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Technology advances bringing together artificial intelligence and telematics will offer fleets predictive maintenance in the not too distant future. To start, experts now predict sensors on various truck and trailer components will upload data to the cloud, where the AI application will trigger alerts about conditions needing attention.

The value of a comprehensive transportation management system (TMS) is found in the efficiencies and enhanced profitability it creates for a transportation company’s operations. But unlike the immediate benefits you can see when replacing an old truck with a new, fuel-efficient model, greater efficiencies and profitability from a TMS take time to be realized.

The key to success is implementing a TMS (transportation management system) that fits your company’s needs. Special modules and applications may drive initial and ongoing costs. However, there should be no mystery about how a transportation management system is priced.

Motor carriers with regional and long-distance operations may soon be using a technology that can increase the fuel efficiency of semi-trailers by 7% on average.

A “confidence report” published by the North American Council for Freight Efficiency (NAFCE) in 2016 lists the fuel savings of two-truck platooning technology at 4% for the lead vehicle and 10% for the following vehicle.

Local and regional freight haulers cannot afford to bet their business success on forecasts about national economic activity. Despite rosy forecasts for the Canadian economy, transporters of oil and lumber in western provinces are dealing with falling volumes driven by North American and international factors.

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We all fall into certain habits: Whether it’s the time for rising each day, our breakfast choices or the way to tackle our work. Sometimes it’s good to have a steady routine. Other times, a routine can be static and prevent us from living life and performing business tasks more efficiently.

Cutting-edge technology, “Wow” factor demos, class sessions and a former astronaut.

There was never a dull moment at the 2018 in.sight user conference +expo hosted in Houston during third quarter. Customers from all over the US and Canada experienced a convergence of technology designed specifically for the transportation industry.

Front and center in the exhibit hall at the George R. Brown Convention, Trimble Transportation Enterprise (formerly TMW Systems) and Trimble Transportation Mobility (formerly PeopleNet) were on full display with an integrated market identity, solution set and support network.

In a speech addressing Congress on May 8, Douglas Maughan urged the US to lead the way on blockchain development by calling it the “technology of the future.” As the Division Director of Science and Technology for the US Department of Homeland Security, Maughan met with the House Committee on Science, Space and Technology to highlight the benefits of blockchain in business applications--particularly in shipping, logistics and customs--with an emphasis on supply chain management.

Nothing in business is certain, especially in one as highly competitive as transportation and logistics. To stay viable, companies must continuously adapt and keep technology current to meet new challenges and opportunities head on.

In 2018 and beyond there will be plenty of both. Here are a few emerging technologies and trends that will likely become part of your playbook during the next year or two. 

Transportation brokerage is all about relationships—and that means it’s also about communications. To match loads with the right capacity and make sure all the details of a shipment go well, you must find out as much as you can about the needs of both your shippers and your carriers.