Why Automated Freight Matching is The Dream of All Truckers

Technology has revolutionized many industries, and transportation is no exception. Over many years and even decades, experienced truck drivers have seen firsthand the improvements that have been made to truck machinery and logistics with the invention of the electronic logging device (ELD) and smartphones with GPS apps. A recent PwC report details the benefits of automated freight matching for truck drivers and employers.

The Future of Freight Matching

According to the report, “In a fully automated end-to-end supply chain, a product on a digitized assembly line would be built with the digital capability to send a signal and book transport for its delivery when it is close to being completed. It would already be coded with the address of the customer it is being shipped to. The freight-matching system would then look for available capacity on trucks going in the direction of the product’s destination.”

The smart product would then pick the best available option and once it is delivered to the loading bay of the factory, truck drivers will deliver the freight to the destination. 

The Benefits of Automated Freight Matching

Every truck driver dreams of highly efficient trips, short wait times and smooth deliveries with no errors. But wherever humans are, mistakes and mix-ups abound. With automated freight matching, PwC estimates that waiting times will decrease by 40% by 2030 and errors will significantly decrease.

How will this be accomplished? An automated freight-matching system will cut administrative costs by reducing or even eliminating the need for manual (or human) processing. In addition, the trucks will be filled more efficiently because the process of assigning goods to trucks will be automated. Trucks will be powered by alternative powertrain technologies, such as electric and will contribute to a reduction in costs by 45% in this segment by 2030.

Truck drivers should be excited about these changes that promise to improve many aspects of logistics and reduce human error. As technology continues to advance, individuals working in the transportation industry will enjoy a smoother experience and greater job satisfaction.