The results of a recent investigation of more than 150 U.S. truck drivers reveal an interesting trend in technology adoption in the freight logistics industry. On the one hand, the majority of drivers feel moderately satisfied with the tools provided by their employer. On the other hand, they still lack essential features.
Drivers appreciate the safety improvements, reduced paperwork, and real-time updates brought by mobile trucking apps. However, many express the need for faster, more reliable and up-to-date technology, as well as tools that are up to the challenges of working on the road. With 87% of drivers preferring an employer that invests in new technology, a reliable mobile app is well worth the investment.
Key features drivers look for
Drivers have a clear vision of the ideal mobile application, which focuses on features that improve comfort and safety on the road. Their main demands include:
- Recommendations for fueling points, rest areas and weighbridges
- Live updates on weather and road conditions
- Automatic time tracking for breaks and drop-off points
- Navigation specially designed for trucks
- Integrated communication to connect with headquarters, customers and other drivers
- Safety and maintenance features such as training modules, vehicle inspection logs and emergency assistance
Additionally, drivers greatly appreciate the seamless digitization of essential documents, such as bills of lading (BOL), which play a vital role in shipment tracking and compliance. Reliable document scanning minimizes manual data entry, which not only saves drivers valuable time on the road, but also avoids costly errors and delays.
Challenges and concerns
Contrary to this view, frustrations with outdated devices and frequent technical problems persist. Drivers are reporting slow, faulty devices that struggle in areas with poor network connectivity, impacting their workflow and causing delays. For drivers who use mobile apps on a daily basis, as 75% of respondents do, any technical problem means interruption to their work. Many are avoidable, like the entire app freezing or loading slowly due to connectivity issues while most features can be run offline.
Since drivers spend a lot of time using mobile apps, privacy is another major concern for them. Companies can solve this problem by providing dedicated work devices and encouraging technology adoption, making drivers feel more comfortable using their digital tools.
The way forward
For trucking companies looking to stay competitive, trucker responses highlight the importance of investing in reliable, up-to-date technology solutions that perform consistently, even in offline environments. Robust tools with the right mix of features improve job satisfaction and therefore driver retention.