The trucking industry is undergoing significant changes as trends like AI improve route optimization and load planning, while fleet management software and IoT-enabled telematics provide real-time insights into vehicle performance and driver behavior.
Further, electric trucks are joining commercial fleets with investments in charging infrastructure. Hydrogen-powered options are also expanding for long-haul operations. Autonomous trucks and ADAS are redefining vehicle safety and operational strategies. These developments highlight the industry’s move toward automated and low-emission logistics networks.
What are the Top 10 Latest Trends in the Trucking Industry?
- AI Integration
- Electric Trucks
- Fleet Management Software
- IoT and Telematics
- On-Demand Trucking
- Autonomous Trucks
- Hydrogen and Alternative Energy
- Cybersecurity
- Blockchain
- Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS)
Methodology: How We Created the Latest Trucking Industry Trend Report
For our trend reports, we leverage our proprietary StartUs Insights Discovery Platform, covering 7M+ global startups, 20K technologies & trends, and 150M+ patents, news articles, and market reports.
Creating a report involves approximately 40 hours of analysis. We evaluate our own startup data and complement these insights with external research, including industry reports, news articles, and market analyses. This process enables us to identify the most impactful and innovative trends in the trucking industry.
For each trend, we select two exemplary startups that meet the following criteria:
- Relevance: Their product, technology, or solution aligns with the trend.
- Founding Year: Established between 2020 and 2025.
- Company Size: A maximum of 200 employees.
- Location: Specific geographic considerations.
This approach ensures our reports provide reliable, actionable insights into the trucking industry innovation ecosystem while highlighting startups driving technological advancements in the industry.
Innovation Map outlines the Top 10 Emerging Trends in the Trucking Industry & 20 Promising Startups
For this in-depth research on the top trucking industry trends & startups, we analyzed a sample of 4570+ global startups & scaleups. The Trucking Industry Innovation Map, created from this data-driven research, helps you improve strategic decision-making by giving you a comprehensive overview of the latest trucking industry trends & startups that impact your company.
Tree Map reveals the Impact of the Top 10 Trucking Industry Trends
The trucking industry is undergoing significant changes as trends like AI improve route optimization and load planning, while fleet management software and IoT-enabled telematics provide real-time insights into vehicle performance and driver behavior.
Further, electric trucks are joining commercial fleets with investments in charging infrastructure. Hydrogen-powered options are also expanding for long-haul operations. Autonomous trucks and ADAS are redefining vehicle safety and operational strategies. These developments highlight the industry’s move toward automated and low-emission logistics networks.
Global Startup Heat Map covers 10 Trucking Industry Startups & Scaleups
The Global Startup Heat Map showcases the distribution of 4579 exemplary startups and scaleups analyzed using the StartUs Insights Discovery Platform. It highlights high startup activity in the US and Germany, followed by the UK. From these, 20 promising trucking industry startups are featured below, selected based on factors like founding year, location, and funding.
Want to Explore Trucking Industry Innovations & Trends?
Top 10 Emerging Trucking Industry Trends [2025 and Beyond]
1. AI Integration
Transportation executives cite rising costs (60%), supply chain disruptions (36%), and fleet management complexities (30%) as their main challenges, according to Penske’s Transportation Leaders Survey.
AI adoption in the trucking industry is also driven by a growing shortage of drivers. In the United States, the shortfall exceeds 80 000 and could double by 2030.
Europe faces similar challenges, with over 200 000 truck driving jobs unfilled. It represents 7% of the workforce, and the forecasts indicate this number may rise to 745 000 by 2028.
AI route optimization tools analyze traffic conditions, weather forecasts, and historical data to determine the safest and most efficient routes. These systems aid in lowering fuel consumption to reduce travel time and minimize vehicle wear.
AI systems also monitor sensor data to anticipate component failures before they happen to reduce unplanned downtime and extend vehicle service life.
Algorithms evaluate cargo specifications, truck capacity, destination, and market trends to assign shipments to suitable vehicles. This increases asset utilization and profitability.
