The global logistics industry is one of the fastest-growing and most exciting sectors in the world. Grand View’s report predicts a potential 7% CAGR in the logistics industry from 2024 to 2030. Combine that with an NTT report revealing that 74% of shippers would switch providers based on technological capabilities, and it’s clear the industry is rapidly evolving.
This digitalisation and modernisation is largely driven by e-commerce, manufacturing, food & beverage, and energy sectors. At the forefront of these advancements is EV Cargo, whose business model prioritises a safer approach to road-focused logistics. Here, Clark Podger, Head of Digitalisation and Innovation at EV Cargo, explores how they are advancing their road freight services and lorry fleets to meet demands for safety compliance and operational efficiency. Innovative solutions like direct vision door windows and next-generation monitoring systems are leading the way for safer and more efficient shipping methods across the UK.
Smarter Fleets with Advanced Monitoring Systems and Fully-Glass Doors
EV Cargo is embracing the logistics industry’s digitalisation by equipping its fleets with advanced technologies that directly address the need for safety and operational efficiency. This innovation aligns with the increasing focus on technological capabilities highlighted by the NTT report and is helping shippers maintain their competitive edge in a rapidly modernising sector.
Modern lorry fleets are being transformed by monitoring systems that can enhance safety and efficiency. They also play a key role in helping logistics companies meet key regulatory standards such as the EU Mobility Package and DVSA compliance requirements.
These cameras, installed within lorry cabins, capture essential data on vehicle performance and driver behaviour, helping logistics companies gain a competitive edge. By utilising innovation, supply chain optimisation, and future AI integrations, this technology has become indispensable.
But why is driver monitoring so important?
Firstly, this hardware and subsequent analysis can significantly improve lorry driver performance. Data analysis highlights driver habits such as speed, lane discipline, and reaction times, allowing for targeted improvements to create smarter, safer drivers.
In critical scenarios, these cameras can monitor how often drivers check mirrors, respond to alerts, and even wake tired drivers. Fleet managers can use these tools to ensure adherence to current and upcoming safety protocols and regulatory guidelines.
In addition to improving driver performance, integrating monitoring systems with vehicle diagnostics helps detect potential issues early, reducing both planned and unplanned downtime. This proactive maintenance is essential to keeping fleets operational in an industry driven by supply and demand. With the logistics market expanding at a projected 7% CAGR, optimising uptime and efficiency is vital to meet the sector’s growing needs.
Meanwhile, the adoption of direct vision door windows is redefining lorry safety. Traditional lorry doors often restrict a driver’s visibility, particularly around blind spots. EV Cargo has introduced fully-glass doors to solve this issue, providing an unobstructed view of the surroundings. This innovation allows drivers to see cyclists, pedestrians, and other road users clearly, creating a safer environment for everyone, particularly in increasingly crowded urban areas.
For fleet managers, combining advanced monitoring systems with direct vision door windows not only enhances safety but also reduces liability risks. These innovations are invaluable for meeting stringent safety regulations such as the UK’s Direct Vision Standard (DVS), which measures the visibility a driver has through their cab windows. Compliance with DVS ensures safety and prevents penalties for non-compliance.
Improved driver visibility also aligns with initiatives like Vision Zero, a global campaign to eliminate traffic-related deaths and serious injuries, which is being adopted by cities across the UK and Europe as part of urban planning strategies.
Beyond legal compliance, these advancements can reduce fleet insurance premiums and strengthen a company’s reputation for prioritising safety. Additionally, they enable predictive maintenance, improved safety strategies, and seamless alignment with evolving industry guidelines, ensuring fleets are smarter, safer, and more efficient.
Embracing the digital transformation of this sector is imperative. Technology is shaping not just a more efficient logistics industry but a safer one. For fleet managers and logistics professionals, these innovations represent a critical step forward in creating a safer, more advanced, and future-ready logistics landscape, while keeping up with the projected 7% CAGR over the next five years.
Investing in digital technologies for fleets today means better business decisions as this critical global industry continues to expand.
To discover how we can help enhance your supply chain operations, contact us today for personalised support.
