It would be considered a joke if someone claimed to have received at least one Amazon parcel a day less than seven years back. Fast forward to 2024, and doorstep deliveries are commonplace, reaching every corner of the globe, covering every possible zip code, location and neighborhoods. This transformation highlights the rapidly changing landscape of logistics, where technology is revolutionizing how expedited trucking operates.
The ever-evolving world of business demands constant innovation and improved customer service. Companies are turning to technology to gain a competitive edge and stay ahead of the game at multiple levels.
Vikrant Asher, a logistics technology leader (currently serving as the COO of Nitro Logistics Inc, based in Texas), recognizes the game-changing potential of these advancements. “We’re at a fascinating juncture,” he explains.
He adds “Less than a decade ago, trucking coordination was carried out mainly through phone calls. Drivers just upload documents today. That itself speaks volumes about technological impact. There is no reason for any business to be left out. Lean, efficient and forward-looking technology has arrived, and the trucking industry is no different to adopting it. This technological wave presents an opportunity for all businesses in the sector.”
Vikrant has developed the Nitro logistics’s systems using AI, cloud computing and data mining connecting shippers and drivers, providing the transparency that has never been available before.
He emphasizes the importance of transparency within the supply chain, “Creating a win-win solution develops trust and makes the shift less risky”, said Vikrant.
Nitro connects shippers and drivers, providing unprecedented transparency across the supply chain. The systems allow for competitive bidding by drivers, advanced route optimization, GPS tracking means driver location is visible for all parties at all times, thereby allowing for the power of technology to be shared by all parties involved in the supply chain. By product benefits of AI mean shipper can ask questions like “Give me the best route using the least fuel consumption”, or “Average number of days it takes for a 500lbs load to reach from point A to point B”
But, the biggest shift in perspective that can disrupt the currently operating industry is the introduction of autonomous truck technology. This is in the sense that the trucks will, without any need for drivers, be capable of moving from point A to point B.
These driverless vehicles, powered by advancements in AI and sensors, promise to revolutionize trucking by offering faster deliveries, improve safety, and boost overall efficiency. Autonomous trucks could operate tirelessly eliminating driver breaks and potentially reducing accidents through faster reaction times.
However, this futuristic vision raises several unanswered questions. How will this technology impact the livelihoods of millions of truck drivers? What are the safety implications in a world shared by autonomous and human-driven vehicles? And when will this future become a reality?
Efficiency Through Automation and Analytics
As technology makes advances, it is organically using the large volume of available data for analytics, data mining and computing. While automation is playing its role, digitalization is happening alongside, increasing efficiency, paving the way for leaner operations, efficient communications, predictive scheduling and better safety standards.
Much of this is also because the industry has embraced the changes in the use of the technology offered. A wide range of futuristic products are available, from AI, cybersecurity, cloud computing, data analytics, and chat features, making them all a part of the available suite. It comes with multitude of benefits such as:
- Integration of e-commerce – Modern software solutions help trucking companies manage orders more efficiently by streamlining their processes. They automate several tasks, including order processing, route optimisation, and inventory control. This minimises resource waste while ensuring that goods reach their destinations on schedule.
- Better logistics oversight – Complex logistics technology, like demand forecasting, predictive analytics, and warehouse management systems that automate inventory tracking, are essential to the trucking industry. This better management reduces inefficiencies, lowers operating costs, and improves the supply chain’s responsiveness and ability to adjust to shifting market demands.
- Using data analytics to inform decisions – Businesses now primarily use data as a resource for making choices. Many industries would only be able to develop evidence-based strategies with it. Advanced analytics technologies are used in the trucking industry to handle large volumes of data and provide insights into performance indicators, trends, and possible areas for development.
These tactics improve productivity, cut expenses, and ultimately aid in the general development of the sector.
The use of AI in trucking
The use of AI in trucking brings together the currently available technology tools. Machine learning has a long way to go in offering results that are 100% accurate. That could be a few years before that happens. Currently, AI can impact the low-hanging fruit, such as data analytics, operations, and management of small, medium, and large-scale businesses, from singular owner-operated trucks to fleets.
