Technology rapidly evolves, and every industry must adapt or risk falling behind. The modern trucking industry has come a long way since inventing semi-trailers a century ago.
Now, the sector has a bright future with accelerating technology.
What Tech Trends Help Industry?
Consider the trends that have helped trucking companies. These technological advancements have brought the industry into the 21st century and significantly improved operations.
Blockchain
Blockchain is becoming more widespread nowadays, but the concept dates back to the 1980s. Cryptographic hashes connect lists of records and ensure safety because they’re irreversible. This technology has become effective for the trucking industry amidst supply chain woes.
Increasing supply chain visibility has become a must in the modern trucking industry. Blockchain technology enhances transparency by verifying the authenticity of every transaction and shipment between companies. Businesses also use blockchain technology for smart contracts. This maneuver streamlines the administrative part of supply chains, making operating much easier for all parties.
One issue the trucking industry faces is its payment system. Many companies use third-party brokers to pay workers instead of doing so directly. Industry experts say many truckers wait 30 to 45 days after hauling a load. Through services like TruckCoinSwap, blockchain technology can mitigate the problem by reducing the wait to just two days.
Cloud Computing
When you think of cloud computing, you might not imagine the trucking industry. However, this transportation sector stands to gain significantly from cloud computing systems.
For example, many trucking and logistics companies have started using cloud computing for data storage and backups. It allows for storing large amounts of data, such as driver records and maintenance logs. Research shows cybercrime cost the world $6 trillion in 2021, so cloud computing is worth the investment for efficiency and cybersecurity.
What Tech Trends Help the Trucks?
Recent technological upgrades have changed the way trucks operate. These advancements help the vehicles and give a glimpse of what’s to come.
Electric Trucks
The past few years have seen a sharp rise in electric vehicles (EVs). The electrification of the automotive industry stems from new knowledge about automobiles and how they affect the environment. Research shows the transportation industry was responsible for 27% of greenhouse gas emissions in 2020. However, automated and electric vehicles can lower the impact.
Electrification has come to the trucking industry. Many companies have begun swapping to electric trucks to reduce dependence on fossil fuels and decrease air and noise pollution. For example, Pepsi recently unveiled its new fleet of Tesla Semi EVs for one of its California bottling plants. Electric trucks have tremendous torque and acceleration, improving performance on the road. Plus, fewer moving parts means less spending on maintenance.
Autonomous Trucks
Another trend rising with EVs is autonomous vehicles. Self-driving trucks aren’t widespread yet, but they’re slowly becoming commonplace. For example, Walmart has started using autonomous trucks to deliver supplies between stores. The box trucks drive between Walmart’s neighborhood market and a fulfillment center for 12 hours daily.
The trucking industry could greatly benefit from self-driving trucks. The sector faces a 78,000-driver shortage and experts say that number could double by 2031. Autonomous trucks would fill the gaps and reduce labor costs for trucking companies.
Another benefit of autonomous trucks is safety. Most trucking accidents stem from human errors, so self-driving vehicles have great potential to reduce the number of crashes. These vehicles use artificial intelligence and advanced sensors to avoid collisions with pedestrians, animals and other machines.
Electric Roads
One concern about electric trucks is their range. Many trucks need to travel long distances and meet deadlines to satisfy clients. Using EVs means you’ll have to stop to refuel more often than diesel trucks. A typical diesel truck can travel over 1,500 miles on a full tank, but electric trucks like the Tesla Semi can only run 500 miles.
Electric roads could be the solution the trucking industry needs. These roads charge vehicles through an electric rail inside the asphalt while they’re driving. The trucks use a coil in the undercarriage to harness electricity and charge the battery. Sweden has announced the first electrified highway and research is underway in the United States.
What Tech Trends Help the Drivers?
Technology has advanced the trucks themselves, but what’s helping the drivers? These trends show how modern drivers have an easier time behind the wheel.
Augmented Reality
The fun beings before drivers get behind the wheel. Modern technology lets you participate in driver training simulations using augmented reality (AR) and virtual reality (VR). More companies have started leveraging this technology because it provides a safe environment for training.
It’s hard to emulate the real thing, but AR and VR provide highly realistic simulations for new and veteran truck drivers. You can simulate weather, traffic and road conditions without driving the actual truck. The simulators mimic a video game, so crashing doesn’t hurt anybody. You get consistent feedback on your driving to improve your techniques.
Advanced Driver Assistance Systems
Autonomous trucks aren’t here yet, but truckers have self-driving features to assist them on the road. For example, modern ones often have advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS).
ADAS helps truckers with features like lane departure warnings. Trucks are often large and seeing the entire machine from your seat is hard. Lane departure warnings notify the driver when their vehicle crosses the next lane. This feature and collision avoidance systems increase driver safety, especially when hours on the road feel long.
Driving the Trucking Industry Forward
The trucking industry is among the most essential for daily life. Advancing technology in this sector benefits everybody worldwide. The industry has come a long way and there’s much to look forward to with EVs, autonomous trucks and more.
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