There are over 8 million drivers in the U.S. employed by the trucking industry, an industry that we all rely on heavily. Not only is the trucking industry responsible for delivering fresh food to our local grocery stores, but they deliver everything from everyday necessities to luxury items we buy online. Simply put, without the trucking industry, we’d notice a big gap in our daily lives.
Despite the number of drivers who are part of the invaluable industry, trucking is actually experiencing a driver shortage. While there are aspects of the job that are not ideal for many, such as long hours and being away from home, there are other things that are exciting about the job like utilizing up-to-date technology.
Not only are technological advancements crucial to the industry, but also play a significant role in keeping our roads safer. Here are some of the most recent advancements that are changing the trucking industry.
Improved Tracking and Record Keeping
Large commercial vehicle drivers work hard, put in long hours, and are often expected to meet tight deadlines. There is rarely room for error, and when you put all these factors together, some drivers make shortcuts that can affect the quality of the products they deliver as well as our safety on the roads.
Some drivers may feel threatened by technological advancements that improve tracking and record keeping, but Software-As-A-Service (or cloud-based software) helps to ease up some of the work that can be troublesome for drivers.
The software can help with scheduling, route planning, and even load optimization. Some tracking software can even detect if there’s an issue with the refrigerated trailer well before a major problem occurs (such as spoiled food or a broken down truck on the interstate).
Record keeping and tracking software can also help the industry see where mistakes are made and how to train drivers better.
Automated Safety Features
The trucking industry has not yet become fully autonomous, but there are automated safety features, much like the technology that we have in our cars, that helps to reduce trucking accidents and keep other motorists safer.
Advanced crash avoidance systems are becoming more popular in semi-trucks to help reduce accidents. Like all motorists, truck drivers are prone to making errors behind the wheel such as being distracted or feeling fatigued. A crash avoidance system can help out when a driver can’t move quickly enough to avoid a crash.
Not only do automated safety features keep truck drivers safer and save the trucking industry money, but other drivers are also safer. Since many semis are up to 20 times the weight of a standard passenger vehicle, many motorists don’t have much of a chance during an accident with a semi. Safety features can prevent fatal injuries and expensive damage.
Apps Designed For Truck Drivers
There are apps for virtually anything, so why not apps that are specifically designed to benefit semi-truck drivers? Truck drivers become familiar with roads fairly quickly, and most have great navigational skills, but being lost, running out of fuel, or just finding a quick bite to eat can be challenging when driving a big rig.
More app developers are considering truck drivers when creating new and useful apps, such as Trucker Path Pro. Apps may seem like a small technological advancement, but it can be a game changer for the trucking industry and for motorists who share the road with commercial vehicles.
