AI and the Commercial Truck Industry

commercial trucks are techier than you think

If you think that commercial trucks and transportation aren’t in the AI world, think again.

AI – Artificial Intelligence – is the term used for computer systems that are designed to analyze data, identify patterns or trends and perform tasks. Today’s AI in transportation is driving our future, so be ready and be sure you understand its usage and how you can benefit.

We’ve gathered some helpful information about AI applications in trucking, and how its helping the industry as a whole be more efficient. The industry is changing by the minute, but you need to be careful, as more technology can mean more cyber threats.

key applications of ai in trucking

Predictive Maintenance:

Traditional diagnostics can now seem slow, telling you the state of any system when it’s too late. Today’s trucks carry and transmit data through telematics to help fleet managers detect patterns using predictive models that access wear and tear before a breakdown occurs. This can reduce downtime and lower maintenance costs in the long run.

Operational Efficiency:

Gone are the days of paper maps and static GPS for routing. Systems can now provide live traffic data, real-time driver behaviors and even coming weather patterns that may impact road conditions and deliveries. These systems mean faster and more efficient delivery routes that evolve dynamically, resulting in fewer miles, less fuel consumption, and less idle time.

Smart Supply Chains and Logistics:

Real time knowledge and forecasts feed into systems that help with planning and pro-active decision making. Inventory levels, warehouse operation changes and terminal or port congestion can affect routing efficiency in freight movement. Today’s platforms use AI to match loads with carriers to optimize lane coverage and reduce empty miles. This is pushing companies to adapt and adopt, or they’ll be left with undesirable and less profitable loads.

Traffic Management:

It’s not just about the truck and its operations. Cities and municipalities are using AI to manage roadways and reduce congestion. From AI-powered traffic lights using real-time camera feeds to adjust timing to adjusting traffic flow with flex lane accessibility, reducing idle times for improved air quality and optimized traffic flow.

Toll Collection and Parking:

Manned toll booths are a thing of the past. AI-powered systems now use plate recognition to automate toll collection and manage parking availability. Long-haul is also seeing ORT (Open Road Tolling) on many highways, which uses AI technology to identify and classify each vehicle as it passes through the overhead gantry.

Autonomous Vehicles:

We might not be in “The Jetson’s” era yet, but self-driving technology is here. Today’s vehicles already use LiDAR (Light Detection and Ranging) technology, where pulsed lasers and remote sensing measure distances for AI-driven decision-making for lane changes, braking and vehicle spacing. Today’s driver shortages are being helped by pilotless vehicles and aerial drones used for final-mile deliveries; and long-haul platooning is gaining momentum, where a human-led truck guides a series of AI-controlled trucks in tight formation to reduce drag and fuel consumption.

Challenges and Implications of AI

While AI in transportation is helping make the industry smarter and more efficient, there are still real-world challenges that should be understood and considered.

Data quality and integration from outdated systems and infrastructure means incomplete and inaccurate data can hinder results
High costs to implement AI platforms and system integrations can be a challenge for smaller carriers or businesses, and even larger businesses are finding it takes time to see a positive ROI on investments
Regulatory and ethical risks are already under scrutiny when issues transpire from AI-driven decision making, and policies are trying to keep up with technology
More AI means more digital exposure and more platforms to protect from cyber threats that could severely impact everyone – from drivers to businesses and carriers to entire supply chains and highway systems
Shifting workforce needs are becoming quickly apparent in the AI-driven transportation industry, requiring new skills in the next generation of transportation leaders

Our industry is changing by the minute. Companies need to be thoughtful and intentional when it comes to how and when they will implement AI-driven solutions. There are many resources to stay up to date on AI and its impact on transportation. From local trucking associations to national safety resources and even federal agencies, choose the right source for your business.

Bergey’s Truck Centers Acquires Cumberland Truck

Bergey’s Truck Centers Acquires Cumberland Truck

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AI and the Commercial Truck Industry

commercial trucks are techier than you think

If you think that commercial trucks and transportation aren’t in the AI world, think again.

key applications of ai in trucking

Predictive Maintenance:

Operational Efficiency:

Smart Supply Chains and Logistics:

Traffic Management:

Toll Collection and Parking:

Autonomous Vehicles:

Challenges and Implications of AI

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