tovornjakov, da bi stabiliziralo dobavne verige, po vsej Evropi pa se povprečna starost poklicnih voznikov še naprej dviguje. Le majhen delež voznikov je mlajših od 25 let, stroški usposabljanja pa so ovira za številne mlajše kandidate.

Z zagotavljanjem financiranih vajeništev je logistika v kritičnem času dostopnejša. Podpira tudi manjše izvajalce, ki pogosto težko vlagajo v usposabljanje, čeprav morajo razširiti svoje ekipe.

Spodbude za posodobitev

Proračun uvaja dodatno podporo za naložbe, zlasti v zvezi z obnovo voznega parka. Upravljavci, ki nameščajo polnilno infrastrukturo, lahko do marca 2027 izkoristijo 100-odstotno olajšavo za prvo leto. To bo pomagalo nadomestiti začetne stroške električnih težkih tovornih vozil in opreme za polnjenje v skladiščih.

Od januarja 2026 bo na voljo nova 40-odstotna olajšava za prvo leto za številna sredstva z glavno davčno stopnjo, vključno s tovornjaki, kar je še posebej koristno, kadar se ne uporablja popolna odprava stroškov ali letna olajšava za naložbe, na primer pri nekaterih zakupljenih voznih parkih in operaterjih brez pravne osebnosti.

Pritiski na stroške poslovanja

Jesenski proračun vsebuje več pozitivnih ukrepov, vendar bodo morali upravljavci načrtovati tudi povečanje stroškov. Dajatve za gorivo se bodo med koncem avgusta 2026 in marcem 2027 postopoma zvišale. Gorivo je že zdaj eden največjih stroškov prevoznikov, načrtovana povišanja pa bodo verjetno povečala poudarek na učinkoviti porabi goriva, telematiki, konsolidiranem načrtovanju poti in obnovi voznega parka.

Trošarina za vozila (cestni davek) se bo z aprilom 2026 povišala v skladu z inflacijo, tudi za težka tovorna vozila. Od aprila 2028 se bo poleg obstoječe trošarine za električna vozila (eVED) uporabljala tudi nova trošarina za električna vozila (eVED), ki bo za električna vozila na baterije in priključne hibride zaračunavala na podlagi prevoženih kilometrov. Čeprav eVED sprva ne vključuje električnih kombijev in tovornjakov, nakazuje dolgoročni premik k obdavčitvi na podlagi prevožene razdalje, ki ga bodo morala vozna parka upoštevati pri prihodnjem načrtovanju.

Tudi dajatev za težka tovorna vozila se bo ponovno začela povečevati z inflacijo. Vozila, ki presegajo 12 ton, morajo plačati dajatev, preden lahko uporabljajo ceste A ali avtoceste, spremenjena stopnja pa bo še en strošek, ki ga morajo vozni parki upoštevati pri načrtovanju.

Tudi večje nepremičnine z višjo vrednostjo bodo verjetno bolj izpostavljene pritiskom sprememb poslovnih obresti. V proračunu so potrjene trajno nižje poslovne stopnje za trgovino na drobno, gostinstvo in prosti čas, ki se delno financirajo z višjimi dajatvami za najdražje poslovne prostore. Mednje spadajo velika skladišča in distribucijski centri, zato lahko upravljavci z velikimi lokacijami pričakujejo sorazmerno višje račune kot manjša skladišča ali lokacije na glavnih ulicah.

Poleg tega proračun uvaja več ukrepov, ki neposredno vplivajo na finančni položaj prevoznikov in oseb, ki vodijo podjetja za prevoz blaga ali delajo v njih. Delo že zdaj predstavlja enega najvišjih stroškov v sektorju, te spremembe pa bodo vplivale na načrtovanje plač, ohranjanje zaposlenih in osebne finance številnih lastnikov prevoznikov.

