Truck drivers are critical to the economic supply chain. New technologies are emerging every year that are changing the way the logistics industry is operated. Here are some of the hottest trends and upcoming technologies.

1. Self-Driving Trucks

Among these advancements, self-driving vehicles are probably the most earth-shattering. This technology is still fairly new, but it will become more prevalent as self-driving technology improves and people feel more comfortable having driverless big rigs on the roads.

While this can be worrisome to drivers who rely on these jobs for their livelihood, the transition is expected to be slow. It is projected that the demand for human truck drivers will continue to grow 2% every year until the year 2029. Even as self-driving trucks emerge, they will still require a human operator to monitor the vehicle and take over in the event of an emergency or technical issue.

2. Platooning

As self-driving trucks become more popular, some companies are looking to use a technique called platooning to improve the efficiency and safety of their fleets. The idea is that trucks will be able to travel in a tightly packed group or platoon and will be equipped with state of the art technology that allows each vehicle to communicate with one another.

Countries all over the world are spending millions of dollars to explore the benefits of this technique. The benefits include reducing drag, maximizing space on congested roadways, and synchronized acceleration and braking to avoid accidents. This method of truck driving will likely rely on a human operator leading the ‘pack’ and eventually will be fully autonomous.

3. Improvements to GPS technology

GPS has come a long way since Mazda released the first GPS for automotive use in the 1990s. What used to once be a sensitive system that would lose connection as you drove under a large tree, can now receive extremely accurate locations, estimated arrival times, and alerts of upcoming road hazards. As the technology gets better, you can expect to see improved accuracy and the integration of other information such as weather, maximized routes for fuel economy, and automated fleet scheduling.

4. Big Data and Analytics

Data plays an important role in the logistics industry. One study found that up to 98% of logistic companies believe that the use of data to drive decisions is essential to the supply chain. The tracking and analysis of data help maximize the use of fleets, deliver goods in the shortest time, and reduce costs.

Companies will continue to adapt based on the information available. Enhancements such as AI (artificial intelligence) and 5G are paving the way. Data is now being sent faster and at higher quality and is being analyzed automatically by algorithms and computer programs.

5. Electric Vehicles

Fuel is one of the highest costs for the trucking industry. Companies like Tesla and Nikola are looking at alternatives through the use of electric vehicles. This market is showing no sign of slowing down. Projections show that the electric truck market is expected to grow 14% per year over the next decade.

PFL and the Future

With all of the new tech available to us to better serve our customers, PFL Logistics is on the forefront of utilizing what is newly available. This includes advanced tracking, GPS, and 5G technology. As logistics technology moves forward, we continue to move with it. Contact us today to see how we can meet your needs!