Further, AI-based monitoring systems improve driver safety by detecting speeding, harsh braking, and fatigue. The real-time feedback from these systems promotes safer driving habits.
According to the American Trucking Trends 2024 report, the industry moved 11.8 billion tons of freight in 2023 and generated USD 987 billion in revenue.
On the whole, the AI in transportation market is growing, projected to reach USD 9.31 billion by 2029 at a CAGR of 20.4%.
Credit: The Business Research Company
Increased adoption of electric and connected vehicles, AI integration in urban mobility, and global efforts toward sustainable cities drive this expansion.
LoadMinds builds AI-powered Dispatcher
Canadian startup LoadMinds develops an AI-powered dispatcher that automates freight operations by processing emails and executing workflows without human input. The system reads load quotes, customs updates, and invoice requests, then extracts data to generate documents, manage broker communications, and start clearance processes.
It directs customs paperwork to the right brokers and tracks email interactions to ensure timely follow-ups. The AI is trained on over 50,000 freight documents and adapts to operational data, including company-specific rates, routes, and customer rules.
The system independently handles quoting, invoicing, and customs coordination, with escalating exceptions when necessary to maintain workflow continuity. LoadMinds reduces back-office tasks, improves accuracy, and allows freight companies to keep trucks on the road.
Lorry System develops AI-based Transport Management System (TMS)
Malaysian startup Lorry System creates an AI-powered TMS to digitize and automate logistics workflows for trucking and delivery companies. The platform supports order booking, real-time tracking, quotation generation, route planning, e-invoicing, and electronic proof of delivery.
It simplifies bookings through an intuitive interface, provides instant quotes with standardized pricing, and improves route planning by analyzing traffic conditions and delivery windows. The startup offers a driver app with real-time navigation, delivery instructions, and communication tools to support operations.
Lorry System integrates invoicing directly with Malaysia’s MyInvois Portal to minimize manual errors and speed up billing cycles. It also enables secure documentation and quick dispute resolution through e-Proof of Delivery, which captures digital signatures.
2. Electric Trucks
Governments worldwide are promoting electric trucks through incentives such as tax credits, subsidies, and grants. In the United States, federal tax credits provide up to USD 7500 for new electric trucks and USD 4000 for used models to encourage fleet electrification.
In Europe, regulations like Euro 7 require lower nitrogen oxide (NOx) emissions, which prompts logistics firms to adopt electric vehicles.
Major corporations are expanding their electric fleets. Amazon placed its largest order for electric heavy goods vehicles (eHGVs), acquiring more than 200 eActros 600 trucks from Mercedes-Benz Trucks.
Additionally, FedEx added 150 Blue Arc electric trucks last year. This aligns with its goal of fully electrifying pickup and delivery operations by 2040.
Electric truck technology now supports commercial viability across different freight operations. Trucks travel over 500 km on a single charge, which makes them suitable for regional distribution and some long-haul routes. Further, advances in lithium-ion battery technology have also shortened charging times to reduce downtime.
Charging infrastructure is expanding to match demand. Electric heavy goods vehicle (eHGV) charging hubs are appearing along highways and at logistics centers to scale electric trucking operations.
Many electric truck models now feature regenerative braking systems to capture braking energy and return it to the battery for extending range and reducing wear.
Moreover, the global electric truck market is expected to reach USD 18.63 billion by 2034, growing at a CAGR of 31.34%. This growth reflects efforts to lower air pollution, improve urban air quality, and advance sustainable transportation.
Credit: Precedence Research
WattEV advances Emission-free Electric Trucks
US-based startup WattEV operates a network of electric truck charging depots and offers a Truck-as-a-Service (TaaS) model to support heavy-duty freight electrification. It builds and manages charging infrastructure at key locations along major freight corridors, using high-capacity chargers, solar-powered microgrids, and battery energy storage systems to maintain reliable operations.
Its depots include combined charging system (CCS) units delivering up to 360 kW and megawatt charging system (MCS) units reaching 1.2 MW. This cuts the charging times for electric trucks.
