🔋 Charge it while it lasts
Good morning! Today is Autonomous Vehicle Day! From driverless trucks to delivery drones, we've got all the juicy updates you need to stay in the fast lane of supply chain innovation. Let's hit the road. 🚛💨
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California's generous incentives for electric trucks, designed to offset the costs of transitioning to cleaner vehicles, will eventually phase out as regulations come into effect. However, ample opportunities and programs are still available to reduce the cost of transitioning to electric vehicles, including vouchers, grants, and incentive projects. Over-compliance with regulations can be a winning strategy for fleets, and there are various funding opportunities and programs to support the adoption of electric trucks.
Check out today’s featured article from Freight Waves to read about the imprint regulations are likely to leave on the incentive programs for electric trucks in the Golden State. Will the loss of EV transition incentives cripple the trucking industry?
Featured Article:
Electric truck incentives plentiful today but won’t last forever | Freight Waves
“Generous incentives California offers to offset the cost of transitioning to electric trucks are not forever: The spiffs begin to disappear as the regulations go into effect.”
Leadership & Logistics 🚢
The Impact of Supply Chain Risks on Board Agendas
Supply chain management has gained prominence in board discussions as recent events have highlighted the need for effective risk mitigation. Moody's Analytics identifies four situations where supply chain risks warrant board-level attention. These include risks that impact revenues and costs, potential damage to reputation, high-profile risks like cyberattacks, and the consequences of adjacent supply chain risks such as sustainability and climate concerns.
As supply chains face challenges like rising commodity prices, geopolitical strain, and cyber threats, boards recognize the importance of addressing these risks for business continuity and resilience.
Repair & Maintenance 🧰
The Limited Adoption of Augmented Reality in Maintenance
The adoption of augmented reality (AR) in commercial vehicle maintenance has been slower compared to passenger car shops. Despite the significant growth of global AR in the automotive market, the commercial vehicle maintenance industry has been hesitant to embrace AR technology. The sluggish adoption may be attributed to companies being busy and perceiving AR as a paradigm shift that requires effort and resources. However, as the impact of the pandemic subsides, the long-term future of AR in maintenance remains uncertain.
The potential benefits of AR in improving training and productivity are recognized, but convincing the industry to embrace change and invest in AR technology remains a challenge. Some believe that education and dispelling fears about technology can enhance adoption. However, with the decreasing cost of AR devices and the increasing ubiquity of connectivity, it is expected that AR will become a more common tool in maintenance, offering productivity gains and improved safety in the long run.
Let’s Get Global 🌎
🏗️ Chinese-Made Cranes at U.S. Ports Are Facing an Imminent Ban. U.S. Congressman Carlos Gimenez has introduced the "Port Crane Security & Inspection Act of 2023," a bill that aims to ban Chinese-manufactured cranes from being installed or used at U.S. ports. The legislation is driven by concerns about national security and the potential for Chinese-made cranes to be used for spying. However, the proposed bill faces opposition from port trade associations, who raise logistical challenges and enforcement issues. While the bipartisan bill has modest chances of success, it reflects growing concerns about Chinese influence in American industries.
🚗 Unveiling the World's Most Affordable Self-Driving Vehicle. Haomo.ai, a Beijing-based tech firm backed by Great Wall Motor, has revealed its Little Magic Camel 3.0 as the world's most affordable autonomous delivery vehicle. Priced at under $12,750, the modular logistics solution aims to capitalize on the growing market for automated deliveries, with expectations of reaching $424.3 billion globally by 2030. Equipped with advanced sensor technology and AI capabilities, the vehicle has already garnered significant interest, with over 170,000 orders in China for previous versions being deployed in various scenarios.
