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:
Hybridization: This combines electrical and standard subsystems to form a hybrid powertrain. The technology has come a long way, mostly thanks to the progress realized in its development. Besides enhancing the practicality of 6X2 axles, hybridization has allowed the use of compact engines and transmissions. With the downsizing of batteries expected to come to fruition, it's only a matter of time before it becomes standard industry-wide.
Platooning: This involves linking up a handful of trucks to form a travelling platoon, and is closely intertwined with autonomous vehicle technology. The lead truck then establishes a defined pattern for the rest of the pack to follow while in motion, albeit with human drivers onboard. Platooning is thought to be a sustainable solution for traffic congestion and safety, particularly when implemented on an open model.
Telematics: This is an amalgamation of vehicle tracking and communication technologies that's designed specifically for the haulage industry. With it, performance metrics can be retrieved and analyzed from each vehicle in order to define its most efficient operational cycle. Drivers can also be influenced to avoid instances that lead to efficiency losses (idling, speeding and deviation from assigned routes).
With multiple green technologies on the horizon, the trucking industry is poised for drastic changes in the coming years. Some experts have however acknowledged that it will take time before all of them are fully readied for application in the real world. Meanwhile, it can't hurt to look at some of the ways you could use to streamline your operation:
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.
Mind Your Tire Pressures: It's perhaps the most well-known, yet often ignored element of vehicle maintenance -- keep your tire pressures at their correct levels. Still, you have a lot to gain from stressing its importance among your staff. Be sure to highlight the need to check tires regularly as well.
There's no denying that technology has become a handy tool for the modern trucker. It's in your best interest to get acquainted with the solutions currently available and see how you can take advantage of them. Of course, that shouldn't make you ditch the good old techniques for getting the most out of your fleet.
Hybridization: This combines electrical and standard subsystems to form a hybrid powertrain. The technology has come a long way, mostly thanks to the progress realized in its development. Besides enhancing the practicality of 6X2 axles, hybridization has allowed the use of compact engines and transmissions. With the downsizing of batteries expected to come to fruition, it's only a matter of time before it becomes standard industry-wide.
Platooning: This involves linking up a handful of trucks to form a travelling platoon, and is closely intertwined with autonomous vehicle technology. The lead truck then establishes a defined pattern for the rest of the pack to follow while in motion, albeit with human drivers onboard. Platooning is thought to be a sustainable solution for traffic congestion and safety, particularly when implemented on an open model.
Telematics: This is an amalgamation of vehicle tracking and communication technologies that's designed specifically for the haulage industry. With it, performance metrics can be retrieved and analyzed from each vehicle in order to define its most efficient operational cycle. Drivers can also be influenced to avoid instances that lead to efficiency losses (idling, speeding and deviation from assigned routes).
With multiple green technologies on the horizon, the trucking industry is poised for drastic changes in the coming years. Some experts have however acknowledged that it will take time before all of them are fully readied for application in the real world. Meanwhile, it can't hurt to look at some of the ways you could use to streamline your operation:
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.
Mind Your Tire Pressures: It's perhaps the most well-known, yet often ignored element of vehicle maintenance -- keep your tire pressures at their correct levels. Still, you have a lot to gain from stressing its importance among your staff. Be sure to highlight the need to check tires regularly as well.
There's no denying that technology has become a handy tool for the modern trucker. It's in your best interest to get acquainted with the solutions currently available and see how you can take advantage of them. Of course, that shouldn't make you ditch the good old techniques for getting the most out of your fleet.
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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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