Further, WattEV employs energy management software to optimize power usage, improve charger uptime, and lower operational costs.
BET MOTORS builds Electric Truck Chassis Platform
Austrian startup BET MOTORS designs the ExoSkate, an electric truck chassis built for efficiency in range, payload, and energy use. The platform features a cell-to-chassis battery system with 600 or 1000 kWh capacities. It consumes less than 0.9 kWh/km, and achieves ranges between 650 and 1000 km.
The design supports fast charging within 45 minutes and keeps the tractor weight under 9 tons. The ExoSkate allows for different cabin types and axle configurations to provide flexibility for various hauling needs.
The startup’s chassis uses a lightweight structure with multifunctional components to reduce part count and simplify recycling. BET MOTORS offers a scalable solution for heavy-duty transport electrification.
3. Increased Adoption of Fleet Management Software
Fleet management technologies play a growing role as transportation companies face rising operational costs.
The American Transportation Research Institute (ATRI) reports that the marginal cost of operating a truck reached USD 2.270 per mile in 2023. Excluding fuel surcharge protections, costs rose 6.6% to USD 1.716 per mile, adding pressure on profitability.
E-commerce expansion is also increasing demand for logistics efficiency, which makes fleet management software essential for last-mile delivery. Companies adopt real-time tracking, automated dispatch, and route optimization tools to streamline operations and improve delivery speed.
Modern fleet management platforms emphasize driver safety and behavior monitoring to track speeding, harsh cornering, and fatigue. Some use facial recognition and eye-tracking technologies to flag potential risks.
Additionally, gamified dashboards with digital rewards and AI-driven performance tracking enable businesses to retain drivers. Further, cloud-based platforms provide remote access to diagnostics, maintenance alerts, and performance analytics.
Besides, AI-powered emissions tracking enables fleets to reduce fuel consumption by analyzing driving patterns and optimizing routes. This supports environmental compliance and lowers carbon footprints.
Fleet management technology also advances alongside autonomous vehicle adoption. These systems enhance navigation, real-time diagnostics, and cloud-enabled coordination to build a foundation for driverless logistics.
The fleet management solutions market is expected to grow from USD 32.87 billion in 2025 to USD 67.03 billion by 2030, at a CAGR of 15.32%.
Credit: Mordor Intelligence
Gandolapp enables Autonomous Fleet Management
Spanish startup Gandolapp creates a voice-enabled fleet management platform that simplifies transport operations. The platform supports real-time communication, order management, and multilingual assistance.
Its centralized web dashboard lets operators monitor truck locations, assign transport orders instantly, and track deliveries. The startup’s platform includes a virtual assistant that delivers messages and instructions in over 15 languages for improving coordination.
It automates digital documentation for each trip to reduce paperwork and ensure timely access to required forms. Further, it synchronizes port logistics with fleet schedules to minimize delays and enhance traceability.
PikHaul creates Freight Forwarding Platform
Ghanaian startup PikHaul makes a digital freight forwarding platform that connects suppliers, importers, and transporters to improve cargo movement. It allows businesses to reserve trucks based on cargo type, distance, and availability while receiving price estimates without hidden fees.
The startup’s platform supports one-time and recurring shipments to reducing administrative tasks for regular freight operations. Further, real-time GPS tracking provides full visibility into vehicle location and shipment progress.
PikHaul also offers maintenance services, fuel partnerships, and discounted spare parts to support fleet efficiency.
4. IoT and Telematics
Regulatory initiatives, like the EU’s Cooperative Intelligent Transport Systems (C-ITS), are driving telematics adoption in trucking. These policies promote vehicle-to-infrastructure (V2I) communication to improve road safety and support compliance, data transparency, and risk management.
IoT sensors monitor key truck components, including engine performance, brake systems, and tire pressure. These sensors transmit data to AI-driven analytics platforms for predicting equipment failures and enabling proactive maintenance.
