Friday, August 24, 2018

What Does Technology Have To Offer For Trucking Companies?

By Mark Olson


Fluctuating fuel prices... Driver shortages... A stricter operating environment... It's hard to list all the challenges currently facing trucking companies in VA. Like is often the case, players in the industry are now turning to technology as the solution. To help you survive the future, it would help to take a look at the innovations currently hitting the market:

Hybridization: This combines electrical and standard subsystems to form a hybrid powertrain. The technology has come a long way, mostly thanks to the progress realized in its development. Besides enhancing the practicality of 6X2 axles, hybridization has allowed the use of compact engines and transmissions. With the downsizing of batteries expected to come to fruition, it's only a matter of time before it becomes standard industry-wide.

Platooning: Falling under the same umbrella as autonomous trucking, platooning involves the bunching up of several trucks to form a caravan. The frontmost vehicle then acts as a leader, specifically by establishing a pattern for the entire platoon. Although the concept is yet to get rid of human drivers, it has helped in addressing congestion and safety concerns. It's also said to be most effective when embraced widely.

Embedded Telematics: As a concept that amalgamates GPS tracking and communication functions, telematics offers plenty of opportunities to improve the way fleets are managed. For instance, data can be extracted from each vehicle's control module and analyzed to improve its operational cycle. The technology can also be used to influence driver behavior in a way that supports the company's initiatives.

With so many innovations on the horizon, it's clear that the trucking sector is ripe for for a green transformation. It'll take bit of time before emerging technologies are adopted industry-wide, not least because most of them aren't ready for commercial deployment as yet. On that note, it's worth taking a look at some of the steps you can take to enhance efficiency in the meantime:

Prioritize Quality: Behind every profitable venture is a well-cultivated staff community, and your company is no exception. So do whatever's necessary to attract and retain the highest quality drivers available. The long-term benefits will more than make up for the hefty investment.

Remember Those Check-ups: It's very important that you keep up with all elements of your maintenance program. If that seems obvious, so should the need to have scheduling features in your fleet management software. This will eliminate the risk of forgetting when tasks fall due.

Watch Tire Pressures: Obvious as this seems, the impact of under-inflated tires on fleet performance is so significant that it's worth repeating. So don't shy away from reminding your drivers about the need to maintain the correct tire pressures. This goes hand-in-hand with the need for regular checkups.

As technology advances, so does its importance to the transport industry as a whole. Taking the time to learn what it has to offer will put you in a better position going forward. Just don't let go of the old fashioned techniques you use to optimize your operations.




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