Friday, August 24, 2018

What Technologies Can Trucking Companies Leverage To Make Their Jobs Easier?

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:

Hybridized Powertrains: Lately, huge strides have been made in the development of concepts that will eliminate what has been the biggest disadvantage of hybrid trucks: unreasonably-large batteries. This alone should be a huge enough incentive for their adoption, but there's more. Hybridizing a powertrain (i. E integrating electrical and conventional systems) allows the practical use of 6X2 axles, as well as smaller engines and transmissions.

Truck Platooning: This involves connecting several trucks in a group with the help of Bluetooth technology, and falls under the same banner as autonomous trucking. Currently, the arrangement requires the lead vehicle to establish a pattern for the others to follow, with all them being under human control. It's expected that platooning will lessen congestion on highways and improve safety, especially following the adoption of an open approach.

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.

The haulage industry is poised for a revolution, a sizeable part of which will revolve around the growing levels of innovation within the larger transport sector. Admittedly, it will take time before the emerging technologies become ready for commercial application. In the meantime, however, there are some steps you could take to make yours a more efficient, successful company:

Invest in Quality: Just as a ship captain needs competent hands on deck, quality drivers are of utmost importance in your profitability. Of course, you'll want to do whatever is necessary to keep them once they've joined your team. This will cost you a pretty penny, but is definitely worthwhile.

Keep up with Maintenance: No need to repeat what's involved here, but a proper maintenance program will pay off in so many ways. But as you already know, keeping up with service schedules for each vehicle is easier said than done. Still, you can minimize this risk by investing in a platform that has scheduling features.

Mind Your Tire Pressures: It's perhaps the most well-known, yet often ignored element of vehicle maintenance -- keep your tire pressures at their correct levels. Still, you have a lot to gain from stressing its importance among your staff. Be sure to highlight the need to check tires regularly as well.

There's no denying that technology has become a handy tool for the modern trucker. It's in your best interest to get acquainted with the solutions currently available and see how you can take advantage of them. Of course, that shouldn't make you ditch the good old techniques for getting the most out of your fleet.




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