Manufacturers May Blend Braking Systems as Autonomous Technologies Gain Interest
The growth of technological systems used in autonomous vehicles in the United States, such as adaptive cruise control and self-steering, could speed the adoption of electronic braking system technology, which sends an electronic control signal to activate brakes.
Fleets Use Software to Better Plan Home Time for Drivers
Home time is a key factor for driver satisfaction, so carriers are using transportation management software to remind them when drivers want to be home and find the best routes to get them there.
Driver-Friendly Dispatching
Driver pay is a key factor in attracting and retaining drivers, but fleets said just offering a competitive per-mile rate is no longer enough.
Beyond Trailer Tracking
Carriers now are deploying a variety of onboard sensors that can tell them if a trailer is loaded or empty, when its doors open, the temperature of its cargo or if a pallet moves.
Technology Helps Fleets Find Lanes That Are Profitable and Efficient
As capacity tightens and government regulations make drivers’ time even more valuable, carriers and shippers are embracing technology to choose the most profitable and efficient shipping lanes, set rates and reduce empty miles.
Choosing Safe Carriers Via Technology
Technology goes beyond helping carriers and shippers find the best rates and routes; it also can help them monitor fleet safety ratings.
Brokers, 3PLs Turn to Technology to Track Loads
Freight brokers and third-party logistics providers have traditionally relied on manual check calls to update the status of a shipment, but are increasingly turning to tracking technology to satisfy shippers’ demands for greater visibility.
Carriers Utilize Specialized Equipment to Remove Snow, Ice From Trailer Tops
Heavy snow and ice buildup on trucks and trailers can sap fuel economy, add weight, damage the equipment and even create a safety hazard if it breaks loose on the road. To avoid these risks, trucking companies are using a variety of specialized snow-removal systems to clear the tops of their vehicles.
Trailer Tracking Helps Carriers Manage Regulatory Requirements
Whether carriers are preparing to meet the final requirements of the U.S. Food and Drug Administration’s Food Safety Modernization Act to comply with size regulations in states, technology providers said tracking technology can help operators comply with those regulatory requirements.
‘Where’s My Freight?’
Today’s tracking technology allows users to monitor the movement of goods from the time they leave the manufacturer to the final unloading, eliminating black holes that once existed within the system, particularly within the handoff points as loads changed hands.