Advanced telematics systems also use GPS, onboard diagnostics, and cellular networks to provide detailed insights into vehicle location, fuel consumption, and driver behavior. Fleet managers analyze this data to address unsafe driving habits, like harsh braking, speeding, and excessive idling. Real-time coaching further improves road safety and fuel efficiency.
In freight tracking, telematics systems enhance visibility for trucks, trailers, and cargo. Environmental sensors monitor temperature, humidity, and vibration to ensure sensitive goods remain within safe thresholds.
In addition, geofencing adds security by alerting operators when vehicles enter or leave designated zones.
For example, Volvo Group implemented telematics at its Blainville truck plant in France. Using LoRaWAN GPS trackers and Actility’s ThingPark IoT platform, Volvo tracks trucks during production and customization, integrating data with factory operations to improve supply chain efficiency.
Moreover, according to MRFR, the truck telematics market is projected to grow to USD 66.28 billion by 2034, at a CAGR of 3.27%.
Credit: Market Research Future
With applications in predictive analytics, asset monitoring, and supply chain digitization, telematics is becoming a core component of modern fleet management.
KONVOI builds Sensor for Truck Trailers
German startup KONVOI makes a sensor-based security system for truck trailers to prevent cargo theft, diesel siphoning, and tampering by monitoring environmental activity in real time. The system installs GPS- and LTE-enabled hardware on trailers, and generates ten data points per second from motion, shock, and environmental sensors.
These sensors establish detection zones around key trailer components and track physical interactions that affect the vehicle. Further, the onboard software classifies events by threat level and initiates alarm measures such as alerts and deterrent actions.
The startup’s system operates without blind spots, supports up to seven days of autonomous power, and includes charging management for continuous use. KONVOI also analyzes operational data to identify inefficiencies such as idle times and route delays.
Dashflow offers EV & Video Telematics
Indian startup Dashflow builds an integrated EV and video telematics platform that enhances fleet safety and performance through real-time tracking, video monitoring, and predictive analytics. Its in-vehicle cameras capture live video feeds, and combines them with GPS data to monitor driver behavior, vehicle location, and battery status.
The platform detects incidents, records footage, and generates reports to support insurance claims and safety reviews. In addition, predictive maintenance alerts based on performance data minimizes downtime and improves fleet reliability.
Dashflow also enhances security with electronic cargo locks and supports mobile digital video recorders (MDVR) and dashcams to strengthen driver accountability.
5. On-Demand Trucking
Rapid urbanization and increasing traffic congestion are driving growth in the on-demand transportation market. These challenges create demand for flexible, real-time mobility solutions that improve cost efficiency and route optimization.
For instance, Uber Freight applies Uber’s ride-hailing model to enable real-time load matching. Shippers post jobs and receive instant quotes, while carriers choose freight that aligns with their routes and schedules. This improves agility in logistics for supporting just-in-time (JIT) shipping and dynamic capacity use.
A McKinsey survey of more than 250 global shippers and logistics providers confirms that digital technologies like freight procurement platforms, asset tracking, and data mining are now standard in transportation. Investment in these tools is rising as companies focus on automation and efficiency.
Security remains a priority in digital freight systems. QR code scanning and advanced authentication protocols help to build trust between shippers and carriers and prevent fraud in high-value and time-sensitive deliveries.
Hydrogen-powered trucks and delivery drones remain in early development but show potential for last-mile and sustainable freight solutions.
Another key trend is the integration of logistics command centers with modular micro-apps that consolidate transportation, warehousing, and operational planning. These digital command centers are moving beyond pilot phases and into enterprise logistics frameworks.
Further, the global on-demand trucking market is projected to reach USD 792.09 billion by 2032, growing at a CAGR of 18.40%.
Credit: Data Bridge Market Research
This growth reflects increasing expectations for real-time load fulfillment, faster transit times, and digital transparency.
Go Truck advances On-demand Land Freight Transportation
Nigerian startup Go Truck creates a mobile and web-based logistics platform for on-demand land freight transportation. It allows businesses to request and schedule trips, receive price estimates, and track shipments in real time through GPS monitoring.
