Auto transportation is a century-old industry that can be traced to the invention of automobiles. Even though these rudimentary cars weren’t in high demand due to the prohibitive cost, there was the need to transport vehicles between manufacturers and buyers as early as 1920.
In the auto shipping industry’s early history, shipping options were limited, given that America’s infrastructure was at a nascent stage. So, what was the mode of shipping? Most industry leaders completed shipment via railroad. However, because railroads proved quite expensive, semi-trucks were invented to ship these early automobiles. Unfortunately, the limitation with semi-trucks was the capacity. You could only transport one car at a time.
With this restriction, entrepreneurs saw the opportunity to invent trailers that could haul at least four vehicles during a given trip. This mode of transportation enjoyed popularity for quite some time. However, once a need to transport cars overseas arose, industry leaders began to rely on cargo ship transport.
As you can imagine, the auto shipping industry isn’t the same as it was decades ago. There has been a tremendous transformation catalyzed by state-of-the-art technologies designed to streamline the shipping process. With the influx of technologically-revolutionizing devices, an influx of car shipping companies, like Guardian Auto Transport (https://guardianautotransport.com), has followed, making the industry highly competitive. Luckily for those in need of auto transportation services, customers now have the pick of the lot.
If you’re curious about how technology drastically transformed the auto shipping industry, read on for more information. After tracking the industry’s progress, you can gain insight into the auto transportation sector’s future.
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What technology is Utilized in Auto Shipping Transport?
In today’s modern era, technology is an unbelievable innovator. It immerses humanity into a new realm of existence and provides solutions to challenges burdening society. With this in mind, technological development has been at the forefront of refining the auto transport industry.
Below is a handy guide to help you understand the kind of technology revolutionizing the auto shipping industry.
Cloud-Based Services
Before cloud technology, shipping companies would install expensive hardware on the shipping vessels and the company’s premises. This hardware required scheduled maintenance, which was costly and time-consuming.
Fast forward to the cloud-services era. These companies can now manage their shipping requirements with zero hardware. This technology provides flexibility and scalability that are very pivotal in the auto shipping industry.
Cloud technology is becoming the standard in data management. The proliferation of cloud services in the transport industry facilitates real-time tracking of vehicles. Additionally, it helps providers monitor the vehicles’ location and allows companies to issue real-time instructions to their drivers.
Cloud services also help shippers in the following ways:
- E-ticketing management
- Logistical space planning
- Health monitoring of the shipping vessels
With these benefits in mind, cloud technology can bring profound operational and financial efficiency to the shipping industry.
Smartphones and Tablets
As obvious as it may sound, many shippers weren’t using these gadgets in managing their shipping process in the early history of the auto transportation industry, depriving them of the benefits that smartphones bring to the industry. Smartphones enable drivers to provide real-time information such as delivery status and current location. Smartphones also help in determining the ideal route to take by utilizing GPS.
Alternative Sources of Fuel
Fuel is one of the highest costs in the shipping industry. However, due to technological advancements in fuel-efficiency, auto shippers can enjoy fuel sources that are cheaper and beneficial to the environment.
WeightFriendly Materials
Years ago, shipping vessels consisted of heavy metals that added weight to the carriers, leading to increased fuel use and slow speeds. Today, thanks to technology, fiberglass technology produces strong but lightweight shipping vessels.
Studies show that a ten percent reduction in weight could improve fuel efficiency by six percent or more. Intriguing, right? With increased fuel efficiency and reduced delivery time, shipping providers can maximize profits.
The future of the Auto Shipping Industry
With the explosion of technology that we are witnessing, we are yet to see peak technology in the auto transport industry. Given that shipping demands will continue rising, innovation will continue being the ultimate solution for shipment delays.
Below are some of the technologies that will stand at the forefront of the movement currently shaping the auto transport industry.
Autonomous Cars
Thanks to companies like Google and Tesla, driverless cars are now a reality. Once these companies sort out safety issues related to driverless vehicles, the industry can transition to self-driving vehicles. Eliminating the need for human drivers will virtually eradicate labor costs and human error, improving company productivity and fuel efficiency. For the auto transportation industry, it’s not long before we start seeing self-driving trucks.
Electric-Hybrid Technology
As we trend towards a greener economy, the use of diesel will ebb away, and shippers will increasingly start using long-haul electric trucks. The technology is still at an early stage in auto shipping, but it will soon gain traction in the industry.
In conclusion
The auto shipping industry has come a long way. With the help of technology, we will continue witnessing a revolution in the auto transport industry. Due to the need to elevate customers’ experience and increase sales, shippers will continue integrating smart technologies into their transport processes. Folks, be on the lookout.
