Tech is huge in every area of modern life – including the trucking industry. Technology can seem intimidating for small trucking companies, however embracing new tools can bring significant benefits and drive businesses toward success. 

Automation and digitalization streamline various aspects of operations, from load planning and dispatching to route optimization and communication. Trucking technology has the potential to increase revenue for small fleets. Mobile applications designed specifically for trucking provide drivers with powerful tools for profit forecasting, navigation, document scanning, and instant communication. These applications enhance earning potential, reduce back-office tasks, and improve customer service. 

To harness the benefits of trucking technology, it’s important to assess your specific needs and explore the available options. Research and seek out reputable providers that offer solutions tailored to the trucking industry. To stay informed about emerging technologies and trends in the trucking industry, read on and discover 3 solutions that are arising to combat various operational issues. 

Trucking Technologies You Don’t Want to Miss Out On and Why They Work

1. Load Boards

Load boards have undergone a remarkable transformation, becoming pivotal tools that can have significant influence over decision-making processes. These modern platforms have revolutionized the way small trucking companies operate, enabling them to achieve heightened efficiency and effectiveness in their endeavors. 

More and more, fleets can cover their trucks without manually contacting brokers or relying solely on word-of-mouth referrals. These platforms empower truckers by placing an extensive array of available opportunities right at their fingertips. Load boards offer far more than just convenience; they provide a streamlined and user-friendly interface where truckers can effortlessly access a wealth of information about available freight and brokers. Today’s advanced load boards go above and beyond, offering comprehensive filtering options tailored to individual preferences, digital booking and bidding capabilities and even profit-based recommendations that align with a fleet’s financial objectives.

2. Cardless Mobile Fuel Payment

Embracing cardless mobile payments for fueling has become a vital lifeline in the trucking industry. This innovative solution brings efficiency to the forefront by eliminating the burdensome tasks of receipt management, manual tracking of gallons, and IFTA reporting. By freeing up precious time and resources, fleet owners can focus on what truly matters – delivering goods quickly and safely. 

The integration of features like fuel locators and price comparison helps truckers easily find nearby fuel stations with the certainty that they aren’t overpaying on fuel. Cardless mobile payments not only streamline administrative processes for fleets, but also help monitor spending and protect themselves from wasteful spending.

3. Profit Estimator Tools

A smart profit estimator serves as a powerful tool for more confident decision-making and ultimately boosting income. The technology takes into account various factors such as fuel costs, empty miles, driver wages, and freight rates to provide profit projections, by truck and by trip. Leveraging a profit calculator assures small trucking businesses that they can be confident about load selection, pricing, and trip optimization, leading to increased profitability.

To fully take advantage of this tool and maximize income, small trucking businesses can follow a few key strategies. Firstly, regularly update fleet records and cost structures, so the calculator has the most accurate data to work from for precise profit projections. Analyze the profitability of different types of freight and routes, identifying the most lucrative opportunities and prioritizing them. Additionally, monitor industry trends and adjust pricing strategies accordingly to remain competitive and capitalize on high-demand periods.

Profit estimators provide invaluable, data-driven guidance when planning trips, but fleets should also periodically review their business performance. Doing so allows them to identify areas where costs can be minimized or efficiencies can be improved, such as reducing fuel consumption through optimized routing or negotiating better rates with suppliers. Regularly reviewing performance, at both a fleet and truck level,  allows small trucking businesses to adapt and refine their strategies.

These solutions are examples of the remarkable advancements that have reshaped the trucking industry and empowered fleet owners, large and small, to get more work done. Embracing new technological tools give drivers a competitive edge, enabling them to drive more efficiently, reduce costs, and ensure the productivity and performance of their operations. Staying informed about the latest innovations also empowers drivers to make informed decisions and harness the benefits of these technologies to drive their businesses forward.

Author bio

Guillermo Garcia is the Co-Founder and CEO of SmartHop, a trucking-tech company focused on using artificial intelligence to equip fleets with insights and recommendations to make better business decisions that will lead to healthier businesses. Founded in 2018, SmartHop is a global remote company with headquarters in Miami. For more information, visit https://www.smarthop.com/.