J.B. Hunt company is starting a collaboration with Google that will result in application of AI and cloud-based technology in their operations. Company is hoping that the collaboration will improve the efficiency especially in the way it connects shipments with capacity currently available. The technology will provide a real-time collected data which will bring quicker reaction times to supply chain and operations. This will also mean higher expectations from customers, and the company hopes it translates into more business opportunities.

Key Takeaways:

• J.B. Hunt Transport Services first launched their 360 cloud platform in 2014 and now they are joining forces with Google to allow A.I. to boost package delivery.
• J.B. Hunt's new technology plans to get rid of all the inefficiencies of using multiple IT supply chain logistics to instead centralize all data.
• Google Cloud’s Data Cloud will help J.B. Hunt with it's Data Cloud to implement neural networks to create extensible workflows for shipments.

“By leveraging Google’s Data Cloud, J.B. Hunt 360 will better predict outcomes and help users make informed decisions.”

Read more: https://www.truckinginfo.com/10137039/j-b-hunt-teams-up-with-google-for-next-generation-supply-chain-technology

If you are considering switching from diesel to electric, then make sure you aren't just getting caught up in the moment of what is new and interesting right now. Make sure that you are gauging what the long term effects for your business will be. This isn't saying that diesel uses fewer emissions than electric, but we have to be mindful of where that electric power is coming from. No matter what is powering your vehicle, there will be some emissions involved somewhere, so make the right decision for you.

Key Takeaways:

• Truck pundit, Jim Park, asserts that diesel technology for the trucking industry is on a good path forward.
• Park sees many improvements on the horizon, while acknowledging that the newest diesel incarnations have already achieved near-zero emissions.
• A mere comparison of trucks made in 2000 versus those made today, 21 years later, shows that diesel emissions are down 98%.

“Schaeffer contended that you can’t fairly compare the green impact of diesel vs. electric powering trucks without factoring in the source of electricity generation.”

Read more: https://www.truckinginfo.com/10138564/gauging-the-future-of-diesel-with-dtfs-allen-schaeffer

Communication is key to your success in the business world. You can even let the service provider know what your goals are and fill them in on what you expect to spend. It is said that for every ten dollars you spend on maintenance, that is one hundred dollars that you will save down the road. If you incentivize finding the problems before they begin, this will offer encouragement to prevent repairs and down time in the first place.

Key Takeaways:

• Communication is something that is needed for all fleet drivers to have for success.
• Sharing performance metrics with service providers, sharing your business goals takes you above and beyond
• communication among everyone can overcome any obstacle that you find standing in your way.

“Gingrich also said fleets can help themselves reduce repair costs by establishing incentives for drivers and holding them accountable”

Read more: https://www.truckinginfo.com/10138991/how-relationships-communication-lead-to-service-success

Tolls as much as they aren't popular among people, are necessary to help maintain the roadways. Where ever you see a lot of trucks driving, there will almost always be a toll that has to be paid. What they get in return are roadways that are well maintained that they can continue to drive over. The tolls are thinking of getting rid of their cash only policy and making it to where you can pay online instead of having to fork over cash each time.

Key Takeaways:

• Pay tolls aren't popular but they are necessary for filling in those funding gaps.
• They are now discovering ways that you can pay without having to have cash to pay at the toll.
• There was a lot of time that passed where there weren't many commuters on the road during the pandemic.

“ATRI found that on a per-mile basis, toll facility revenues are 18 times those collected through the federal tax placed on motor fuels.”

Read more: https://www.truckinginfo.com/10138481/smart-strategies-for-managing-tolling

In your shop, it is nothing but a game of whack a mole. When something breaks, then you know that it needs to be fixed, and then you fix it. There is a better way to streamline this process. If you are giving the vehicles the maintenance that they require, this will cut down on the amount of times the vehicles break down and need to be prepared. You can also reduce costs, with updates that are given out over the air.

Key Takeaways:

• Go from just fixing what is broken, to taking a more proactive approach for your company.
• You can streamline the process for fewer vehicles that will need to be prepared in the long run.
• You can also have regular inspections of vehicles to help stop any problems before they start.

“If you want healthier vehicles and a shop that runs more smoothly, shift gears to a more proactive approach.”

