77260Intelligent FreightboardClosedCollaborative R&DInnovate UKThis project is to demonstrate that it is possible by the use of advanced artificial intelligence (AI) to restore the health of the 44,000 strong SME haulage industry (there are predictions 50% of the businesses may not survive, following COVID-19) and go on to improve the viability to the point where hauliers are able to achieve sufficient margin to fund the replacement of 50% of existing vehicles (average age 7.7 years) with more efficient Euro-6 engines which in turn will reduce the greenhouse gas emissions. This will be funded by cutting the huge levels of waste/inefficiency evidenced in the sector (30% of vehicles on the road are usually empty) The Logistics Emissions Reduction Scheme (LERS) set itself the target to reduce by 15% by 2025 total emissions, recently the Head of Policy at the Freight Transport Association warned the Transport Committee this will be missed without government subsidies. Our contention is that a new approach is possible which will avoid State funding and that the intention of LERS can easily be achieved, if not by 2025, then certainly by 2030, at the latest. It is all about having a 'can-do' plan! The haulage industry, and especially the SME element provides essential support to the SME manufacturing industry, hence a healthy SME haulage sector is needed to underpin any recovery plan for manufacturing whilst increase in replacement of vehicles will also have a knock-on effect on employment in that sector