Heavy Duty Trucking Logo
MenuMENU
SearchSEARCH

Special Report: Trucking in the 21st Century

Trucking in the 21st Century is our 10-part series and accompanying web-only coverage of the rapid technological changes impacting trucking and logistics.

by HDT Staff
February 2, 2017
Special Report: Trucking in the 21st Century

 

2 min to read


In the science fiction of the last century, the 21st Century was seen as a wonderment of technology, with flying cars and tricorders, moon colonies and household robots.

Here we are, going on two decades into the century, and while we may not have flying cars, we do have an amazing array of technology at our fingertips, both in our personal lives and in trucking. That's changing how we live and how we do business.

Ad Loading...

This 10-part series explores those technologies and what it means for the success of our readers' businesses.

How is e-commerce driving some fleets to change their offerings? Will we truly see "Uber for trucking" apps, and how do you compete? Changes in the supply chain involve distribution centers located closer to customers, and 3D printing and smart warehouses affect freight demand and patterns. When will platooning become a reality, and what will autonomous technologies mean to the driver shortage? How do fleets manage the torrent of data available? All this and more will be covered in this ambitious series.

Bookmark this link, because each month we’ll add the next part in the series to this page, as well as exclusive web-only content. You’ll see articles exploring other facets of changing logistics and technology, videos, photo galleries and more.

In the Magazine

Part 1, January HDT:Trucking in the 21st Century

Part 2 February HDT: How E-Commerce is Changing Trucking

Ad Loading...
Ad Loading...

Part 8 October HDT:The Cyber Threat From Within

                                Cyber Security: Connect at Your Own Risk

Part 9 November HDT: Which Way to the Smart Highway?

Part 10 December HDT:Blockchain Shows Promise for Trucking

Commentary

Why Self-Driving Trucks Don't Add Up

Ad Loading...
Ad Loading...
Ad Loading...
Subscribe to Our Newsletter

More Fleet Management

Illustration of crowded New York street overlaid with dollar signs
Fleet Managementby Deborah LockridgeMarch 11, 2026

Federal Court Lets NYC Congestion Pricing Continue

A federal court ruling allows New York City’s congestion pricing program to continue, leaving truck tolls in place for fleets delivering into Manhattan.

Read More →
Illustration of crowded New York street overlaid with dollar signs
Fleet Managementby Deborah LockridgeMarch 11, 2026

Federal Court Lets NYC Congestion Pricing Continue

A federal court ruling allows New York City’s congestion pricing program to continue, leaving truck tolls in place for fleets delivering into Manhattan.

Read More →
Fontaine Modification Access365
Fleet Managementby News/Media ReleaseMarch 10, 2026

Fontaine Modification Launches Real-Time Truck Modification Tracking Portal

Fontaine Modification has introduced a new customer portal designed to give fleets real-time visibility into the truck modification process, addressing one of the most common questions fleet managers face: “Where’s my truck?”

Read More →
Ad Loading...
FTR Tucking Conditions March 2026.
Fleet Managementby Jack RobertsMarch 10, 2026

FTR: Trucking Conditions Index Climbs to Highest Level Since 2022

Strong freight rates, rising volumes and tighter capacity push trucking conditions higher, though diesel prices could temper gains in the near term, FTR cautions.

Read More →
A mechanic in a workshop leans over the open engine compartment of a large yellow vehicle, inspecting components while holding a tablet.
Sponsoredby Kristy CoffmanMarch 9, 2026

Smarter Maintenance Strategies to Keep Trucks Rolling

In today’s cost-conscious market, fleets are finding new ways to get more value from every truck on the road. See how smarter maintenance strategies can boost uptime, control costs and drive stronger long-term returns.

Read More →
2026 ACT Expo Speakers

ACT Expo 2026 Unveils Speaker Lineup Focused on Real-World Fleet Technology Deployment

Nearly 400 executives and fleet leaders will address AI, autonomy, zero-emission vehicles, and connected technologies at ACT Expo 2026 event in Las Vegas in May.

Read More →
Ad Loading...
thermo king heavy duty trucking
SponsoredMarch 2, 2026

How Thermo King’s AI-Fueled Telematics Drive Fleet Efficiency

Thermo King's AI-powered telematics enhance fleet efficiency with smart monitoring, predictive maintenance, and real-time insights. Improve uptime and help reduce costs with these advanced digital solutions.

Read More →
Illustration with fraud and cybersecurity images and the words "The Cyber Stop"
Fleet Managementby Ben WilkensFebruary 26, 2026

NMFTA Targets Freight Fraud and Telematics Supply Chain Risks

New carrier identity checks, industry resources, and telematics supply chain research aim to make freight fraud and cyber risks harder to exploit.

Read More →
Bobit Business Media logo displayed next to The Fleet Source logo on a white background, separated by a vertical line.
Fleet Managementby News/Media ReleaseFebruary 25, 2026

Bobit Business Media Expands Fleet Technology Platform with Acquisition of Roadz Partner Portfolio

Bobit Business Media has acquired key partner agreement assets from Roadz, expanding its role as a go-to-market partner for fleet technology providers and strengthening its digital sourcing capabilities.

Read More →
Ad Loading...
American Class 8 tractor-trailers.
Fleet Managementby News/Media ReleaseFebruary 24, 2026

ATRI Seeks Carrier Data for 2026 Operational Costs Report

The annual benchmarking study from ATRI adds year-over-year comparisons for repeat participants as fleets navigate shifting market conditions.

Read More →