Labor shortages, the rise of stringent regulations, and the ever-climbing fuel prices... Sounds like the perfect recipe for a crisis, doesn't it? That's just what trucking companies in VA have found themselves facing over the last few years. There's an argument to be made that this is why a handful of innovations are currently taking the industry by storm:
Hybridized Powertrains: Lately, huge strides have been made in the development of concepts that will eliminate what has been the biggest disadvantage of hybrid trucks: unreasonably-large batteries. This alone should be a huge enough incentive for their adoption, but there's more. Hybridizing a powertrain (i. E integrating electrical and conventional systems) allows the practical use of 6X2 axles, as well as smaller engines and transmissions.
Truck Platooning: This involves connecting several trucks in a group with the help of Bluetooth technology, and falls under the same banner as autonomous trucking. Currently, the arrangement requires the lead vehicle to establish a pattern for the others to follow, with all them being under human control. It's expected that platooning will lessen congestion on highways and improve safety, especially following the adoption of an open approach.
Embedded Telematics: As a concept that amalgamates GPS tracking and communication functions, telematics offers plenty of opportunities to improve the way fleets are managed. For instance, data can be extracted from each vehicle's control module and analyzed to improve its operational cycle. The technology can also be used to influence driver behavior in a way that supports the company's initiatives.
The haulage industry is poised for a revolution, a sizeable part of which will revolve around the growing levels of innovation within the larger transport sector. Admittedly, it will take time before the emerging technologies become ready for commercial application. In the meantime, however, there are some steps you could take to make yours a more efficient, successful company:
Invest in Quality: Just as a ship captain needs competent hands on deck, quality drivers are of utmost importance in your profitability. Of course, you'll want to do whatever is necessary to keep them once they've joined your team. This will cost you a pretty penny, but is definitely worthwhile.
Remember Those Check-ups: It's very important that you keep up with all elements of your maintenance program. If that seems obvious, so should the need to have scheduling features in your fleet management software. This will eliminate the risk of forgetting when tasks fall due.
Maintain Appropriate Tire Pressures: This is arguably the most obvious yet overlooked aspect of fleet maintenance. As such, it's worth spending some time enlightening your staff on the importance of proper inflation and frequent tire checkups. You'll be surprised by how big a performance gain you'll reap thereafter.
The role of technology in the management of transport fleets keeps growing by the day. However, that doesn't mean that the good old fashioned strategies are losing their effectiveness. With that in mind, it's in your best interest to get familiar with what the former has to offer, while still hanging on to the latter.
Hybridized Powertrains: Lately, huge strides have been made in the development of concepts that will eliminate what has been the biggest disadvantage of hybrid trucks: unreasonably-large batteries. This alone should be a huge enough incentive for their adoption, but there's more. Hybridizing a powertrain (i. E integrating electrical and conventional systems) allows the practical use of 6X2 axles, as well as smaller engines and transmissions.
Truck Platooning: This involves connecting several trucks in a group with the help of Bluetooth technology, and falls under the same banner as autonomous trucking. Currently, the arrangement requires the lead vehicle to establish a pattern for the others to follow, with all them being under human control. It's expected that platooning will lessen congestion on highways and improve safety, especially following the adoption of an open approach.
Embedded Telematics: As a concept that amalgamates GPS tracking and communication functions, telematics offers plenty of opportunities to improve the way fleets are managed. For instance, data can be extracted from each vehicle's control module and analyzed to improve its operational cycle. The technology can also be used to influence driver behavior in a way that supports the company's initiatives.
The haulage industry is poised for a revolution, a sizeable part of which will revolve around the growing levels of innovation within the larger transport sector. Admittedly, it will take time before the emerging technologies become ready for commercial application. In the meantime, however, there are some steps you could take to make yours a more efficient, successful company:
Invest in Quality: Just as a ship captain needs competent hands on deck, quality drivers are of utmost importance in your profitability. Of course, you'll want to do whatever is necessary to keep them once they've joined your team. This will cost you a pretty penny, but is definitely worthwhile.
Remember Those Check-ups: It's very important that you keep up with all elements of your maintenance program. If that seems obvious, so should the need to have scheduling features in your fleet management software. This will eliminate the risk of forgetting when tasks fall due.
Maintain Appropriate Tire Pressures: This is arguably the most obvious yet overlooked aspect of fleet maintenance. As such, it's worth spending some time enlightening your staff on the importance of proper inflation and frequent tire checkups. You'll be surprised by how big a performance gain you'll reap thereafter.
The role of technology in the management of transport fleets keeps growing by the day. However, that doesn't mean that the good old fashioned strategies are losing their effectiveness. With that in mind, it's in your best interest to get familiar with what the former has to offer, while still hanging on to the latter.
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When you are searching for information about trucking companies in VA, residents can come to our web pages today. More details are available at http://www.lillytruckingva.com now.
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