mdolla: How the Trucking Industry is Changing

The trucking industry is always on the move, in more ways than one. Its rapid transitions and adjustments are necessary to stay competitive and stay with the ever-growing consumer demands. There are a few changes coming to trucking that are worth noting.

Even though, these changes are making a huge shift in the industry, trucking seems to be growing at a very rapid rate. Compared to before, you now have more competition, a price war to stay competitive and changing standards, too. Let’s look at those changes and how the industry is adapting to them in the coming years.

New Truck Drivers and Management

When there is such a widening gap of demand in relation to supply, one must expect the possibility of agencies lowering their standards to fill those voids. Truck driving used to carry a certain level of prestige, once upon a time. We know it hasn’t been that way for quite a long time, but it doesn’t appear to be getting any better.

This is due to several reasons, but probably the biggest contributor, outside of growth in demand and tightening economy, is the exit of a large portion of the work force. Veteran truck drivers are retiring, taking their mentorship and leadership along with them.

Advancement in Technology

Technology is changing the truck driving industry on multiple fronts. Advancements have obviously increased efficiency of manufacturing and shipping of items. You need to look no further than what Amazon has been doing over the years to see how big of an impact technology has made to online commerce.

It is because of this influx of commerce and traffic that the trucking industry has had to finally incorporate a digital system of management and quality controls. Returning to the previous point made about the aging trucking work force, the older drivers have a much harder time in relearning how they handle their shipments, which is a big reason why the industry has been so late on adopting electronic logs and communication.

This extra level of stress and responsibility also exasperates the rate of retirement for truck drivers, so right now it is really a precarious position for the industry and it will take some time before the transition is complete.

Upgrading of Truck Fleets

The automobile industry is experiencing a transition of their own, due to outside pressures and demands by consumers. Being called “eco-friendly” or “green” is no longer good enough. Actions must be able to stand on their own, which is why commercial trucks are needing to be replaced with much more efficient and cleaner counterparts.

Emission standards have been tightened on the trucking industry, so many trucking companies around the nation are having to invest in cleaner and more fuel-efficient models.

Emphasis on Training

Another huge shift in the industry is the requirement for enhance training. If you have been in the industry for some time, you know how important the DOT medical examination is before looking for employment. You know how your health correlates with the type of job you’ll get, or even if you’ll be able to find employment. Not only that, but you have to spend more time in truck driving school. Over the years, there’s been all sorts of news about truckers getting charged with DUI, falling asleep behind the wheel, or even engaging in road rage with other truckers. This has all impacted the trucking industry negatively.

The FMCSA requires more behind the wheel training, and even requires higher averages on the CDL examination. But, you don’t have to worry because there is free CDL test prep available online to help you study and get the knowledge required to successfully pass your CDL test.

The importance of having trucks transporting goods around the country is not going to wane any time soon. The infrastructure relies on quick, high-capacity, and reliable delivery service. Until they figure out a way to produce drones that can lift hundreds of pounds in a safe and reliable manner, there will be no other reliable form of freight than having a truck driver deliver packages on the road.

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