From electric vehicles to next-generation delivery options, technology is transforming the transportation industry right before our eyes. The team at Omnitracs is constantly reading the news to see what’s top of mind for our customers and the industry. Here’s a look at the latest trends being discussed across the industry today:
The Future of Fleet Management: Electric Vehicles
Nearly every industry has been heavily disrupted with next-generation technology — and trucking is no different. According to Trucks.com, it’s clear that battery-electric commercial vehicles will be the “must-have” item in the coming years. Recent reports show that motor carriers and shippers have placed more than 15,000 orders for electric commercial trucks and busses for a 2021 delivery date. With the reduced emissions, lower fuel cost, and less required maintenance, it’s not surprising that corporate powerhouses like Anheuser-Bush, UPS, PepsiCo, and Sysco have shown interest and placed advanced orders. Truck manufacturer Daimler Trucks North America (DTNA) also recently unveiled its plans for two new medium Freightliner electric vehicle models, as well as a heavy-duty electrified eCascadia model, and Volvo Trucks announced the Volvo FL Electric.
As consumer expectations continue to rise, it’s evident that delivery and last mile logistics need to transform to keep up with demand. The mass availability of fully electric Class 8 trucks may be some time off, as the production will take time to develop and refine. But it does make us wonder: Will last mile be the proving ground for electric trucks?
Transforming the Last Mile
Brands and retailers are constantly looking for ways to enhance the customer experience, which means elevating their delivery options. Ignited by the Amazon effect, companies are reassessing processes and introducing new solutions to keep up with competition and provide next-level e-commerce experiences.
Recently, we’ve seen some big-name retailers such as CVS and Target announce upgraded delivery plans. Also, grocery giant Kroger just revealed it is teaming up with Nuro, a robotics company, to bring autonomous vehicles to urban cities. The bots will significantly up level Kroger’s delivery options, providing faster, more convenient, and more efficient ways for consumers to get their goods.
Additionally, ride-sharing company Lyft just entered the delivery market with its acquisition of Motivate, which will allow the company to provide delivery options in congested urban areas that are often difficult to quickly navigate in cars.
Evident by recent news, brands are reassessing their entire supply chains, from product selection to the moment of delivery, placing consumer demands at the epicenter of major strategic decisions.
Operation Safe Driver Week is Here
The Commercial Vehicle Safety Alliance (CVSA)’s international roadcheck took place last month with a focus on Hours of Service. This week is the CVSA-sponsored Operation Safe Driver Week, which runs through July 21, 2018. Traffic safety personnel are looking out for distracted driving behavior such as texting, seat belt use, roadside inspections, regulatory compliance, and traffic violations. Enforcers issued nearly 39,000 citations and warnings to drivers last year.
Enforcement has been busy with blitzes like these, in addition to the hard enforcement deadline of the electronic logging device (ELD) Mandate in April. In a recent webinar, former FMCSA administrator Annette Sandberg said that the number one driver violation since April was failing to use a registered device, placing approximately 346 drivers out of service.
In today’s connected world, there are solutions that can help companies run efficient and profitable fleets that meet the needs of their drivers, vehicles, customers, and mangers, all while fulfilling government regulations. If you’re interested in learning more about how Omnitracs can help and our suite of best-in-class fleet management solutions, contact us today.