The modern transportation and trucking industries are now undergoing significant shifts due to the introduction of game-changing transportation technology.
Even though we've grown accustomed to lengthy international flights, overcrowded public transit, and diesel vehicles that only get 20 miles per gallon, the future of transportation promises to revolutionize all of these things and much more; in fact, it's closer than many people know.
Let's look at seven transportation technologies set to make an lasting mark on the trucking and transportation industry.
1. Robotics for Freight Shipping Companies
As technology continues to advance, so does the field of robotics. One area where robots are being used extensively is within the domain of freight shipping companies.
In some cases, the robots are designed to help with tasks like loading and unloading cargo from trucks. In other instances, they are employed to assist drivers in performing routine maintenance on the equipment.
In addition to these applications, many others could potentially benefit from the use of robotic technology. For example, if a robot could pick up items from one place and place them in another, it would help streamline the workload.
2. Smart Cars
A significant number of customers already own intelligent automobiles. The term "smart car" meaning might vary depending on who you ask (manufacturers, dealers, or even people). Still, in general, it refers to a small, fuel-efficient vehicle that uses cutting-edge technology to make the lives of the driver and passengers more convenient.
Some automakers are switching to hybrid or electric vehicles as part of their product lineup.
However, even while this new generation of smart cars still has certain obstacles to conquer, such as the range they are able to go between charges, the number of passengers and freight they can hold, and even the quantity of trunk space, you can already find them on the roads and highways of our country.
According to the Spaulding Injury law, truck manufacturers have been investigating several ways to wean off their dependency on diesel and switch to electric vehicles, which are alternatively less expensive and more energy efficient.
3. Devices for the Next Generation of GPS
The use of global positioning systems (GPS) is nothing new; the technology has been available for decades. However, the level of capability that you can find in more recent GPS technology is the primary distinction between contemporary devices and prior variants of the same type of hardware.
When they first came out, GPS gadgets had a lot of shortcomings. They could only compute the distance traveled and estimate the amount of time it would take to reach the destination, but that was about it.
The GPS devices available now are far more adaptable. They not only complete the fundamental functionality of trip planning, but they can also make adaptations for harsh weather, traffic situations, and even your chosen route.
4. Uber-Like Trucks
A truck was one of the most secure and cost-effective ways to transport goods. While this hasn't altered much, technology developments have led to many trucking businesses experimenting with Uber-like smartphone applications.
They have witnessed the advantages of ride-sharing and hope that it will grow into a large-scale commercial enterprise.
Some apps assist shippers in viewing nearby trucks and enabling quick booking access via the app with a straightforward click.
The applications monitor has access to internet maps and GPS systems to position and update the shipper; they also give specific arrival timings, eliminating key expenditures such as paper, phones, faxes, and price haggling.
As a result, all of the next logistics sector technology projects will elevate the traditional experience to a whole new level. It will undoubtedly optimize the logistics industry, making the process faster, more efficient, and less energy-consuming.
5. Driverless Cars and Trucks
Many of the largest names in the automotive industry are competing to be the first to commercialize the technology behind autonomous vehicles, also known colloquially as self-driving cars (and trucks). As a result, it is anticipated that autonomous vehicles will be seen on the roads very soon.
Self-driving trucks are one of the most exciting developments in logistics. This automated transport system will allow drivers to focus on other aspects of their job, like driving safely and efficiently.
These self-driving trucks can navigate through all terrain and road conditions without human intervention.
There is no shadow of a doubt that the transformation brought on by driverless vehicles will completely alter our lives. There will be greater safety, reduced emissions from the use of gasoline, and increased production time for freight shipping companies.
6. Gyroscopic Vehicles
Hovering vehicles, which are pushed with the help of monorails and balanced through the inventive use of next-generation gyroscopes, might solve concerns with public transit and haulage all across the world.
However, flying cars could be too complicated for widespread usage any time soon. Although these vehicles appear to be something out of a science fiction comic book or television program, they may become a reality sooner than was originally anticipated.
Because of their size, they are sometimes referred to as gyrocars; however, they are more comparable to current buses or trains. A vehicle that can cruise through city streets and even lift its body via built-in stilts to maneuver past traffic congestion without stopping has been envisioned in some of the first conceptualizations of the technology.
7. Analytical and Monitoring Capabilities in Real-Time
With the rise of eCommerce, online shopping has become an integral part of many people's daily routines.
As a result, there is a major increase in the growing demand for fast-delivery services. So, increasing the number of freight shipping companies is needed. To meet this demand, logistics providers must ensure that their supply chain is well organized.
In addition to being able to track shipments, logistics providers must also be able to monitor the performance of drivers and other personnel.
For example, if a trucker is late delivering goods, then the company needs to know immediately so that it can contact the driver and find out what happened.
Analytical monitoring in real-time will allow logistics providers to identify problems before they occur. This will save them money and resources because they won't have to spend time figuring out why things went wrong.
Conclusion
Finally, truck drivers have been around for decades. They've seen many changes over the years, but nothing has changed their jobs quite like the advent of technology. New technologies have made logistics easier, from GPS systems to electronic logging devices. And when you add driverless trucks into the mix, it could mean big changes for the industry.
We can't predict how fast other changes will be happening, but whatever happens, it will certainly be fascinating to watch. For more valuable content, check out our content-rich blog.