The transport sector is undergoing a major transformation. New challenges, new regulatory requirements and an ever-evolving approach to logistics are reshaping the sector.
It is in this context that On The Way, OnTurtle’s new interview channel, was created—a platform we are launching with great enthusiasm to give a voice to those driving this transformation: executives, experts and professionals who share their perspectives on the present and future of transport, logistics and mobility.
First conversation: Ramón Valdivia, Vice-President of Astic
In this first episode, we speak to Ramón Valdivia, Vice-President of ASTIC, who gives us a broad, critical and very realistic view of the state of road transport in Europe.
Throughout the interview, Valdivia highlights some of the major issues currently at the forefront of the sector. Among the issues discussed is the adaptability of road transport, one of its key strengths. This flexibility enables it to respond swiftly and reliably to changing conditions, helping to maintain secure and efficient supply chains while meeting end customer needs, even during periods of heightened uncertainty.
From there, the conversation turns to the major debates defining the future of the sector.
The decarbonisation of road transport in Europe
The interview delves into one of the major debates in the sector, namely the decarbonisation of transport. In On The Way, Ramón Valdivia argues that he does not believe there is currently a single technological solution and that the energy transition should allow for the coexistence of different alternatives (ranging from renewable fuels to gas or electrification) depending on the actual operational requirements of transport.
In this regard, he expresses some caution towards overly rigid approaches at European level, advocating a more flexible approach that takes technological neutrality into account, in line with the diverse realities across countries and uses.
The challenge of unifying the market
Another major topic we cover in this first episode of On The Way is regulatory fragmentation in Europe, which directly affects the efficiency of international transport. Differences in weight and size limits, tolls and operational regulations mean that companies are forced to constantly adapt to each country, thereby reducing the competitiveness of the system as a whole.
The debate on intermodal transport is also on the table; although it has been a strategic solution for years, it has not yet reached its full potential. In this case, road transport remains the backbone of logistics due to its flexibility, whilst intermodal transport should serve as an efficient complement, not a substitute.
Press play: On The Way
The interview makes one thing clear: transport is an essential, highly adaptable sector, but one that requires regulatory stability, a long-term vision and better coordination between all the actors in the logistics chain. This conversation is just the beginning of On The Way, a space where we will continue to give a voice to those leading the transformation of the sector.
We invite you to watch the full interview with Ramón Valdivia on our YouTube channel and gain an in-depth insight into his thoughts on the present and future of transport.