Read more: https://www.truckinginfo.com/elds-time-to-comply/10137970/rethink-your-shop-keep-your-fleet-healthy

In a recent survey, it was found that a lot of fleets are looking to purchase new trucks in the coming year at a much higher percentage that previous years. Fleets were also surveyed about what is making them feel like they don't want to purchase an electric vehicle. The top reason that they were hesitant to purchase them is because of the cost. The second reason is that there aren't many places where you can go to charge these vehicles.

Key Takeaways:

• A survey shoed that fuel economy is a top concern among mid sized trucking companies
• It was also learned in the survey that many are planning to buy new trucks this year.
• the main reasons that people didn't want electric cars is because of expense, or lack of charging options.

“According to the survey, 50% of carriers plan to buy a new truck in the next year, up from 33% who reported the same in Convoy’s November 2020 survey.”

Read more: https://www.truckinginfo.com/10138048/survey-fleets-check-fuel-economy-as-top-truck-purchasing-consideration

When it comes to saving money on trucks, people often want to look towards the trucks themselves. What we really need to be looking at are the people who are driving these trucks. You can keep the vehicles in good working condition by teaching your drivers the proper way to drive the vehicle and proper maintenance. Make sure you keep communication open between yourself and your drivers so that they can better understand what it is that is expected of them, as well as your policies.

Key Takeaways:

• We often look at the vehicle when it comes to fuel economy, but we should look to the driver.
• The behavior of drivers is essential to reducing the cost of fuel, so keep them in the know.
• Give the drivers the tools they need as well as clearly stating what your policies are.

“Beyond driver involvement, driver training is another essential key in reducing driver-related maintenance costs.”

Read more: https://www.truckinginfo.com/10137590/how-to-reduce-driver-impact-on-truck-fleet-maintenance-costs

If you are looking into getting some new work truck suspensions, then you will want to understand what you are getting into. There are different types of suspensions that will work better for the specific truck that you are driving. If you are wanting something that will cushion your ride and provide stability, make sure you are purchasing the right type of suspension for your specific vehicle. It must all work together as well, with your torque rods as well as your axle.

Key Takeaways:

• Work truck suspension is a critical issue for fleet owners, as this vehicle feature affects at least 3 major truck aspects.
• Suspension is integrally related to a truck's durability, specifically its ability to withstand it's load over time.
• Suspension furthermore provides stability. Good suspension provides evenness over treacherous roads and also cushions the ride.

“equalizing (walking) beam suspensions are the most common and effective for providing optimal stability, mobility, and traction.”

Read more: https://www.truckinginfo.com/10137609/understanding-work-truck-suspension

Technology is something that is constantly changing and improving, and if you aren't adopting this new technology as a truck driver, there is a good chance you are missing out on some improvements as well as being able to get your vehicle serviced by someone that is only accustomed to the improved technology in the future. Make sure that you have warranty on your vehicle and that it is extended so that way you are protected in case anything goes wrong with your truck.

Key Takeaways:

• Everywhere you look, you will find information about the rapid pace of technology.
• If fleet companies don't have this new technology, will they be able to find repair shops?
• There are repair shops that are available for trucks that have warranties and extended warranties.

“Or will the same problems of ever-more-complex vehicles force aftermarket and independent maintenance providers out of business”

Read more: https://www.truckinginfo.com/10137714/the-future-of-maintenance-outsourcing

There is a wave that is taking over the auto industry and that is the electric vehicle wave. A lot of vehicle manufacturers are considering adopting electric operation vehicles, there are several that have them in the works, and will be released in the next couple of years. Trucks are still going to be able to function at full capacity with the way they are being built. The clean tail pipe emissions will allow truckers to come in with open arms to any area.

Key Takeaways:

• These new trucks that will begin launching in 2022 are safer and better for the environment.
• There are electric waves happening all over, a lot of manufacturers have new ones coming out.
• These vehicles will be able to function and then return to the facility to be charged over night.

“Fuel economy on internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicles nosedives at peak payload or towing load, but we accept the trade-off because the overall range on those vehicles is more than enough.”

Read more: https://www.truckinginfo.com/10136746/understanding-effects-of-payload-and-towing-on-commercial-ev-range