🌊 Ocean Shipping Reverts to Pre-Pandemic Levels. Ocean shipping rates are returning to pre-pandemic levels as volumes decrease and new capacity comes online. Shippers are benefiting from lower costs, with contracts on trans-Pacific and Asia-Europe routes offering significant reductions compared to 2022. However, analysts caution that the market remains volatile, and while rates are stabilizing, the global economy and consumer confidence continue to shape forecasts for the shipping industry.
iLevel With You 🏡
More topics for the average American household to consider…
🚧 Navigating Construction Zones: The Power of Preparation and Patience. Recent statistics from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) highlight the significance of construction zone safety. In 2021, work zone crashes involving commercial motor vehicles (CMVs) accounted for 33% of total incidents, surpassing their representation on the road. Rear-end collisions constituted 24% of accidents. Besides changing traffic patterns and rough road conditions, impatience among drivers exacerbates the problem. Staying calm, maintaining adequate space, and being prepared by reading and adapting to construction zone signs are crucial for navigating these zones safely. Additionally, utilizing alternative routes and staying informed through tools like CB radios can aid in avoiding congestion. With preparation and patience, drivers can ensure a smoother journey through construction zones.
🤖 AI Transformation in the Workplace: The Rise of Automation. A global study conducted by Valoir reveals that automation, driven by artificial intelligence (AI), is increasingly impacting various job roles. Around 20% of manual tasks have already been automated in the past two years, and 40% of the current workday is deemed ripe for automation. While IT and finance show the most potential for AI automation, concerns regarding AI replacing jobs and the need for policies and regulations to manage risks have been raised. Despite these worries, the study suggests that AI has the potential to shape a future with a shorter workweek.
🚛 Kratos Expands Deployment of Autonomous Platooning Trucks in the Midwest. Platooning technology is becoming a cost-effective solution for autonomous trucking, allowing entry into the market without requiring the purchase of new trucks, says Kratos. The technology is gaining interest due to the driver shortage and its potential to improve efficiency. Stevens Trucking, based in Oklahoma, is planning to deploy platooning technology in partnership with Locomation over the next five years, and several state highway departments have initiated pilot projects to test the technology's potential for safer operations.
😡 Outrage ignited by viral video exposing predatory towing charging $6,000 for 16-mile tow. A viral video has sparked outrage over predatory towing practices after a small fleet owner and an Instagram page admin were presented with a $6,000 bill for a 16-mile tow and impound. The incident took place at a truck stop in Charlotte, North Carolina, and the towing company involved faced backlash on social media, with negative reviews and comments questioning its legality. This incident highlights the need for stricter regulations on towing companies, as consumer advocacy groups and victims have called for stronger laws to prevent predatory practices in the industry.
Get Smart 🧠
Ramp up that brain power for these advanced topics…
🚛 Logistics Industry Unites to Streamline Freight Appointments. Leading logistics companies and technology providers are teaming up to address the challenges associated with freight scheduling. The Scheduling Standards Consortium, formed by J.B. Hunt Transport Services, Convoy, and Uber Freight, aims to establish industry standards for sharing scheduling information among shippers, brokers, and carriers. With the recent addition of seven new members, the consortium is making progress in developing an application programming interface (API) that will enable real-time communication and integration among various platforms and applications. The standardized API is expected to enhance operational efficiencies, optimize appointment management, and promote cohesion within the movement of goods.
📋 Heat Stress in the Workplace: Risks, Prevention, and OSHA's Role. As temperatures rise, millions of U.S. workers face an increased risk of heat stress in their workplaces, especially in industrial settings with poor climate control. Heat exposure not only poses safety risks but also affects productivity. Pamela Barclay, a health scientist at OSHA, emphasizes the importance of acclimatizing new and returning workers to heat, recognizing the signs of heat stress, providing prompt first aid, and implementing heat injury and illness prevention plans. Employers should prioritize water availability, rest breaks, shade, and employee training to mitigate the risks associated with heat stress.
🧐 Rethinking Supply Chains: A Path to Resilience and Sustainability. Recent global crises have highlighted the vulnerabilities and dependencies of supply chains, leading businesses like Apple to reconsider their production strategies. With increasing volatility and a focus on resilience, many companies are adopting strategies like "China + 1" to diversify their manufacturing locations and reduce reliance on a single country. The push for sustainability is also driving trends like reshoring, nearshoring, and friend sharing, aimed at minimizing shipping distances and reducing carbon emissions. Government support and legislation further incentivize the relocation of production sites. To prepare for the future, businesses must consider factors such as ideal production locations, sustainability goals, and efficient supplier networks to enhance resilience and adapt their supply chain management.
The Workday Dash is an aggregation of articles regarding the transportation logistics, trucking, and supply chain industries for November 27, 2024, from iLevel Logistics Inc.