Innovations and new advances in manufacturing logistics through the use of specialized trucking are reshaping this industry’s space. From smart tractor trucks with built-in GPS systems and telematics to optimizing route planning, reducing fuel consumption and enhancing efficiency to driver statistics, alternative fuels and enhanced loading and unloading processes. All of these advancements combined are transforming specialized trucking for manufacturers.

Here we’ll delve into a bit more detail on each of these topics 😊

Tractor Trucks 🚚

What is a tractor? except for the vehicle we all instantly picture working in an agricultural field. In the logistics world, a tractor unit also commonly known as a ‘prime mover’ is a heavy-duty towing engine that generates motive power used to haul trailered loads. In short, it’s the name of a special type of truck designed to pull a much heavier weight than your standard trucking ‘cab’ that’s used to pull regular cargo.

When you pair the right trailer with a suitable tractor it makes hauling almost any heavy cargo possible. Not only do tractor trucks have the ability to pull heavier weights, but they also have several axles and multi-ratio transmission which allows for a great amount of flexibility. This means loads can be distributed across axles, making them easier to maneuvre than a regular rigid truck. These hard-working vehicles are used to haul all sorts of freight from regular everyday cargo to large, bulky and heavy construction pieces.

New Advances 🖥

New advances in technology have propelled specialized logistics into running smarter and more efficient vehicles. Modern tractor trucks are equipped with GPS tracking systems, telematics and autonomous capabilities. All of which, optimizes route planning, minimizes fuel consumption and enhances operational efficiency.

GPS – Enables efficient route planning, which in turn makes for timely deliveries and reduces fuel consumption.

Telematics – Real-time monitoring for insights into engine performance, maintenance needs and driver tendencies and driving habits. Which enables proactive maintenance and can enhance drivers efficiency and safety.

Autonomy – Can create a safer and more efficient mode of transportation when used correctly. Autonomy refers to the autonomous driving of the truck. Through the use of cameras, sensors and other sophisticated systems to automatically accelerate, brake and adhere to traffic rules like using cruise control.

These new advances make tractor trucks so much more than just a vehicle, they’re more like an intelligent partner that will help to move specialized cargo across all sorts of routes.

Driver Statistics 📉

Driver stats are incredibly important in the logistics world. Most importantly to keep a close eye on drivers safety and overall road safety, but also to track efficiency. Through the use of data analytical monitoring systems it’s possible to analyze drivers behaviours, patterns and performance.

Factors like, speed, braking patterns and idling times are recorded which can be assessed. This data gives fleet managers the information they need to become well-informed on creating targeted training programs. Route optimization is also a benefit to come directly from recording this data and also safer driving practices. Utilizing this data is also great for reducing operational costs and minimizing fuel consumption. Real-time monitoring makes sure drivers are complying to regulatory standards and responsibility for safety within the specialized logistics field.

Overall, driver statistics help to optimize performance and greater safety on roads.

Fuel Issues ⛽️

Rising gas prices are having a huge negative effect on the logistics industry, as you can probably imagine. It’s creating extreme pressure across the industry and is making quoting jobs at a lower price more and more difficult. So optimizing fuel usage has become more than ever a critical part of specialized logistics. A ton of logistics businesses are seeking fuel alternatives to minimize these challenges, like electric vehicles. However, this is not always the best option as they have limited battery power, meaning limited range and lengthy charging times.

The simplest fix that you can put in place here includes, using modern technologies like GPS systems and telematics that optimize route planning to find the most efficient routes and improve driver behaviour to positively impact fuel consumption.

Loading & Unloading Issues 🏗

Improper loading and unloading of large, heavy, valuable or fragile manufacturing equipment can result in costly damages and also cause a multitude of delays and in turn increased operational costs. Meticulous planning, precise handling and safety precautions are incredibly important when dealing with these types of freight and must not be overlooked. Including, having strict safety protocols in place, using skilled personnel, aligning equipment such as cranes and ramps and space constraints at manufacturing facilities to enable your logistics partner to successfully load and unload the equipment.

To minimize these risks, most logistics companies utilize automated systems such as; robotic arms programmed to load and unload using vision sensors and cameras to accurately and carefully place cargo into the truck. Along with IoT (Internet of Things) monitoring system. Which work through the use of interconnected devices and sensors embedded into equipment, facilities and vehicles to collect real-time data on the state of the shipment, like, temperature, location, speed, humidity and equipment condition, etc. All of this data ensures the shipment is kept within the desired parameters throughout the entire process. IoT’s work hand in hand with the robotics to closely monitor the robotic systems performance, and closely keeping an eye on loading and unloading rates along with potential issues. Lastly, AI systems are also a great help in producing an algorithm to optimize the unloading sequence based on cargo type, destination and other specifics.

Through using these new advancements in robotics, AI and IoT monitoring systems, businesses are able to significantly reduce loading and unloading times and improve safety resulting in an overall more efficient process.

Conclusion

Embracing these new advances in manufacturing from, automation, robotics, IoT real time tracking, AI machine learning to smart tractor units, etc. are all revolutionizing specialized trucking processes, leading to better efficiency and precision. Moving forward, keeping up to date on all future advancements is crucial to stay competitive in the specialized logistics industry and in keeping our customers ahead of their competition by delivering on time every time with the greatest attention to detail and care of each load.

 

Need help with any of your specialized shipments?

At PEI we’re experts in dealing with specialized freight and can handle yours with any custom requirements.