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Automation and the Future of the Trucking Industry

While no one knows the future of the trucking industry for sure, there is a lot of information that shows that the trucking industry will continue to grow in North America.

One of the biggest subjects industry members talk about is the automation of drivers. There are large corporations who have already been testing this, most industry experts do not think a truck will be on the road with no human inside. The title and tasks may just change. According to truckingnews.com, new possible titles could include logistics manager or freight engineer. The person’s role may not be to drive the truck but to oversee the systems that control the truck and load. The same blog proposes that the update in systems may make a career in the trucking industry more appealing to younger people due to the technical aspect of the updated position. The new tasks are being compared to what a pilot does for a plane.

As said by the American Trucking Association, an estimated 160,000 trucking positions will go unfilled in the next decade. That is why the industry is looking to automation to fill those positions. With increased demands for quick delivery from the likes of retail giants Amazon, the pressure has never been higher in the trucking industry. If there are no drivers to move freight then a more cost-effective way has to be found. This is why now, more than ever automation is in the near future.

In 2015, a company called Tu-Simple, started testing and driving autonomous trucks. They have been hauling day and night for companies like UPS and the United States Postal Service.  By late 2019, there were 37 trucks running in the state of Arizona. As said by Tu-Simple’s Director of Public Affairs, ‘it’s been nothing but positives, productivity and efficiency on the road have significantly increased.’ 

In late 2019, Uber announced Uber Frieght would launch in Canada. The service has been available in the United States for the past couple years. Uber Frieght has the same concept as Uber for passengers; it connects users with service providers but will transport goods instead of people. Uber Frieght facilitates both domestic and cross-border loads. Uber is not the only service provider, Covey also offers a digital marketplace for matching carriers to shippers as well as C.H. Robinson who are still working on digitalizing their process.  

With over 181,000 tractor-trailer drivers in Canada alone, there is no doubt that the trucking industry will not be going anywhere soon. In fact, it is believed that the automation of trucks will create more jobs within the trucking industry. It is not a matter of if the trucking industry becomes automated anymore it is a matter of when.

RESOURCES:

https://www.abc57.com/news/the-future-of-trucking-how-self-driving-trucks-will-change-the-industry

https://www.gigabitmagazine.com/cloud-computing/future-trucking-uber-freight-expands-canada

There is no doubt that winter is the most difficult season to drive in. Driving in snowy and icy conditions is unavoidable as a truck driver at times. Since winter is not going anywhere, we thought we would provide some tips and tricks to help avoid any accidents or downtime in the cold winter months.

Relax and slow down

When road conditions start to get wet, slippery and snowy it is important to adjust your speed accordingly. If the road conditions start to worsen as you are driving remember to relax and do not panic. Do not follow other drivers to close be sure that you give yourself enough reaction time to avoid accidents. If you get to the point that you feel like you cannot drive anymore find a safe place to pull over and wait until conditions get better.

Winter Operation Training

As a responsible driver, it is important that you take the time to have proper safe winter operation training. Learning maneuvering and skid control skills are essential in having a safe and successful winter. Be sure that you understand where your tire pressure should be in different climates. A set of chains can always be helpful and in some states and provinces is actually mandated by law. Proper tire pressure can make a big difference on the road when there is snow or ice.

Circle Check

A complete and proper check is critical when weather conditions are less than perfect. Be sure that your defroster and heater are functioning at 100%. Be sure your wipers are working well and all of your fluids are topped up. It is also important that your mirrors and windows are clean before setting off for the day. Keep your lights cleans so you can be seen and take every opportunity to fill your fuel tank.

Know Before You Go – Be Prepared

Check the road conditions before you set off. Check with other drivers who may have just come off the roads that you are heading to. Be sure you check in with someone so they know where you are when possible. Keep your truck supplied with food, drinks, and proper winter clothing so that in the event you get stranded you will have your basic needs. Do not leave your truck if you become stranded or stuck.

Remember, there is no load that is worth risking your life or the life of others on the road. Even the most experienced drivers need to pull over in a safe location and wait for the road conditions to get better.

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