As the trucking industry continues roaring into 2023, challenges abound, but this isn’t a bad thing. Because it’s never a good idea to focus on the negative in life and in business, trucking company owners and fleet managers are encouraged to view the industry’s challenges as opportunities. Currently, resources for overcoming fleet challenges have never been greater, and when you consider the last few years and the difficulties fleet managers faced during the pandemic, the current set of challenges doesn’t seem so daunting.
While it can be difficult to pin down a fleets biggest challenge in 2023, below are some obstacles and some solutions to overcome them:
1. Driver Shortage Continues
The foundation for extended tire life lies in selecting the appropriate tires for the specific application. Tire manufacturers engineer casings and compounds tailored to diverse needs, like reducing rolling resistance for long-haul tires or resisting curbing for P&D tires. Mismatching tires with intended applications can lead to irregular wear or damage, underscoring the importance of alignment between tire purpose and usage.
One way that the driver shortage challenge is being met is by positioning and marketing trucking as an inclusive career path that provides job security and financial rewards. Additionally, the teamwork aspect of working as a driver has taken center stage as fleet managers work to highlight the various team-based functions that drivers take on.
2. Fuel Prices
The cost of diesel is an issue that started during the pandemic but has not really gone away. Experienced drivers and fleet managers know that fuel prices go up and down, but when they’re up, it can be difficult to imagine a time when prices will drop. To ease this burden, trucking companies are enacting a number of initiatives designed to reduce fuel consumption, extend fuel economy and lower fuel spending.
Electric trucks and retro-fitted electric components are being used in some areas to ease the bite that higher fuel prices have taken out of trucking company wallets. Additionally, driver training initiatives designed to provide insights into more efficient practices are helping fleet managers reduce fuel costs. These initiatives can be beneficial for both new and seasoned drivers as technology innovations require new approaches to old practices.
3. Technology Adoption
Speaking of technology, the adoption of new technology is found on this list of fleet challenges as rapidly changing technology has left some trucking company owners unsure of where to turn. It seems like every month some new innovation comes out that promises to fix all of the problems facing the trucking industry. On top of that, new versions and iterations make it difficult to keep up with what changes need to be implemented.
Fortunately, software and trucking technology developers have taken note, and many solutions are now being designed with simplicity and longevity in mind. Automatic software and firmware updates make it easier to keep up with new trucking technology these days, and more and more trucking technology is being designed to blend seamlessly into the driving experience.
