The trucking industry is the backbone of American commerce. We all rely on shippers, trucking companies, and logistics providers, even when we don't realize it.

From the beginning, technological advances have improved safety concerns, sustainability, and efficiency.

Recently, several new technologies have emerged in trucking. They’ve advanced the industry and provided fleets with better ways to serve their clients.

If you're a part of the trucking industry, you'll want to know the latest innovations in trucking operations. Read on to get a closer look.

Internet of Things

green signal bars and a green wifi signal on a black background

The internet of things (IoT) combines physical devices with online connectivity. The IoT isn't a completely new technology. We've seen it on the road for years now, thanks to tools like GPS.

That said, we're seeing new and exciting IoT uses in the trucking industry these days. IoT devices offer dynamic routing technology while providing real-time data on things like fuel efficiency, driver performance, and more.

This information provides valuable insights for fleet management. Trucking companies can use this technology for route optimization, vehicle maintenance, and improving safety for truck drivers.

Autonomous Trucks

the view of a road over a truck’s steering wheel

Autonomous trucks, or self driving trucks, may have a long way to go, but trucking companies should still keep an eye on this new technology.

About half of U.S. states allow self-driving trucks, and many more states allow truck manufacturers to test self-driving trucks with human driver supervision.

People have mixed opinions on these self-driving vehicles. On the one hand, they may increase road safety thanks to advanced trucking technology. They offer safety features that may lead to fewer driver fatigue accidents.

However, people understandably have some doubts and questions about autonomous vehicles, especially those that don't require human truck drivers at all. Many wonder how safe these trucks may be, and people also have concerns about drivers' jobs.

Still, the research has created some invaluable tools, and if you're a part of the trucking industry, you should stay aware of autonomous trucks and consider how they may impact your side of the industry.

Advanced Driver Assistance Systems and Collision Mitigation Technology

Even in non-autonomous trucks, the trucking industry is seeing a lot of advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS). These trucking technologies also promote driver safety and prevent accidents caused by human error.

ADAS technology includes lane assist options, cameras, and sensors that detect other drivers and stationary objects. Emergency braking and adaptive cruise control also create more vehicle safety.

Electric and Hybrid Semi Trucks

Electric semi trucks are another type of technology that comes with pros and cons. Electric trucks, as well as hybrid trucks, have better fuel efficiency and are therefore better for the environment.

However, they do have a long way to go before we see many of these more efficient trucks on the road. For example, the current tech requires very heavy batteries, which can weigh trucks down and create safety issues.

Still, though electric and hybrid trucking still has several issues to work out, you may see them become more prominent in the long run, so it wouldn't hurt to keep tabs on this new trucking technology.

Predictive Analytics and Artificial Intelligence

two hands holding a hexagonal rubick’s cube

Artificial intelligence (AI) has become a trending topic lately, but did you know that it's being used in the trucking industry? The newest fleet management software uses AI for predictive analytics.

AI analyzes data quickly. Fleet managers can then use that data to accomplish many tasks, including:

predicting truck maintenance needs
optimizing loads
promoting operational efficiency
predicting traffic patterns
analyzing fuel costs

With predictive analytics, fleet managers can see details that they may have otherwise missed. This new information can allow them to increase efficiency, lower costs, and use dynamic routing.

Making the Most of Trucking Technology

The trucking industry is experiencing some exciting changes. To make the most of this new tech and to optimize operations, it's crucial to partner with a reliable logistics company.

No matter how your fleet management evolves, you'll want a brokerage team that will stay on top of the latest innovations and stick with you every step of the way.

Ready to connect to a logistics team that will put you and your clients first? Get in touch with Pearce Worldwide today. As technology continues to move forward, our commitment to service and loyalty will never change.

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Trucking Tech: Emerging Technologies You Should Know in the Trucking Industry