The trucking industry in the United States has always played a vital role in the country’s economy. It is responsible for the transportation of goods across the country, and it employs millions of people. However, like all industries, the trucking industry is facing significant changes that will affect its future. In this blog, we will explore the future of trucking freight industry in the USA.

·         Technology and automation

One of the significant changes that the trucking industry is currently experiencing is the rapid development of technology and automation. Advancements in autonomous vehicles, electric trucks, and other technologies are expected to have a significant impact on the trucking industry.

Autonomous vehicles have been a topic of discussion in the trucking industry for some time now. In recent years, we have seen several companies, including Tesla and Waymo, developing autonomous trucks. These trucks have the potential to revolutionize the industry by reducing the need for human drivers, increasing safety on the road, and reducing transportation costs.

Electric trucks are another technological advancement that is expected to impact the industry. With the push towards cleaner energy, many trucking companies are investing in electric trucks. These trucks have the potential to reduce emissions and fuel costs, making them more environmentally friendly and economically viable.

Blockchain technology is also being introduced in the industry, which will help with the transparency of transactions, help manage supply chain management, improve logistics and overall create a more efficient system.

Fleet management digitally means paperless record keeping helping easy storage sharing transferring of data and re-access. SaaS Platform like EXEL LOAD is making trucking freight industry easily remotely manage digitally.

While these technologies may seem like a threat to the trucking industry, they also present many opportunities. Companies that can adapt and embrace new technologies are likely to stay competitive in the changing industry.

·         The driver shortage

Another significant issue facing the trucking industry is the driver shortage. According to the American Trucking Associations (ATA), the industry currently faces a shortage of approximately 60,000 drivers, and this number is expected to increase to 100,000 by 2023. There are several reasons for this shortage, including an aging workforce, strict regulations, and high turnover rates.

One way the industry is addressing this issue is by offering higher pay and better benefits to attract and retain drivers. Another solution is to invest in training and development programs to increase the number of skilled drivers.

However, technology could also be the answer to this issue. As mentioned earlier, autonomous trucks have the potential to reduce the need for human drivers, which could help alleviate the driver shortage. The technology is still in the early stages of development, but as it becomes more advanced, it could have a significant impact on the industry.

·         E-commerce and changing consumer behavior

The rise of e-commerce has also had a significant impact on the trucking industry. With the growth of online shopping, the demand for delivery services has increased significantly. In fact, the ATA estimates that trucking companies are responsible for delivering 70% of all freight in the US.

To meet this demand, the industry is investing in new technologies and delivery methods. For example, many companies are using drones to deliver small packages, reducing the need for trucks in certain areas. This technology is still in the early stages of development, but it has the potential to revolutionize the delivery industry.

Another change that the industry is experiencing is changing consumer behavior. Consumers are increasingly demanding faster delivery times, which puts pressure on the industry to deliver goods more quickly. To meet this demand, many companies are investing in new technologies, such as automated warehouses and delivery robots.

·         Environmental regulations

Another significant change that the trucking industry is experiencing is the push towards cleaner energy and environmental regulations. The transportation sector is responsible for a significant portion of greenhouse gas emissions, and as a result, there is increasing pressure on the industry to reduce its carbon footprint.

To meet these demands, many trucking companies are investing in electric trucks, hybrid trucks.

If you are looking for references to support the points made in the blog post, here are some sources that you may find helpful:

"Autonomous Trucks Could Help the Trucking Industry Address Its Driver Shortage" - Forbes, August 2020

"Electric trucks could deliver cost savings over diesel, study finds" - FreightWaves, October 2020

"The Trucking Industry's Driver Shortage Has No End in Sight" - Bloomberg, February 2021

"How E-Commerce Is Changing Trucking" - Forbes, July 2020

"Environmental Defense Fund: Heavy-duty Trucks & Climate Change" - Environmental Defense Fund, accessed April 2023