Drivers can see the immediate advantage of AI. They can negotiate loads with rates they can offer, communicate directly with shippers, share pictures of loads, share their live location, and send accurate times messages when they experience inevitable vehicle breakdowns, accidents, safety concerns, fuel shortage issues, etc.
Drivers can also use AI to report driving hours and fatigue to make drive vs sleep hours, monitor weigh station reports and identify road risks such as fatigue, roadblocks, and road works. ETA reporting and Systems using AI-powered systems can monitor and track vehicles in real-time, providing businesses with crucial information regarding vehicle performance and driver behavior.
Safety First
Safety is still the leading matter in light of the transportation industry’s proceeds, so AI has found its uses.
AI is a power system that can be either installed through a device in the trucks or downloaded as a mobile application and turned on using Bluetooth and GPS tracking. Drivers can report safety issues and alert their employers or shippers.
Safety is a paramount concern for the trucking industry, and AI plays a vital role in improving safety measures. Drivers experience safety issues as they are exposed to road hazards and climatic conditions and are influenced by flora and fauna seasons. Examples like deer mating season and weed spreading season are flexes to keep drivers focused on the roads. Drivers are regulated by the number of driving hours on the streets, followed by a break to manage driver fatigue risk.
As modern technology speeds into replacing traditional SOPs and systems, only some of the industry is entirely on board with the new world tech. Traditional trucking companies believe AI comes with a potential risk versus all hands and boots-on-deck theory. There is an ideology that trucking cannot be wholly automated.
SAAS systems are still being trained, and machine learning needs numerous years of data to build its capabilities. The inaccuracy delta can cause doubt. Leaving too much power in the hands of drivers is another factor that the industry is still deliberating. Using advanced computing systems comes with the cost of displacing experienced talent and years of hands-on trucking knowledge. The workforce adaption will gradually involve training operations teams with new software handling skills and creating an inclusive and progressive mindset.
Challenges and Considerations
Digitalization is the new world order and trucking industry is using it and maximizing utilization. By harnessing AI technology, trucking companies are now able to use several analytics features in the system to make more informed and strategic business decisions. From fuel consumption, route planning to visual presentation of data, the use of AI algorithms significantly help in analysis.
However, as the industry welcomes the latest technology type, some differences of opinion might arise. Generally, automobile companies depend on AI for AI purposes, which can be challenging, such as sensing potential job reduction and machine learning, which require years of data to refine.
The accuracy in AI systems currently, with the figure being around 85%, can also be an unconvinced factor for a few people to entrust their lives to them. This lack of complete trust can be a barrier to adoption. Also, some analysts and transport experts discuss that giving control over drivers through AI-filed facilities might be risky, like self-driving route suggestions.
However, the integration of advanced computing systems penetrates the risk of the labour force as well. Long-term, well-skilled drivers, through years of hands-on experience may find adapting to new technologies difficult. To avoid any hiccups during the transition, training programs must be developed and implemented to equip the team with the skills required to make the gradual transition.
A New Era Beckons: Efficiency and Collaboration
The future of expedited trucking appears to be one of increased efficiency and collaboration. The convergence of driverless vehicles, AI operations, and the Internet of Things (IoT) is ushering in a new era for transportation and have introduced a dramatic turn in the sector already. Technology has made trucking life easier in that it reaches even the driver’s personal life, from navigation to purchasing, just to name a few that people can think of.
The efficiency gains from AI in expedited trucking could have ripple effects across the logistics industry, potentially leading to faster and more streamlined services for long distance movers as well.
As these technologies become more integrated, the industry can expect significant changes. Continued research into these technologies, coupled with workforce development initiatives, will be essential for navigating this new era.
Regulatory hurdles and ethical considerations around autonomous vehicles loom large. The human element – the trucker’s intuition honed by years on the road – can’t be easily replicated by algorithms.
The key lies in collaboration. AI can become a powerful copilot, augmenting driver skills and reducing fatigue. Expedited trucking companies that embrace this partnership will be the ones to navigate the future’s highways. This isn’t just about efficiency; it’s about rewriting the very fabric of expedited delivery. Buckle up, because the ride is about to get fascinating.
