New Technologies Help Level the Playing Field for Independent Truckers

Most truckers drive solo for hundreds of days annually. While being on the road so much can feel isolating at times, they are by no means alone. Qualified, professional truckers are part of an expansive and indispensable network driving commerce and the economy. Each day millions of Class 8 trucks move freight across our nation’s highways. Independent owner-operators and small fleets (<10 trucks) make up more than 90% of those drivers. Not only are they major stakeholders in the future of the industry, they bring an impressive track record. On average, independents have over two decades experience behind the wheel of a rig and are involved in fewer and less serious accidents than any other segment of the truck driving population. (Sources: OOIDA, https://www.ooida.com/OOIDA%20Foundation/RecentResearch/OOfacts.asp and https://www.ooida.com/MediaCenter/trucking-facts.asp) Nothing can replace experience. However, even seasoned drivers stand to miss opportunities if they don’t keep pace with technological advances in the digital era. Technology is at the core of significant improvements in truck safety, in-cab functionality, driver comfort and bottom line profitability. Leading manufacturers harness proven technologies to design passive and active safety features, ergonomic seats and controls, and driver-centric dash layouts, infotainment and media modules in commercial vehicles and aftermarket electronic equipment. Following are some examples. Safety & Security Automatic emergency braking and air disc brakes on large trucks have lowered accident, injury and fatality rates. Safety cameras are being deployed for stock security, parking assistance and other advanced driver assist features such as adaptive cruise and lane departure warning systems. (Source: AAA, http://newsroom.aaa.com/2017/09/truck-safety-technology-can-prevent-63000-crashes-year/ ) Infotainment Vehicle infotainment systems bring impressive functionality and features to the driving experience in personal and commercial vehicles. But they can also...