The platform supports both ad hoc and recurring logistics needs with automated booking, electronic documentation, and secure payment processing. Its visual dashboard provides live load tracking, and 24/7 customer support ensures smooth operations.
Go Truck allows businesses to access fleet management, income monitoring, and driver coordination tools from a single interface.
Truck & Plant On-Demand facilitates On-demand Insurance
South African startup Truck & Plant On-Demand offers an insurance platform that provides on-demand coverage for commercial vehicles, construction equipment, and goods in transit. It allows businesses to activate or adjust coverage in real time to align costs with actual usage.
The full coverage is applicable during operational periods, while limited coverage is available when assets are idle. Truck & Plant On-Demand simplifies claims by authorizing repairs within 48 hours of receiving required documentation.
By integrating insurance management with operational needs, the startup enables businesses in the civil, construction, and transport industries to reduce premiums and improve financial control.
6. Autonomous Trucks
A persistent driver shortage continues to drive autonomous truck adoption. By late 2024, the trucking sector faced a shortfall of 78 000 drivers, with projections indicating further strain. Autonomous technologies offer a solution to maintain freight movement.
Credit: McKinsey & Company
For instance, Aurora is advancing autonomous trucking with driver-supervised freight operations between Fort Worth, El Paso, and Phoenix. The company plans to shift to fully driverless operations by the end of this year. The staged rollout aligns with industry trends, where supervised autonomy precedes full-scale deployment.
Modern autonomous trucks rely on multi-modal sensor suites for 360-degree situational awareness. Torc Robotics integrates radar, short- and long-range LiDAR, and cameras to detect and classify surrounding objects with precision.
Software stack innovation is also expanding autonomy. Plus and Tier IV’s collaboration in Japan merges Plus’s virtual driver AI with Tier IV’s Autoware open-source platform to enable level 4 autonomy on expressways. These modular software stacks prioritize safety, adaptability, and global compliance.
The hub-to-hub model is the primary framework for early autonomous truck deployments. Aurora and Volvo operate autonomous routes in Texas, while Inceptio Technology has delivered 400 autonomous heavy trucks to ZTO Express in China under a similar system.
Advanced driver-assistance features, including adaptive cruise control (ACC), lane-keeping assistance, and automatic emergency braking, support road safety and lay the groundwork for full autonomy.
Further, autonomous trucks are now navigating beyond highways. New-generation models operate in suburban and urban environments, manage dense traffic, and handle construction zones with cones, signage, and temporary barriers.
Besides, the global autonomous truck market is expected to reach USD 179.9 billion by 2035, growing at a CAGR of 14.4%.
Credit: Markets and Markets
NOROn builds an Autonomous Truck System
Iranian startup NOROn develops an AI-driven autonomous trucking system to improve haulage efficiency and safety, especially in mining operations. The technology consists of an AI-powered perception system modeled on human cognitive processes and a localization and mapping unit that processes LiDAR and GNSS data through Kalman filtering.
Further, it includes robotic actuators that execute driving commands and a fleet analytics platform that tracks behavioral data for performance monitoring. NOROn offers semi-autonomous platooning, where follower trucks operate with limited driver input, and fully autonomous trucks capable of completing haulage tasks and monitoring themselves within mining sites.
NOROn increases operational capacity, lowers variable costs, and improves profitability per truck to support fleet modernization in the haulage industry.
Contoro Robotics supports Autonomous Trailer & Container Unloading
US-based startup Contoro Robotics builds an AI-powered robotic system to automate the unloading of floor-loaded shipping containers and trailers for reducing manual effort in warehouse logistics.
The system includes AdaptAI, which uses cameras and sensors to map container interiors and generate optimized, collision-free unloading paths. InteleOp, a teleoperation platform, allows human operators to intervene in complex scenarios to ensure reliable performance.
Its DuoGrasp end-effector securely handles various box sizes and weights by gripping two sides at once, and overcoming the limitations of traditional top-access grippers.
