An Analysis of the Latest Trucking Technology Trends (and GP Transco's View on Them)

By educating yourself on the latest trucking technology trends, you can stay in the loop about the logistics industry's future. Many transportation industry advancements in recent years have led to better outcomes regarding trucking safety technology, trucking automation and beyond. Today, we’re here to get you up to speed with the trucking technology trends you need to know about.

At GP Transco, we pride ourselves on staying ahead of the latest updates in fleet management technology, and we’re here to share that knowledge with you. Keep reading to learn more about the most recent trucking industry trends, the future outlook on trucking technology and more.

The Most Recent Trucking Technology Trends

Many trucking innovations have improved the way the trucking industry operates. Some of the most significant trends currently shaping the industry include the rise of electric vehicles, advanced logistics management software and telematics. Let’s dive deeper into each of these so you can fully digest the magnitude of these logistics technology trends.

Electric Trucks

First, let’s discuss the impact of electric trucks. There are various reasons why electric trucks have become increasingly popular. First, they are highly desirable because they can reduce carbon emissions.

This aligns with the industry’s concerted efforts to reduce the amount of carbon it emits. Plus, as environmental regulations become more strict, working with electric trucks ensures there isn’t any issue.

Electric trucks also have lower operating costs because they don’t guzzle diesel fuel, which is costly. Plus, when you compare an electric truck to its traditional counterpart, you’ll realize that electric trucks have fewer parts, which means less maintenance.

GP Transco is committed to doing its part to reduce the footprint of the trucking industry. Because of that, it is proud to integrate electric trucks into its fleet. Learn more about GP Transco’s sustainability initiatives.

The Role of Telematics in Modern Trucking

Next, let’s dive into telematics' role in the modern trucking industry. To begin, let’s define telematics.

Telematics refers to the technology logistics companies leverage to monitor and manage vehicles. It combines telecommunications and informatics. The trucking industry uses it to gain and transmit data about the truck’s fuel usage, speed, maintenance needs and even driver behaviors.

This information is typically transmitted via GPS and cellular networks. Then, the information is compiled into a central hub, which a fleet manager can access.

The primary use of telematics is to improve efficiency. When fleet drivers can access insights about how drivers behave on the road or how trucks operate, they can make the necessary decisions to optimize operations.

GP Transco is committed to using telematics to streamline operations. The company believes that modern technology equips us with the resources necessary to improve how things work and endeavors to use it where applicable.

Real-Time Tracking and Fleet Management

Another telematics application is real-time tracking for fleet management. When you can track your fleet in real-time, you can also figure out what obstacles it may face on its way to its destination, such as bad weather that could result in problems. This is another use for real-time tracking and fleet management software.

Predictive Maintenance

Finally, logistics companies can use telematics in trucking for predictive maintenance. Because it offers insight into how the truck performs, you can anticipate breakdowns and implement predictive maintenance instead of operating solely reactionary.

This is one of the most important uses of telematics, as it means that you can repair the trucks in your fleet before they break down, which means that drivers can get to their destination more reliably than they would otherwise.

Future Outlook on Trucking Technology

While these are some of the most current trucking technology trends, there will continue to be changes in the near future. Some of the most interesting technological innovations within the trucking industry include autonomous trucks, blockchain for supply chain transparency and IoT.

At GP Transco, we’re fascinated by the future of trucking technology and are committed to working in tandem with evolving technical innovations. Let’s dive into what’s to come now.

Smart Trucks and IoT

There’s a lot of chatter within the logistics industry about how smart trucks and the Internet of Things, or IoT, will revolutionize the trucking industry.

Smart trucks will feature sensors and computers that gather and analyze information, making real-time communication possible. This will keep everyone in the loop about truck performance and enable predictive maintenance.

GP Transco is proud that it has always been at the forefront of new technologies in the trucking industry, and smart trucks are no exception. With Smart Trucks and IoT gaining momentum, GP Transco is excited to better equip fleet managers and drivers with access to information, enabling them to make better decisions.

Blockchain for Supply Chain Transparency

Blockchain technology is significant because, when implemented, it means that every supply chain transaction will be transparently recorded. Every step a product takes will be traceable, offering complete end-to-end visibility.

Plus, Blockchain leverages security features designed to protect data from unauthorized access, which ensures sensitive information is treated with the highest integrity.

At GP Transco, we’re excited about implementing blockchain technology and the step forward it represents in creating a more transparent, secure supply chain.

Autonomous Trucks

Finally, there is the potential impact of autonomous trucks on the logistics industry. As the name implies, autonomous trucks can drive without the intervention of a human being—in this case, a truck driver. This could potentially ease concerns about driver shortages, as drivers would be able to work in tandem with autonomous trucks.

GP Transco is aware of the fact that autonomous trucks are coming and doesn’t shy away from the impact this emerging technology will make on the industry. However, we believe that there’s a place for autonomous trucks and human beings to work together to achieve greater outcomes.

GP Transco Looks Forward to the Future of Trucking

GP Transco is committed to leading the industry through technological innovation and is excited about what these emerging technologies can mean for driver safety, greater efficiency and beyond.

Contact us to learn more about GP Transco’s services, such as asset-based trucking or freight shipping solutions.