Why the ‘Driverless’ Narrative Is Failing the Freight Industry

27 January 2026

Toby Patrick

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To many people, the thought of stepping into a driverless vehicle or being surrounded by them would seem risky. Yet despite this, according to many, the future of freight is driverless. But if we are moving towards a driverless future, we’re doing so more slowly than was expected. Is this an us problem, or is it a technology problem?

Modern silver train on tracks in an urban area, with mountains in the background. Visible power lines and a sign in the foreground.

Fear Before Function

There’s a lot of talk about driverless technology, but the action doesn’t match the talk. If we were to go back to the start of the millennium, I think most opinion leaders would agree that we’d be surrounded by driverless cars, trains, trucks and planes. Even in today’s current state of affairs, driverless vehicles seem to make the news regularly, but how many businesses are actually using the technology? How many people have stepped into a driverless vehicle? The numbers are pretty low, and there still appears to be a massive gap between marketing and adoption.

The Skill Shortage

The industry also appears to be at somewhat of a crossroads. Fewer people are undergoing transport training out of fear of a driverless future, but driverless technology isn’t at the point where it can replace traditional transport.

Not only does this contribute towards a driver shortage, but it has also contributed to a skill shortage in terms of developing driverless tech. While some are wary of entering the industry as a driver, others are viewing it from the opposite side, hesitant to step into technology-based roles in case the industry doesn’t come into fruition.

This is leaving the industry with an all-around shortage, and it may explain why the vision of a driverless future hasn’t taken off. In short, the industry is in desperate need of a recruitment-driven rebrand that attracts skilled drivers, engineers and startups to help transition us from one era to the next.

The Reality

We often fall into the trap of assuming that automation and robotics replace human jobs. The reality is that advances in technology often create new jobs and opportunities. If we are to achieve a driverless future, we’ll still need humans for quality assurance, legislation, maintenance and decision making.

Who Can Actually Build ‘Driverless’?

To bring the vision of driverless freight to life, it will require a first mover to prove that the vision is actually achievable. Often, this responsibility falls to a billion-dollar company to fund the research & development, infrastructure and marketing. Until we reach that point, driverless freight is likely to be beyond the reach of small businesses, which ultimately delays driverless freight from becoming the new normal.

Signs of Progress

On the subject of driverless becoming the new normal, it is positive to see signs of progress. Visible progress includes the driverless cabs that are becoming increasingly normal in places like Las Vegas. Obviously, driverless freight comes with far more complexity, but it does at least stress that society’s confidence in driverless vehicles is on the up.

Final Thoughts

It doesn’t seem to be a question of if we will adopt driverless transport, but more a question of when. And we are certainly moving towards this, albeit slowly. With the likes of Tesla ploughing millions into driverless cars and driverless trains becoming increasingly common in some parts of the world, surely it’s only a matter of time until driverless freight becomes the new norm.

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Navigating the Tapestry of the UK Post Office: From Controversy to Legacy

Paul Francis
Jan 8, 2024
3 min read

Currently, more than 700 UK Post Office Branch Managers, who were convicted of false accounting, theft, and fraud based on faulty software called Horizon, are meeting with Ministers to have their convictions overturned. This has brought a spotlight on Paula Vennells, the former Post Office chief executive, who was in charge at the time of the scandal, with over a million people signing a petition for Ms Vennells to lose her CBE.

As this unfolds, it prompts a reflection on the Post Office's past, present, and future. Do younger people know much about how and why it was formed? Its current state? And where it's going in the future?

Tracing the Origins: The Intricate Formation of the UK Post Office

In the intricate tapestry of British history, the inception of the UK Post Office dates back to the 16th century, a period marked by the visionary establishment of the office of the "Master of the Posts" in 1516 by King Henry VIII. This embryonic stage laid the groundwork for what would become a pivotal institution in the nation's communication infrastructure. The following centuries witnessed the gradual evolution of the postal system, responding to the changing needs of a growing society.

A traditional Royal Mail Post Box. Uk Post Office

Fast forward to 1840, and the landscape of British communication underwent a revolutionary transformation with the introduction of the Uniform Penny Post, a brainchild of the forward-thinking Sir Rowland Hill. This groundbreaking reform standardized postage rates and unleashed a wave of accessibility, making letter correspondence not only more affordable but accessible to individuals from all walks of life. The Penny Black stamp, an iconic symbol of this era, heralded a new chapter in the democratization of communication.

The historical development of the UK Post Office extends beyond letter delivery. The institution played a central role in the burgeoning technological advancements of the 19th and early 20th centuries, particularly in the establishment and expansion of telegraph and telephone services. These innovations not only facilitated rapid communication but also laid the groundwork for the interconnected world we know today.

The zenith of historical development arrived in 1969 with the formal creation of the modern Royal Mail Group. This comprehensive reorganization brought together disparate postal services under a unified structure, marking a watershed moment in the institution's evolution. The intent was clear—to streamline operations, enhance efficiency, and fortify the UK's communication infrastructure for the challenges of the modern era.

The Royal Mail Group's formation was not merely a structural overhaul; it was a strategic response to the evolving needs of a dynamic society. The institution adapted to societal changes, embracing innovations while preserving its core mission of connecting people across the nation. This adaptability and foresight have been integral to the Royal Mail's enduring legacy.

The journey from the 16th century to the present is a testament to the institution's ability to navigate the ebb and flow of historical currents. The formation of the UK Post Office, metamorphosing into the Royal Mail Group, encapsulates a narrative of resilience, innovation, and an unwavering commitment to fostering communication in the ever-evolving landscape of British history.

Ownership:

The ownership structure of the Royal Mail underwent a transformative shift in 2013 when the UK government decided to privatize the postal service through an initial public offering (IPO). Before privatization, the Royal Mail was a publicly owned entity, operated by the government. The IPO marked a significant move to introduce private investment, increase efficiency, and adapt to the changing dynamics of the postal landscape.

As a publicly traded company on the London Stock Exchange, the Royal Mail's leadership is now driven by executives and a board of directors. The CEO and top executives oversee day-to-day operations, while the board provides governance and oversight, reflecting the interests of shareholders.

Current Significance and Future Trajectory:

Amidst the recent controversies surrounding the UK Post Office, it is paramount to delve into its rich history, explore the intricacies of its formation, understand its historical impact on British society, and examine the significant shift in ownership that has shaped its contemporary identity as the Royal Mail Group.

The formation of the UK Post Office, evolving into the Royal Mail Group, is a story of historical development, innovation, and adaptation to changing times. From the establishment of postal services in the 16th century to the privatization and transformation in the 21st century, the Royal Mail has played a crucial role in the communication and logistics infrastructure of the United Kingdom.

As the institution grapples with recent controversies, the ongoing dialogue serves as a poignant reminder of the Post Office's enduring impact on society. Beyond the headlines, it remains a cornerstone of British history, connecting generations and facilitating communication in an ever-evolving world. The unfolding chapters of its narrative promise continued resilience, innovation, and an unwavering commitment to the essential task of connecting people across the United Kingdom.