The robot is mounted on a mobile base with built-in connectivity and conveyor systems and moves autonomously in and out of containers.
Contoro offers the solution through a Robot-as-a-Service model and charges per container unloaded. This approach eliminates upfront costs and provides scalable deployment to match demand.
7. Hydrogen and Alternative Energy
Hydrogen is emerging as a key zero-emission solution for long-haul and heavy-duty trucking by addressing limitations in range, payload, and refueling times faced by battery-electric vehicles (BEVs).
For example, DHL Freight launched a one-year pilot for a hydrogen-powered truck from its Cologne hub in Germany last year.
In North America, DHL Supply Chain partnered with Diageo North America to integrate Nikola’s hydrogen fuel cell trucks into its fleet. These vehicles offer up to 800 km (500 miles) of range per fill and are expected to cut carbon emissions by 80% compared to diesel alternatives.
Further, Volvo Trucks is developing hydrogen combustion engines that use green hydrogen and hydrotreated vegetable oil (HVO) as an ignition source to achieve net-zero CO2 emissions.
Meanwhile, Amogy is refining hydrogen fuel sourcing with a retrofitted Freightliner Cascadia Class 8 truck. The system converts ammonia into hydrogen onboard and supplies a 300 kW fuel cell to extend operational capabilities for clean long-haul transport.
Daimler Truck and Linde Engineering introduced subcooled liquid hydrogen (sLH2) refueling technology to improve storage efficiency. This method cools hydrogen to -253 degrees Celsius and maintains it at 20 bar for increasing density and enabling faster refueling.
The global hydrogen truck market is projected to reach USD 90.60 billion by 2032, growing at a CAGR of 43.7%.
Credit: Coherent Market Insights
Vireon makes Heavy-duty Trucks Hydrogen Refueler
Norwegian startup Vireon builds hydrogen refueling infrastructure for heavy-duty transport. It designs, constructs, and operates stations across Norway, Sweden, Denmark, and Finland, and places them along key logistics corridors to support zero-emission vehicle adoption.
Its network includes the Hellesylt Hydrogen Hub and a large-scale station in Jyväskylä, Finland. By providing accessible and reliable hydrogen refueling, the startup accelerates the shift to sustainable heavy-duty transport in the Nordics.
Besides, Business Finland awarded Vireon a EUR 3.8 million grant to construct a 5MW electrolyzer facility in Jyväskylä, Finland.
Ultra Motors manufactures Fuel-agnostic Truck
French startup Ultra Motors designs a hybrid-electric truck platform that supports multiple fuel options for long-haul freight transport. It combines proprietary electric motors, a high-voltage buffer battery, and a multi-fuel electrical generator to balance battery-electric propulsion and generator mode based on operational needs.
It accommodates hydrogen, biomethane, renewable natural gas, and e-methanol while integrating safe hydrogen storage. The truck achieves a range of up to 1300 kilometers per fill-up to reduce emissions and reliance on charging infrastructure.
Ultra Motors provides a fuel-flexible alternative to fully electric or diesel fleets and supports the decarbonization of heavy-duty trucking.
8. Cybersecurity
Cybersecurity is a growing priority for the trucking industry. The National Motor Freight Traffic Association’s (NMFTA) 2025 Trucking Cybersecurity Trends Report highlights rising digital threats as commercial vehicles become more connected.
In the first quarter of 2025, advanced persistent threat (APT) detections targeting US transportation and shipping sectors increased by 11% from the previous quarter.
High financial stakes add to the risk. Each new Class 8 truck costs over USD 100 000, while zero-emission models reach around USD 400 000. This makes fleets attractive targets for cybercriminals.
Cybersecurity frameworks are evolving to incorporate AI-driven predictive analytics, monitoring telematics data, driver behavior, and network traffic. These systems detect anomalies like ransomware signatures in encrypted communications between electronic logging devices (ELDs) and fleet platforms. This allows for preemptive defensive action.
Vehicle architecture is also improving security. For instance, microsegmentation isolates critical components, like engine control units (ECUs) from infotainment systems, to prevent lateral movement during breaches.
