The future of truck platooning in road freight industry

Abstract

Road freight plays a key role in the transportation sector due to its large network, which makes access to such extensive infrastructure. As a result, goods are easily and smoothly moved to meet the demand and supply of any businesses. However, the road freight industry has faced tremendous challenges regarding both economic and environmental aspects. And truck platooning, among other technological innovations, is believed to be a solution giving way out of the dilemma. The objectives were to study the most significant existing challenges in the road freight industry, also, the concept of truck platooning, its benefit and current implementation. Additionally, the future of this concept was examined as well. The research was conducted with qualitative research approach. Primary data were collected from interviews. Secondary data were gathered from academic research, studies, and articles. The interviews’ results were transcribed and discussed. The results of this study emphasized that the road freight industry is in crisis, which requires the attention of key players in the industry to bring about revolutionary changes. They are beneficial not only to businesses but, at the same time, reducing the negative impacts on the living environment. Interviewed experts have no doubt about the indifferences that technological innovations like truck platooning may bring in the future.