The trucking industry is a critical backbone of the global economy, but it faces numerous challenges that affect both truck drivers and fleet managers. In this blog, we’ll explore the most pressing issues in the trucking sector and offer practical solutions to minimize the risks associated with distracted driving through innovative safety technologies like video-based safety systems.
Key Issues Facing the Trucking Industry
Several significant challenges are currently impacting the trucking industry:
- Driver Shortage: The industry is grappling with a shortage of qualified drivers, leading to increased wages and difficulties in meeting shipping demands.
- Safety Concerns: Safety remains a top priority, with accidents involving trucks often resulting in severe injuries or fatalities. Concerns about driver fatigue, distracted driving, and overall road safety continue to dominate industry discussions.
- Regulatory Challenges: The trucking industry is heavily regulated, with complex and time-consuming compliance requirements. Regulations cover various aspects, including hours-of-service (HOS), emissions standards, and safety protocols.
- Infrastructure Issues: The condition of roads and highways directly impacts the safety and efficiency of transportation. There is a growing need for investment in infrastructure to support the industry’s expansion.
- Technology and Innovation: Rapid advancements in technology, such as automation and data analytics, are transforming the trucking industry. While these innovations offer numerous benefits, they also raise concerns about job displacement and the need for new skills and training for drivers and other industry professionals.
The American Transportation Research Institute (ATRI) Survey
The ATRI’s annual survey highlights the top concerns within the trucking industry, reflecting both driver and carrier perspectives. The issues have remained consistent over the years, ranked in the following order:
- Driver Shortages
- Driver Retention
- Hours of Service (HOS)
- Electronic Logging Device (ELD) Mandate
- Truck Parking
- Compliance, Safety, and Accountability (CSA)
- Driver Distraction
- Transportation Infrastructure/Traffic Congestion/Funding
- Driver Health and Wellness
- The Economy
A Closer Look at Trucking Industry Challenges
The shortage of drivers places immense pressure on carriers, who are struggling to cover routes. Driver retention strategies are essential to addressing these shortages, as staffing is a major concern for industry leaders. The Hours of Service rules, while crucial for safety, have sparked debate among drivers and carriers alike. Drivers often feel that these regulations reduce their flexibility, while carriers are focused on managing these mandates effectively.
The disparity in priorities between drivers and carriers is evident. While drivers rank HOS as a top concern, carriers prioritize driver shortages and retention. For drivers, issues like distraction, compliance, safety, and health and wellness take precedence over staffing concerns.
The driver shortage is a pressing issue, with estimates suggesting a shortfall of 160,000 drivers in the U.S. by 2022 and 34,000 in Canada by 2024. Carriers are taking steps to address this, with discussions around transitioning the pay system from mileage-based to hourly and equipping vehicles with advanced technologies to improve the driving experience.
Distracted driving is a growing concern among drivers. Studies show that over 10% of fatal crashes and 15% of injury crashes are related to distracted driving. However, technological advancements offer potential solutions. For instance, Omnitracs has developed a predictive model that uses HOS data to assess the risk of fatigue-related incidents. Other systems monitor eye movements and trigger alarms or seat vibrations to alert drivers when they may be at risk.
Addressing Trucking Challenges with T
MS-Digital
While Distracted Driving Awareness Month may only last for 30 days, the focus on improving truck driving safety should be year-round. The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) has identified key areas for improvement in highway safety, including the elimination of distracted driving.
At TMS-Digital, we offer cutting-edge safety solutions designed to address the most pressing safety concerns in the trucking industry, such as distracted driving and speeding. Our video-based safety systems provide real-time insights into risky driving behaviors, allowing you to proactively coach your drivers and enhance overall safety.
With our comprehensive safety program, you can:
- Minimize the risks associated with distracted driving by using visual and data-based evidence to correct behaviors.
- Adapt to varying driving conditions by notifying drivers of appropriate speeds based on real-time weather and traffic data.
- Comply with multiple NTSB recommendations, ensuring a safer and smarter trucking operation.
Conclusion
The trucking industry faces significant challenges, from driver shortages and regulatory compliance to safety concerns and infrastructure issues. However, by leveraging advanced safety solutions like those offered by TMS-Digital, you can address these challenges head-on.
Ready to transform your trucking safety program? Contact TMS-Digital today to learn how our innovative solutions can help you enhance safety, improve driver performance, and stay ahead in a rapidly evolving industry.
