Perspective

While the demand for trucks to haul freight is showing no signs of slowing down, the number of experienced and available truck drivers is not keeping pace.

Logistics companies depend greatly on accuracy, timeliness and efficiency to meet distribution and customer demands. The use of predictive analytics, however, is changing the game for this industry because of its ability to determine real-time patterns, track data and anticipate these demands to streamline operations.

Although widely regarded as innovative, Amazon’s business model has caused disruptive change, whether to its direct competitors or specific industries.

Historically, the procure-to-pay process, which integrates the purchasing department with the accounts payable department, was not one where fleet managers focused their attention. Yet, when it comes to purchasing both direct and indirect products and services, fleet managers can benefit from P2P solutions, which can connect the dots between each player in the business-to-business transaction.

Key variables can be analyzed using machine learning to predict a driver’s risk of leaving a company, and insights from those data points can provide — and prescribe — recommendations on what type of intervention is needed, says Chris Orban of Trimble.

January is Human Trafficking Awareness Month, but the trucking industry must commit all year to continuing to address the human trafficking crisis happening in our communities from coast to coast, says Sherri Garner Brumbaugh.

Emerging technologies are reshaping the very nature of how we transport goods, and offer the ability to provide agile services that meet the increasing demands of the supply chain, says Ben Wiesen of Carrier Logistics Inc.

The year 2018 was a record one for freight markets. So what does 2019 have in store? Bob Farrell of GlobalTranz has some thoughts.

Methods such as Statistical Process Control, Lean and Six Sigma have been in use for decades, helping manufacturers maximize the efficiency and reliability of their processes. But when it comes to complex, global supply chains, a lack of data has limited the effectiveness of these tools.

Artificial intelligence and automation could someday disrupt major sectors of the global economy, including trucking. While much is said about how automated operation could help mitigate the driver shortage, many developmental challenges remain before wide deployment of Class 8 trucks can be realized.