Nine in 10 transport and logistics managers believe advances in fleet and driver management technology have helped drivers feel safer than they did five years ago, according to new research from Microlise.
Published in Microlise’s second annual industry report, Navigating UK Transport and Logistics in 2026 and Beyond, the research surveyed 250 transport and logistics professionals across the UK and reveals a sector increasingly embracing technology while balancing operational, commercial and environmental pressures.
Safety emerged as one of the report’s strongest findings. Ninety per cent of respondents said drivers feel safer than they did five years ago, 83% said in-cab camera systems had helped prevent a serious accident involving one of their drivers, and more than half reported that camera technology had improved driver performance by up to 50%.
The report also points to the rapid adoption of artificial intelligence across fleet operations. More than 80% of transport and logistics managers now use AI to support fleet and supply chain operations, while 88% believe their organisations are well equipped to maximise the technology’s potential.
Environmental priorities are also accelerating. Sixty per cent of operators now describe sustainability as a top organisational priority, compared with 36% in Microlise’s 2025 report, highlighting the growing importance of reducing emissions while maintaining operational performance.
Technology is also delivering significant financial benefits. Nearly six in 10 respondents reported savings of up to £100,000 through the use of transport management systems.
Despite these gains, the research highlights opportunities to improve efficiency. Transport and logistics managers reported spending an average of 2.3 hours every day manually processing proof of delivery documentation, up from 1.7 hours in 2025, at an average cost of £172.40 per day.
Workforce retention also remains a challenge. More than half of respondents said that although they enjoy working in transport and logistics, they would consider moving into another career within the next five years.
Commenting on the 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.
“This year’s report shows how quickly priorities are changing. Organisations are increasingly turning to technology to improve safety, efficiency and sustainability, but the findings also demonstrate there is still significant scope to remove manual processes and improve operational resilience.
“As the pace of change continues to accelerate, understanding these trends will be critical in helping operators make informed decisions and build future-ready businesses.”
The full report, Navigating UK Transport and Logistics in 2026 and Beyond, is available to download from the Microlise website.
