Here at Greg’s Petroleum Service, we take great pride in being industry thought leaders, which is why we wanted to introduce you to our first multi-part series looking at changes within the fuel service delivery segment and trucking industries. To start, we are going to provide you with an in-depth analysis of the changing face of vocational trucks in our modern era.
The fact is, vocational trucks do a lot more than handle fuel service delivery needs. They often have the hardest jobs, operating in harsh environments and under tough conditions. As a result, OEMs are beginning to embrace new technologies and spec options at an ever-increasing rate. Even here, we utilize commercial motor vehicles for more than just fuel service delivery needs, so we need to be at the forefront of changes that vocational trucks are undergoing. Let’s take a closer look:
Technological integration and the marriage of trucking and technology
Fleets need to make sure they are as efficient and profitable as possible, regardless of the jobs required of their work trucks. As a result, vocational truck needs are always changing.
One such example of this change is the wide range of engine and lubricant technologies being employed. Another change lies in the oncoming push for semi-autonomous and connected trucks. But where does all of this leave vocational trucks? Many rightfully believe that these technological innovations will only be brought to bear on OTR fleets, yet vocational OEMs and fleets may start to see the first real-world tests come to bear.
Take Volvo as one example, who recently posited that refuse trucks may be the first to see use within residential neighborhoods utilizing semi-autonomous technology. Their latest research involves an autonomous refuse truck continuously monitoring the area around the vehicle. This also allows the driver to walk ahead of the vehicle and focus on collection efforts without having to constantly climb in and out of the cab.
Vocational operators embrace safety technologies
While motor carriers are increasingly turning to established technologies to increase the positive impact on their bottom line and productivity measures, there is another critical aspect they have in mind: safety.
While OTR fleets are well acquainted with advanced safety technologies, vocational trucks may need them more than anyone else. Just look at concrete mixing trucks. Concrete mixers often spend the majority of their time working around passenger cars in the middle of the night.
With urban areas more congested than ever, concrete mixing trucks are surrounded by obstacles. As we all deal with the trucking employment crunch, add less experienced truck drivers to the mix and there could be safety concerns.
This is why fleets operating concrete mixers (and other vocational vehicles) are turning to partners for more than fleet fuel service delivery needs. They are looking at everything from tire pressure management to collision warning systems to keep their truck drivers and other passengers and pedestrians safe.
While it may be hard for a motor carrier to figure out how an accident that doesn’t occur impacts their bottom line, when an accident does occur, the business impact is glaringly apparent. From missed work to higher healthcare and insurance costs, accidents can cause major headaches for a motor carrier.
Decreasing accidents and improving the working conditions of truck drivers motivates fleets to adopt new technologies. They let companies like us focus on their fuel service delivery needs while they focus on safety and technological innovation.
Join us at our blog next time in Part II of our series, where we take a closer look at how vocational fleets are addressing the needs of their truck drivers through technological innovation. Proudly serving Bakersfield, Fresno, San Luis Obispo, Santa Clarita and Ventura areas, Greg’s Petroleum Service can provide you with the best oils, lubes, fuel and service. Contact us today!