Isuzu Australia has released its latest report, The Future of Trucking giving some key insights into the industry in the country. The report includes survey responses from more than 1,300 stakeholders in the country’s transport industry.
From the business perspective, the report finds that the Australian truck industry is likely to see several changes in the next three years due to advancements in technology, new regulations, and the evolving needs of operators.
The report adds that despite facing a range of challenges over the last four years, the Australian road transport and related industries have performed extremely well as a collective.
Technology in trucking
We see companies around the world investing in technology to improve their trucking business. The same can be said for trucking companies in Australia.
In November, Isuzu Australia announced that it would be bringing next-generation trucks to the country.
The Future of Trucking reveals just how technology is being used currently in the Australian trucking market. Here are the top three technologies:
- 51% – forward/rear-facing camera.
- 45% – driver communication systems.
- 40% – telematics vehicle tracking.
Cost of fuel
Globally we see transport companies switching to the use of fuel efficient trucks. There is one issue that respondents agree on. “All business sizes and all industries (except for the utilities and waste sectors), nominated the cost of fuel as the most pressing fleet issue they face. Rising fleet costs and availability of drivers ranked second and third respectively.”
However, to mitigate this, companies are purchasing fuel-efficient trucks. In March, Locate2u reported on Centurion Transport, one of Australia’s largest logistics providers, announced it will operate the country’s first 100 percent Renewable Energy off-grid Battery Electric Truck fleet.
Technology
On the technology front, the report states there is an overall interest in technology features that points to businesses wanting to have more visibility over their fleet and efficient, proactive management at all times.
Respondents in the report say these are the key business challenges:
- 41% – Tighter profit margins.
- 39% – Accessing good employees.
- 38% – Level of competition.
Here are the top three technology features businesses are considering in the next five years:
- 55% – Telematics vehicle performance and predictive maintenance.
- 54% – Fleet management systems.
- 53% – Automated Crash notifications.
Zero emissions in trucking
The report reveals that 91% of businesses surveyed in The Future of Trucking Report are considering adopting some form of zero-emission strategy for their vehicle fleet.
“With the cost of fuel being the number one challenge for business fleets, businesses are expressing a keen appetite for new electric technology to help create operational savings across their fleet.”
Fifty-five percent of respondents say electric trucks are suitable for Australian conditions, while 55% also say electric trucks are reliable.
Photo Credit: Isuzu Australia (Facebook)
About the author
Sharl is a qualified journalist. He has over 10 years’ experience in the media industry, including positions as an editor of a magazine and Business Editor of a daily newspaper. Sharl also has experience in logistics specifically operations, where he worked with global food aid organisations distributing food into Africa. Sharl enjoys writing business stories and human interest pieces.
