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


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.
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.
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
Part 4. April HDT:The Big and Small of Last Mile Delivery
Part 5 May HDT: How Apps are Improving Trucking Efficiency
Part 6 July HDT:Getting Smart in the Warehouse
Part 7 September HDT: Smart Trucks Have Already Arrived
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
The Stepping Stones and Stumbling Blocks of Autonomous Truck Development
Do Autonomous Trucks Dream of Electric Rest Stops?
'Made by Human Workers:' Will There be a Backlash Against Automation?

Speaking at the TMC Annual Meeting in Nashville, ATA President Chris Spear said trucking faces mounting pressure from rising fuel prices, geopolitical instability, and uncertainty around trade policy.
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More than 100,000 new trucking companies enter the industry each year, but regulators manage to audit only a fraction of them. That churn creates opportunities for inexperienced startups — and for “chameleon carriers” that shut down after safety violations and reappear under new identities. Read more from Deborah Lockridge in this commentary.
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HDTX is an intimate event that connects heavy-duty trucking fleet managers with industry suppliers through small-group discussions, educational sessions, and structured one-on-one meetings.
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New DAT One feature shows top-paying loads directly on an iPhone’s home screen, helping carriers react faster to spot-market opportunities.
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Optimal Dynamics says its new Scale platform uses AI agents and optimization to help carriers find and secure freight that improves network balance and profitability.
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DAT Freight & Analytics data shows tightening flatbed capacity, easing produce markets, and softening van and reefer rates.
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NACFE's Run on Less - Messy Middle project demonstrates the power of data in helping to guide the future of alternative fuels and powertrains for heavy-duty trucks.
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A federal court ruling allows New York City’s congestion pricing program to continue, leaving truck tolls in place for fleets delivering into Manhattan.
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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?”
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Strong freight rates, rising volumes and tighter capacity push trucking conditions higher, though diesel prices could temper gains in the near term, FTR cautions.
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