Top 5 Ways Technology is Changing the Trucking Industry

Top 5 Ways Technology is Changing the Trucking Industry

The trucking industry is utilizing technology to adjust to the increasing demands of fleet owners, drivers and maintenance professionals. "Technology is creating an eco-system that will forever change the industry", says David Seewack, CEO, FinditParts.com. As technology is further implemented, the trucking industry is poised to see a surge in productivity, safety and profitability.

1. E-Commerce for Truck Parts

The digital arena is becoming increasingly important in the truck parts aftermarket. The online marketplace creates an eco-system that simplifies the fulfillment and distribution of truck & auto parts, effectively by streamlining and automating the search process for both common and obscure components. The online marketplace will continue to change the way truck parts are bought and sold.

Featured Company: FinditParts (www.FinditParts.com)

FinditParts.com is the largest online marketplace for heavy-duty truck parts with over 2.5 million parts from over 1,200 manufacturers. Its visitors engage with an online eco-system that simplifies the fulfillment and distribution of truck & auto parts, effectively streamlining and automating the search process for both common and obscure components.

2. AVL Units

Automatic vehicle location (AVL) units are in-cab devices that communicate location and other information via GPS satellite systems or cellular towers. A PC-based software or Internet application is used by the dispatcher or main office to send and receive information to the in-cab device. AVL units are growing in popularity in the trucking industry as a way to monitor shipments and update drivers with current geographical and traffic information.

Featured Company: Fleetilla (http://www.fleetilla.com/index.asp)

Fleetilla's vehicle tracking solution consists of the FL1850 vehicle-tracking unit that is installed in each vehicle to be tracked, as well as the FleetOrb online web-based fleet tracking and management application. A good GPS fleet management application does more than tell a manager where their vehicles or equipment are currently located. It provides data and tools that allow managers to make better decisions.

3. Mobile Apps

Mobile technology is changing the way fleets do business and the way drivers work and live on the road. Now fleets can monitor fuel prices, receive signed documents from drivers in an instant and send drivers training videos while they're on the road. Drivers can see their safety scores; search for and bid on loads, even get in line for truck stop showers without getting out of their cabs.

Featured Company: Drive Axle App (http://driveaxleapp.com)

Drive Axle allows the driver to take a picture of the bill of lading, or of the load, then they can add some notes, select an email and the app cleans up the document and sends to the broker or office needing the information.

4. Electronic Logbooker

This system allows drivers to input information for each stage of the shipping process into the terminal. The main office receives this data along with the GPS location of the truck simultaneously. The system also allows drivers and dispatchers to pre-plan load assignments, resulting in increased productivity.

Featured Company: Werner Enterprises Paperless Log System (http://www.werner.com)

Werner Enterprises Paperless Log System is connected via satellite through the QualcommTM and Global Positioning Systems (GPS), assists truck drivers in using their time efficiently. The system enables load planners, fleet managers and drivers to pre-plan load assignments to maximize productivity within the legal driving hours-of-service limits.

5. PrePass

The genius of the PrePass is that it takes inspiration from technology that is already in wide use today to keep drivers moving through toll stations and other stopping points on the road. The PrePass conveys specific information about the driver, the truck, and the company as the truck heads into a roadside weigh station.

Featured Company: Heavy Vehicle Electronic License Plate (HELP) (http://www.prepass.com/)

The culmination of HELP, Inc's efforts is PrePass - an intelligent transportation system that electronically verifies safety, credentials, and weight of commercial vehicles at participating state highway weigh stations, commercial vehicle inspection facilities and ports of entry. Installation of the basic PrePass equipment at many state inspection facilities is funded by HELP, Inc. and provided to states without the use of public funds