Key statements on security and opportunities in road freight
The road freight transport sector faces significant challenges in 2026, particularly concerning security. Cyberattacks make IT security a crucial success factor as digital fraud increases, as Gunnar Gburek, the head of business affairs at Timocom, notes. New technologies, like AI, present opportunities to address driver shortages amid an acute lack of qualified personnel. While the USA advances in autonomous driving, Europe lags due to stringent regulations. Moreover, structural inflexibility in transport processes creates capacity constraints, leading to inefficiencies during economic recovery.
Small freight companies are especially vulnerable to bankruptcies prompted by rising operational costs. This scenario results in increasing transport prices as workforce availability tightens, shifting the market balance. Diesel and energy price fluctuations add further complexity, influencing contract negotiations. Meanwhile, electrification of transport progresses, while hydrogen technology loses relevance. Stagnation in rail transport persists due to inadequate infrastructure. Ultimately, bureaucratic challenges remain, necessitating AI solutions to streamline operations and reduce administrative burdens.