Baltimore Truck Accident Lawyers Report on Digitized Trucking

Posted on October 3, 2016

Intelligent tracking technologies may sound like something out of a science fiction novel, but trucking companies across the country are investing in it for its ability to provide shippers and carriers with improved methods of monitoring and managing their drivers, as well as the vehicles and the cargo that they are carrying. With features like precision mapping and on-board analytics, the technology can track the exact location of the load and specify the best method of transportation. Moreover, the data pulled from such technologies could prove to be useful in tracking truck accident patterns.

More companies are coming out with this type of digitized technology. Gorilla Safety, a fleet management software company, introduced a new device called Gorilla Trax GPS, which transmits information about a vehicle’s location, as well as its operational state. Software provider, Blue Tree Systems, launched an analytics platform called FleetManager.com, that helps dispatchers, managers, maintenance workers, and executives track drivers, trucks, and a range of other data. They can track this information remotely, from any machine in the world.

Rand McNally, best know for their mapping products, introduced dashboard cameras that can detect sudden movements on the roads. The content from the camera is saved as a video file, which provides time stamps, time-lapse trip summaries, and other valuable information. Navigation technology firms like TomTom are also working with automotive suppliers to provide specialty maps that are more accurate, including data about speed limits, road conditions, and traffic signals.

Other well-known truck companies, including Daimler and Volvo, have introduced technology that allows the trucks to control speed, braking, and transmission based on the routes available and which is the most fuel-efficient.

Long-Term Benefits of Tracking Technology

Industry officials who support this technology say that it will reduce fuel waste, cut the time and distance travelled, improve customer service, and ultimately provide cheaper goods as a result of improve efficiency. According to a logistics analyst at Stifel Financial Corp, an intelligent highway system impacts everything from traffic signals to individual vehicles.

With the heavy consolidation among freight companies, industry-wide digital networking has been challenging. Currently, there is no common data format that is compatible with all systems. However, third-party companies are working with the trucking industry, including shippers, brokers, carriers, and clients to develop networks that are more streamlined. Some of the smaller freight companies are resistant to digitization because of security issues. The concern is that computerized maps and records could make them vulnerable to breaches in security. Based on the current trend, it is likely that this technology will become more widespread over time and may improve overall truck safety.

Maryland Truck Accident Lawyers at LeViness, Tolzman & Hamilton Represent Victims Injured in Truck Accidents

If you have been seriously injured in a truck accident in Maryland, the consequences can be devastating, considering the sheer size and weight of a truck. To ensure that your rights are protected, contact the dedicated Maryland truck accident lawyers at LeViness, Tolzman & Hamilton as soon as possible. We are on your side and will work hard to obtain the financial compensation you deserve. For a free case review, case review, call us today at 800-547-4LAW (4529) or contact us online.

Our offices are located in Baltimore, Columbia, Glen Burnie and Towson, allowing us to represent injured truck accident victims and their families throughout Maryland, including those in Anne Arundel County, Carroll County, Harford County, Howard County, Montgomery County, Maryland’s Western Counties, Southern Maryland and the Eastern Shore, as well as the communities of Catonsville, Essex, Halethorpe, Middle River, Rosedale, Gwynn Oak, Brooklandville, Dundalk, Pikesville, Parkville, Nottingham, Windsor Mill, Lutherville, Timonium, Sparrows Point, Ridgewood and Elkridge.