STEERING TOWARDS A BRIGHTER FUTURE: TOP FUTURE TRENDS IN TRUCKING THAT TRUCKERS NEED TO BE AWARE OF

As the backbone of supply chains, future trends in trucking industry spaces underscore that the sector is undergoing key technology transformations while gauging opportunities in ecommerce last-mile surges and emerging clean vehicle regulations, all evolving trucking operations and the skills drivers need. Bottom line: Future trends in trucking are quickly steering us towards a new age of innovation which truckers and companies are helping guide.

Autonomous Trucking Advances

Self-driving trucks are moving from testing to early commercialization aided by improved sensor capabilities like HD cameras, radar, LiDARS and AI driving policy learning through millions of simulated test miles. Level 4 automation still focused on highways can enable continuous journeying while drivers manage first/last miles. More use cases likely by 2025 based on early deployments.

Mainstream Electric Trucks

Early adoption barriers around weight, charging infra and costs are lowering with long haulfocused truck models now scaling up for cleaner transportation. While battery capacities still range 50-250 miles, fast charging tech may evolve range, load capacities and operational feasibility. Hydrogen fuel cells also complement batteries enabling 300-500 mile ranges likely by 2025 for short/medium hauls.

Data-driven Logistics

Trucking leverages load aggregator platforms, connected GPS tracking enabling enroute visibility of environmental conditions affecting perishables, industry-specific analytics on contexts like dwell times empowering data-led decision making for carriers. As 5G rolls out, real-time vehicle-to-cloud telematics improve preventative maintenance.

New Delivery Models

Spurred by ecommerce, new delivery approaches emerge challenging infrastructure strains. Concepts like multi-story distribution hubs in cities and “mid-mile” hubs in suburbs consolidating deliveries reduce traffic while last mile crowdsourced fleets using vans and bikes triggered by Uberization lower costs. Retail partnerships also drive efficiencies.

Reskilling Drivers

As trucks transform into sophisticated data centers on wheels, drivers must reskill from vehicle maneuvering to data interpreters and mobility operators troubleshooting in-journey tech issues leveraging surround cameras and alerts. Training in customer service for last-mile direct deliveries also arises from job evolution beyond long-haul transit.

Vehicle connectivity, sustainability and job transitions will define trucking by 2030. Collaborative policy making addressing risks remains vital for social acceptance alongside tech advancement.