Further, multi-factor authentication (MFA) has become standard for accessing onboard diagnostics (OBD-II) ports and fleet management systems. In high-security cases, biometric verification – including fingerprint or iris scans – authorizes sensitive operations.
As cyber risks rise, the transportation safety and security market is projected to reach USD 11.27 billion by 2030, growing at a CAGR of 7% from 2024 to 2030.
Telematica enhances Truck Fleet Transport Operations
Australian startup Telematica creates a telematics platform that improves efficiency, safety, and compliance for trucking fleets. The system integrates GPS tracking, multi-camera dashcams, electronic work diaries, and temperature monitoring to provide real-time visibility into fleet locations, cargo conditions, and driver behavior.
It optimizes routes, reduces idle time, and supports preventive maintenance with diagnostics and alerts, which allows operators to lower fuel use and repair costs. The platform also automates compliance reporting, stores digital records, and tracks performance metrics to address issues like inaccurate driver evaluations and regulatory gaps.
Telematica benefits industries such as refrigerated transport, pharmaceutical logistics, and perishable goods delivery. The solution enhances safety through live video monitoring while reducing penalties and inefficiencies.
BeyondTrucks builds SOC 2 Compliant TMS
US-based startup BeyondTrucks provides a cloud-based TMS that automates dispatch, billing, compliance, and driver management for fleets with varied operational needs. The platform integrates AI-driven workflows, real-time GPS tracking, and predictive ETAs to improve logistics.
It supports customizable load planning, automated rate calculations, and terminal-level coordination through a unified interface. The system simplifies training and enhances usability for dry bulk carriers, fuel haulers, chemical movers, and general freight operators.
BeyondTrucks offers third-party integrations, mobile offline support, and SOC 2-compliant security protocols to protect operational data. It serves fleets transitioning from legacy or low-tech systems and addresses limitations in other cloud TMS platforms.
9. Blockchain
Blockchain is reshaping transportation and logistics by improving supply chain visibility. It enables stakeholders to track shipments in real time to enhance transparency and accountability.
DHL Global Forwarding’s BLESS platform integrates blockchain with telematics to monitor orders, shipments, and carrier performance. Maxion Wheels reduced backorders by 30% and improved last-mile delivery efficiency using real-time updates on shipment status and location.
Smart contracts further streamline operations. These self-executing agreements embedded in blockchain automate administrative tasks and reduce payment delays.
For instance, Daimler Trucks’ pilot project introduced a digital Truck-ID and Truck Wallet. They allow trucks to authenticate and execute payments at electric charging stations without human intervention. This speeds up transaction processing.
Further, the Blockchain in Transport Alliance (BiTA), with over 500 member organizations, is working to establish common industry standards. Logistics leaders such as UPS and Daimler have adopted BiTA’s digital freight documentation and smart contract protocols to improve cross-border logistics and freight management.
In addition, the global blockchain technology market in transportation and logistics is projected to grow at a CAGR of 60.82% between 2024 and 2028.
Broader adoption in trucking and the rise of blockchain-as-a-service (BaaS) platforms are driving this expansion.
Maxx Capital Solutions delivers Blockchain-based Freight Factoring
US-based startup Maxx Capital Solutions provides a blockchain-powered freight factoring platform that gives trucking businesses immediate, transparent funding for invoices without contracts. Truckers upload rate confirmations and bills of lading through a mobile app, which generates smart contracts on a blockchain ledger and triggers funding upon broker approval.
It removes hidden fees, variable rates, and payment delays, and offers a fixed introductory rate of 0.99% with 100% invoice funding and no recourse. The startup’s platform uses decentralized finance (DeFi) mechanisms and stablecoin-backed transactions to ensure secure and efficient financial support for small fleets and owner-operators.
Kargho supports Long-Distance Freight Trucking
Argentinian startup Kargho creates an AI- and IoT-powered freight optimization platform that improves long-distance trucking by matching shippers with carriers in a connected digital system. It integrates with electronic logging devices and onboard hardware, using AI and machine learning to cut empty miles and refine route efficiency.
