Like many other industries, trucking has been shaped by new and emerging technologies that help improve efficiency, safety, and workflow. For fleet owners and drivers alike, technological advancements have made managing hauls and staying safe on the road easier.
From driver comfort to fully autonomous trucks, technology is impacting the trucking industry in a big way. What’s in store for 2022 and beyond? Here are some of the latest technology trends in the trucking industry.
Electronic Logging Device (ELD) Advancements
All commercial drivers are required to use ELDs. Advancements in ELD technologies make life easier for both drivers and fleet owners.
Omnitracs Roadnet, for example, helps improve workflow and efficiency. The platform offers:
- Smart route planning
- Load information
- Built-in barcode scanners and signature capture for proof of delivery
- Task lists, and more
Self-Driving Trucks
Autonomous trucks aren’t new, but they are advancing quickly. Nearly a dozen companies are developing self-driving trucks.
TuSimple, an autonomous driving technology company, recently announced that they completed the first fully autonomous semi-truck run on a public road without human intervention or even a human in the truck. The run, which went 80 miles and lasted a little over an hour, started in Tucson and ended in Phoenix, Arizona.
The impressive feat is a demonstration of how far self-driving technology has come and may serve as a solution to the trucker shortage in the U.S.
Electric Trucks
Electric trucks have arrived, and they show no signs of slowing. In the first month of 2022 alone, several truck companies unveiled their new fleets of electric trucks, including:
- Tesla’s new “Tesla Semi”
- Volvo’s enhanced VNR electric semis that can reach 80% charge in 90 minutes
- The Kenworth T680E electric semi, with 670 hp and a 150-mile range
There’s been a big push for electric vehicles in general this year, so it’s not surprising that manufacturers are shifting their focus to all-electric semis.
Trailer Tracking
GPS trailer tracking isn’t anything new, but the technology is constantly evolving. Along with protecting assets, trailer tracking has also developed into a way for fleet owners to:
- Right-size their fleets. Tracking allows fleet owners to see which trailers are used most often. Eliminating unused trailers reduces maintenance and ownership costs.
- Recover stolen cargo. Cargo theft is a multi-billion-dollar industry in the U.S. Trailer tracking dramatically increases the chances of theft recovery. Along with increasing the chances of recovering valuable cargo, trailer tracking can also help fleet owners recover their trailers.
- Some telematics platforms can help fleet owners keep track of maintenance, ensure that refrigerated trailers are the right temperatures, perform pre-checks on vital systems and more.
Trailer tracking technology continues to evolve, giving fleet owners better insight and control over their trailers.
Collision Mitigation
In 2019, large trucks were involved in 119,000 injury-causing accidents.
Safety is a top priority in the trucking industry, so it’s not surprising that collision mitigation technology is one of the fastest-growing technologies in the trucking industry.
Advanced collision mitigation systems use video, radar, and sensor technologies to monitor in real-time. When these systems detect a potential collision, drivers are alerted and can take action to prevent an accident. If action isn’t taken, the system can take action automatically.
For example, Omnitracs SmartDrive SmartSense can provide real-time alerts and warnings for lane departure, distracted driving, speeding in poor weather conditions, short following and more. This system makes use of sensors with engine telematics, computer vision and accelerometer data.
Along with improving safety and potentially saving lives, collision mitigation systems can help fleet owners avoid losses and litigation when accidents are prevented.
Telematics
GPS transformed the trucking industry, and telematics is shaping up to be just as impactful. Advancements such as platooning software, vehicle-to-vehicle communication, better route planning and smarter scheduling systems can further improve efficiency while reducing emissions.
Improved Driver Comfort
Comfortable drivers are more likely to stay alert and less likely to feel the effects of highway fatigue. For fleet owners, improving driver comfort means having happier employees. For truck drivers, these advancements make life on the road just a little bit easier.
Some technologies that are helping improve driver comfort include:
- Seats that reduce pressure points
- Improved steering systems
- Ergonomic dashboards and controls
- Better communication and information systems
- More storage options and flexible in-cab living spaces
- Ambient LED lights
- In-cab training systems to keep drivers physically active while on the road
- Cab heaters and parked HVAC systems
- In-cab coaching systems that provide trucking tips for safe driving
New advancements in truck seating and other comfort-focused amenities are likely to continue developing as more trucking companies focus on retaining talent.
Artificial Intelligence (AI) Load Matching
Many route planning solutions use the Internet of Things (IoT) and AI to optimize routes, and that same technology is being used for load matching as well.
Some companies have gone all-in with AI load matching, with 100% of their matching being automated through AI.
Because AI can take several data points into consideration at once, it’s more efficient at load matching than its human counterpart. As a result, optimizing load matching helps improve workflow and allows companies to tackle loads with ease.
Tech is Shaping Trucking’s Future
These and many other exciting technologies are helping transform the trucking industry for both drivers and fleet owners. From enhanced safety to better comfort and workflow, technology continues to shape what it means to be a trucker and a transportation company in today’s world.
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