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.

Ad Loading...

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.

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

Ad Loading...

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

Part 3 March HDT:The Long and the Short of Truckload Today

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

More Fleet Management

A monitor with a bar graph with a person sitting next to it wearing a headset.
SponsoredSeptember 1, 2026

How Telematics Improves Visibility, Control, and Performance in Refrigerated Fleets

Explore how telematics help refrigerated fleets improve visibility, uptime, efficiency, compliance, and cargo protection across connected cold chain operations.

Read More →
Graphic with U.S. and Canadian flags over background illustration of an ink-stamp that says Tariffs.
Equipmentby Deborah LockridgeAugust 24, 2026

What the U.S.-Canada Trade War Means for Trucking

Escalating U.S.-Canada tariffs could disrupt cross-border freight, reduce truck volumes, raise costs, and create new uncertainty for carriers on both sides of the border.

Read More →
Fleet Managementby News/Media ReleaseAugust 24, 2026

What Are Trucking’s Top Concerns for 2026?

The American Transportation Research Institute wants to know what's worrying trucking fleet managers, drivers, and other stakeholders in its annual Industry Issues survey.

Read More →
Ad Loading...
Four men in suits on the National Mall with giant video screen showing capitol building in the background
Fleet Managementby Deborah LockridgeAugust 24, 2026

American Trucking Associations Looks for a New Leader

ATA President and CEO Chris Spear abruptly left his job at the association on August 21, at a pivotal time for the trucking industry.

Read More →
The Cyber Stop column header with photo of a smiling driver in truck with a laptop and a wi-fi icon
Fleet ManagementAugust 21, 2026

Public Wi-Fi Cybersecurity Risks: How Truck Drivers and Fleets Can Protect Their Data

Public Wi-Fi can expose truck drivers and fleets to credential theft, malware, and other cyber threats. Here’s how to reduce the risk on the road.

Read More →
Woman in white blazer superimposed on background showing a row of Fraley & Schilling truck, plus the HDT Truck Fleet Innovators 2026 logo
Fleet Managementby Deborah LockridgeAugust 19, 2026

For Nicky Cupp, Fleet Innovation Starts With Frustration

HDT Truck Fleet Innovator Nicky Cupp turns everyday pain points at Fraley & Schilling into opportunities for better technology and smarter processes.

Read More →
Ad Loading...
Headshot of Adam Buttgenbach with a Pepsi-branded Tesla Semi in the background
Fleet Managementby Deborah LockridgeAugust 18, 2026

Adam Buttgenbach’s Approach to Electric Trucks: Start With Where They Fit

HDT Truck Fleet Innovator Adam Buttgenbach helped PepsiCo build one of North America’s largest EV fleets by focusing on where electric trucks make operational sense.

Read More →
Deen Albert in collared shirt superimposed on background showing a Grand Island Express blue tractor pulling a trailer, plus the HDT Truck Fleet Innovators 2026 logo
Fleet Managementby Deborah LockridgeAugust 17, 2026

Deen Albert: Let Automation Do the Math, People Make the Decisions

HDT Truck Fleet Innovator Deen Albert makes sure people are still at the heart of operations at Grand Island Express, even while adopting artificial intelligence tools. AI-assisted dispatch helped boost revenue 25% with the same number of trucks.

Read More →
Illustration of computer screen with Trimble Arc Agent screen
Fleet Managementby Deborah LockridgeAugust 14, 2026

Trimble’s New AI Agent Takes Aim at Fleet Back-Office Busywork

Arc Agent works across Trimble TMS products to automate repetitive tasks such as freight orders, maintenance, invoices, fuel costs and more.

Read More →
Ad Loading...
Photos of three men and two women with HDT Truck Fleet Innovators 2026 logo
Fleet ManagementCover Storyby Deborah LockridgeAugust 13, 2026

How HDT’s 2026 Truck Fleet Innovators Are Rethinking Fleet Operations

Meet five trucking leaders who are challenging assumptions, solving operational problems, and putting innovative ideas to work.

Read More →