The rise of our digital landscape has had a huge effect on the way we live our lives. From a direct perspective, it has enhanced our ability to perform tasks... Show more using advanced technology. But the way we are using our devices has also had an impact on a variety of industries. Our propensity to favor online shopping has meant that ecommerce shipping has emerged as one of the primary users of the freight industry. This same behavior has also placed a great demand for premium shipping services, too, requiring fleets to service more next day and same day deliveries than ever before, and to do so with a competitive price model.
There’s a balance to be had between the advantages of our modern world, and the challenges it also presents. It can’t be denied that there is a significant amount of pressure on today’s fleets, between ensuring the safety of drivers to keeping ahead of the shifts in legislative changes. But industry leaders are addressing these challenges with a combination of creative thinking and technological tools.
We’re going to take a look at a few challenging areas fleets are facing, and how they are being tackled in 2020.
Safety
One of the primary concerns for fleet owners and managers is ensuring the safety of drivers, and by extension other road users. In some ways, road safety has been detrimentally affected by technology, with various organizations campaigning to affect the impact of distracted driving. Statistics from the CDC suggest that every day in the U.S. 9 people are killed and 1000 injured as a result of distracted drivers — often through the use of devices. However, fleets are beginning to take a technological approach that improves their ability to protect those on the road with their vehicles.
Of course, when it comes to discussions about fleet safety, we are inevitably faced with the possibility of automation. While we’re likely a long way off from full automation becoming a familiar feature, more truck manufacturers and fleets are adopting aspects of automated technology. Automatic emergency braking is being introduced as a standard feature on this year’s Ford Transit models, and an option on the rest of its line. Many are embracing a package of such automated tech, such as forward collision warning, adaptive cruise control, and systems which combine sensors and cameras to detect when the vehicle is drifting out of lane.
Popularity of a combination of camera systems is also growing. We’ve seen the introduction of using video to monitor the ever-present risk of blind spots, particularly for vehicles carrying large loads. The Valeo XtraVue trailer, which is expected to be rolled out with this year’s Chevrolet Silverado HD, adopts a rear facing multi-camera system that projects footage from various angles, effectively making the trailer invisible to the driver.
Driver Shortage
A recurring theme in fleet discussions over the last few years has been the issue of driver shortage. There are, of course various hypotheses regarding the cause of this, from conditions and pay issues to a generational divide. Whatever the reasons, this is an issue that has to be addressed as soon as possible in order to prevent the worst knock-on effects to fleets and the economy.
In 2020, we can expect emphasis on efforts to attract more Millennials into the industry. They are currently the largest generation in the U.S labor force, and as a result it’s worth our time to direct energy toward understanding what aspects of a career and a company draws their attention. We know that use of technology plays a big part in their decision making; they are digital natives who are comfortable in utilizing digital devices and software, and seek out companies who embrace cutting edge technology. Therefore, the more fleets begin to explore technological options, the greater effect there may be on recruitment.
Fleets will also need to look at areas where there is a regional demand — not just for drivers, but product, too. For example, 93% of goods consumed in Massachusetts are delivered by trucks — this means that a shortage of drivers in the Northeast could hit the economy hard. A greater level of publicity about how drivers can obtain a CDL license in Massachusetts, directed at school and university leavers who are approaching the age requirements for long distance driving could go a long way toward narrowing the gap. This, combined with fleets and training schools showcasing opportunities, and how truck driving can be a stable, high-earning career at a time when these are in short supply could be an intelligent approach.
Regulatory Changes
One of the gripes that some in the industry have surrounds legislation, and the changes in state or federal regulations. This isn’t usually directed toward the intention of the legislation — who could argue against driver safety and welfare being a top priority? It’s usually the disruption that goes along with this that can be problematic. But where do we stand on this area in 2020?
Well, let’s look at some changes that are expected this year, first. The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) are intending to bring in more stringent entry-level driver training (ELDT) requirements aimed specifically at reducing accidents. There is likely to be a lot of preparation regarding EPA changes for the transportation of chemical goods that will come into effect in 2021, alongside environmental legislation or guidelines regarding emissions and fuel consumption.
These are all issues that fleets can help manage with technology currently available. Mobile workforce management (MWM) platforms can help track and regulate fuel consumption, and the lowering price of sensors in the Internet of Things is helping to make real-time monitoring of hazardous goods both practical and affordable. The industry has yet to fully embrace virtual reality as a means to support new drivers with ongoing training, but as this becomes more affordable we may see some steps toward adoption this year.
Show Less
