Self-driving and electric vehicles, drone technology, Wi-Fi connectivity, artificial intelligence and more: the world around us is changing fast, and the logistics sector is one area embracing new technologies and solutions quickly.

The Freight Transport Association (FTA), which has more than 17,000 members nationwide, will be holding a new one-day event, The Future Logistics Conference & Expo 2018, to arm companies with the knowledge they need to embrace the future of freight and provide a platform for discussion and debate.

To be held at the Warwickshire Event Centre on 14 November 2018, the one-day conference and expo will bring together the brightest minds in the logistics sector to debate the factors that will shape the industry in the coming years and provide a showcase of the very latest emerging technologies in the freight industry. Featuring 27 speakers – including experts from the Centre for Connected and Autonomous Vehicles and the Transport Research Laboratory – the conference will explore three main themes: managing people in a connected world; developing strategies to optimise operations; and tools, technologies and the future of transport. 

“We’re seeing unprecedented changes in the logistics industry. From the growth of the gig economy to the advancement in autonomous vehicles, freight transport is undergoing significant changes and we want to arm companies with the toolkit they need to best prepare for the future,” commented David Wells, Chief Executive, FTA. “While the logistics industry is facing many challenges, such as skills shortages, Brexit and operational restrictions, there are many opportunities on offer for those brave enough to embrace our new connected world. With an industry-wide view and years of expertise, FTA is perfectly positioned to map out the future of freight, with a little help from some of the most respected, influential and innovative experts in logistics.”

Headline speakers include:

• Gavin Bailey, Technical Development Manager, Transport Research Laboratory (TRL)

• Iain Forbes, Head of the Centre for Connected and Autonomous Vehicles

• Justin Laney, General Manager – Fleet, John Lewis Partnership

• Professor Rose Luckin, Professor of Learner Centred Design

Within the conference, three theatres will host a full programme of plenary speaker sessions, interactive sessions and panel discussions. Topics explored will include: how opportunities such as artificial Intelligence, autonomous transport, the gig economy and a lack of new entrants are affecting the future shape of the industry; how businesses need to redesign their operations to thrive in an increasingly regulated sector; and how technologies and alternative fuels, such as gas, hydrogen and electricity are reshaping the way our fleets operate.

“Many of the ideas we are currently seeing come to fruition in the marketplace would have been unthinkable ten years ago,” continues Wells.  “Logistics is an agile, connected industry with plenty of forward thinking individuals at its heart and I am certain that this event will form the basis of ideas that will continue to shape our world, and the future of our sector.”

The price to attend the conference is £150.00 + VAT, which includes refreshments.  To book your place, please contact FTA’s member services team on salessupport@fta.co.uk or 03717 11 22 22.

For more information, please visit www.fta.co.uk/flc 

Freight Transport Association

About the Author: John Loughran