It’s said that technology had come a long way from doing things before. Back then, people were stuck on manually operating almost every tool available, with many of them exclusively powered by fossil fuels such as coal or gasoline.
Now, technology’s nearly running every inch of society with its efficiency, powered by different forms of energy and functionality. Transportation, in particular, progressed the more time passed.
Instead of simply fulfilling its purpose of getting people and materials from one place to another, integrated transportation technology to go beyond what’s expected of it in its inception. So, if you’re interested in what kind of technology vehicles have been using nowadays, then why not start with truck technology?
What Is A Fleet Owner
If you’re curious about what kinds of truck technology are in the market, you’re already on your way to being a fleet owner! A fleet owner is someone who bought or leased a ‘fleet’ of vehicles for the sake of business. However, an expert fleet owner would know this role is more than owning some vehicles.
How To Choose Truck Technology
Knowing how to manage two or more vehicles in your hands is said to be significant because you’re responsible for them. Although, to kick off your fleet, you must know what to look for in your desired truck technology. The following questions are very helpful in your quest. Read on to learn more.
- Can It Manage Costs?
Allotting fuel or energy sources expenses can be difficult, especially if your drivers are scheduled for long travels from Point A to Point B. And that’s not including the weather yet. It’s believed to be common for many drivers to leave the engine idle, so the air conditioning (AC) unit continues to cool them off in the summer or warm them up during the cold seasons.
On top of the fuel, engine fluids such as coolant and oil should also be considered. If not, your driver may have trouble identifying whether or not they need changing to keep your trucks’ engines in top shape. As you can already see, maintaining fuel and other fluids is a challenge, especially with inflation hiking up the prices at a moment’s notice. Then, there are also unexpected repairs to be accounted for here and there.
If you want to be more efficient, choose a truck technology that knows the fine balance between cheap expenses and expensive quality. One example of efficient truck technology is the Auxiliary Power Unit, which you can learn more about from this article.
With technology like that, you don’t have to worry about running out of juice while sitting idle or when you’re driving for hours to get to your next stop. Furthermore, it helps reduce fuel costs, which should be helpful for a fleet owner handling many vehicles.
- Is It Driver-Friendly?
Although your drivers are trained to operate trucks, that doesn’t stop these vehicles from attracting semi accidents, especially with the numerous factors contributing to these casualties. But many truck manufacturing companies are starting to implement a self-driving feature in their technology.
Despite being called self-driving, it doesn’t imply that human drivers will be removed from the industry. What this feature accomplishes is it can handle driving while on an empty road with few vehicles passing by. As long as this piece of technology isn’t overwhelmed, it can also do other simple tasks such as detecting pedestrians and stopping when the other vehicle in front stops.
This way, instead of leaving the truck driver succumbing to sleep out of boredom, this feature gives drivers less time to drive and more time to rest until they have to take over once they reach busier roads—all without taking pit stops for breaks.
To keep the driver safe during collisions or cargo mishaps, some truck companies are also upgrading the material used on their trucks for high-quality durability that can handle high velocity without crushing the driver’s box.
- Can It Drive Across Any Terrain?
You can’t expect every road to be nice and flat. Potholes, bumps, even dirt paths—wherever your fleet is tasked to deliver something is bound to have roads full of surprises. Therefore, having excellent suspensions is what you’ll want because not only will it guarantee a smooth ride, but it can also:
- Promote smooth travel;
- Have a firm grip on the brakes;
- Distribute vehicle weight across all tires;
- Reduce repair costs, and most importantly; and
- Keep the vehicle steady for careful cargo handling.
Rolling Out With The Best Technology For Your Fleet
Business owners are counting on trucks to be a reliable partner in sending out and facilitating goods delivery. Therefore, as the fleet owner, it’s up to you to look for the best technology powering your fleet while dealing with company finances. Fortunately, as technology progresses, the more options you get to choose from with different features catering to your fleet’s purpose.