••• SPONSORED SECTION ••• THE RIGHT TRACK Transportation companies keep North Carolina’s economy moving, connecting supply and demand. But getting from Point A to Point B often means navigating obstacles, whether that’s riding the state’s rapid growth, applying the latest technology or ensuring there are enough skilled workers at the controls. Business North Carolina recently gathered four transportation experts to discuss the industry, detailing how recent successes are benefiting the state and offering how the industry’s current challenges could be overcome. Their conversation was moderated by Publisher Ben Kinney. The transcript was edited for brevity and clarity. The discussion was sponsored by: • Guilford Technical Community College • N.C. Department of Transportation • NC Ports • Piedmont Triad International Airport • North Carolina Railroad Company HOW ARE CURRENT EVENTS SHAPING NORTH CAROLINA’S TRANSPORTATION INDUSTRY? LATHROP: Growth, technology and storms are driving change. Growth is creating demand for infrastructure and the need for creative ways to pay for it. Technology is causing disruptions. Fuel efficiency and electric vehicles are some of the biggest challenges to the revenue model, which uses fuel taxes to fund road construction, maintenance and repair. Autonomous vehicles and drones are creating opportunities and challenges. We’re seeing more storms, and Hurricane Helene is Exhibit A. Recovery efforts are putting tremendous pressure on the state’s finances and system. But it also spawned creative delivery methods. CLARK: Shifting international trade patterns are front and center. The country has seen a downturn in import volumes over the last year because of tariffs and port fees. Carriers have shifted tonnage into what they see as more profitable trade lanes. It has certainly introduced challenges, but there are opportunities as well. We’ve seen strong trade between Central and South America, new commodities being handled, and new opportunities to support the state and the