How Technology Is Changing the Life of Long-Haul Truckers
The trucking industry has undergone a technological revolution over the last decade, a trend that many pundits predict will continue.
Modern technology has impacted virtually all aspects of the trucking business. From remote vehicle tracking to smart route mapping, these innovations have heralded a tremendous transformation in one of the most competitive industries.
For long-distance truck drivers, embracing innovations is no longer an option but an imperative.
Here’s a look at how technology is changing the lives of long-haul truck drivers.
1. Capitalizing on Pick-ups with On-demand Trucking
Familiar with on-demand printing, where printing businesses only produce materials when clients place their orders? Well, on-demand trucking follows the same principle.
Trucking industry news reports that many long-haul truck drivers are embracing on-demand trucking by picking up shipments when orders arrive.
To streamline the process, shipping clients utilize mobile applications to find available trucks from local freight companies. Drivers are then notified of new shipment orders received near their locations.
2. Maximizing Efficiency with Shared Freight
While the concept for shared freight has been around for years, it has seen widespread adoption in the recent past as trucking companies endeavor to manage operational costs.
For long-haul drivers, shared freight provides a fantastic opportunity to maximize their efficiency.
Truckers no longer have to endure hours of driving to deliver partial truckloads. Not when they can combine the shipment with fellow drivers plying similar routes.
3. Connecting Customers with Last Mile Delivery
The last mile is arguably the most critical point in the trucking supply chain. That’s because it connects businesses with the final consumers.
Now, long-haul truck drivers have traditionally faced hiccups with last-mile deliveries due to poor infrastructural networks. But thanks to innovative technologies like drone transportation, these challenges will be a thing of the past.
Drones have been proven instrumental in linking businesses with remote consumers.
Besides drones, long-haul truckers are also exploring van and bicycle deliveries. These options are preferable as they’re more fuel-efficient than driving trucks right up to the end consumer’s location.
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4. Combating Fatigue with Autonomous Trucks
Barely two decades ago, autonomous trucks were considered a wild, futuristic idea. However, they’re now an inescapable reality.
Like regular driverless cars, self-driving trucks utilize smart sensors and cameras to navigate their surroundings. They collect and process vast amounts of data in real-time, enabling them to execute multiple driving functions without human intervention.
Although self-autonomous trucks have come under sharp scrutiny due to their potential for job displacements, they can be a blessing in disguise for long-haul truckers. Note that most autonomous trucks still require significant human input. Even if the technology reaches its cutting edge, many freight companies will maintain a hybrid model that utilizes both machine- and human-aided driving.
For long-haul truck drivers, this will herald a hassle-free working environment. Truckers will employ the self-driving mode to get restful sleep, minimizing fatigue-induced road accidents.
5. Minimizing Accidents with Driver Safety Monitoring
Truck accidents have risen steadily over the last decade. While this trend is largely attributed to the sheer increase of trucks on our freeways, driver fatigue and poor judgment are equally to blame.
Fortunately, driver safety monitoring technologies promise to address those challenges.
Advanced innovations, such as blind spot monitoring and autonomous braking, will significantly minimize accidents involving long-haul trucks. Long-distance truckers will also leverage driver monitoring technologies to lower their insurance premiums.
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6. Managing Operational Expenses with Smart Invoice Management
Truck drivers work for longer hours just to keep the supply chain and economy rolling. So, the last thing they want is to run into issues with their invoices.
The emergence of smart invoice management software has streamlined invoicing for long-distance truckers, ensuring timely billing and payouts.
A hassle-free invoice system enables long-haul truckers to manage their current expenses on the go, preventing undue shipment delays.
7. Fostering Better Communication with Efficient Fleet Management
Effective fleet management is the cornerstone of a successful freight business.
Fleet management enables long-haul truck drivers to minimize delays, reduce workload, and enhance their safety. More importantly, it fosters better communication between long-distance truckers and their colleagues, including line supervisors and dispatchers.
The emergence of predictive maintenance software is a noteworthy innovation in the fleet management sector.
Powered by cutting-edge technologies like artificial intelligence (AI) and the Internet of Things (IoT), predictive maintenance apps enable long-haul truck drivers to track vehicle maintenance schedules. Repairs can be undertaken proactively to avoid delays caused by mechanical breakdowns.
8. Avoiding Road Incidents with Route Mapping
Studies have shown that safe route planning can help freight companies ramp up their profit margins. That explains the widespread adoption of route mapping software in the trucking sector.
However, these apps aren’t only useful for freight managers. Long-haul drivers may also capitalize on them to avoid problematic stretches of the road.
Using route planning tools, truckers can forecast the traffic and weather conditions on the road ahead and choose alternative routes.
Not only does this ensure timely shipment. It also minimizes fuel wastage and driver fatigue.
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Maintaining Competitive Advantage Through Early Tech Adoption
As technology continues to revolutionize the trucking industry, becoming an early adopter can provide a competitive edge in the long run.
Embracing innovations enables truckers to maximize their efficiency on the roads while minimizing accidents. It also fosters seamless communication with fleet managers and dispatchers, preventing costly delays at warehouses.
Besides adopting new technologies, trucking companies must also upgrade their legacy systems to align with emerging industry trends.
