There’s always a degree of unpredictability regarding the future of fleet management. But at the same time, there are ways to prepare. With insights into fleet 2024 predictions, fleet managers can better plan for the year ahead. More informed decisions around costs, resources, and technology support their fleet's operational performance.
AI in Fleet Management
The Current Role of AI in Fleet Management
AI has solidified its importance in fleet management. One use case that has gained popularity is route optimization. Let’s say there’s a road closure on a driver’s defined route. When surprises pop up, AI can automatically update driving routes. This ability to adjust on the fly keeps driver productivity and delivery times on track.
Another widespread use case is predictive maintenance. If it’s time to replace a fleet vehicle’s brakes, AI technology can use the data it collects to flag these needs. Fleet managers can stay ahead of maintenance needs before costly breakdowns occur on the road.
Fleet Predictions 2024: AI & Its Benefits
Consider the emphasis on driver safety in 2024. It makes sense that fleet AI initiatives include video telematics. As a dash cam records events, AI technology can alert fleet managers to recurring safety issues, like speeding. It can also alert managers to distracted driving behaviors, like talking on the phone. To put this into perspective, distracted driving claimed a total of 3,522 lives in 2021.
The Rise of Electric Vehicle Fleets
The Current Role of Electric Vehicles in the Fleet Industry
In 2021, transportation accounted for 7% of greenhouse gas emissions. Many fleets are considering electric vehicles (EVs) to reduce their environmental impact.
The incentive to make this move extends beyond sustainability. EVs generally have lower operating costs. They also often need less maintenance than their traditional counterparts.
Fleet Predictions 2024: Electric Vehicles & Their Benefits
By 2030, several large fleets have committed to transitioning at least 30% of their new heavy-duty truck purchases to zero-emission vehicles, such as EVs.
In the past, the upfront costs for EVs have been a point of pushback. As of January 1, 2023, tax credits are available to businesses that invest in commercial EVs. These government incentives help offset these initial costs and encourage electric vehicle adoption.
To support this growth of electric vehicles, truck stops are adding more EV chargers to their facilities. This new EV charging infrastructure supports the transition to EVs, especially in long-haul transportation.
The Importance of Last Mile Delivery
Understanding the Concept of Last Mile Delivery
Last mile delivery refers to the final step of the delivery process. It’s where goods arrive at their end destination, whether that’s a retail store or to the end customer. Long-haul transportation covers long distances between multiple distribution points. Last mile delivery happens in the context of local neighborhoods and urban areas.
How Last Mile Delivery Is Set to Transform by 2024
Customer expectations for fast delivery times will only continue to rise in 2024. By 2025, 99% of retailers will offer same-day delivery.
Making this possible requires technology to support efficient fleet operations. Route optimization algorithms, for instance, help fleet managers identify the most efficient routes for drivers. These insights help improve overall efficiency in last mile deliveries.
Telematics data also supports speedy last mile delivery. Fleet managers can monitor the location of fleet vehicles in real-time and ensure that drivers are on track with meeting expected delivery times. At the same time, they can monitor driver behavior, ensuring productivity and safety behind the wheel.
Embracing the Future of Fleet Management
From technological advancements to new initiatives, the fleet management industry is constantly evolving. As a fleet manager, it’s critical to stay up-to-date with these industry shifts as they occur. We hope this glimpse into 2024 fleet predictions helps you make more informed decisions for the future and gain a competitive advantage!
