Trucking Technology and Supply Chains Dominate Our Worries

Technology advances, the driver shortage, and the continuing supply chain complications are going to dominate the challenges and opportunities for fleets in 2020.

Post published:January 3, 2022
Post category:News

Trucking technology advances, the driver shortage, and the continuing supply chain complications are going to dominate the challenges and opportunities for fleets in 2020. In fact, the following predictions are not outlining what is going to be seen over the next 12 months:

Trucking Technology: Supply Chain Issues

Into 2022, the supply chain issues are going to continue. Plus likely into the following year. Also, the continuation of electronic component shortages like microchips is going to impact many industries, thus causing a trickle-down effect where the manufacturers are going to outsource to other factories. Plus, take space away from other components that are needing to actually complete critical supply chain products.

Driver Shortage

However, there is really no silver bullet or quick fix for the driver shortage. It is going to continue to worsen in 2022. Actually, to help ease the challenge, companies are going to need to provide more flexible working hours. Also, better benefits to attract and retain drivers. Also, regulatory changes, such as the DRIVE-Safe Act, should also be pushed forward in 2022. Plus, lowering the age limit for a commercial driver’s license is to 18. It will enable a larger pool of eligible drivers to really enter the market.

Fuel Prices

In addition, high or volatile fuel prices will likely to continue in 2022. In fact, they ensure fleets are in top condition that will be crucial to fighting rising costs. Then in 2022, fleet managers are going to need to perform regular maintenance checks and inspections. It can drastically improve fuel efficiency. Plus the fleet managers are going to need to monitor and then educate the drivers. This would be on behaviors like idling and hard acceleration. It is going to rapidly increase fuel use when it goes left unchecked.

Also, the need to update fleets with modern safety features is going to be stressing in 2022. There are many older commercial trucks on the roads today. Moreover, they are not equipping with safety measures that should be table stakes.