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Trucking is one of the most common methods of transporting goods in the entire world. Over 70 percent of all goods are transported on the road in the United States and Europe. In China, that number rises to about 75 percent. Today everyone who works in the transportation industry is under a great deal of pressure. Because of digitalization, electrification and automation, international freight shipping companies have to work harder than ever to keep up.

Better Efficiency With Lower Operating Costs

Because of new advances in technology, freight trucking companies now have more opportunities than ever to lower operating costs while improving efficiency. Other companies are already testing the use of automated or autonomous trucks. Through automated technology, automated trucks could take over the long-haul parts of the journey. Traditional vehicles would handle only the first and the last mile or so of the journey. Some estimates put the cost savings at as much as 40 percent. This includes the salaries of the drivers for the long-haul portion.

International freight forwarders and startup companies are both working on creating electric trucks. This can improve efficiency while minimizing the industry’s impact on the environment. This can also save trucking companies money because operating the trucks will be less expensive than traditional fueling options. This is true for trucks that operate within about a 400- kilometer range of the company’s headquarters. Another reason that electric vehicles can be cost-effective is that they can better meet stricter standards for emissions.

Digitalization

Another trend that is affecting international freight shipping companies is digitalization. This advancement can help offer more efficient logistics to these companies

Professional truck drivers will experience a range of severe weather conditions, especially during longer routes. They may find themselves driving in a blizzard, pouring rain, and high winds on the same day. Truck drivers working for flatbed trucking services need to be aware of the weather conditions in the areas that they will be driving through.

Winter Weather

Perhaps some of the most dangerous conditions to drive in are winter weather. From freezing rain to snow, precipitation can make the roads very slippery. Freezing rain is one of the most difficult winter weather conditions to drive in. Truck drivers working for flatbed transportation companies should consider pulling off in a safe spot during freezing rain if they notice ice forming outside. The road conditions are not predictable during freezing rain, and black ice may form. This can cause drivers to lose control of their vehicles.

When visibility is reduced, like during a snowstorm, you should try to leave space between you and other traffic around you. No matter what the winter weather, you should make sure you have your tire chains with you.

High Winds

Strong winds can be dangerous for truck drivers because they can be high enough to blow a truck off a road. This happens especially in areas with wide-open highways. If you experience strong winds while carrying an extremely light load, you should pull off the road for a while. During a windstorm, parking between two other trailers can buffer your truck from the winds.

Extreme Cold

Extremely cold temperatures can freeze a truck’s engine. If you will be parking your truck in an extremely cold area, you may want to consider leaving the truck on idle, so it does not freeze.