Artificial Intelligence’s Influence on Trucking Technology

Blazo Gjorev
4 min readJul 20, 2022

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Trucking companies can make better use of their resources with the help of cutting-edge technologies. AI-powered software, for example, may estimate product demand, check inventory levels, and route delivery based on this information. Moreover, when traffic patterns shift or demand fluctuates, it can suggest rerouting. As a result of AI’s ability to make predictions and suggestions based on vast amounts of data, freight transportation has never been more efficient. As a result, it will significantly affect the movement of freight.

Because of its processing power and connectivity, IoT is transforming the trucking technology sector. It is now possible for fleet managers to monitor everything from fuel use to the performance of their drivers using telematics technology. In addition, data from the Internet of Things (IoT) can be used by fleet managers to increase efficiency and compliance with laws in the transportation business. These features will aid fleet management in maximizing fuel efficiency, lowering expenses, and enhancing driver well-being.

Automating a large portion of the job that truck drivers currently perform is possible. For example, a programmable thermostat and refrigerator can connect and provide notifications when something goes wrong. Even heavy-duty trucks can benefit from the same technology. For example, a remote diagnostic system from all North American truck manufacturers is available to dealerships and fleet management. In addition, IoT can make judgments about when to dispatch a truck automatically.

More businesses are putting self-driving trucks on public roads as the technology improves and becomes more commercially viable. One route is just for demonstration purposes, while another is a recurring revenue stream with regular shippers who pay to use the service. For the time being, all self-driving trucks will have a safety driver on board. This testing demonstrates the market’s faith in autonomous truck technology. However, there are many unanswered issues regarding their significance. Take a look at these examples.

For self-driving trucks, data management is a major issue. This large volume of data is critical for making decisions and maintaining safe operations in truck autonomous driving systems. For example, tracking fuel purchases necessitates data integration. As a result, data integration will ultimately benefit many stakeholders. That’s only the beginning, of course. It is predicted that autonomous trucking will have a major impact on data management in the future years. To improve operations, companies will have to incorporate data from trucks.

Fuel efficiency can be improved using idle-assist technology in trucks, but it’s not always clear how to put it to use in a fleet setting. Nevertheless, the technology has been a success for one company that has put it into practice. Chemical hauling is handled by one section of Hillcrest Transportation, while another handles dry van truckload hauling and long-distance garbage hauling. Kenworths make up the majority of the company’s 60+ vehicle fleet.

Fuel savings and improved driver comfort can be achieved by implementing idle-assist devices in trucking technology. Some large trucking companies are providing financial incentives to encourage their truckers to spend less time idling. Compared to the national average, these companies have a shorter idling time. However, trucking companies may require technology solutions to assist them in implementing these measures if education alone is not sufficient to prevent excessive idling.

Truckers can choose from four common collision mitigation devices, but not every large truck will be fitted with one. The Bendix Wingman, Detroit Assurance, WABCO OnGuard, and Volvo Active Driver Assist are all included. According to Kelly Gedert, marketing manager for Daimler Vehicles North America, eight to ten percent of heavy trucks were outfitted with collision avoidance technologies as of 2013.

Dynamic routing in trucking technology collects data on route coverage and delivery performance to better serve customers, lower costs, and boost the total value of the supply chain. Reverse logistics and second-time delivery attempts could be reduced by using this technology, which increases service delivery. Customers are more likely to remain loyal to a business that utilizes dynamic routing. However, they are just the beginning of positive outcomes. Learn more about tracking technology’s dynamic routing and how it can benefit your business.

Dynamic routing might help you keep appointments and boost client satisfaction if your organization is service-oriented. For example, it’s easier for clients to respond positively to a phone call canceling an appointment early in the day than later. Customers’ addresses can be entered into the software, suggesting the most effective way to deliver the product. Additionally, the software will consider a driver’s schedule and other constraints to improve delivery times.

Technology that can prevent collisions is being sought after by trucking companies. It is hoped that these new measures will reduce accidents and save lives. When a collision is imminent, F-CAM systems use radar and cameras to automatically apply the brakes. Rear-end collisions have been cut in half due to these new advancements in automotive safety technology. In addition, insurance premiums have been lowered in anticipation of a 63 percent rise in vehicle cargo by 2040.

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Blazo Gjorev

Blazo Gjorev began a temporary employment as a truck driver after arriving in the USA in 2002.