Our latest industry report, Navigating UK Transport and Logistics in 2026 and Beyond, is now available to download, revealing how priorities are shifting across the sector as operators balance safety, sustainability, technology adoption and ongoing operational pressure.

Based on responses from 250 UK transport and logistics professionals, the report explores the issues shaping fleet operations in 2026, from the growing role of AI and automation to the rising importance of environmental performance and the continued need to improve efficiency across day-to-day operations.

The findings show a sector that is embracing innovation, but also one that continues to face complex commercial, regulatory and workforce challenges.

One of the strongest findings from this year’s report is the progress being made around driver safety. Nine in 10 transport and logistics managers say advances in fleet and driver management technology have helped drivers feel safer than they did five years ago.

Sustainability has also moved sharply up the agenda. Six in 10 respondents now describe environmental impact as a top priority for their organisation, compared with 36% in our 2025 report.

The report also highlights growing confidence in emerging technologies. More than eight in 10 transport and logistics managers now use AI tools to support fleet and supply chain operations, while 88% believe their organisations are well equipped to maximise the technology’s potential in the future.

For us, the real opportunity lies in embedding intelligence into everyday tools, helping operators interpret data more easily, automate workflows and make faster, more informed decisions across the transport function.

While the sector is making progress, the research also shows there is still room to improve efficiency.

Transport and logistics managers reported spending an average of 2.3 hours each day manually processing proof of delivery documentation, up from 1.7 hours in 2025. The average daily cost associated with manual proof of delivery processing has also risen year-on-year to £172.40.

The pace of change means technology must keep evolving with the needs of operators. Across the report, managers place growing emphasis on automation, AI, real-time visibility and integrated data flow in the tools they use to manage fleet operations.

This direction is central to the development of Microlise One Analytics, which brings together more than 40 years of experience and innovation to support performance, efficiency, safety, compliance, sustainability and profitability.

By strengthening how data is connected, interpreted and applied, we’re focused on helping operators gain a clearer, end-to-end view of their operations and take a more proactive approach to decision-making.

Commenting on the report’s findings, Microlise CEO Nadeem Raza said:

“Transport and logistics operators are working in an increasingly demanding environment, balancing customer expectations, regulatory requirements, sustainability goals and commercial pressures.

“We wanted to examine what had changed in the 12 months since the publication of our first industry report as well as predicting what might happen in the coming year too. Our latest report provides valuable insight into how priorities are evolving across the sector and where organisations are seeing the greatest opportunities to improve performance.

“The findings demonstrate the positive impact technology is having across safety, sustainability and operational efficiency, while also highlighting areas where challenges remain and further progress can be made.

“As the pace of change continues to accelerate, understanding these trends will be critical in helping operators make informed decisions, improve resilience and build future-ready businesses.”

The full report, Navigating UK Transport and Logistics in 2026 and Beyond, is available to download now.