Long-haul transportation is a type of long-distance driving wherein the drivers undertake a single delivery by driving a commercial vehicle for more than 250 miles. In contrast to short haul, which typically takes less than one day, long-haul deliveries can last for several days or even a week.
In their journey across state lines, drivers must be well-versed in state laws and regulations on cargo handling and deliveries. Long-haul truckers can choose the duration of their trips, and they may even enlist the help of a partner to expedite deliveries. This is one way to reduce fatigue and pressure while speeding up deliveries.
The Benefits of Long-Haul Tracking
Business owners who rely on long-haul trucking to transport goods from one location to another find it challenging to schedule deliveries manually. Software designed for long-haul trucking makes the process easier by assigning tasks to drivers according to their availability and preferred routes. The technology calculates multiple factors—traffic and weather conditions, delivery personnel performance, and customer needs—to devise an optimal delivery schedule for long-haul transportation.
Long-haul tracking uses real-time, enhanced visibility that considers traffic, weather conditions, and fuel consumption by the vehicle. GPS technology ensures you take the most optimum route for your delivery. It gives the delivery managers what they need to know. Still, it also provides that everyone involved in the process—drivers included—receives the data quickly.
As a long-haul trucker is out on the road for days and weeks, it is essential for business owners to regularly monitor their performance. With long haul tracking, you’ll know how fast your driver was going, whether he braked hard, and at what point he decided to take a detour—all of which can affect fuel consumption and delivery turnaround time. If you keep an eye on these factors, it’s easier to grade the driver’s performance and make sure they stick to the terms of the contract.
Customers want to be kept in the loop about their deliveries. Tracking long hauls makes it easier for a business to ensure customers get their deliveries on time and in the right condition, which helps them retain customer trust. Logistics tools allow businesses to send their customers to live information on the delivery status. It generates accurate ETAs and allows customers to plan for delays. It reduces the need for customers to call shippers for status updates.
The Future of Long-Haul Transportation
With new-age technologies readily available, deploying trucks has become easier as truckers don’t have to drive manually. Advanced sensors and other features are included in the trucks for better safety and efficiency. But advancements in sensor technology will be required for higher levels of automation in long-haul trucking.
As cross-border trade and container traffic in ports increases, the importance of long-haul transportation will increase. Companies will adopt advanced logistics tools powered by machine learning, predictive intelligence, analytics, and automation to mitigate inefficiencies like delays, risks and rising operational costs.
The creator & host of Truck N’ Hustle, is a renowned personality in the trucking & logistics industry who hosts podcasts with the reputed & successful trucking entrepreneurs to share the knowledge required to start & sustain the logistics business!
