Increased operating cost, complex federal regulations and an ongoing workforce remain top priority in 2020 and with technology comes a new promise for trucking.
There are three realities the industry can do to maintain a competitive edge:
A younger and diverse workforce will introduce new technical expectations
Younger workers are entering the trucking industry with more technological experience, skills and education. Transportation businesses will have the opportunity to diversify their workforce, upgrade recruitment efforts to be more inclusive and modernize their tools and systems for the new generation. It is also important to keep in mind how convenient mobile-friendly solutions are. It enables drivers to save time and money on the road as well as boost driver engagement. Mobile apps work to integrate seamlessly with trucking companies infrastructure, while making it convenient for drivers to use through their smartphones.
Emerging tech to offset increasing operating costs
No one feels the pain of rising fuel costs more than the trucking industry. Embracing advanced payment solutions that can be both company and personal purchases will be a top priority for fleet businesses in the future. They must prioritize using the most up-to-date technology and to enable fleet managers and drivers to manage their fuel cost, track tax payments and reduce the time and inefficiency when sending driver payroll or settlements. These innovative technologies will make drivers more efficient on the road and cut back on unnecessary operating costs and inefficient processes.
Performance targets will demand a bigger focus on big data and analytics
Data and analytical data are essential in the trucking industry and are used to track and manage fleet performance, spot fraud and maintain efficiencies. Fortunately, there are a number of cutting-edge tech solutions available to help fleet managers make sense of the countless data points coming in every day. They provide access to real-time information about fueling behaviours, individual driver decision patterns, compliance and overall performance – key to identifying cost-saving opportunities or detecting inefficiencies that impact a company.