Exploring the Application of Information and Communication Technology in the U.S. Motor Carrier Industry

The problem addressed in this qualitative case study focused on the limited amount of scholarly research addressing the use of information and communication technology in U.S. motor carrier operations. The trucking industry is part of the service sector which contributes approximately 67.8 percent to the gross domestic product of the United States. Most scholarly research addressing increases in motor carrier productivity due to information and communication technology was dated or was focused geographically. Researchers did not address opportunities offered by the sharing of information and communication technology. The purpose of the qualitative case study was to explore usage of information and communication technology in the U.S. motor carrier industry on a national basis. The study was aimed at analyzing information and communication technology usage and identifying factors affecting the adoption of information and communication technology. The study described in this paper attempted to fill the research void through a qualitative case study investigation. Qualitative research models were applied to using multiple sources of information to collect specific data to build knowledge within the area of study. A three phase qualitative case study was utilized in this study. During each phase an iterative inductive analysis of U.S. Census data, surveys, and semi-structured interviews of U.S. Motor Carriers was used to determine technology categories and subcategories. Data triangulation was used to link the use of different technologies discovered in each phase. A qualitative thematic analysis was accomplished at the end of phase three to determine emerging trends. Phase one research results revealed that use of technology increased as technology costs decreased and technology capability increased. Phase two research results revealed cell phones, onboard computers, satellite communication, and transponders were the predominate technologies used by U.S. motor carriers from 1987 to today. Phase three results revealed that emerging business strategies linked to information communication technologies are driven by the need to increase motor carrier operational efficiencies, decrease operational expenses while improving revenues and to strategically position that motor carrier for the future. Improved communications and automated information technologies can bring newer business strategies improving operational efficiencies. To stay competitive, motor carrier operations managers will need to invest in information and communication technology. Further research involving the use of technology for efficient distribution of multiple products to multiple destinations should be considered.