How Technology is Transforming Consumer Transport

Across the board, technology is advancing at an alarming rate. When it comes to the freight transport industry, of key importance is the way in which supply chains are connected. From the initial pick-up to the final destination, the efficiency of the process relies on the competing impacts of time, safety, and communication. Cutting edge technology has already started to revolutionise the way freight transporters manage everything from safety compliance to customer relations. Below we’ll look at how technology is increasing productivity and efficiency across the freight transport sector and shaping the future of logistics.

A major technological advance that has massive implications for our sector is the implementation of the Internet of Things (IoT). This refers to the plethora of devices that are digitally connected and can provide real-time data to better inform the smooth running of any business operation. From sensors in refrigerated trucks to monitor optimal temperatures to GPS trackers that can provide feedback on optimal routes and traffic issues, IoT devices have enormous implications for the improvement of logistics management.

One such implication is the ability of some IoT devices to indicate pre-emptive maintenance and potential driver fatigue. As far as safety goes, having real-time information on these two factors alone can help ensure that businesses are meeting their compliance benchmarks, as well as improving safety for their workers.

The emergence of artificial intelligence is also having far-reaching effects on how the freight transport industry manages logistics. These systems can analyse massive amounts of data, allowing drivers to optimise routes and businesses to predict demand accurately, amongst other things. This means that companies now have access to data-driven decision making, which will improve overall operational efficiency. 

The technological revolution has also driven the emergence of digital platforms that connect, in ever more efficient ways, freight carriers with those needing to ship produce. These platforms have meant that businesses can make better use of their fleet and drivers, by ensuring that their fleet capacity can meet demand, reducing the occurrence of half-empty loads and fitting the right freight options with the right clients.  All of this results in better outcomes for both client and business – particularly in the realms of cost-saving and reduced environmental impact. 

As technology continues to reshape the freight transport industry, there are challenges that need to be addressed. The adoption of new technologies as a whole-of-business approach often requires significant investment as well as training or retraining of staff. From this perspective, some smaller companies may delay adopting new technologies in wariness of this initial outlay. In the long run however, it pays for businesses to ride this wave of technological change because doing so can pay dividends on everything from the management of the driving workforce to levels of customer satisfaction.  

As an entry point to this brave new world, smaller businesses should consider adopting a digital management system that is interconnected, allows access to real-time data, and provides a streamlined platform that is designed to boost efficiency and reduce overhead costs. GoDesta is one such system. Developed and tested over three years, the GoDesta program is designed specifically for the freight transport industry, with intuitive design that allows business managers to take control of every aspect of the transport process, from scheduling to customer feedback. 

The main point of difference of the GoDesta management system is its multi-platform format which allows the same system to be accessed across phone, tablet, laptop, or computer. Wherever your workers are, whether on the road or in the office, they can access the same information as soon as they need it. Similarly, GoDesta is compatible with a range of existing software, reducing the need to migrate data across to a new program, and completely eliminating the need for extra staff training. 

The GoDesta management system is also designed to be an all-of-business solution, keeping all the need-to-know information in one place. For this reason, the technology not only encompasses job bookings and service reporting, but also compliance management, driver safety monitoring, real-time GPS tracking data and the option to give clients access to the information that they need to be sure of exceptional service provision. 

As technology continues to advance apace, it’s vital for businesses to keep up. Our industry is in the perfect position to embrace this innovation and adapt it to meet the increased demand that our sector will face in the coming decade. 

Find out how GoDesta can support you in keeping your employees safe, productive, and driving Australia’s future here.