The trucking industry is fundamental for the economy, both local and global. A trucking company employs long-haul drivers in order to transport various goods and items nationally and internationally. Therefore, it is of the utmost importance for any truck company to offer the best services and support seamless transportation of goods from one point to the other. Over the years, especially in the last few years, technology has immersed itself in many aspects of everyone's lives. Many businesses have started incorporating new technologies to enhance productivity and efficiency.
The same goes for the trucking industry. Given that today’s consumer requires convenience, it is evident to businesses that they need to offer fast delivery options. For this reason, trucking companies need to adapt their business accordingly and implement innovative strategies and new technologies to improve efficiency and keep up with the demand. If you have a trucking company, it is crucial you realize the vital role technology plays in the future of the business.
So, let’s take a look at how technology is soon to change the trucking industry forever and how significant of an influence it will have. The following five innovative technologies are among the most revolutionizing:
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New GPS technology to improve routing
Using built-in GPS technology or digital apps like Google Maps or Waze is not a new method of operating for truck drivers. However, newer technologies are meant to offer better real-time information than the option mentioned earlier. No matter how effective those are, with dynamic routing software, trucking companies can see valuable data and provide it to their drivers to maximize efficiency and optimize time.
Good routing is of the utmost importance for truck drivers and companies, as it can save a great deal of time and reach the destination promptly. Avoiding obstacles on the road, such as traffic, construction, or an accident, can help a truck driver be more efficient and spend less time on the road. Dynamic routing supports the driving experience as it provides real-time data and information and adjusts the route accordingly. Therefore, this software is highly beneficial as it can find a faster alternative if something interferes with the initial one. Apart from automatic optimization and better time results on the road, this technology also helps businesses save money.
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Trucks will adopt the hybrid technology
Recently, more and more electric vehicles or EVs and hybrid ones are emerging on the market. Many countries are committed to a long-term plan of replacing fuel-based cars with hybrids or electric ones. This applies to trucks as well. Given the long mileage, transportation vehicles are among the most pollutant, especially those on gasoline or diesel. Being on the road for weeks or months, it isn’t surprising that commercial trucks which aren't environmentally friendly are among the biggest contributors to greenhouse gas emissions.
For this reason, the trucking industry will be disrupted in terms of the type of vehicles they use. This disruption is needed, and it comes as many automakers develop hybrid cars, from luxury and premium sports vehicles to family cars such as SUVs. Therefore, trucks running on batteries with hybrid engines are feasible plans for the future for both car manufacturers and trucking companies. The advantages of hybrid trucks include:
- Cleaner energy and so a greener approach to the environment;
- Less dependent on fuel and higher mileage.
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Collision mitigation technology
Truck accidents are among the highest-occurring types of collisions in traffic. Due to their heavy load, drivers require a great deal of experience to drive this vehicle. In case of slippery highways or avoiding an obstacle on the road, truck drivers must be extremely cautious and have the ability to maintain the balance of the vehicle. For this reason, it is vital you invest in technology that can support safe driving.
As a trucking business, it is crucial you get insurance for your commercial trucks, even if your drivers are highly skilled and professional. This is crucial even when the truck is used without its load – in which case you will need bobtail insurance – as it provides financial coverage in case an accident happens when the truck is used in-between loads. For more information on different plans and prices, you might want to check the average bobtail insurance cost, which is around $30 per month.
Apart from getting insurance, investing in technology such as collision mitigation software should be among your top priorities as a trucking company. This technology can help reduce avoidable crashes, as it can better inform the driver of any obstacles ahead and assist them with emergency actions. Therefore, the safety of the drivers and others is secured. As a trucking company, if your vehicles have collision mitigation software incorporated, you will be able to reduce risks, increase profitability, and retain your employees.
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Big data is at the core of accurate insights
There is no denying that data can inform and provide accurate business insights. This way, a company can implement more suitable strategies, given they have a better and deeper understanding of the business' performance. Operations and activities within the supply chain of a trucking business can be managed more efficiently with technologies generating real-time and accurate data such as:
- Traffic information;
- Road situation and available routes;
- Freight data.
The data categories mentioned above are extremely useful for trucking companies as they inform their supply chain and operations. This allows the trucking business to monitor, analyze and plan logistics and routes more efficiently.
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High-function camera systems
Cameras recording in-cabin activity and outdoor traffic are of the utmost importance for trucking companies. These inform both the driver and the company of helpful information such as driving behavior, traffic situation, collisions, or other obstacles on the road. But a technology providing high-functioning camera systems is taking things to a different level.
For instance, innovative camera systems can monitor and alert the driver when it recognizes troubling signs such as talking on the phone or falling asleep. With this type of technology, trucking companies will be able to reduce truck collisions and improve delivery time. What's more, with this camera system, you can keep a more accurate track of your truckers' driving style, reward those who are excelling at their job and identify whether there are any who practice reckless driving.