How Will Technology Affect the LTL Industry?

If you’re a small business owner who uses less than truckload (LTL) shipping for your goods, technology is rapidly changing how LTL trucking companies do business in Houston, TX. Most owners prefer to let the company determine how the goods are shipped, but new technological developments have made it easier for owners to keep track of their shipments as they make their way across the state or country. Other developments are good for the trucking companies themselves, helping them stay on top of federal and state trucking regulations or serving other useful functions.

Here are some of the ways technology is changing LTL shipping:

• Staying on top of the ELD mandate: This federal mandate requires most trucks to have electronic logging devices (ELDs), which helps keep track of driver hours of service, miles traveled, driver behavior, vehicle efficiency and more. At this point, ELDs are mandated for qualifying vehicles—they’ve replaced the old paper logs that used to dominate the industry.
• Mobile apps for every process: There really is an app for everything, including LTL shipping. Mobile apps usually focus on three main areas: the driver, the freight and the fleet. Apps for drivers usually include features like maps and directions, truck stop locators and other tools that are useful when you’re on the road. Freight apps focus on load boards and load matching, while fleet apps track shipping and handle dispatch duties.
• An emphasis on e-commerce: E-commerce is now a part of everyday life for most Americans, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic. As e-commerce grows, the demand for LTL shipping from smaller businesses has skyrocketed. This can affect availability and demand, so if you’re an e-commerce business owner, keep potential changing rates and shipping delays in mind.
• Track shipments: Most of us are used to getting real-time shipping updates from our carriers, and LTL trucking is no exception. Technology has made it possible to pinpoint exactly where a shipment is, the route taken, delivery times and more. This transparency is great for internal business dealings as well as communications with clients. Smart companies will prioritize a customer-side version so their clients feel like they know exactly where their shipments are at all times, when they’re expected to arrive and any other important information. (Plus, it saves your company extra calls from the client, wondering where their goods are.)
• Automatic proof of delivery: Finally, automatic proof of delivery is a great technological development. Truckers have to certify that a shipment has arrived, including providing damage reports, photos and signatures, when applicable. This streamlines the process and makes it a lot easier on drivers.

These are just a few of the major ways technology has aided LTL shipping in recent years. We can expect that more features and apps will be developed, which can help automate a lot of the most time-consuming tasks.

When you need LTL or heavy hauling in Houston, TX, reach out to the team at Pro Delivery LLC. We offer a variety of trucking services for your shipments.

Categorised in: LTL Trucking Company

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