Tech innovators have been providing the trucking industry with solutions that enable operators to carry out sustainable and eco-friendly trucking systems. Many in the trucking industry have in fact invested on a trucking management software to help them meet increasing demand for freight carriers while being mindful of the potential negative impact trucking operations impose on communities.

On the positive side, the trucking industry offers employment opportunities and is in fact one of the strongest job providers in the U.S. Currently, it is estimated that nearly 9 million people are employed by the trucking companies; around 3.5 million are truck drivers while the rest are employed as managers, dispatchers, mechanics, towers and other trucking-related administrative functions. In addition, the industry has about 587,000 self-employed or non-employee truck operators engaged in the pickup and delivery of shipment orders.

Social and Environmental Impact of Trucking Operations

As freight vehicles deliver or pick up large amounts of goods and supplies in specific points across different regions, environmental studies have shown that they are largely responsible for increasing levels of traffic congestion, air pollution and nuisance noise, especially in urban areas. In many U.S. cities, there are policies that restrict large cargo trucks from having access to city centres, as a way to reduce, if not eliminate their negative economic, environmental and social impact.

Other cities set criteria in allowing carrier vehicles to enter their business hubs, usually on the basis of weight, vehicle emissions, or type of load, as in the case of construction materials for ongoing construction projects. Nonetheless, it is worth mentioning that these restrictions have reduced emissions levels coming from all types of transport vehicles. Data on air quality monitoring show that air quality has improved considerably since 1990.

However there is an impending need to do more since the trucking industry is facing troubles of its own, such as the increasing driver shortage, increasing cost of minimum insurance coverage and most important of all, the increasing hazards affecting the safety of truck drivers and their cargo.

While there are many electronic innovations being offered as solutions for sustainable and eco-friendly trucking operations, experts give advice against implementing them as part of trucking regulations for “efficient operations.”

Technology for modifications of truck engines in order to save fuel and improve vehicle efficiency is anticipated as capable of creating negative impact on other aspects or features related to trucking operations, particularly the wear and tear factor and road safety.

What Can a Trucking Management Software Do?

Industry experts say that the use of trucking management software can actually offer several system approaches for improving operational efficiency in ways that can reduce the negative impacts of trucking. Some examples include but are not limited to the following:

Load Management

This approach aims to optimize trucking operations by ensuring that when making deliveries, trucks run as close to full payload over the shortest distance possible. Payload management includes avoiding ‘deadheading” or having trucks pick up shipments while running empty for a considerable distance.

Routing Optimization

Routing management works hand in hand with load management systems, as the goal is to determine the most fuel-efficient routes where shorter routes are not feasible. Routing optimization takes into consideration speed limits, traffic congestions and other conditions that require more uphill climbs and frequent stops, as well as real time situations such as weather and road accidents.

Packaging Optimization

This approach mainly focuses on solutions to reduce the number of trucks dispatched to deliver a single type of product. Packaging goods for delivery can be optimized by giving trucks more loads to carry in every trip.

Vehicle Maintenance Management

Frequent and regular maintenance checks can improve operational efficiency, reduce pollution and enhance road safety.

These are only some examples of systems approach that can be harnessed when using trucking software, as some other programs can be integrated as additional modules.