Zvišanje minimalne plače pomeni, da se bodo delodajalci soočili z višjimi stroški zaposlovanja v skladiščih, logistiki zadnjega kilometra in podpornih vlogah. Številni izvajalci so se v zadnjih letih že spopadali z zvišanjem plač, to nadaljnje zvišanje pa bo še dodatno povečalo pritisk v času, ko so marže še vedno majhne. Za vozne parke, ki so odvisni od nadur, nočnega dela ali sezonskih konic, bo vpliv še bolj opazen.

naraščajoče upravne zahteve

S proračunom se nadaljuje vladna usmeritev k večji digitalizaciji davkov in poročanja. Pričakovanja glede skladnosti se bodo v prihodnjih letih povečala, saj bodo kazni za prepozno oddane obračune DDV in samoprijave strožje, od leta 2027 pa bo veljal razširjen okvir za digitalno obdavčitev. Obvezno elektronsko izdajanje računov bo sledilo leta 2029.

Na prevoznike paketov in prevoznike mešanih tovorov bodo prav tako vplivale spremembe carin za uvoz blaga nizke vrednosti, ki bodo najpozneje do marca 2029 veljale za blago, vredno manj kot 135 funtov. Čeprav je cilj izenačiti pogoje za proizvajalce iz Združenega kraljestva, bo to verjetno povečalo upravni pritisk na prevozna podjetja.

Te spremembe lahko sčasoma izboljšajo učinkovitost, vendar bodo zahtevale naložbe v sisteme in usposabljanje osebja. Prilagoditve bodo verjetno najbolj občutili manjši vozni parki brez posebnih upravnih ekip.

Mešani proračun

Čeprav se bodo izvajalci soočali z višjimi stroški in večjo upravno zapletenostjo, proračun za leto 2025 predvideva tudi nekatere najpomembnejše zaveze za cestno omrežje in nabor znanj v zadnjih letih.

Ti ukrepi skupaj kažejo na proračun, ki skuša uravnotežiti fiskalne omejitve z dolgoročnimi potrebami. Pot, ki je pred nami, bo še vedno zahtevala skrbno načrtovanje in strateške naložbe, vendar obstajajo resnične priložnosti za okrepitev temeljev sektorja in podporo bolj odporni prihodnosti tovornega prometa.

SNAP voznim parkom ponuja praktična orodja za upravljanje tega spreminjajočega se okolja, od dostopa do parkirišč do podatkov, ki podpirajo skladnost in operativno odločanje. Prijavite se in odkrijte, kako lahko SNAP pomaga okrepiti odpornost vašega voznega parka v prihodnjih mesecih.

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torek 16 december 2025 • Industrijske novice

