More transport operators are turning to technology to run their business, according to a survey
By Ruza Zivkusic-Aftasi | September 2, 2013
More transport operators are turning to technology to run their business, according to a survey.
The Victorian Department of Transport together with the Victorian Transport Association has found the use of safety technologies such as electronic braking systems (EBS), electronic stability control, lane assistance and adaptive cruise control, is up by 100 per cent from 2006.
The department has together with the VTA assessed 125 operators, of whom 95 are freight carriers, 23 equipment providers and nine freight customers.
It has also found the use of compliance technologies to be up by 60 per cent, including mobile use.
Freight Network Development and Local Ports Acting Director Andrew Newman, who spoke at Freight Week 2013 in Melbourne today, says operators expect a quick turnover when investing in technology.
“Large companies that implement smartphones expect quick payback on investment,” he says.
“Adoption of new technologies over the coming decades will have effects on productivity, safety and travel behaviour on the transport network.
“To support uptake…the government should understand emerging technologies and their current uptake in Victoria.”
However, interest in higher productivity freight vehicles has dropped as companies “realise those larger trucks aren’t for every single movement”, he adds.
