Intelligent fleet monitoring
In recent years, the Internet of Things (IoT) has elevated telematics to a whole new level. Telematics technology is ideally suited for monitoring vehicle performance, fuel consumption, and maintenance needs. The IoT has brought it to the forefront, bringing additional computing power and connectivity to trucking.
Telematics and the Internet of Things
Telematics focuses on machine-to-machine connectivity, while the Internet of Things (IoT) focuses on machine-to-everything connectivity. Freight companies can combine the two to collect valuable real-time data from every segment of their fleet. This information can quickly reveal insights into factors such as vehicle availability, route conditions, and driver behavior.
Furthermore, because the Internet of Things (IoT) enables calculations directly from the device, fleet managers can quickly detect and respond to problems. For example, if IoT sensors on a vehicle indicate a sudden fluctuation in performance, the driver can be immediately alerted to stop for maintenance. This intelligent vehicle monitoring technology can save thousands of dollars in expensive repair costs.
IoT analytics and insights
The Internet of Things (IoT) is helping freight companies monitor big data such as industry trends and environmental impacts. For example, during the COVID-19 pandemic, IoT devices were used to monitor trucking activity and emissions across the United States. This showed a significant decrease in emissions while the industry remained stable, telling analysts that Americans were still getting the goods they needed.
Collecting sustainability data is especially important for freight companies today. This is becoming a top concern for the public, many of whom are worried about the environmental impact of certain industries. Monitoring fleet emissions can help transport companies reduce their carbon footprint.
AI-driven logistics
In fleet management, few technologies can rival artificial intelligence. AI can effortlessly streamline and optimize logistics, requiring only a fraction of the time needed for traditional methods. There are numerous ways to achieve this.
For example, most freight companies are familiar with the complexities of route optimization. While it's easier to simply insert origins and destinations on paper using GPS, optimization ensures that vehicles actually take the most efficient routes. This saves time and money, and can even lead to higher profits, as more orders can be accommodated in an optimized fleet. Even small things, such as planning a route to save a few minutes at a gas station, can have a ripple effect.
Artificial intelligence is ideally suited for route optimization. This process is difficult to perform manually because it considers over a dozen unique factors, ranging from traffic delays to legal requirements. All of these factors can be processed quickly and accurately by artificial intelligence.
Artificial intelligence can also help freight companies improve logistics and preparation. Logistics simulation software can help fleet managers test new logistics concepts without affecting actual operations. AI simulations can also take into account factors such as weather events and national emergencies. This enables fleet managers to design strategies to cope with such unpredictable events.
Ensure driver safety
The Internet of Things (IoT) and artificial intelligence (AI) are helping freight companies improve the driver experience. These technologies offer numerous safety and performance advantages on the road. For example, drivers will appreciate using AI for route optimization, as mentioned above. They will achieve more efficient routes and complete more orders while avoiding delays.
Fleet managers are also using the Internet of Things (IoT) and telematics to ensure the safety of solo drivers on the job. One company uses a notification system powered by geofencing and GPS. It starts a timer when someone leaves their truck. If the driver doesn't return on time, an alert is sent and the siren is activated. This can be crucial in emergencies where someone might otherwise be unable to call for help.
Similarly, artificial intelligence and the Internet of Things (IoT) can be used to monitor traffic and weather conditions in real time. Drivers may not see an approaching storm, but fleet managers can remotely track vehicle locations and weather patterns using IoT devices. Trucks can even be equipped with cameras to transmit real-time images of road conditions back to fleet management. These devices allow companies to ensure drivers receive the support they need when road conditions worsen.
Using the Internet of Things (IoT) to track driver behavior is another effective way to improve road safety. Sensors can measure driving habits such as speed and stopping distance. These metrics can reveal risky behaviors before they cause problems. This also helps improve quality of life on the road. Drivers may not stop for enough rest or sufficient sleep. This downtime is crucial for good mental health, as well as awareness and preparedness on the road.
Automated truck transportation
Autonomous trucking may soon become a reality, though perhaps not quite as many imagine. Driverless trucks are expected to be available this year, at least on highways.
In December 2021, TuSimple completed its first driverless semi-truck test on open public roads with zero human intervention in the cab. The driverless truck traveled along an 80-mile stretch of highway, closely monitored by the TuSimple team and police deployed along the route. This trial run was a key step forward for autonomous trucks, suggesting a potentially major shift in the industry.
Many believe these changes will lead to truck driver unemployment. However, industry experts argue otherwise. Joe Rajkovats, an official with the Western States Freight Association, commented on the situation in an interview with The Atlantic: “Drivers do a lot of things… I just don’t believe you’ll see, at least in the world we imagine right now, a fully autonomous truck without any people in it.”
Rajkovacz explained that if a truck breaks down in a remote area, the driver can get it repaired quickly. A completely driverless vehicle would be delayed for hours, waiting for mechanics to perform the same repairs. This is just one of many tasks a driver has besides moving the truck from point A to point B.
Therefore, truck drivers are unlikely to become obsolete due to AI-powered trucks. On the contrary, their jobs may become more convenient. In the foreseeable future, drivers will be far better at navigating local roads than AI, so many people may switch to local routes where they can stay at home year-round. Meanwhile, autonomous trucks will be handled by human drivers for the last few miles of off-road transport.
Advance freight technology
The freight industry is at the heart of the global supply chain. This sector is thriving in the face of modern challenges by adopting cutting-edge technologies. The Internet of Things (IoT) and artificial intelligence (AI) are making fleets safer, more connected, and more efficient. Powerful AI algorithms are helping companies prepare for anything and building the future of driverless car technology. These innovations will make trucking the most robust link in the supply chain.
