Category: Trucking Innovation

lady truck driver using GPS technology

How GPS is Revolutionizing the Trucking Industry

Posted on by Ryan Clay

The trucking industry is one that has been around for many years, and it is one that is constantly changing. In the past, truck drivers had to rely on paper maps and directions to get them from one place to another. However, with the advent of GPS technology, that is no longer the case. GPS systems can provide truck drivers with real-time updates on their location and route, allowing them to avoid traffic jams and other delays. This has revolutionized the trucking industry, making it more efficient and reliable.

What is GPS and how does it work?

GPS stands for Global Positioning System. It is a satellite-based system that can provide accurate information on the location of an object on the earth’s surface. GPS works by triangulating the position of a GPS receiver based on the signals it receives from three or more satellites. The satellite signals are transmitted to the GPS receiver, which then calculates the distance to each satellite. From these calculations, the GPS receiver can determine its exact location.

How has GPS changed the trucking industry?

In the trucking industry, GPS has been a game changer. It has helped to make the industry more efficient and has made it easier for companies to track their trucks and drivers. GPS has also helped to reduce the number of accidents and has made it easier for companies to find new routes.

GPS tracking systems have become standard in the trucking industry. Most trucking companies use them to track the location of their vehicles and to monitor driver behavior. GPS tracking systems can also be used to monitor fuel usage, engine hours, and other vehicle performance data.

The use of GPS tracking systems has helped to improve the safety of the trucking industry. In the past, accidents were often caused by driver error or by mechanical problems with the truck. However, with GPS tracking, companies can now monitor their vehicles in real-time and can quickly respond to any problems that may arise.

GPS has also helped to improve the efficiency of the trucking industry. In the past, drivers often got lost or took detours that added time to their journey. With GPS, drivers can now follow the most efficient routes and avoid traffic delays. This has helped to save companies money and has made it easier for them to meet deadlines.

How to Use GPS for Your Trucking Business?

If you own a trucking business, there are several ways you can use GPS to your advantage.

  1. You can use GPS tracking systems to track the location of your vehicles and drivers. This information can be used to ensure that your drivers are staying on schedule and that they are taking the most efficient routes.
  2. You can use GPS to monitor driver behavior. This information can be used to identify problem areas and to make changes to your training program.
  3. You can use GPS data to improve the efficiency of your business. By analyzing your data, you can find new routes and strategies that will help you save time and money.
  4. You can use GPS to improve safety in your business. By monitoring your vehicles and drivers, you can quickly respond to any problems that may arise.

If you are looking to improve the efficiency of your trucking business, GPS is a tool that you should consider using. GPS tracking systems can provide you with valuable information that can be used to make your business more efficient and safer.

What challenges does the trucking industry face?

Although GPS has been a great help for the trucking industry, there is still a problem that the industry is currently facing. This problem is a lack of qualified drivers. The trucking industry is facing a driver shortage of around 50,000 drivers. This shortage is causing problems for companies who are trying to deliver their goods on time.

The driver shortage is being caused by a number of factors. One factor is the retirement of baby boomers. As baby boomers retire, there are fewer people available to take their place. Another factor is the rise in the cost of living. This has made it difficult for people to afford the lifestyle of a truck driver.

The trucking industry is working to find solutions to the driver shortage. One solution is to use GPS tracking systems to monitor driver behavior. This information can be used to improve training programs and to identify problem areas. Another solution is to offer incentives to drivers who are willing to work longer hours. This may include bonuses, paid vacation days, or extra pay for weekends.

The trucking industry is also working to attract more women and minorities. In the past, the trucking industry has been dominated by white men. However, this is changing. Women and minorities are now becoming more interested in careers in the trucking industry. The industry is working to create an environment that is more welcoming to these groups of people.

The trucking industry is facing a number of challenges. However, GPS tracking systems can help to solve some of these problems. GPS data can be used to improve training programs, identify problem areas, and attract more drivers. By using GPS, the trucking industry can continue to grow and thrive.

Internet of Things and trucking

How IoT Improves Trucking

Posted on by Ryan Clay

The trucking industry is ripe for the taking by the Internet of Things. With so many trucks on the road, there is a lot of potential for interconnected devices and systems that can make the trucking process more efficient and safer. From tracking cargo to monitoring driver health, there are many ways that IoT can improve trucking.

What Is The Internet Of Things?

The Internet of Things (IoT) is a term for the interconnectedness of devices and systems. These devices can include anything from smart thermostats and lights to interconnected vehicles and industrial equipment.

IoT devices are connected to the internet and can share data with each other. This data can be used to automate processes, make better decisions, and improve efficiency.

