I’ve been thinking about data a lot lately. It’s probably because we’ve been working on the metrics for Run on Less – Messy Middle. For some reason, working on the Run reminded me of a time when I was sure I knew the percentage of Class 8 tractors that traveled 300 miles a day in return-to-base operations. Even when both Geotab and RMI came to me with a number that was different than the one I had in my head, instead of entertaining the possibility that I was wrong, I told them they had bad data. They re-analyzed the information and came back with the same percentage they had originally presented to me. At that point, I had to admit I was wrong.
Why old data can lead to wrong assumptions
In my defense, I believe that my head was filled with old data that didn't take into account market shifts that resulted in more trucks traveling shorter distances and returning to base nearly every day.
I tell this story because there are times when we are absolutely certain that the numbers or percentages we are working with are correct. When we have that attitude, we don’t think we need to review the data again.
But here’s the thing about the trucking industry: It's not static. And lately, it seems like things are changing fairly rapidly, so what you thought was good data two years ago is actually old news.
See also: Roeth: It’s time to reevaluate your powertrain choices
This is especially true given the variety of powertrain options currently available to fleets. Some of these technologies are new to the trucking industry, and others are seeing a resurgence of interest on the part of fleets.
Given not only changes to the freight environment but also to trucking technology, it is more important than ever to avoid relying on what you think you know. Instead, take the time to ferret out the latest data from reliable sources so that you are not making today’s decisions with yesterday’s data. Using outdated data to make decisions is fairly close to making decisions based on what your gut tells you.
Relying on current data to guide fleet decisions
The good news is that there is a wealth of information available about the trucking industry, freight tonnage, the buying habits of businesses and consumers, and the current state of many technologies.
Don't let what you think you know to be true get in the way of what is actually true.