The platform includes real-time tracking, blockchain-based proof of delivery, carbon footprint monitoring, and smart alerts for delays or compliance risks. Its mobile app supports carriers, owner-operators, and drivers. Further, shippers access a simple load board with matching algorithms and visibility tools for receivers.
10. Advanced Driver Assistance Systems
Governments are requiring advanced driver assistance systems in commercial vehicles to improve road safety. India plans to mandate automatic emergency braking (AEB), driver drowsiness alerts, and lane departure warnings for new trucks and buses by 2026.
The European Union enforced vulnerable road user (VRU) collision warnings for buses a few years ago and expanded the rule to all commercial vehicles last year.
Such policies prompt original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) such as Tata Motors, Ashok Leyland, and Volvo to standardize ADAS features. For instance, Volvo’s FM 4X2 tractor includes forward collision warning (FCW) and adaptive cruise control.
Modern ADAS systems improve accident prevention by combining sensors and intelligent technology. AEB detects obstacles using radar and cameras to apply brakes if a driver fails to respond. Volvo’s latest AEB system now identifies pedestrians and cyclists to reduce collision risks.
Forward collision warning alerts drivers to potential front-end crashes and is integrated into commercial vehicles such as the Freightliner Cascadia, which features upgraded radar and camera systems. Products like Gauzy’s SafetySide provide audible and visual warnings to truck and bus drivers and meet UN-R151 safety requirements.
Besides, adaptive cruise control adjusts vehicle speed to maintain safe following distances and improves traffic flow and fuel efficiency. When combined with platooning technologies, such as Texas A&M’s Level 2 system, trucks travel closely together to reduce aerodynamic drag and cut fuel consumption by 5-20% in long-haul operations.
Moreover, the global commercial vehicle ADAS market is expected to grow at a CAGR of 18.1% from 2025 to 2034.
Credit: Global Market Insights
Streetscope provides Traffic Safety Intelligence
US-based startup Streetscope creates the Streetscope Collision Hazard Measure (SHM), a patented traffic safety metric that assesses real-time collision risk by analyzing proximity and motion between traffic participants. The software processes movement data from dashcams, traffic cameras, and object tracks, and computes hazard levels between vehicles without relying on assumptions or past crash data.
SHM provides an objective and repeatable safety measure by classifying kinematic interactions and generating multidimensional risk insights. The platform supports fleet safety monitoring, automated vehicle validation, insurance assessment, and infrastructure planning.
It offers cloud-native or edge deployment, depending on client needs. Streetscope converts traffic dynamics into quantifiable near-miss indicators to enable transportation stakeholders to assess and improve safety in complex driving environments.
Interrt develops ADAS Simulation Platform
Indian startup Interr creates an ADAS simulation platform that speeds up autonomous system development with real-time validation, AI-generated scenarios, and scalable cloud infrastructure.
It allows businesses to simulate thousands of driving situations across automotive, agriculture, construction, mining, and trucking applications using photorealistic visuals powered by ray tracing for high-fidelity environment modeling.
The platform integrates real-time monitoring, custom scenario creation, and performance analytics to refine ADAS functions under different conditions. It offers built-in compliance reporting, automated documentation, and data management tools to support regulatory alignment and structured development cycles.
Interr enables companies to shorten development time, improve safety, and advance autonomous technology deployment.
Discover all the Latest Trucking Industry Trends, Technologies & Startups
The trucking industry is evolving with technologies like vehicle-to-everything (V2X) communication and digital twins. V2X improves road safety and coordination, while digital twins model fleet performance and simulate logistics scenarios in real time. Predictive emissions monitoring and driver wellness technologies are also gaining traction as the industry shifts toward sustainable and human-centered operations
The trucking industry trends & startups outlined in this report only scratch the surface of the trends that we identified during our data-driven innovation & startup scouting process. Identifying new opportunities & emerging technologies to implement into your business goes a long way in gaining a competitive advantage.