The Benefits Of IoT In Trucking

There are many ways that IoT can improve trucking. Some of these benefits include:

Increased Efficiency

Devices that are interconnected can share data and communicate with each other, resulting in a more efficient process. For example, imagine a truck that is connected to a loading dock. The dock could send information to the truck about what cargo is being loaded and when it is expected to be finished. This would allow the truck to plan its route and departure time accordingly.

Reduced Costs

Interconnected devices can also help to reduce costs. For example, if a truck is connected to a fleet management system, the system can track the truck’s location and route. This information can be used to plan the most efficient routes and avoid traffic congestion.

Improved Safety

IoT devices can also be used to improve safety in the trucking industry. For example, if a truck is equipped with sensors that monitor the driver’s health, the truck can alert the driver when they are getting tired or need to take a break. This would help to prevent accidents caused by fatigue.

Getting Started With IoT For Trucking Businesses

If you’re looking to get started with IoT in the trucking industry, there are a few things you need to consider. First, you need to identify the devices and systems that would be most beneficial for your business. Once you have identified these devices, you need to find a way to connect them to the internet.

You may also need to consider hiring or training staff who are familiar with IoT and can help you to implement it into your business.

Is IoT For Trucks Worth Investing?

As a business, you need to weigh the costs and benefits of investing in IoT for your trucking business. However, there are many potential benefits that make it worth considering.

IoT can help you to increase efficiency, reduce costs, and improve safety. It can also help you to get a competitive edge by making your business more efficient and productive. If you’re looking to improve your trucking business, IoT is definitely worth considering.

Low-Cost IoT For Small Trucking Businesses

If you’re a small trucking business, you may be hesitant to invest in IoT. However, there are many low-cost options available that can help you to get started.

One option is to use cloud-based services to connect your devices to the internet. This can be a cost-effective way to get started with IoT without having to invest in expensive hardware.

Another option is to use open-source software to build your own IoT solutions. This can be a great way to get started with IoT if you have the technical expertise.

If you’re looking for a low-cost way to get started with IoT, cloud-based services and open-source software are great options.

These services can be used to collect and analyze data, create reports, and more.

Another option is to use mobile apps to connect your devices. Mobile apps allow you to collect data and control your devices from a smartphone or tablet. This can be a cost-effective way to get started with IoT for your trucking business.

The Future Of Trucking With IoT

The potential for IoT in the trucking industry is limitless. As more and more businesses adopt IoT, the possibilities for improvement will continue to grow. In the future, we can expect to see even more interconnected devices and systems that work together to make the trucking process more efficient and safe.

Trucking is a vital part of the American economy, and the Internet of Things (IoT) offers great potential to improve this industry.

trucking IoT

Impact Of IoT On The Trucking Industry

Posted on by Ryan Clay

In order to remain competitive in the trucking industry, you should seriously think of using the available technologies for efficiency. Figure out which of your trucks are loaded, how long it takes for them to be loaded and unloaded, exactly where your trucks are, and the most efficient route to take.

These are just some of the aspects you need to know on a daily basis to efficiently run the tracking business. All these things and so much more information can be easily accessible to you through the help of IoT or the Internet of Things. 

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gps for trucks

Benefits Of Using GPS Trackers On Trucks

Posted on by Ryan Clay

In my 15 years in the business I am continually amazed at the pace in change of the trucking and transport industry.  While some of the change can be attributed to legislation, most

As technology continues to develop, the trucking industry also tries to cope. Today we have several technological tools and equipment that generally improves the trucking industry. One of them is the use of GPS or Global Positioning System.

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trucking

Keeping Up With The Trucking Industry Trends

Posted on by Ryan Clay

In order to stay afloat, all trucking companies regardless of size should learn to cope with the current industry trends. It’s a competitive world out there and you need to learn how to keep up with the demands of customers or you’ll lose them.

Even if you’ve been in the business for quite a long time, there are still things you can change for the better. Here, I will share with you some of my discoveries on what you should do to your trucking business.

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Diesel Truck Towing A Load Out Of Dock

2018 Trends in Last Mile Delivery

Posted on by Ryan Clay

As a truck driver, I keep hearing more and more about the importance of getting “Last Mile Delivery” right.  Also called the final mile delivery, Last Mile Delivery is the last destination of a shipment’s cycle in the supply chain.

This destination can be a local store, Wal-Mart or thanks to the e-commerce boom – can even be the customer’s home. With the recent (and continuous) rise in demand for e-commerce, last mile delivery presents both opportunities and hurdles for logistics, transportation businesses, and truck drivers..

