During the July 21 episode of What the Truck?!?, host Thomas Wasson sat down with Todd Waldron, Vice President of Carrier Experience at Truckstop.com, to discuss how the industry is evolving, especially with the integration of AI and other emerging technologies.
As Truckstop.com celebrates its thirtieth anniversary, it’s the perfect time to reflect on significant milestones and the role technology plays in driving optimism and efficiency within the industry.
“Truckstop.com has been a staple of this industry since before I started my career in logistics, so to be here for a milestone like this is incredible,” Waldron said.
Technology, particularly the integration of AI tools, is transforming the logistics landscape in no small way.
According to a recent Truckstop.com survey, 60% of drivers are optimistic about the freight future. This optimism, Waldron says, is largely fueled by technological advancements. “Technology is giving carriers greater control, more security, higher efficiency, and is leading to this positive outlook,” Waldron said.
Freight fraud has been a significant challenge for carriers, particularly in the last few years. However, advancements in technology have offered substantial improvements. Over 50% of carriers reported enhanced fraud prevention efforts using new tools.
“We’re seeing the biggest impact in freight fraud prevention and route optimization, and more than half of drivers say that fraud prevention efforts have significantly improved,” Waldron said.
Truckstop.com’s multi-layered approach to security has tangible benefits, with customers reporting 45% less fraud year-over-year.
Drivers have a reputation for being reluctant or slow to adopt new technologies, but some new tools are seeing high rates of driver satisfaction and participation.
“One time I had a driver who would foil wrap his driver tech unit because he didn’t want to be watched,” Waldron said.
However, the industry has come a long way, with 70% of drivers, particularly those under 35, feeling comfortable using emerging technologies. This shift, Waldron says, is due in part to an increased familiarity and understanding of the value technology brings.
Logistics decision-making processes are made smarter and more strategic by data and AI every day. Predictive tools can help anticipate maintenance needs and optimize dispatch operations, and it’s changing the experience that drivers have on a daily basis.
“Drivers now feel like they’re achieving value from these tools,” Waldron said.
Waldron predicts that exposed intelligence and more collaborative ecosystems will shape the next phase of technological development in the supply chain. “How do we leverage our strengths to be more efficient together?” he asked, hoping for a future where collaboration, rather than competition, might drive innovation.
Despite the rapidly changing technological landscape of logistics, relationships and trust still remain the most important factors to many industry veterans. In an industry poised for substantial growth and change, Waldron says, it’s never been more important to maintain a trustworthy reputation.
“73% of carriers say that Truckstop.com is a brand that they trust, and 69% believe we will lead the freight industry for the next thirty years,” Waldron said. “That kind of longevity makes it exciting to talk about this technology landscape, and it gives us confidence to continue working on new solutions in the future.”
Truckstop.com’s dedication to evolving with the times mirrors the broader industry’s journey towards a more advanced, connected future. As Truckstop.com looks toward another thirty years, the focus on technology, security, and collaboration remains at the forefront of the company’s mission to lead the supply chain’s transformation.
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