Regulation, digitalization, and collaboration: three crucial aspects to meet the challenge of sustainability in logistics and transport

Hosted by enerTIC under the title "Advancing the decarbonization and digital transformation of industry: transport and logistics", this April saw a new Breakfast-Colloquium held to share the main challenges facing this industry in terms of sustainability and digitalization in the coming years. 

Taking part in the debate were representatives of various companies of the transport and logistics sector: Bergé, Carreras, GLS, Koiki, Logista, Mercamadrid, Method, Puertos del Estado, Scania, and Transmediterránea Logística; collaborating organizations such as Asociación Española del Transporte (AET) and Centro Español de Logística (CEL); and technology companies like GMV.

Forward Motion of the Path to Sustainability

Today the logistics and transport sector is a core segment of Spain's economy, accounting for around 7% of GDP. This figure can even rise to 10% if logistical activities carried out by industrial, commercial and service companies are considered, according to the organization Invest in Spain. All told, its annual turnover exceeds 100 billion euros.

In this context, this industry is in the midst of a process of evolution and transformation to adapt to the environmental regulations that have been approved in recent years. The companies in the sector, as described by the participants in the colloquium, are committed to adapting their operations to the new regulatory requirements established in Spain and Europe. However, this implies not only a review of their business strategies, but also significant investments in technology and infrastructure to comply with the established sustainability standards.

Fortunately, they are already taking the first steps in this direction, adopting measures to minimize their carbon footprint. This involves implementing advanced energy management systems; adapting logistics facilities to maximize efficiency and reduce environmental impact; implementing more efficient routes, especially in last-mile transport; and modernizing fleets, opting for electric vehicles and new energy sources such as natural gas and biofuels.

The prominent role of technology

Of course, this whole process towards decarbonization would not be possible without technological innovation as a support. However, not all companies in the sector have the same degree of digitalization, with a notable difference between large companies and smaller ones and freelancers, who need to make more progress on the road to digital transformation.

A good starting point, according to those attending the colloquium, would be to implement solutions that enable the digitalization of processes that previously relied on manual processing. This includes the transition from paper documents to digital formats and the use of advanced systems for inventory, fleet, and route management. In addition, progress should also be made in the implementation of technologies for collecting, processing, and analyzing large volumes of data in real time, which would make it possible to improve internal operations, anticipate market needs and respond proactively to customer expectations.

Additionally, the use of emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning, which can help improve the planning and execution of logistics operations, was also highlighted during the colloquium. These tools not only drive operational efficiency but also help companies reduce their carbon footprint. For example, AI-enabled route optimization reduces operational costs and lowers fuel consumption and pollutant emissions. In parallel, automation of warehouse management systems and real-time transportation planning tools can facilitate better management and visibility of inventory and logistics operations.

The sector must also consider protecting its operations against cyber risks through IT and OT cybersecurity tools to ensure the continuity of logistics activities and invest in training its personnel to effectively manage these new technologies. In addition, this industry has to address the problem of the lack of qualified personnel, which puts the generational changeover in jeopardy.

Technology and regulation

Finally, those attending the colloquium highlighted the gap that exists between technological progress and regulation. Excessive bureaucracy, high taxes, and strict regulations are creating a complex and costly operating environment, which can hamper the efficiency and competitiveness of companies. In addition, the administrative burden not only consumes time and resources but can also delay the implementation of new technological and operational solutions. High taxes can also reduce profit margins, affecting the capacity to invest in innovation.

To address this, public-private collaboration must be encouraged and, above all, companies in the sector must create spaces to collaborate and share information. This strategy will enable them not only to meet current requirements but also to position themselves better in an increasingly competitive global market. In fact, the strengthening of synergies between different industry and governmental actors will be crucial for the sustainable development of the sector.