While big rig drivers like us don’t typically, deliver to the end user or customer, I see a day coming soon where we might want to embrace this change, especially if we want to fend off the coming tide of automation.

So in order to get my readership up-to-speed, I wanted to discussing some of those latest opportunities and trends in Last Mile…

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The Top 5 Fleet Management Software Programs For 2016

Posted on by Ryan Clay

Made specifically with medium or large logistics outfits, but also applicable to companies in the Service and Towing field, Fleet Management Software (FMS) is almost a requirement in today’s trucking world in order to stay competitive. FMS helps logistics and shipping companies to maximize their fleet utilization through proactive tracking, routing and data reporting.
We looked back at some of the software available just 5 years ago and, suffice to say, newer FMS solutions in 2016 are truly exceptional thanks in part to better available technology and a healthy, competitive market. In this post, we’ll review 5 of the latest popular solutions employed today by top trucking and logistics companies.

Verizon’s Networkfleet Software

Networkfleet is one of the more widespread fleet management software programs in use today. Thanks to Verizon’s vast network of satellites and wireless towers as a foundation to their patented telematics solution, it enables companies as close to real-time control over their fleets as anything else on the market today. While the dashboard interface is somewhat confusing it does cover all the functional needs with mileage monitoring, fuel use, emergency or down-time indicators and any diagnostics codes. Their maintenance scheduling application is interactive and does alert driver of the date and time of any maintenance check-up which is not found in most other applications.
Not known exactly for their customer care, we do take issue with Verizon’s lack of 24/7 technical support

Prophesy DispatchHighjump-Software Logo

A great solution for those on a budget, Prophesy Dispatch has been around since 2006 and costs about between $80 and $90 / month depending on a “Broker” or “Broker and Carrier” status (c. 2016). In that time they’ve developed a loyal base of customer thanks to an “everything’s there” application, including regulations management. While again, support is lacking to business hours, we’ve found that they do respond consistently with 24 hours and do have solid online training program in place for new users.
In addition to quick real-time monitoring of truck status, we found the dashboard to be highly intuitive. Any duplicate date seemed to carry over to other transactions(which is sorely needed in overseas transactions where duplicate documents are a miserable requirement), making BOL documentation a breeze. Overall a great value solution for both domestic and international truckload carriers, freight brokers, and also LTL carriers.  Click here for the Prophesy Dispatch software costs and payment schedule.

Quartix Fleet Management SoftwareQuartix-Logo

Used in the trucked industry since the 2001, Quartix Fleet Tracking is a US specific web-based logistics tracking product that utilizes patented GPS tracking devices and telematics. Weighing only 2 ounces, the device is installed by Quartix and is used for routing optimization and fleet tracking and is sufficiently robust for long term use – they claim to have “redundancy” built into their servers and databases to limit downtime . Unfortunately, the software does not have, nor plans to have integrated dispatch capabilities, but for around $20 per month plus installation, what more can you ask for a real-time tracking software.Any fuel indicators tracking are based on logs or averages input by the management team or by the drivers and are not live.
Overall a great product for peanuts per month. Unfortunately for a the modular, fully integrated solution that most larger logistics companies would want, the lack of long term functionality will be a concern.

Telogis SoftwareTelogis-logo

Telogis is a company that provides a software solution for managing your entire fleet of vehicles that goes far beyond simple GPS tracking. It is a web-based solution, one that can be scaled very easily to accommodate the growth of your business. It is also designed to integrate with any type of business, and can help with dispatching and also payroll. Regular maintenance of vehicles is also incorporated into the software, making sure that your fleet is always updated and repairs are made when necessary.
A common complaint of the service is the downtime experienced with the GPS tracking units. While Telogis will replace units free of charge, any downtime can costs much more than simply installation costs.

RTA Fleet Management

RTA Fleet Management Software LogoRTA is a small software company that offers a complete Fleet Management solution at a great price. As a scalable application RTA functions well with large organizations, and offers a suite of applications that can help you maintain high production and safety levels. It includes asset management, work order management, and can also help you manage your inventory. It is designed to help companies reduce overall liability, improve efficiency, and help reduce the cost of fuel usage.
Built on an older platform there are minor issues with redundancy in entry and it does not offer a dispatch module. However, the training is top-notch and the customer support is solid. As of 2016 they are on release 7.0 and are consistently updating their product to match customer requests.

Our Take

All of these software solutions, whether they are on your computers at your place of business, or if they are utilized online, can help you run your business much more efficiently. They all come with a multitude of different options, all of which are designed to help you manage your fleet of vehicles while they are on the road, and also schedule regular maintenance so that you are never surprised by intermittent breakdowns which could cost your company money. Visit each of these websites to find out which one will actually work best for your business. The key to making sure that your fleet of vehicles is operating at optimal levels, and that your business is generating the most revenue, is to always use state-of-the-art fleet management software programs.

