Are you curious about what the future holds for the trucking industry—especially with the emerging technologies? From how drivers navigate routes to how goods are transported, it is easy to see how impactful technology has been for this industry.
What is the main Technology used in the Trucking Industry?
To ensure a safe and efficient journey, many trucks today are equipped with a slew of safety features and cutting-edge technologies. These technologies include electronic logging devices and advanced telematics etc.
One of the main technologies used in the trucking industry though is the safety-inspired blind spot mirror. This innovative technology allows drivers to see areas around their vehicle that are usually hidden from view.
And truck dash cams are also becoming increasingly common, providing valuable footage that can be used to investigate accidents and other incidents. Here are five more technologies transforming the trucking industry and what they mean for the future according to truckers who have been relying on Jooble to land new opportunities:
1. Fleet Management System
Fleet management systems help trucking companies manage their fleets more efficiently. This includes tracking and monitoring everything from vehicle location and driver performance to fuel usage and maintenance schedules.
There are a few different types of Fleet Management Systems out there. However, some of the main ones include GPS tracking, driver performance monitoring, and maintenance scheduling.
Each of these types of Fleet Management Systems can help trucking companies save time and money by streamlining their operations and reducing the likelihood of breakdowns and other issues.
To give you an example of how Fleet Management Systems work in practice, let's say you're a trucking company that needs to deliver a load of goods from Point A to Point B. With a Fleet Management System in place, you could use GPS tracking to monitor the location of your vehicles in real time.
With fleet management systems, trucking companies are able to operate more efficiently, reduce costs, and improve safety. For example, by minimizing idle time, companies can save money on fuel and other operational expenses. Also, by monitoring driver behavior and vehicle performance, they are able to reduce the risk of accidents and other safety issues.
2. Electronic Logging Devices (ELDs)
Electronic logging device for trucking industry with hours of service displayed on smarthphone screen
An electronic logging device is basically a device installed in a truck to record a driver's hours of service. It's used to ensure compliance with federal regulations that limit the amount of time a driver can spend on the road each day.
The function of an ELD in a truck is straightforward. It automatically records a driver's driving time, rest breaks, and other vital data points. The ELD then sends that information to a centralized database.
This makes it easy for trucking companies and regulatory agencies to track driver compliance with hours of service rules. It also helps ensure that drivers are taking the necessary breaks and rest periods to avoid fatigue and other safety issues.
In regards to how the ELDs are transforming the trucking industry, this technology helps automate the process of tracking driver hours of service. This way, trucking companies can save time and reduce paperwork.
They're also helping to improve safety by ensuring that drivers are getting the rest they need to avoid accidents and other issues related to fatigue. It doesn't end there, though. ELDs also help level the playing field for trucking companies.
In the past, some companies may have skirted the rules around hours of service to gain a competitive advantage. But with ELDs in place, all companies are held to the same standard, which helps to create a more level playing field for everyone.
3. Dynamic Routing
Dynamic routing is a process that relies on data-driven algorithms to determine the best route for a fleet of vehicles. This is usually influenced by parameters like weight, cost, distance, time, customer preferences, and, most importantly, safety.
Dynamic routing technology is revolutionizing how trucking companies plan their routes and make deliveries. Since they're very effective in analyzing factors like traffic, weather, and road conditions, dynamic routing systems can quickly determine the most efficient route for a driver to take. This not only saves time but also helps to reduce fuel costs and other operational expenses.
One of the key benefits of dynamic routing is that it enables high-traffic volume networks to adjust independently and route traffic along the most efficient routes. This means that even if there are unexpected road closures or other disruptions, the system can quickly recalculate the best route for a driver, thereby expediting delivery.
Dynamic routing also provides real-time updates to drivers about changing traffic patterns and other factors that could impact their delivery times. This helps drivers to make more informed decisions about their routes and avoid delays. This technology is transforming the trucking industry by making it more efficient, cost-effective, and customer-focused.
4. Mobile Apps
Mobile apps have become increasingly popular in the trucking industry in recent years, and for a good reason. They transform how trucking companies do business by providing real-time access to critical information.
One of the main ways mobile apps are also changing the trucking industry is by providing drivers with access to important information at their fingertips. With a mobile app, drivers can quickly and easily check their schedules, view their routes, and get updates on delivery times.
This not only helps to improve efficiency but also helps to reduce the likelihood of errors and other issues that can arise when information is not readily available. Mobile apps also enable drivers to communicate more effectively with dispatchers and other team members.
With features like in-app messaging and real-time GPS tracking, drivers can quickly and easily communicate with their team members about any issues that arise during their deliveries. It is also worth pointing out that mobile apps can help improve safety in the trucking industry.
For example, some apps provide drivers with real-time updates on road conditions and weather patterns, allowing them to make more informed decisions about their routes and driving conditions. Plus, there are apps that come with features like fatigue monitoring and coaching, which can help drivers to stay alert and focused while on the road.
5. Autonomous Trucks
Also known as a self-driving truck, an autonomous truck is a commercial vehicle that can drive itself without human intervention. These trucks are equipped with advanced sensors, cameras, and other technologies that allow them to navigate the roads and highways without a human driver.
While fully autonomous trucks are not yet a common sight on the road, they are already being tested and deployed in some areas. At least 20 states in the US already allow the commercial deployment of intrastate autonomous trucks.
Most states also allow the testing of self-driving trucks with human backups on board. However, for autonomous trucks to be used for interstate travel, they still need clearance from the federal government.
Now, one of the biggest benefits of self-driving trucks is that they can help to reduce labor costs. Trucking companies spend a significant amount of money on driver salaries and benefits.
Autonomous trucks have the potential to significantly reduce those costs. Self-driving trucks can also help improve efficiency in the trucking industry since they can operate 24/7 without needing rest breaks or shift changes. And they can also optimize their routes to reduce fuel consumption and minimize travel time.
Closing Thoughts
Technology is rapidly transforming the trucking industry and in several ways. While there are still challenges to be addressed, it's clear that technology will continue to play a major role in shaping the future of the trucking industry.
Meta Title: How Technology is Disrupting the Trucking Industry
Meta Description: From autonomous trucks to dynamic routing, discover how technology is transforming the trucking industry, and improving efficiency, on the roads. Read here.