Whether transporting food from farms to stores or shipping raw materials to manufacturers, our society wouldn’t survive without freight shipping. While the industry continues to motor forward, technological advancements are changing the future of freight. Let’s take a look at some of the innovations we may be seeing in the coming years.
Technology is shaping logistics and warehouse management
When it comes to logistics, the Internet of Things (IoT) takes center stage. IoT increases connectivity between computer systems in real-time to share large amounts of data. Warehouse management software, distribution technologies, and LTL carrier computer systems are continually improving their abilities to track shipment routes, truck locations, and product deliveries.
Warehouse managers and logistics companies can reap the benefits of IoT due to better transportation transparency. When a problem arises with a shipment, such as a truck breaking down or a damaged pallet of products, better-informed decisions can be made to remedy the issue. Soon, transportation efficiencies will be within reach of more LTL carriers as they adopt new technologies and software.
Electronic logging devices (ELDs) will increase safety
ELDs increase trucker safety by removing human error from driver log reporting. How do they work?
ELD sensors attach to a truck engine and automatically record driving time. The software then transfers the recorded data to hours of service records (HOS), giving LTL fleet companies instant access to accurate driver transportation logs. This enables LTL carriers to make better shipment schedules so drivers don’t suffer fatigue, which can cause driving accidents.
Self-driving trucks may fill empty trucking positions
Finding qualified LTL drivers has been a growing issue for years. Today, carriers are investigating new solutions. Self-driving trucks are being tested, and may eventually be a viable option for long and short-haul jobs.
Removing a human driver from the equation may increase safety by eliminating fatigue risk. It will also dramatically reduce transportation costs, and will allow LTL carriers to expand routes to locations that were previously not feasible.
A wide range of innovations are taking shape in the freight-transportation industry. From better logistics tools to self-driving trucks, these technologies will have a significant impact on the future of freight shipping.
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