The trucking industry has experienced many changes and developments over the last few years. Where the trucking industry has witnessed significant progress, several challenges – such as the COVID-19 pandemic, rising fuel costs, and labor shortage – have negatively impacted its growth. Trucking companies are now seeking new ways to cope with modern-day challenges to stay in business. Whether it’s the incorporation of modern technology and automation or reliance on green transportation, transporters are ready to take every initiative that can help them stay on top of the competition. As we have entered the last part of 2022, it’s time to analyze some of the latest trends that are set to change the outlook of the transportation industry.
Latest trends that are changing the outlook of the trucking industry
Here are some of top latest trends that are transforming or expected to transform the outlook of the transportation industry:
· Incorporation of Modernized technology and automation
Trucking companies are now using modernized technology and automation to mitigate the effect of labor shortage on their business operations. Cloud-based software is a great example of modern technology adopted by transportation. By using this kind of software, trucking companies can automate most of the transportation processes, such as load booking, scheduling, dispatching, route optimization, and real-time location tracking.
IoT (Internet of Things) is another excellent example of modernized technology revolutionizing the trucking industry. It refers to a network of interconnected computing devices that can collect data and send it to the cloud-based software managed by fleet managers over the internet or a local network. Many trucking companies have developed the Real-Time tracking system by employing IoT technology. The tracking system keeps all stakeholders updated about the real-time shipment location during the transit process at any given time.
· Auto-Driving Trucks
Amid the increasing labor shortage, auto-driving trucks are considered to be a feasible solution to prevent supply chain disruptions. Experts have predicted that self-driving trucks are set the transform the whole outlook of the trucking industry. Many companies have started to invest in self-driving vehicles. In fact, some of them have tested auto-driving trucks countless times. These trucks are not only autonomous but fuel efficient as well.
· Green Transportation
Green transportation refers to the collection of initiatives the trucking companies take to minimize the negative environmental impacts of the transportation processes. All eco-friendly transportation modes come under the domain of green transportation. Over the past few years, green transportation has been experiencing rapid growth. It has taken the shape of a full-fledged industry. Trucking companies are adopting a wide array of practices under the umbrella of green transportation. Electric trucks are an excellent example of such practices. These trucks are powered by batteries and hydrogen cells, which makes them eco-friendly because they have a lower carbon footprint and greenhouse gas emissions. In fact, electric trucks are believed to be a game changer for the trucking industry in the upcoming years.
· Eco-friendly alternatives to the traditional fuel
Traditional fuel, like gas, diesel, and petrol, has a higher carbon footprint and CO2 emissions, making them an unsustainable power option for the trucking industry. That’s why more and more trucking companies are investing in eco-friendly fuel alternatives. Biodiesel is one of these alternatives that have way much lower carbon footprint than traditional fuel. It’s produced from vegetable oils, animal oils, and animal fats.
· Electronic logging device
An electronic logging device is a computing device that collects data about truck drivers’ driving hours, mileage, location, and fuel consumption. Fleet managers can use this data to monitor the performance and efficiency of the trucking labor. Electronic logging devices are useful for improving a trucking company’s efficiency, productivity, and profit.
· Data Analytics
Like all other industries, trucking companies are integrating data analytics into their systems to identify the areas that need improvement. Data analytics involves the analysis of collected data to deduce conclusions and formulate suggestions for improvement. Many trucking companies are leveraging data analytics to improve their business operations and improve customer service.
Summary
The trucking industry is experiencing or expects to experience lots of transformation due to these emerging trends. The upcoming trucking era is all about modernized technology, automation, and sustainability.
This article was distributed by Datla Logistics. Datla logistics is a freight dispatching company providing dispatching services to owner operators and fleet carrier who have a dry van, reefer unit, box truck or power only.