Connectivity is moving the truck sector out of its comfort zone

A new study from Continental has highlighted that many companies in the transportation sector are adopting the latest software packages, connected services and embedded digital features. These are making the job of moving goods by truck easier, safer and more efficient. However, many are also hesitant to embrace the connected truck or do not fully understand the benefits on offer.

Published in June 2021, the study was performed in tandem with the Institute for Applied Social Science—better known as infas—and surveyed senior management at small, medium and large German logistics and transportation companies. A total of 45 different firms contributed their views on the connected truck and digitalisation. Subjects such as autonomous driving, fleet telematics and climate change were all considered, as well as the on-going driver shortage across the industry.

Digitalisation is a fairly open concept, but can be characterised by a move away from manual, paper-oriented processes to automated digital processes. This might be leveraging intelligent software and apps to plot faster routes, connect drivers with loads or better understand how trucks are being used.

The report found that