Trucking helps to keep the local economies moving and to get products delivered to all parts of the nation. In order to tackle the rising trucking expenses and competitive pressure of rail, air, and sea transportation, the truck manufacturing companies are now leveraging cutting-edge technology to enhance every part of the business. It is a good time to get into the trucking business as technological developments pick up speed.
It is essential to anticipate emerging technologies and prepare to service and maintain the equipment. If you have a trucking business, it is important that you find out about the existing and upcoming technological advancements. The following technologies will continue to transform the way you run your business.
Powertrains
New and advanced powertrains have the potential to significantly reduce the cost of shipping products across the country. Engines are now being modified to reduce weight and improve overall performance. Turbocharging is being upgraded to provide more power for acceleration while also consuming less fuel on the road. Hybrid and fully electric powertrains, along with more advanced starters and alternators, are now getting inspected and tested, and these new and improved parts will continue to influence the industry.
Aerodynamics
Airplanes have their unique shape for a reason. Wind resistance shoots up drastically with an increase in speed. Transport trucks are likely to become even more fuel-efficient as truck and trailer aerodynamics continue improving. In the coming years, keep an eye out for advancements in more aerodynamic technologies like active vents, wheel covers, and underbody shielding as companies try to squeeze out even more fuel economy benefits. It will make a big difference even if there are only upgrades to certain components of pre-existing trucks. So, even if you opt for used trucks for sale you might still get one with modern tech.
Safety
Adding protection and safety components can lessen or even completely prevent accidents. For truck drivers, trucking businesses, and the general population, fewer accidents are good. Reduced insurance expenses and truck repair bills are often a natural consequence of fewer accidents. Driving a vehicle is now safer than ever thanks to advancements in brakes, crash avoidance, lane deviation indicators, and trucker fatigue alerts, and this trend will only continue in the next few years.
Telematics
Much like how the arrival of GPS over 20 years ago helped revolutionize the transportation industry, modern telematic technologies promise to do the same. To promote simpler, safer, and more economical trucking and transportation, keep an eye out for vehicle-to-vehicle broadcasting networks, path planning apps, platooning software, and other scheduling tools. Although every manufacturer is currently developing their own solutions, it is believed that in the coming years the market will converge.