The trucking industry plays a vital role in the economy by facilitating the shipment of goods from one place to another. As the industry grows, it faces new challenges that require technology adoption, among other innovations, to keep up with customer expectations.  

This guide will look at the main tech advancements that may become more prevalent in 2024 and beyond. Check them out. 

  1. More Apps and Online Resources

Truck driving is now easier and more comfortable due to the wide range of applications and resources available. For instance, drivers with a smartphone can download apps and check websites to know the status of roads, any risks on the road, and helpful updates regarding the industry. 

By keeping up with trucking industry news, truck drivers can plan their time well, knowing what to expect and avoid.  

  1. Automation and Robotics

Robots are used in almost every sector in the world, including the trucking sector. In transport and logistics, robots are used to achieve multiple tasks, like loading and unloading cargo, inspecting trucks, and even cleaning the truck underneath parts that are hard to reach by hand.  

In 2024 and beyond, more companies may embrace robotics and autonomous trucks to facilitate their operations and observe efficiency. This is because the robots are faster, more accurate, and easy to manage. 

  1. Fleet Management 

Trucks are highly demanding vehicles that require proper management. However, the management process isn't always easy if you own a fleet of trucks and want to keep an eye on each. 

Fleet management makes it easier for truck owners to track the condition and progress of their trucks without physically being there. The demand for fleet management software has been increasing over the years due to the high efficiency rate portrayed. For instance, in 2023, the fleet management industry was valued at $23.67 billion and is expected to grow to $79.82 billion by 2030. 

In 2024, more truck owners will continue to embrace fleet management systems to increase the efficiency of their operations. When applied well, the fleet management software prolongs the lifespan of the trucks because small issues are easily noticed as soon as they appear. This system can also reduce the overall operation cost through GPS tracking to know the road conditions and enhance communications, as many systems have in-built communication tools. 

  1. E-Payments 

Electronic payments have increasingly become popular in many industries, and the trucking sector has not been left behind. In recent years, trucking firms and drivers have embraced these new payment methods to save time and track their money in a better way. This trend will unlikely stop in 2024, as many trucking firms are adopting it to enhance their operations. 

The most common e-payment methods used in the trucking sector include cryptocurrencies, credit cards, bank transfers, direct deposits, and mobile money transfers.  

One of the main benefits of making e-payment popular is the speed of transactions. Naturally, many truck drivers are always busy delivering and meeting deadlines. In such moments, payment methods become handy as they won't have to make long queues or spend more time counting and counter-checking the authenticity of notes. 

Besides payment speeds, e-payment methods are convenient because they are mostly done over the phone, reducing the need to move to banks to make deposits. E-payment ways are easy to track, meaning truck drivers can monitor the progress of their spending by making small requests on their smartphones.  

Truck owners and drivers should embrace more online payment methods to keep up with the changing technology and improve customer satisfaction. 

  1. Artificial Intelligence 

Artificial intelligence is revolutionizing all industries, including trucking. Most of the tasks humans can do now use computers and other tools. In 2024, AI applications might be higher than before as trucking firms continue to find more ways of improving efficiency and facilitating operations. 

The trucking industry mostly uses AI to help maintain the trucks. AI operations can now facilitate tasks like examining the conduction of the trucks, loading cargo, and tracking the progress of the trucks. When done by humans, these tasks can easily overload the employees and prolong the turnaround time.  

Truck drivers can apply AI in multiple areas, including preventive maintenance, to inspect and help identify issues as soon as they arise. Predictive maintenance reduces unexpected truck issues and prevents the occurrence of accidents. 

In 2024, truck firms and drivers should embrace AI in different phases to enhance their operations and save fuel. As mentioned in this report, AI applications can save the trucking industry $35 billion in fuel and $168 billion in overall expenses. 

Conclusion 

Technology is revolutionizing the trucking industry, replacing the demand for human labor. In 2024 and beyond, truck drivers should find the right tech innovations to implement in their firms to save money, increase efficiency, and keep up with the industry trends.