Industry Experts Share Insights at Truckload 2025
PHOENIX — Fleets and industry vendors attending the Truckload Carrier Association’s Truckload 2025 conference pointed out that technology is unlocking new levels of efficiency and improved decision-making in the trucking industry. However, a considerable challenge remains in determining which technologies best suit their needs.
Amber Edmondson, president and CEO of Trailiner Corp, expressed concerns about smaller carriers discovering suitable technologies in an evolving landscape. “I don’t have an R&D department and the people to do those things. I am learning from the vendors but also from the other carriers,” she noted. Edmondson highlighted the value of conferences like these, where fleets share insights and experiences on different technologies.
“I can talk to them and ask them questions about it before I make a decision,” she stated, referring to the collaborative environment fostered at the event.
Trailiner is taking steps to integrate its transportation management system (TMS) with tools designed to automate processes and facilitate better decision-making on load assignments.
“I do think that technology can help level the playing field from a small-carrier perspective,” Edmondson added. “Large carriers have a lot more resources than we do, and technology kind of opens up some opportunities for us to do more with fewer people.”
Kaleb Groce, director of operations at Royal Logistics, revealed that his company has been utilizing TMS data to analyze transportation lanes to enhance profitability. “Data has shown that lanes I thought were profitable were actually losing money,” he explained. He emphasized that understanding the data allows companies to optimize efficiency and service quality.
Edmondson and Groce are not alone in their endeavors. Rocco Marrari, vice president of sales for Pedigree Technologies, introduced a new AI-driven predictive maintenance solution named PredictiveView, which aims to reduce unexpected equipment failures by proactively monitoring vehicle data.
Marrari clarified a misconception surrounding AI and predictive maintenance, stating, “If you think about it, it’s going to be the smaller, midsized fleets that can really benefit from this. They have less staff, and their profit margins are a lot lower.”
Transflo also introduced its AI-enabled solution, Workflow AI, aimed at automating manual processes, thus improving overall efficiency within back-office operations.
Jim Higby, head of safety and compliance strategy for Motive, reminded attendees, “AI is the buzzword now. It will only be as effective as the person using it to get answers.” He stressed the importance of maintaining a human element in using technology effectively.
The Balancing Act of Embracing Technology
“Unless we manage that change, it’s just going to crumble,” Groce warned, highlighting the need for companies to communicate clearly about technological shifts.
As the trucking industry embraces technology to stay competitive, the journey towards full integration of advanced solutions requires thoughtful planning, transparency, and collaboration among all stakeholders. It is evident that leveraging technology can transform the operational capabilities of trucking fleets, but only when approached with caution and strategic foresight.
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