You Spoke, We’re Listening: Top LinkedIn Polls (Part 1)

Did you know that LinkedIn has 1.1 billion members? That's a vast pool of knowledge and experts, which is why we like to engage with our audience via polls through our LinkedIn profile. So far in 2025, we’ve had some interesting topics worth revisiting and exploring more. Below are three of the top LinkedIn polls and their results, along with how Platform Science is addressing the topics. 

1. What do you think is the most effective strategy to address the current truck driver shortage?

40 percent of respondents answered: “Automating Manual Tasks”

Whether they like it or not, commercial truck drivers face a long list of tasks and compliance requirements they must complete with every haul. These might be dictated by the national or state requirements, established by fleet policies, or simply necessary steps to ensure you’ve got the right load or your truck is road-ready. 

Most drivers would agree that the faster they can complete their busywork and get on the road, the better. The fewer times they have to re-login or re-enter duplicate information, the quicker their paperwork is done — with more accurate data entered as well. Tools like customized forms, progressive fields, and single login interfaces can significantly reduce manual tasks and improve workflow for drivers. 

Additionally, better integration between vehicle sensors and inputs from the truck, as well as features like photo-capable inspections, can make inspection and maintenance tasks more efficient and proactive. Finally, HOS trackers can reduce the mental load of keeping up with breaks and drive time, while geofencing features can trigger required tasks at the appropriate time with automated status reporting.

The fleet back office team can also benefit from automation of manual tasks. For example, staff often wastes hours of time trying to sort, reassign, or annotate unassigned drive time events. Software tools can automate this process with features like batch processing, filters, and suggested drivers, freeing up more time for proactive process improvement or simply a reduction in workload.

Reducing busywork for your entire team can drive down turnover rates and help you retain your best and brightest talent. It can streamline your operations, improve your quality of data, and simplify processes so that you can focus on proactive improvements and goals. 

2. What’s the biggest challenge you think fleets face when it comes to maintenance?

42 percent answered: “Real-time repair tracking”

It can be extremely tricky trying to coordinate your drivers’ schedules and routes with repair appointments for maintenance back at the shop. When a truck must get pulled off the road for a repair or even preventative maintenance, the last thing you want to do is impact your drivers’ ability to get the hours they want and need, or have to push delivery timelines for customers.

Digital tools in fleet management software can help reduce the uncertainties and lag time by improving communication of repair status across the fleet. For example, remote diagnostic tools can better interpret alerts and sensor signals from your trucks, advising drivers on the next recommended actions. Does a driver need to pull over immediately, or can the repair wait until they’re back at the shop? Can the maintenance team go ahead and obtain the needed part to expedite repairs once the truck is back at the yard? 

Predictive analysis tools can estimate additional issues that might result from a specific sensor read or alert, so that your maintenance team is fully prepared for when the truck rolls into the shop. Drivers can share their DVIRs with your maintenance team prior to scheduling work.

Fleet management tools can also simplify maintenance cycles by offering digital third signature capture, allowing drivers to easily capture their signatures on tablets for approved repairs. This streamlines compliance and ensures maintenance plans stay on track, ultimately getting vehicles back on the road faster. 

3. As we look ahead to 2025, what do you see as the biggest trend for the transportation industry?

45 percent answered: “AI-powered fleet insights,” followed by 30 percent saying “Focus on driver well-being.”

Artificial intelligence (AI) definitely has a role to play in fleet management this year and for years to come. In fact, our Insights 2025 report dives deep into several areas that AI is poised to help in commercial trucking, including AI-powered cybersecurity, cameras, hazard detection, and more. AI truly shifts the paradigm in the amount of data that can be processed, and the speed at which it can be analyzed and turned into actionable insights.

It’s not a surprise that fleets are continuing to focus on the second big trend for 2025 - driver well-being. The physical and mental health of drivers are paramount  combating attrition and improving corporate culture. While truck technologies are getting smarter every year, new emphasis is being placed on innovative training tools, including those that integrate fun, gamified learning as well as multimedia lessons that can be completed remotely anytime a driver is on break. Ensuring your team stays trained up on your tools and processes helps keep them safer and compliant during their routes.

Other technologies like fatigue alerts, HOS support systems, and mobile application management (MAM) tools help reduce distractions in the cab and support drivers completing every shift more safely. This not only reduces their stress and mental load, but it can decrease the likelihood of accidents and infractions that can result in out-of-service status. Helping your drivers helps your fleet, so keeping their well-being top-of-mind is smart business in 2025 and beyond.

Be on the lookout for Part 2, where we unpack more of your LinkedIn poll responses and how fleet management technology is addressing them.

‍Ready to learn more about how Platform Science can optimize your fleet operations? Contact us today to schedule a demo, or explore our site to learn more about our driver-focused solutions and extensive add-on app ecosystem, the Virtual Vehicle marketplace.