The economy is kept afloat by trucking, which also transports commodities to every region of the nation. The cutting-edge trucking industry is utilising technology to enhance every part of its operations in order to compete with rising trucking costs and the competition from rail, air, and sea transportation. Being in the trucking industry at this time and observing how quickly technology is developing is thrilling. To keep yourself in competition. You need to adopt Technological changes in the truck industry.
At ShipHighway, we keep a careful eye on developments in the market. We are aware of how crucial it is for us to prepare for emerging technologies and to be ready to service and maintain your equipment. We already plan repair and maintenance using cutting-edge diagnostic tools and software to assist you maximise your scheduling and downtime.
Technological advancements that will continue to alter your trucking company:
Powertrain
Advanced new powertrains have the potential to significantly lower the cost of cross-country freight transportation. For reduced weight and greater effectiveness, engines are being shrunk. Improvements to turbocharging will result in greater acceleration power and lower highway fuel consumption.
Along with more effective starters and alternators, hybrid and electric powertrains are also being tested and will continue to be used in the industry.
Aerodynamics
Aircraft are pointed, not squared off, for aerodynamic reasons. Wind resistance sharply rises as speed rises. Transport trucks will continue to become more fuel efficient as aerodynamics of the truck and trailer are improved.
Over the next few years, as manufacturers try to squeeze out even more fuel economy benefits, even as they retrofit parts on current fleets, keep an eye out for improvements in further aerodynamic technology like active louvres, wheel covers, and underbody shielding.
Safety
Adding security and safety features can help lessen or even completely prevent accidents. For truck drivers, trucking businesses, and the general public, fewer accidents are good. Reduced insurance costs and truck repair expenses can also be a result of fewer accidents. Driving a truck is now safer than ever thanks to advancements in brakes, accident avoidance, lane deviation indicators, and trucker tiredness alarms, and this trend will only continue.
Telematics
Much to how the introduction of GPS over 20 years ago helped revolutionise the transportation industry, modern telematics technologies promise to do the same. To enable smarter, safer, and more effective trucking and transportation, keep an eye out for vehicle-to-vehicle communication systems, route planning apps, platooning software, and other scheduling tools. While each company is now developing their own solutions, we anticipate that over the following few years, the market will converge.
Software and onboard diagnostics
The trucking industry is catching up to the medical sector, which is seeing a huge push towards "chipped" medicines and implants to track patient health in real-time. Engine, gearbox, and other vehicle management systems will soon include embedded diagnostics so that performance, efficacy, and service life may be monitored constantly. This will make it easier to plan for repair and maintenance and stop expensive breakdowns.
Driver comfort
According to studies, drivers who are comfortable are more alert and less prone to experience the consequences of highway tiredness. Technology is being employed to increase truck drivers' comfort and guarantee their ability to arrive at their destination safely.
Truck driving will be improved with the introduction of seats with fewer pressure points, ergonomic improvements to the steering and controls, and enhanced communications and information systems.
Trucking tactics
Platooning and smarter utilisation of trucks to prevent empty return trips are two straightforward ideas that are benefiting greatly from contemporary technology.
In order to prevent operating empty trucks, trucking businesses can now use new software that group trucks from the same fleet or even separate companies for effective platooning and convoy runs. For quick and simple planning, real-time truck location data can be sent back to a command centre or directly to other vehicles.
Autonomous trucking
While we frequently hear about the testing of autonomous passenger vehicles, we have also learnt that numerous truck manufacturers are testing autonomous technologies for transport trucks. It won't be long until fully autonomous trucks become widely available.
Although there may still be a lot of glitches to iron out, it wouldn't be surprising to see autonomous trucks on the road with us soon. This has the potential to greatly benefit the industry and coexist with traditional professional drivers if handled appropriately.
These are some of the technological advancements that are most impacting the transportation sector. Since progress cannot be halted, ShipHighway strives to be proactive and promote the careful and rational adoption of new trucking technologies.
Conclusion
We anticipate the exhilarating changes and advancements technology will bring to our sector. The gains in efficiency, performance, safety, scheduling, and reliability will help trucking remain competitive on the national and international market. If you have any inquiries or want more details on all the services we can offer your trucking company, get in touch with ShipHighway.