KAJ ŠPANSKA OBVEZNA DIGITALNA EVIDENCA POMENI ZA VOZNE PARKE, KI DELUJEJO V EVROPI

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Spain is preparing for one of the most significant transport reforms in its recent history. The Sustainable Mobility Law (Ley de Movilidad Sostenible), which received final approval in November 2025, will introduce mandatory digital records for road freight control documentation, creating a more transparent, enforceable and efficient system for domestic and international carriers. Although this is a major national change, it forms part of a wider trend. Across Europe, governments and operators are moving towards a fully digital freight environment as the EU prepares to implement the (eFTI).For fleets working in and out of Spain, this is the start of an important transition. It signals a future in which paper documentation becomes the exception rather than the rule and in which digital processes support faster checks, smoother operations and greater consistency across borders.While the Sustainable Mobility Law addresses wide-ranging transport reforms – from urban mobility to domestic flight restrictions – the provisions most relevant to international freight operators centre on digital documentation. A central section of the law introduces a mandatory digital “control document” for road freight. This includes the use of approved digital formats, such as the electronic consignment note (eCMR), which Spain has already ratified and treats as legally equivalent to the paper CMR note. The law aims to reduce administrative burdens, eliminate inconsistencies in paperwork and shorten the time required for checks and inspections. Rather than relying on handwritten notes or physical documents that can be misplaced, carriers will store, share and verify transport information digitally. For operators, this should mean fewer disputes over documentation, less ambiguity around compliance requirements and greater certainty when preparing for audits or regulatory reviews.In practice, the obligation focuses first on the digital control document used for roadside and regulatory checks, but it is expected to accelerate wider use of eCMR and other digital freight documents across the supply chain.The timeline for implementation will begin once the law is published in Spain's Official State Gazette. Carriers should expect the digital control document obligation to take effect roughly ten months after publication, making 2026 the likely year when full compliance will be required.The Mobility Law applies to road transport operations that fall under Spanish control rules on Spanish territory, not just Spanish-registered companies. Carriers will need to ensure their systems can produce and transmit digital records in compliant formats. Any delay in adopting digital documentation could slow down inspections or disrupt customer schedules.This means that foreign operators running international loads into, out of or through Spain should plan on being able to provide the required control document in digital form when requested by Spanish authorities.The Spanish reforms align closely with the EU’s eFTI Regulation, which will require Member States to accept digital freight documentation once the technical and certification rules are in place (from mid-2027). eFTI sets a unified framework for how information is structured, transmitted and verified. While it obliges authorities to accept digital records, it does not require operators to use them. Spain’s Mobility Law therefore goes further, making digital control documents mandatory for road freight.Under eFTI, carriers will be able to provide freight information electronically through certified platforms. Enforcement authorities will receive that information through secure digital channels. This should reduce administrative friction across the EU’s busiest freight routes.Spain is not alone in taking early steps. Several EU countries have already moved towards paperless freight systems and their experience demonstrates what a fully digital environment could look like.● The Netherlands has been one of the earliest adopters of eCMR and has trialled end-to-end digital workflows across different modes of transport. ● France also moved early, supporting digital documentation and faster roadside checks following its ratification of the eCMR protocol. ● In the Benelux region, Belgium, Luxembourg and the Netherlands are running a joint eCMR pilot and digital logistics corridor, illustrating how interoperable documentation can work across national boundaries.● Denmark and Sweden have operated national e-freight trials designed to simplify the sharing of transport information. Taken together, these examples show that Spain’s Mobility Law is part of a broader European transition. Rather than standing apart, Spain is moving in step with a continental shift towards digital documentation that aims to make road freight faster, more transparent and more consistent across borders.The move to digital records brings several practical advantages. Digital documents reduce the time drivers and enforcement officers spend handling paperwork and shorten inspections during roadside checks. This mirrors the benefits seen with the introduction of , which have reduced unnecessary stops for compliant drivers and improved the consistency of enforcement across Europe.Digital documentation also removes the errors that can arise from handwritten notes or damaged paper notes. Fleet managers can instantly retrieve records, resolve errors more easily and maintain clearer oversight of documentation across multiple routes. For operators managing complex schedules, this increased predictability supports better planning and stronger customer service.Drivers are likely to benefit too. A shift to digital records reduces administrative pressure and helps avoid disagreement at delivery points. With all documents stored digitally, drivers have a single source of truth that is accepted across the supply chain.Fleets may need to invest in updated transport management systems or integrate new tools that support digital documentation. Operators may require additional support and training to shift from paper-based processes to new digital workflows.There will also be a period of adjustment in which paper and digital systems may operate side by side. As eFTI becomes established across Europe, some countries will move faster than others. Operators travelling across different borders may encounter varying expectations, particularly in the early years.Throughout this transition, driver welfare should remain a priority. The administrative load associated with new processes often falls on drivers. Clear training and straightforward systems will be essential.Spain’s Mobility Law marks an important moment in the evolution of European freight. It reflects a sector that is modernising at speed and preparing for a future built on digital workflows rather than manual paperwork. Operators that begin preparing now will be in a strong position as Spain’s digital control document requirements take effect and eFTI comes into force across Europe.At SNAP, we support fleets across Spain and the wider continent with tools that make daily operations simpler and more predictable. The intruck app helps drivers locate and book secure parking along their route, which is particularly valuable as compliance processes evolve. If your fleet is preparing for Spain’s new requirements or the broader digital transition across Europe, SNAP is here to support every step of the journey.

