5 Ways Technology is Revolutionizing the Trucking Industry

The last few decades have brought a wealth of technological advancements in virtually every industry, and trucking is no exception. Technology in the trucking industry has led to changes that are nothing short of revolutionary. Learn about five ways recent technology has helped make trucking safer, more sustainable, and more efficient. 

How Is Technology Revolutionizing the Trucking Industry?

1. Electric Trucks

One of the most exciting new trucking industry technology trends is the development of electric trucks. Electric vehicles operate without the use of fuel, which makes a world of difference for the planet and for fleet budgets. As charging infrastructure and battery technology begins to catch up with consumer demand, fleets can expect to see a growing availability of electric trucks. In fact, electric vehicles are expected to make up 18% of the global car market in 2023. Implementing electric vehicles in your fleet means:

• Eliminating gas station stops from your route planning
• Stabilizing your budget because you won’t be at the whim of fluctuating gas prices
• Aligning with eco-minded client values
• Reducing emissions
• Decreasing overall operating costs
• Operating more quietly
• Contributing to sustainability efforts 

In the next few years, as better battery technology in the trucking industry makes these vehicles more accessible and affordable, many fleets will be able to reap these important benefits. 

2. Self-Driving Trucks

While self-driving trucks may sound like a thing of the faraway future, the technology is already here. As more fleets adopt self-driving trucks, they’ll finally be able to address long-standing issues such as:

• Driver shortages: As more and more workers opt for remote roles, staffing a fleet has become more challenging.
• Inefficient routes: In order to keep drivers from “timing out,” routes are often cut short. Self-driving trucks may be able to assist with this inefficiency.
• Safety concerns: Combining self-driving technology with the expertise of fleet drivers can help address the safety concerns that come with long shifts and human error. 

Semi-autonomous trucks are already in action helping fleets reach the next level of safety and efficiency. As technology in the trucking industry continues to advance, fleets will see more sophisticated self-driving trucks hit the market. 

3. IoT Devices

Among the most widely-adopted trucking industry technology trends is the use of IoT devices. Already, an estimated 42% of U.S. fleets leverage IoT devices to improve efficiency, streamline communication, and make the roads safer. Capabilities of IoT devices include:

• Predictive maintenance: Too often, repair schedules are created based solely on guesswork. IoT devices can measure fluid levels and sense temperatures to alert fleet managers when maintenance should be scheduled.  
• Route optimization: IoT devices can leverage real-time traffic data to help drivers save time and conserve fuel, which can improve overall profit margins. 
• Location tracking: Real-time location tracking allows for better customer service through instant updates on orders. This technology also means fleet managers gain complete transparency into their entire fleet. 
• Safety monitoring: IoT devices can detect unsafe driving behaviors like sudden braking and speeding, instantly notifying fleet managers. This helps hold drivers accountable and inform training moving forward. 

With an instant connection to every truck in the fleet, fleet managers can work more effectively. Trucking industry technology trends like these are quickly making fleets safer and more efficient. 

4. AI Technology

Using the devices installed in each truck, AI technology can provide real-time information and make useful predictions. Instead of fleet managers manually interpreting every data point from each IoT device, AI technology can make sense of large amounts of data very quickly. This allows for quick detection of hazards like weather events, as well as predictions regarding maintenance needs or traffic jams. By combining each of these data points, AI technology in the trucking industry works hand in hand with in-vehicle devices to make drivers’ lives easier while also boosting fuel efficiency and optimizing routes. 

5. Mobile Fleet Maintenance Software

One of the most impactful trucking industry technology trends is the implementation of mobile fleet maintenance software. Taking each vehicle into the physical shop for every small maintenance concern drains resources too quickly – these tasks pull staff and vehicles away from important routes. At the same time, allowing maintenance issues to grow more serious only results in catastrophe.

Fortunately, mobile fleet maintenance providers like Torque work on your schedule at your location to take the hassle out of fleet maintenance. Our easy-to-use app allows you to conveniently schedule repairs and maintenance checks right at your lot! Preserve uptime and save valuable resources with our mobile fleet maintenance software. 

What’s Next?

In the near future, fleet managers can expect to see AI technology grow sharper and more accurate, making AI predictions and route optimization even more reliable. More connectivity will make it easier to avoid congested streets and reach each destination safely. At the same time, cars themselves are growing safer, more efficient, and more sustainable. In the not-so-distant past, it was difficult to imagine that self-driving cars would become an aspect of reality instead of science fiction novels. It’s exciting to imagine what new developments technology in the trucking industry will bring. 

Make the most of your time and your workforce with mobile fleet management. The experts at Torque are just a click away! Get started today.