As technologies expand, we constantly ask, “What’s next?” While the answer is never certain, we do have ideas, and there are definitely trends that seem to suggest the path we’re on. Freight transportation is an industry that may be revolutionized once again by advances in technology. Keep reading to find out more about the high-tech future of freight transportation.

Drones

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) recently announced requirements and certifications for commercial operators of drones weighing up to 55 pounds. Full-scale commercial drone deliveries are now officially permitted by the FAA as a result of some companies’ approval of the delivery of prescription drugs through drones. The effectiveness of drone technology has already been established, but it raises privacy and safety concerns. Lack of long-term reliability must be demonstrated before the FAA will allow broad usage of these drones. Reduced gridlock and fatal accidents can be expected due to there being less traffic, if and when they are certified. While it seems like the goal is to eventually be able to deliver bigger and bigger packages by drone, we’re still quite far away from completely replacing any mode of transport with drones.

Smart Roads

While trains, cars, and trucks continue to advance, our roads are learning as well. To make roadways safer, motorways that are studded with sensors have been designed to inform vehicles of a nearby crash. It would also disseminate real-time weather updates and delays. Increasing the number of intelligent highways could help drivers and freight, the majority of all items are shipped via trucks in the United States. By providing information to vehicles concerning congestion, delays, and accidents, roadways also enable the efficient flow of transportation. This will reduce the cost of deliveries and improve delivery speed. Given the benefits this can provide to almost everyone, this is one of the most exciting parts of the high-tech future of freight transportation.

Autonomous Vehicles

By utilizing machine learning, autonomous vehicles will help to make our roadways safer. This cutting-edge technology is fast evolving, and it is but a short hop away from widespread use. Thousands of American jobs are expected to be eliminated by autonomous trucks, because they may completely replace operators with automation technologies. Still, there are some who believe autonomous trucks will have to be slow to implement because of insurance and liability concerns. Consider this: If a driverless truck crashes, who’s to blame?

While we sit and ponder the future of trucking and freight, you can check out the present state of the industry by checking out some of the great products we offer, like load bars for trucks, right here at Logistick!