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ponedeljek 03 november 2025 • Industrijske novice

9 NAČINOV, KAKO ZAZNAVANJE AI SPREMINJA INDUSTRIJO VOZNIH PARKOV

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Artificial intelligence (AI) has redefined how fleet professionals approach daily operations. Modern technologies let managers measurably improve maintenance, safety and compliance across their vehicles. As regulatory pressures rise, AI-driven insights will be more critical in gaining a decisive edge. Here are nine ways AI detection is transforming the fleet industry. Advanced telematics and machine learning (ML) algorithms help AI detection in fleets by monitoring driver behaviour. These devices analyse real-time patterns and flag risky driving behaviours like speeding and harsh braking. ML models instantly process data from in-vehicle sensors and identify deviations from safe driving norms and company policies.Drivers receive immediate feedback in the vehicle, while fleet managers get detailed reports on trends. The wealth of information helps supervisors personalise coaching sessions and find specific improvement areas. Telematics solutions have been critical to fleets nationwide because through improved behaviour and training programmes. AI algorithms are essential to analysing real-time traffic data, like road closures and weather conditions. Congestion can be significant, especially if your routes pass through London. A 2024 Inrix report said drivers when driving in the capital city. ML models can quickly identify bottlenecks and adverse weather to meet critical delivery times. Fleet managers benefit because their drivers can improve on-time performance. Route optimisation means deliveries are more likely to arrive during scheduled windows. It also enhances driver behaviours by idling less and covering fewer miles. Modern AI technologies rapidly detect roadway closures and unexpected weather changes to minimise disruptions. Accident reporting used to include manual logs and documentation. However, AI can reduce labour needs by automatically detecting and submitting incident reports. From collisions to near misses, these technologies can recognise potential incidents. Sensors gather relevant information at the event’s timing to provide more context. Unusual circumstances like airbag deployment can also be part of the automatic reporting. Once AI detection is complete, the system compiles information into a standardised report. Manual logs can create time-consuming tasks, so AI can automate these processes and free up staff. Fleet managers and insurers receive the report, thus ensuring compliance and accurate communication. Advanced technologies capture relevant data and use consistent formatting, so all parties get the critical details. Unexpected vehicle breakdowns can disrupt schedules and delay deliveries. AI helps fleet managers detect these problems before they become significant issues. From engine temperature to oil pressure, characteristics are monitored in real time. Advanced algorithms identify subtle anomalies and alert operators when a component is nearing failure. While fixed service intervals can be beneficial, AI lets you be more proactive and schedule maintenance precisely. Tire pressure sensors are an excellent example, especially for construction and utility companies. Experts say air compressors than equipment needs to maintain best practises. These sensors continually monitor output and detect gradual drops, flagging early signs of leaks.AI detection in fleets goes beyond studying driver behaviour. Telematics and sensors analyse speed and acceleration patterns to better understand fuel consumption. The systems monitor your vehicles for excessive