In today’s digital age, a wave of innovation is sweeping nearly every sector, and the trucking industry is no exception. A combination of artificial intelligence and machine learning algorithms is finally allowing trucking companies to take advantage of the data they’ve been collecting for years.
Data no longer sits dormant; it is being transformed into actionable insights that lead to improved efficiency, streaming workflows, and ultimately increased profits.
While advancements like advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS), electric vehicles and autonomous technology are getting the most attention, a quiet revolution is happening behind the scenes.
Here are six ways back-end technology is likely to have a bigger impact on the trucking industry.
Conquer the Sky Miles: Deadhead miles (empty stretches between loads) eat into trucking profits as they require time and mileage that go unbilled at the time of delivery. Load matching platforms with advanced algorithms connect trucks with returning loads, dramatically reducing empty mileage and maximizing resource utilization.
Smarter Routes, Shorter Drive Times: Inefficient routing leads to wasted time and fuel. Dynamic routing software powered by artificial intelligence (AI) can optimize routes in real time, taking into account traffic patterns, weather conditions, and road closures. This not only minimizes idle miles but also ensures on-time deliveries.
Strategic Positioning Demand Forecast: Forecasting demand used to be mostly guesswork. But that’s now changing as predictive analytics and machine learning algorithms forecast demand and enable carriers to proactively position trucks in areas with high freight volumes. Strategic placement allows carriers to maximize profitability.
Improve operational efficiency with real-time data: Operational inefficiencies can cripple your trucking business. A modern transportation management system (TMS) provides real-time data and GPS tracking capabilities that eliminate redundant workflows, identify process bottlenecks, and streamline operations.
Strengthening cooperation with shippers: Communication gaps between carriers and shippers can lead to delays and frustration. A robust TMS system facilitates seamless customer relationship management with comprehensive dashboards and digital documents that can be easily shared and kept on record. This fosters collaboration, improves communication, and keeps everyone on the same page.
Data-driven decisions for continuous improvement: Intuition alone can only go so far. Data-driven decision-making, powered by advanced analytics and predictive modeling, allows trucking companies to optimize their fleets for peak performance. Simply put, this means staggering maintenance schedules to keep fleets from being taken out of service, while still following manufacturer service guidelines. This improves fuel economy, reduces maintenance costs, and ultimately increases profitability.
In the trucking industry, technology is no longer an option, it’s a necessity. Even a small fleet of carriers requires flawless processes and seamless execution to manage manually. An additional truck, a change in weather, or unexpected maintenance can quickly throw a manageable operation into chaos. But technology gives you the tools to maintain control while improving efficiency and profits.
The future of our industry lies in the hands of those who embrace the opportunities that technology offers. By fostering a culture of innovation and continuous improvement, telecommunications companies can meet the challenges of adopting new technologies head on and remain competitive.
Vlado Kadulin is Chief Product and Operations Officer at Ship.Cars.
