Slowly but surely, the trucking industry is being revolutionized by the strong force of logistics technology. Even though technology brings incredible benefits, it also brings up some practical questions like whether truck drivers and technology will evolve together?
As discussed in previous blogs, logistics technology has provided many benefits such as cost reductions, efficiencies, and an overall increase in productivity. But it’s essential to consider the implications of incorporating technology into transportation processes and how it affects truck driver positions.
Truck drivers must also evolve with the current technological trends taking over the industry. They’re using new platforms, smartphones, and other software to input data and create a seamless and efficient workflow.
What has changed for truck drivers?
There are many parts of the process that have changed for truck drivers; these are just some examples:
- Replacing paper maps for navigation software.
- Paper checklists for centralized digital platforms.
- Cloud-based documentation to simplify administrative tasks.
- Virtual forms.
- Performance reviews through telematics and scorecards.
3 ways truck drivers and logistics technology are evolving together
Let’s discuss some examples that show how truck drivers have already incorporated technology into their routines, obtaining outstanding results.
Truck driver performance
One aspect that clearly shows that truck drivers and technology are in sync is performance reviews. As mentioned in the examples above, technology has helped promote safer truck driver behaviors with telematics. With this type of technology, companies can track truck drivers’ habits and help them avoid any mistakes that can cause accidents. The system provides alerts that let the drivers know what they’re doing wrong. All this information is stored and displayed on the driver’s scorecard.
If there are many alerts, managers can analyze the data and find ways to help the drivers improve their performance with training programs to help refresh required skills. This ensures that drivers are safer as well as everyone on the road, reducing the chances of accidents occurring.
Faster response in case of emergency
Before, it was tough to find truck drivers’ locations quickly. Through GPS and real-time locations software, fleet management has become a faster and more efficient process. Therefore, if any issues happen along the way, like trucks breaking down, being stuck in traffic, or having an accident, fleet owners will know their precise location. Knowing their exact location will allow them to send out help as soon as possible.
Real-time location software, in this case, becomes essential to ensure truck driver safety and provide valuable insights like ETAs or possible delays.
Truck driver navigation
Truck drivers can now be guided to their destinations through logistics technology while using the fastest and safest routes. Through GPS systems and navigation apps, drivers know exactly where they’re going through clear directions, helping them avoid delays.
Other useful features for drivers include traffic information, weather conditions, and even information on accidents that have occurred on the road that may cause delays.
Therefore, truck drivers are now more informed about their routes, avoiding possible delays due to bad traffic or weather conditions.
Drivers and logistics technology are evolving together to create more efficient and safer workflows. In general terms, technology has helped truck drivers and fleet owners’ access beneficial information that can completely transform the industry.