idling and inefficient routing that increases petrol or diesel usage. AI can tailor recommendations to drivers by offering optimised speed ranges or maintenance needs.Fleet managers benefit by getting aggregated data on fuel consumption and spending. This information helps them make more informed vehicle procurement and route planning decisions. If older vehicles show inefficiencies, it may be time to upgrade the lot. Logistics professionals should compare individual vehicles against industry standards to see outliers. The U.K.’s environmental goals by 2050. Therefore, fleet managers must be more aware of tightening standards and the risk of fines. AI detection helps vehicles through sensors and onboard diagnostics systems, which collect data during operations. ML algorithms identify patterns and anomalies within the information and notify of excessive emissions. AI can alert fleet managers and enable proactive maintenance if a vehicle exceeds emissions thresholds. While humans take measures to reduce greenhouse gases, AI detection is rising to help the transportation industry. A 2025 study said by adapting eco-driving capabilities. The U.S. researchers said implementing it in 10% of vehicles would reduce carbon emissions up to 50%. Another way fleet managers can reduce emissions is through electric vehicle (EV) conversion. EV ownership is rising nationally through private drivers and fleet owners, as a 2025 report from 2023. AI can assist logistics professionals in the transition by recommending when, where and how to electrify their fleets. First-time EV owners may need help with charging windows and infrastructure needs. AI-powered systems detect when and where electric cars could naturally align with charging windows. For example, it could recommend the best times to charge to reduce schedule disruptions. Some may be pondering the switch to EVs, so logistics managers can leverage AI to compare cost data between electric and petrol cars. While AI investment can be a barrier, it may be financially beneficial in the long run. These software options that slows daily operations. Early detection of issues can lead to a more well-maintained fleet, which creates more uptime and revenue. Fleet managers can also save money through enhanced route optimisation and fuel management. AI detection in fleets is essential for streamlining administrative processes. These technologies can automatically perform compliance checks and incident documentation, thus reducing the need for manual paperwork. Your operators can focus more on the bigger picture and less on administrative overhead. If monitoring helps your drivers, it could reduce the cost of vehicle repairs and legal claims. Vehicle and cargo theft ., though they remain significant concerns. AI detection offers additional security layers by reducing the window of opportunity for thieves. Asset tracking features combine GPS and telematics capabilities to monitor real-time location, essential for companies transporting high-value assets. Fleet managers benefit from geofencing features, allowing them to set virtual boundaries. If a truck or van exits these zones, AI-powered systems automatically flag the event and notify logistics professionals. The algorithm is intelligent enough to understand anomalies and security protocols. Abnormalities can trigger security measures like remote disabling. AI is a practical, game-changing tool for fleet managers. Advanced analytics and real-time monitoring empower logistics professionals to drive measurable safety and performance improvements. While technologies are developing, the future is here. Your business should be willing to invest in AI-driven solutions to reduce costs and minimise risks. Discover more from .