Are Driverless Trucks the Future of Transportation?

Posted on by Ryan Clay

One of the big development pursuits in the tech field recently has been that of the “Driver-less” car.  Many big tech companies and startups alike are envisioning a day where driver interactions with their vehicles are limited or non-existent. Most of the press around this technology has been about personal use, but it should come as no surprise that similar applications are being developed in the transportation and logistics industry as well.  It’s no stretch to say that the ability to use automated trucks could completely revolutionize the shipping and logistics industries.

This could come at a heavy price for those working in the trucking industries that have based their life around driving and being on the road.  In this post we’ll look into the possibilities of automating the transportation industry by using driverless trucks and just what does such a future look like.

Driver-less Trucks – The Race to Innovate

In any given year over 3 million commercial trucks carry nearly 10 Billion Tons of cargo in the United States alone.    What if computers – which never get tired, distracted or drowsy – could operate these vehicles to shoulder some or all of the work so that their human counterparts could be better rested and utilized when they actually do need to drive the rig.In addition to better labor utilization, these driver-less vehicles are expected to have better fuel efficiency, maintenance and safety.

To this end, companies like Daimler, Nissan, Freightliner and Caterpillar are busy working on truck prototypes that don’t need a human to operate them.  While they refer to the newer technology as “Driver Assist” these cars all rely upon computers, a number of different sensors, and sophisticated GPS systems that are not readily available to the public. Each of these companies is racing to be the first with a fully compliant working truck.  As of 2016, there are a bevy of companies that have preliminary approvals to drive on US Highway, like Freightliner (see below), which has the tentative approval to operate these driverless trucks on the roads in Nevada, so long as a real-life human being is in the driver’s seat.

Assessing a Driverless Truck World

At first, driver-assist trucks will be priced, making it unlikely that smallerlogistics companies will be investing in them without some serious research. The current estimated prices could pay an entire fleet for several years, and don’t include the possible price of replacements if something were to go wrong. Replacements are a real possibility, when no-one knows if these new vehicles will even last, tests currently don’t go back more than a decade, and the wear and tear that transportation style travel would cause has not been evaluated. This means that most companies wouldn’t be likely to invest at first.

However, big name companies who run standard routes, are looking to get their times down, and who can get everything they need done with just a few vehicles will likely invest in these from the start. These will be the companies that take on the risks, that can mix automation in with normal routes, and that will do internal studies on the actual efficiency of these trucks. These companies will essentially open the door for others to make their own decisions in an informed manner.

Once these vehicles have been available for a few years, we feel the industry will likely shift, with more and more companies going towards partial automation, and human labor focusing on other parts of the shipping process. This change over will likely be gradual, and will open up a number of new mechanical and technology related positions within transportation companies.

Going Driverless – Rules and Regs

While the development of driverless trucks is well underway, current State and Federal laws and regulations have a long way to go before wide spread use on the road is possible.   The NHTSA (National Highway Traffic Safety Administration) currently maintains five distinct classifications of autonomous vehicles:

  • Level 0 – No-Automation:  Driver maintains complete control of the car or truck at all times
  • Level 1 – Function-specific Automation:  Controls like brake-assist, kick in to aid the driver when sensing an emergency.
  • Level 2 – Combined Function Automation:  This classification involves the full-automation of primary controls like steering and throttling, while giving control back to the driver at any time.  Newer cars with “Lane Centering” technology enabled will automatically adjust steering to maintain the car in the center of the lane.  The driver can easily take control of the functionality by simply using the steering wheel
  • Level 3 – Limited Driving Automation:  At this level, a driver may grant full operational control to the vehicle under specific driving conditions (think normal highway driving), however under complicated driving scenarios like merging and city driving, the driver is expected to take over
  • Level 4 – Self-Driving Automation:  A Level 4 classified vehicle will be one that will perform all driving automation with the expected input of destination from a driver or outside human entity.  A driver can take control of the vehicle, but is not expected to during the course of the trip
  • Level 5 – Full Driving Automation, No Driver:  This classification refers to a completely autonomous vehicle that is designed with no option for human interaction

Our Take

Overall, driver-less trucks are the future, but, at least for now, they aren’t the doom and gloom bringer of the end of driver-based trucking that most people are worried about.  More than likely, the technology will be used to assist drivers putting less stress on human workers, opening up new jobs, and ensuring better metrics, efficiency and lower costs.