The Tech Revolution in Trucking: How Innovation is Reshaping the Industry
Why is innovation in the trucking industry so important? The trucking industry needs to keep innovating to help truck drivers work faster, smarter, and safer. Innovation helps the environment and allows the trucking industry to stay competitive.
What are the Newest Innovations Reshaping the Trucking Industry?
Innovation is reshaping the trucking industry, and Millennials and Generation Alpha are taking notice. Some of the new innovations in the trucking industry include:
Alternative Fueled Vehicles
The diesel semi is old news. Today’s big rigs are electric or hydrogen fuel-cell powered. The new normal is zero-emission battery or water-powered semis. Did you know that there are solar-electric semis? By harnessing the sun’s power, we are powering our vehicles across the United States and back again. On the other hand, Nikola is working on hydrogen fuel-cell semis fitted with high-voltage batteries that recharge with regenerative braking1.
Innovative Technologies
If you want all the bells and whistles, you can get functionality that measures bridge height and weight restrictions to tour the US fully loaded. Another tremendous technological feature is tracking devices that predict maintenance, breakdowns, and repair needs. This makes driving a truck safer for everyone involved.
Platooning
An advancement tested in Europe is formation driving (also known as platooning), which uses a controlled computer to allow semis to follow closely behind other trucks, utilizing aerodynamics to reduce emissions. As you can see on NASCAR, this formation also helps reduce fuel consumption by drafting.
Another innovation in trucking technology is the use of aerodynamics. This innovation helps reduce drag, enhance stability, and improve fuel efficiency. Additional accessories can further help aerodynamics, including vortex generators and side skirts. Innovative aerodynamic materials like Carbon Fiber Reinforced Polymers also help trucks reduce weight and improve durability.
Internet of Things (IoT)
The Internet of Things is making it easier to track a semis location. It records the number of miles a truck driver has completed to make sure they take mandatory breaks. It also allows trucking companies to utilize large amounts of data from tracking devices to make better decisions in logistics.
Artificial Intelligence (AI)
Another innovative technology used in the trucking industry is Artificial Intelligence. AI can help transportation, supply chain, and logistics by cleaning and enriching large amounts of data to create forecasts and plan for future performance. It can also provide faster and more accurate emergency roadside services.
Virtual Reality (VR)
New training modules are testing virtual reality to prepare truck drivers for the hazards of the road. Using VR allows a trucking student to make mistakes and get real-time feedback on driving procedures. This keeps everyone on the road safe while truck drivers learn the terrain.
Self-Driving & Semi-Automated Semis
Truck drivers are taking advantage of lane-assist, assisted braking, and complete self-driving semis. While there are technical, regulatory, and safety concerns, autonomous vehicles can improve safety on the road caused by human error. It can reduce traffic congestion, lower emissions, and offer the trucking industry economic growth.
TaaS (Track as a Service)
Mack Trucks2 uses a TaaS model subscription-based pricing for commercial vehicles with their ElectriFi plan. Rather than paying for the vehicle, customers pay a fixed monthly rate based on the usage of the truck. It helps adopt electric vehicles, which is a boon for the environment.
Dispelling the Displacement Myth
It is not true that technology and innovation will displace truck drivers. Driver assistance technology helps improve truck drivers’ productivity, safety, quality of life, and job satisfaction. There is a need for 1.2 million3 new drivers over the next decade to keep freight moving across our highways and byways. With an increased focus on innovation and technology, the younger generation will want to embrace the trucker lifestyle.
Want to Learn More?
Suppose you are ready to take to the open road. In that case, hauling inventory across the state of Ohio and potentially the rest of the United States, the CDL certificate program at Ohio Business College’s Truck Driving Academy is the perfect place to start. With Ohio locations in Dayton and Columbus, our Truck Driving Academy offers one of the most respected Class A CDL certificate programs in the Tri-State region.
If you are interested in a truck driving profession, let Ohio Business College answer any questions you may have. Contact us today to learn more about our Truck Driving programs.
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