Electrification, autonomous driving, blockchain and in-home delivery: game-changers in today’s world of transportation and logistics

Abstract

This article reviews the major agents of change that are currently trending in transportation and logistics.  Electrification is one of these trends as not only passenger vehicles, but also commercial vehicles seek both economic and sustainability objectives in its adoption.  Information technology is another agent of change that is enabling technologies such as autonomous driving, blockchain solutions, and in-home delivery. One surprising global trend is the rise of nationalism and the resulting slow-down in momentum in global trade barrier reductions. This geo-political turbulence and the uncertainty it brings will require future supply chains to consider greater elements of flexibility in supply chain design.