ROAD TRANSPORTATION DEVELOPMENT TRENDS IN 2021
Road transportation remains the most dominant mode within the logistics and transportation industry today. The Vietnamese Government has clearly stated that “road transport is considered a vital component of the national socio-economic infrastructure.” Therefore, prioritizing the development of road transportation plays a foundational role and serves as a driving force for national economic growth. It also meets the requirements of industrialization and modernization, facilitates smooth economic integration, and supports the expansion and enhancement of import – export activities.
In line with this development objective, let us join Nhat Long Logistics in exploring the most prominent road transportation trends worldwide in 2021.
- Alternative Fuel Vehicles (AFVs)
AFVs are powered by alternative energy sources such as electricity, hydrogen fuel cells, and renewable natural gases. Studies show that CO₂ emissions from conventional fuels can be up to three times higher than those generated by alternative fuels. As a result, adopting alternative fuels in road transportation brings significant environmental benefits, contributing to the preservation of a greener and more sustainable society.
Many vehicle manufacturers have reported a surge in orders for electric trucks. PACCAR, for example, planned to deliver electric truck orders in 2021, while Daimler and Volvo have been testing electric trucks on public roads. Tesla received an order for 150 electric Semi trucks from Pride Group Enterprises in Canada. Meanwhile, the Western States Hydrogen Alliance (WSHA) has been accelerating the development of hydrogen-electric technology through collaborative initiatives.
- Maximizing Truckload Utilization and Reducing Empty Miles
Transportation operations become significantly more efficient when trucks operate at full capacity and empty miles are minimized. This approach helps businesses reduce costs while improving transit time efficiency.
In 2017, empty miles accounted for approximately 17% (equivalent to 74.2 million tons) of greenhouse gas emissions in the United States. Ensuring full truckloads and reducing empty miles are among the simplest and most effective ways to cut greenhouse gas emissions. Minimizing empty miles and underutilized Less-Than-Truckload (LTL) shipments helps reduce wasted time, operational costs, and emissions.
There has been limited progress in reducing empty miles since the 1970s until recent years. Automated load-matching programs and technology-driven connectivity across supply chain stages are expected to significantly reduce empty miles starting in 2021.
- Increased Adoption of Autonomous Vehicles
Vehicle manufacturers worldwide are accelerating the race to develop fully autonomous trucks or remotely operated vehicles with real-time access and control.
The increased application of automation enables drivers and truck manufacturers to optimize speed, acceleration rates, and overall performance through IoT sensors. This advancement significantly enhances operational efficiency, safety, and convenience in road transportation.
- Optimized Vehicle Design and Driving Practices
The American Transportation Research Institute (ATRI) has conducted studies on vehicle optimization methods, including proper tire pressure management, trailer aerodynamics, and side skirt suspension systems. ATRI has also identified specific driving practices that help maximize fuel efficiency and reduce emissions.
Key recommendations include maintaining consistent (non-maximum) speeds, minimizing idling time, and selecting optimized routes. One study revealed that drivers who participated in classroom and on-road training programs reduced fuel consumption by approximately 27%.
- Accelerating Technology Adoption in System Management
Behind every industry lies a dedicated management system – and road transportation is no exception. To achieve sustainable development, logistics enterprises must establish streamlined, efficient, and well-structured management processes. Especially in the era of Industry 4.0, the strong integration of digital technology platforms into transportation management and development has become a top priority.
Keeping pace with the continuous evolution of the road transportation industry, Nhat Long Logistics, with many years of experience in cargo transportation services, consistently monitors global trends and upgrades infrastructure and service quality. This enables us to deliver fast, efficient, and cost-effective logistics solutions that support our clients throughout their transportation journeys.
With 17 years of continuous growth, Nhat Long Logistics has affirmed its pioneering position in Vietnam’s logistics industry, serving as a strategic partner to numerous businesses both domestically and internationally. The trust placed in us by world-leading electronics and home appliance corporations such as Panasonic, Sony, Mitsubishi, Aqua, Midea, etc. stands as a vivid testament to our brand reputation and our exceptional capability to meet the most rigorous transportation standards.
With a fleet of over 130 modern, fully certified vehicles (ranging from 1.25-ton trucks to 45-foot containers), integrated with comprehensive operational monitoring and smart dispatch systems, Nhat Long Logistics delivers an industry-leading on-time performance rate of up to 99.8% while ensuring outstanding safety and accuracy. Powered by a team of highly experienced dispatchers and drivers – proficient in technology and dedicated to service excellence – we are ready to handle every requirement – from individual shipments to large-scale transportation projects.
Nhat Long Logistics is where businesses find the perfect harmony of speed, safety and reliability – turning each delivery into not just a logistics service, but a lasting commitment of value.
Contact us today:
📞 +84 923 739 888
📩 info@nhatlongtrans.vn
