The world around us is in a continuous process of evolution. Be it socially, economically, politically, or otherwise, as things evolve, people and processes evolve along with it. Society must then determine and re-evaluate how things are to be done, wrestling with whether the existing way is still acceptable or if it must adjust to align with what’s to come. In this process, people are forced to look within—and that’s not always a pleasant or comfortable experience.
As economies have evolved, this introspection has often resulted in drastic and, at times, uncomfortable policy positions. This reality is just as prevalent in the trucking industry, where technological advancements are reshaping the landscape for manufacturers, vendors, and end users alike. Conversations about telematics, autonomous vehicles, and alternative fuels dominate public and private spaces, yet these represent only the tip of the technological iceberg.
However, the influx of new information can leave some people feeling overwhelmed or resistant to change. The solution to such uncertainty lies in a simple question: “What are my needs?” From there comes the next question: “What resources are available to fill them?” A thorough needs analysis can go a long way in reducing confusion and uncertainty when adapting to new technology.
A needs analysis doesn’t require the depth of a Harvard thesis. Often, simplicity yields more actionable results than a 50-page dissertation that says a lot but accomplishes little. Regardless of your role in the trucking industry, everyone can benefit from this process as their circumstances dictate.
As a fleet safety manager, I’m constantly bombarded by new technologies. Lately, the big topic has been adopting a solid and compliant Electronic Logging Device (ELD) solution for my commercial fleets. In Canada, although the ELD mandate has been around for a few years, it’s still relatively new compared to the United States, where it has been in place for nearly a decade. Unlike in the U.S., Canadian ELDs cannot be self-certified by manufacturers—they must be analyzed and approved by Transport Canada before being sold as compliant.
But certification doesn’t automatically mean a product is good. I recently switched from one provider to another because my needs weren’t being met. Since my vehicles operate in both Canada and the U.S., I needed a system that complied with both countries’ Hours-of-Service regulations. My previous system met U.S. standards but failed to meet the Canadian ones satisfactorily. It allowed my drivers to track limits, but the backend support was terrible.
Working solo in safety management, I’ve been hesitant to automate too much—I value the human touch when it comes to legal compliance. Still, I can’t do it all. When my ELD couldn’t even generate Canadian driver logs properly, I knew it had to go. My needs weren’t met, so I found a better solution. Before switching, I reviewed Transport Canada’s approved device list and chose from there.
This experience highlights the importance of learning what’s on the market before being swayed by flashy marketing. Ask yourself what you need first—then explore available solutions that best meet those needs.
Another pitfall to avoid is assuming that every flashy new technology is worth adopting. Alberta, for example, has become a flashpoint where old and new collide. The province’s oil industry has long been an economic driver for Canada, and while politics and social progress have become entangled in its evolution, its economic importance remains undeniable. Yet, just as Canada once relied on older oil technologies before the discovery of Leduc #1 in 1949, today’s trucking industry finds itself at a similar crossroads—transitioning from internal combustion engines to cleaner alternatives like hydrogen and electric power.
As the world shifts toward cleaner energy, these technologies will become more prevalent. But that doesn’t mean every company should rush to adopt them. When I worked for a previous motor carrier, many around me hyped new technologies, yet they didn’t fit our immediate needs. Cash flow was a major constraint—new technology is expensive, and not every company can afford it. Moreover, not every innovation is a success.
For every breakthrough like Windows XP, there are failures like Windows ME or Vista. The same applies in trucking: while electric vehicles may suit some fleets, they aren’t yet practical for all applications. My fleet of picker trucks, for instance, couldn’t reasonably switch to electric power—it simply wasn’t affordable or reliable enough. In some cases, sticking with older technology is still the smarter move. It’s often wise to wait and see how a new technology performs before fully investing.
Do your research, assess your needs, and evaluate trends critically. Some revolutionary tech will take off, while others will fade into obscurity.
Another critical consideration is data privacy and information security. Whether in commercial trucks or personal vehicles, technology has integrated deeply into our lives. First came Bluetooth, and now Apple CarPlay and Android Auto have turned vehicles into extensions of our mobile devices. From navigating to hosting calls, the convenience is undeniable—but so are the privacy implications.
Where does that data go, and how is it used? While full integration between social media and driving hasn’t yet materialized, that day will come, and drivers will need to consider how much privacy they’re willing to give up.
This same concern applies to in-cab technologies like driver-facing cameras. Many drivers fear constant surveillance, believing someone is watching them in real time. In reality, most systems only record during specific events or algorithmic triggers. Still, the fear persists—and managing it requires transparency and education.
Cybersecurity must also be part of the discussion. GPS, mapping, and mobile data are all vulnerable to breaches, and the more connected our trucks become, the greater the risks. Understanding how your technology collects, stores, and shares data is essential.
The trucking industry and technology are evolving hand in hand as we move deeper into the 21st century. Modern trucking owes its existence to past innovations—stretching back to Henry Ford’s Model T—and just as the Model T revolutionized the 20th century, today’s technologies are poised to redefine the 21st.
How we use them is up to us. The key lies in knowing what you need, what resources you have, and what risks you’re willing to accept. Identify each, move forward with purpose, and you’ll navigate this technological evolution not with hesitation—but with confidence.