Early stage CAV opportunities within UK heavy road freight
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Early stage CAV opportunities within UK heavy road freight
How autonomous heavy goods vehicles (HGVs) could transform the UK freight sector
The eFREIGHT Autonomous report explores how autonomous heavy goods vehicles (HGVs) could transform the UK freight sector, setting out early-stage opportunities, priority use cases, and the actions needed to enable deployment.
Autonomous freight is moving from pilot projects to early commercial operations globally, and the UK is well-placed to build on this momentum following the introduction of the Automated Vehicles Act 2024.
Heavy road freight plays a critical role in the UK economy, underpinning supply chains across food, manufacturing, retail, and healthcare. However, the sector faces significant challenges including driver shortages, rising costs, congestion, safety risks, and the need to decarbonise. Autonomous vehicles offer a potential solution by improving safety, reducing operating costs, increasing efficiency, and enhancing supply chain reliability.
The report finds that autonomous freight is closest to deployment in controlled, repeatable environments. Two priority use cases stand out: hub-to-hub trunking on motorways between major logistics centres, and intermodal shuttles linking ports, rail terminals and distribution hubs over short distances. These applications provide defined operating conditions and clear commercial benefits, making them ideal for early trials.
Realising these opportunities requires coordinated action. Key enablers include clear regulation, robust safety assurance, infrastructure readiness, digital connectivity, and new operational models such as “Autonomy-as-a-Service.” The UK is well positioned to lead, with strong logistics demand, supportive legislation, and many companies eager to grow their innovation capability.
The report recommends structured, real-world trials involving industry and government to build evidence, inform regulation, and unlock investment. With the right approach, autonomous freight could deliver improved productivity, safer roads, lower emissions, and a more resilient logistics network, while supporting the UK’s position as a global leader in connected and automated transport.
