The trucking industry is a silent partner to many industries. It holds the responsibility of transporting essential goods. Examples of these goods are food, medicine, and fuel, only to name a few. With the truckers’ prompt actions, groceries, restaurants, and hospitals could have smooth operations.
Failure on the truckers’ part could translate to a disruption in other businesses. It is imperative, then, for truck business owners to find ways to be always efficient. Being aware of present trends would make their businesses more effective. Here are the most prevalent ones that truck owners should watch out for.
Cloud Computing
The cloud-based system is a growing trend in many industries. The trucking industry could also take advantage of this technology. With cloud computing, there is access to pertinent information in real-time. Employees in a trucking office can see important details of the vehicles on the road. This includes miles, vehicle safety, or delays. They can also act upon emergencies should the need arise. This is possible because fluid data is right at their fingertips.
Bookkeeping and tax computation for owner-operators is also easier with a cloud system. They do not have to suffer the clutter of paper invoices to make their records up-to-date. They could forward all vital data to their consultants or accountants with ease. Owner-operators could also feel more assured that their data is safe from cyberattack. Back-up and recovery are also special features included in any cloud-based system.
Constant Peak Season
The trucking business some decades ago used to be an underrated industry. Also, people do not seem to have a continuous need for it. Trucking companies have their peak and lean seasons. The busy period comes mostly during the Christmas season.
With the emergence of e-commerce, there came an increase in the need for shipping. When the pandemic hit the world, the trucking industry became even more indispensable. This sustained peak season in the trucking industry is a trend that would not seem to go away for the long haul. As such, operator-owners should learn how to play their cards right. They must answer the need for these high demands.
Digital Payment
Getting payment in the trucking business is a tedious process. After the delivery of goods to the customers, drivers need to present proofs to the office. It is only then that the trucking company can send an invoice to the customer. Clients can then issue a check as payment for the service rendered. Others opt to pay for cash but need to deposit them in a physical bank. Some customers, though, take a month or two to release payments. This practice puts a strain on the cash flow of an average trucking business.
Technology lent a hand to make payment processes quicker. Through a mobile app, drivers can scan or send proofs of delivery as soon as they offload the goods to the client. Then, the office can send a paperless invoice or billing to the client. Digital payment can be through a credit line, online transfer, or cash.
Blockchain Technology
Blockchain is a buzzword in the digital circle that some may find intimidating. But, the way that a blockchain system operates is simple. It is also known as a digital ledger of transactions. What makes this database different from the typical ones is that the data here is immutable. One could not tamper or change any information once it is in the system. Thus, it provides a reliable or trustworthy source of records.
What are the implications of blockchain use in the trucking industry? This advanced system leads to more reliability in freight tracking. It also increases the efficiency in costing and capacity monitoring. Also, truck owners-operators can decide better on second-hand purchases of trucks. They can check its vehicle performance history.
Self-Driving Trucks
The future of the trucking industry has one obstacle that it needs to overcome. At present, filling the position of a truck driver is not appealing for most people. Qualified professional truck drivers look for other jobs that have better pay. They also look for better or safer work conditions. With the decline of truck drivers in the industry, operations could suffer.
The trucking industry is now looking at the possibility of self-driving trucks. It may still be in its initial phases of studies and trials. But, this innovation could change the trucking industry. One advantage of AI-operated trucks is to end the problem of shortage in the workforce.
The trucking industry has come a long way from its humble beginnings. It kept up with the changes brought along by technology. They adapted to new systems well. In doing so, they can offer better services that meet the growing demands of modern consumers.