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četrtek 28 avgust 2025 • Industrijske novice

ALI SE VOZNI PARKI PREUSMERJAJO NA INTEGRACIJO AVTONOMNIH VOZIL?

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The buzz around self-driving cars isn’t as loud as it used to be, but it remains a constant noise in fleet managers’ ears. The United Kingdom government has moved autonomous vehicle integration pilot plans to 2026, renewing interest in the technology. Will decision-makers ignore the noise or embrace early adoption?Autonomous vehicle integration involves embedding self-driving technologies like artificial intelligence, light detection and ranging (LiDAR), and high-definition cameras into commercial fleets. On a broader scale, it entails introducing self-driving cars into existing public transportation systems.Driver assistance systems include collision avoidance, automatic speed adjustment, lane-centring, adaptive cruise control and intelligent ride-hailing. Partial and conditional automation leverage more advanced technologies to enable hands-free operation under certain circumstances.Level 4 and 5 automation are top priorities for automakers but challenging to implement in practice because engineers must account for countless edge cases. Even with advanced AI, perfecting parking and preventing collisions can be difficult. What if the pavement markings are barely visible or a child runs into the road? Adoption hinges on the car’s reaction.According to the Centre for Connected & Autonomous Vehicles, transport secretary Heidi Alexander confirmed the U.K. government will accelerate self-driving commercial pilot plans and aim for Spring 2026. The move could and add £42 billion to the U.K. economy by 2035.The country’s new automated vehicle legislation is among the most robust worldwide, laying the groundwork for widespread commercial adoption. Technological maturity is the only remaining hurdle.In an interview with McKinsey & Company, Sascha Meyer — the CEO of German automotive technology company MOIA — said predicting autonomous vehicle integration timelines has been challenging. In 2016, her enterprise MOIA throughout Europe by 2021.Since then, Meyer has realised adoption entails designing an entire ecosystem, not just driving functions. The new timeline sees self-driving cars in European cities by 2030 at the earliest. The engineers at MOIA are designing the prototype to exceed mandated redundancies. This way, they will be ready to operate commercially once the relevant legislation passes.Delivery, taxi, utility, and commercial fleets are seeing an uptick in driver assistance systems and intelligent automation. However, the penetration rate remains relatively low, especially considering how long the technology has existed. What are their plans for autonomy?Increased efficiency is among the main reasons fleet managers are embracing automation. Unlike humans, driverless vans can operate around the clock. With telematics systems, they can optimise driving and minimise idle time to improve fuel efficiency and expedite trips.AI is immune to human error, eliminating harsh braking and distracted driving. It cannot become fatigued and does not have blind spots. These improvements could help reduce road collisions and car accidents, which can mitigate costly workers’ compensation claims and potentially lower insurance costs.Cost savings are another contributing factor. At Level 4 and 5, owners can optimise labour expenses and compensate for driver shortages. Moreover, electric driverless cars with vehicle-to-grid capacity can over 30 years, helping offset the upfront investment.Aside from waiting for driverless technology to mature, fleet owners are delaying adoption due to high upfront costs. Embedding LiDAR, AI and telematics into every truck is expensive. Buying new instead of retrofitting is equally pricey. Even if cost savings could be found, technology is moving quickly — their investment may quickly become outdated.Safety is another concern. Photo-eye sensors garage doors. They stop the door from closing on objects, cars or people, and are used throughout the industry in car washes and automotive assembly lines. While some automakers utilise camera-only systems, engineers have had to pioneer new solutions. Today, many use LiDAR, global navigation satellite systems and ultrasonic sensors.However, even the most advanced systems are fallible. It is not enough to make automated cars perform as well as people — they must succeed where human drivers fail.Sensors have existed for years, but engineers have not perfected them yet. They may fail in edge cases or unfamiliar scenarios. Level 3 cars only work on premapped, divided highways in clear weather. Given that the U.K. in 2021, they may be too unreliable for adoption at scale.Autonomous vehicle integration may be moving slowly, but it is on track to reach its destination within the next decade. According to Goldman Sachs research, sold worldwide could be Level 3 vehicles by 2030. It forecasts that Level 2 — those requiring driver supervision — will increase from 20% of sales in 2025 to 30% in 2027.Managers should consider the scope and cost of autonomous fleet integration to determine whether early adoption is right for them. It will likely result in long-term savings, but waiting may be more rewarding because it allows time for technological advancement. If the cost-benefit analysis is unconvincing, they should consider incrementally upgrading as cars fail.Those who proceed with adoption must develop operation, storage, security and upgrades policies. These rules should vary depending on the automation level. For instance, drivers of Level 3 lorries should be required to pay full attention to the road to take control if necessary.Educating employees on their role is essential for successful implementation. Volkswagen Financial Services research found consider themselves better drivers than autonomous vehicles, so they are unlikely to overestimate the driverless system’s capabilities. However, they should still receive explicit training on best practices and habits to avoid.Self-driving machines are hard at work in ports and warehouses across Europe. Automating highway vehicles is more challenging because they are not on a fixed track. Also, they must account for variables like weather and other motorists. Geofencing, telematics and AI are accelerating adoption by making the unpredictable predictable. At the very least, these solutions enhance response times and mitigate human error, demonstrating that these previously unproven technologies are just as capable as human motorists.For now, full automation that eliminates the need for human attention remains theoretical. However, hands-free driving is a reality, and driverless systems could soon become standard issue in commercial fleets. As automakers perfect driving functions, fleet owners should prioritise route mapping, driver management and maintenance scheduling.Discover more from .