8 Trucking Trends That Will Change The Industry Forever


As with the music industry, the trucking business has had its share of ups and downs over the years. The industry has had many difficulties over the years, from the oil crises of the 1970s to the current driver shortage. The trucking industry is on the verge of another expansion. The industry is adapting and evolving to meet the demands of a rapidly changing world due to technological advancements and shifting consumer behaviors. This article will discuss eight trucking industry trends that have the potential to usher in a new era of growth.

Safety Technology

The trucking industry is experiencing a technological revolution, and one of the most notable trends is implementing safety features. It's an excellent strategy for lowering carbon emissions without sacrificing safety for motorists, passengers, or pedestrians. These days, you can choose from a wide range of safety-related technological options:
  • Front-facing cameras that show drivers what they'll be hitting before they do so are becoming increasingly common.
  • Driver alert systems that sound an alarm if a car is getting dangerously close to a pedestrian or another parked car
  • Automatic sensors that anticipate the need for emergency braking (i.e., someone falls out from under their truck)

Driver Shortage.

By 2028, the American Trucking Association (ATA) predicts the industry will need 160,000 drivers to meet demand. This shortage is expected to affect the industry and the economy in many ways.

One of the driver shortage's most significant impacts is its effect on customer experience. With fewer drivers available, waiting times for freight will increase, leading to delays and disruptions in supply chains. This can lead to increased costs for companies and consumers alike. In addition, truckers who are under pressure to meet delivery deadlines may have to drive longer hours, increasing the risk of accidents and other safety issues.

Internet of Things:

The Internet of Things (IoT) is a network of physical devices, vehicles, buildings, and other items embedded with electronics, software, and sensors that allow them to collect and exchange data. It's not just about connecting your phone to the internet—it's about connecting everything from your thermostat to your car to the heat pump in your home.

In fact, according to Gartner Inc, there will be more than 19 billion connected devices by 2024—and it could mean significant changes for trucking businesses in particular.

Big Data

The term big data refers to the large amount of information generated by businesses, governments, and individuals. By analyzing large amounts of data, patterns can be identified, and choices can be made.
The trucking industry has only recently started using the term "Big Data," though the concept has existed for years. Major corporations like FedEx and UPS are now using it and Amazon to forecast product demand on Amazon Prime Day and provide real-time shipment tracking information (or vice versa).
 

Sustainability

As you know, sustainability isn't just about reducing carbon emissions; it's also about reducing waste and energy consumption, improving noise and pollution control, cutting fuel costs, lowering greenhouse gas emissions, and saving money on insurance.

It's no wonder that many carriers are now embracing sustainable practices as they look to protect their bottom lines while still doing all they can for the environment. Here are some ways in which trucking companies can achieve this goal:

Digital Freight Matching

Digital freight matching is a new way to find the best trucking rates. It allows companies to compare quotes from multiple carriers in minutes rather than days or weeks. This saves time and money because it's much easier for drivers to find the right trucking company if they can see all their quotes simultaneously.

Digital freight matching also helps companies improve customer service by allowing them access to real-time data on prices, availability, and other important information through an online dashboard where customers can monitor their shipments as they move along their routes.

Finally, digital freight matching has been proven effective at improving reputation among potential customers because it's so easy for them (and their customers) alike!

Electric Trucks

Short-distance transport problems can be solved by electric trucks. They can be used in cities with heavy traffic and long distances between stops because they are more efficient and less expensive than diesel trucks. Because electric motors don't require as much upkeep as gas-powered ones, these vehicles are simpler to repair and keep on the road in inclement weather.

In addition, these automobiles are better for the environment because they don't release any harmful gases into the atmosphere when traveling at high speeds (like what happens with traditional diesel engines). Drivers who want to make a difference in their communities can take advantage of this trucking innovation, which has been lauded for its potential to reduce negative impacts on human and animal health.
 

Increased Automation

Automation is a big trend for trucking. It will increase efficiency, safety, productivity, and customer satisfaction.
  • Efficiency: Trucking companies are already using technology to automate some of the most mundane aspects of their work. For example, self-driving trucks have been tested on highways across the country since 2016—and they're also beginning to hit the road in major cities like Atlanta and Los Angeles. These vehicles can drive along highways at speeds up to 60 miles per hour (97 kilometers per hour). They also use sensors that detect traffic conditions while they're going so that they don't get into accidents with other cars or trucks on the road.
  • Safety: Automation is expected to reduce injuries caused by human error. It will eliminate mistakes made by drivers who may not always be paying attention due to distractions like texting friends or watching movies on their phones while driving down busy streets.*
  • Productivity: By reducing human error through automation technology like autopilot systems (which automatically steer your vehicle), you could save yourself valuable time spent waiting around for other drivers' mistakes so that everyone gets back on track quickly without any delays.
Overall, the trucking industry must continue to adapt and embrace new innovations to thrive in an ever-changing landscape.

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