A trend that has continued to grow over the last few decades has been the IoT’s influence on trucking. IoT, or the Internet of Things, describes physical objects that connect and exchange data over the internet. They do this by being embedded with equipment like sensors and software with processing ability. Examples of IoT technologies used in trucking include telematics, GPS, smart cargo monitors, ELDs (Electronic Logging Devices), smart locks, etc. These devices have grown drastically in domestic shipping due to their value to entire supply chains. This article will explain how IoT has benefited trucking and how it will change the industry.
What Is IoT’s Influence on Trucking?
IoT has impacted trucking in numerous ways for both carrier companies and shippers. Devices like IoT-supported sensors attached to vehicles have allowed for real-time performance monitoring. In turn, this enables carriers to catch issues before they cause significant problems like breakdowns. Fleet owners can then schedule active maintenance periods that limit costly downtime and extend vehicle life. Another impact that IoT has had on trucking has been its growth in real-time fleet tracking. Some of the technologies that have increased the utilization of IoT include GPS trackers and telematics systems. Telematics combines telecommunications with informatics to allow long-distance data transmission from moving transportation devices.
Fleet tracking has grown immensely from using IoT to monitor the location, speed, and condition more accurately. This has improved logistics efficiency by improving route optimization and delivery estimates. IoT has also improved overall safety in the transportation process. IoT has allowed for behavior monitoring for the driver, such as speeding and fatigue indicators. It enables the creation of automatic braking to prevent accidents and permits fleet managers to create measures for coaching drivers. Safety also comes from allowing greater cargo monitoring for the trucker. Temperature-sensitive shipments, such as perishables, benefit drastically from IoT technology, like sensors that track temperature and humidity and can alert immediately when the container does not meet temperature conditions.
How Will IoT Impact Trucking In The Future?
With IoT’s significance in the trucking industry, technological advancements will continue to grow its usage. The industry could soon see an increase in IoT pairing with other technologies to offer more innovation. An example is AI (Artificial Intelligence), which could streamline the push towards fully autonomous trucks. These carriers could communicate with control centers, vehicles, and infrastructure to make real-time decisions autonomously. Autonomous communication between other trucks, roads, traffic lights, warehouses, etc., will also allow for greater safety in domestic transport. Another future impact of IoT is that it will promote eco-friendliness in the trucking industry. IoT will allow for energy optimization by optimizing routes, monitoring fuel consumption, and using data to create eco-friendly practices.
As IoT technologies continue reaching the domestic shipping industry, their potential will be limitless. While it may be a while before the industry feels IoT’s full effect, shippers still require cargo movement domestically. An ideal way to start is by speaking to a freight broker with various services for shipping your cargo. Some services include providing documents, finding rates, freight transportation, and more. They also consult shippers on the best course of action to avoid disruptions in the shipping process. Contact A1 Freight Solutions at 786-375-9420 or info@a1fsinc.com to speak to a broker about your shipment’s success.