With all of the changes in trucking, there's a common theme: communication. The focus is towards getting drivers, managers and other people in the system to communicate better with each other. One example of this is Volvo trucks' new uses of "truck platooning." No matter what the business vertical, the focus is connecting people to improve efficiencies. SMS text messaging plays an undeniable role.

In simple terms, a truck platoon is just trucks traveling together. The modern term means vehicles being automated and following each other as backup. This is another way "smart" systems better communication and add value for freight companies by keeping speed and fuel output consistent.

"Text integration is a priority to improve freight and fleet management."

Volvo's North American Marketing & Brand Management VP, Magnus Koeck, explained the way new vehicle systems are designed to help operations in a statement.

"Vehicle-to-vehicle communication is pivotal for platooning systems; it helps reduce the reaction time for braking and enables vehicles to follow closer," Koeck said. "Reducing the traveling distance between vehicles not only reduces the aerodynamic drag, but also allows for greater highway utilization, thereby helping to alleviate traffic congestion."

In compliment to that, interacting with drivers through automated dispatch operations and checkpoints integrated with text messaging improves freight and fleet management.

Truck platooning compliments journeyman systems by using text integration in dispatch platforms. The haulage industry continues to strive towards improved communication in all areas of their journeyman management. These better efficiencies improve response times and service.