The transportation and logistics industry is evolving. As e-commerce continues to grow and companies rely more on next-day delivery, the demand for trucks has never been higher. At the same time, companies are concerned about finding enough qualified drivers and warehouse workers to meet their growing needs. In this article, we’ll explore some of the biggest trends in transportation today so that you can stay ahead of the game as an employee or employer in this booming industry!
The transportation and logistics industry is evolving
The transportation and logistics industry is evolving. In fact, this evolution has been ongoing for years—but it’s only recently that its effects have been magnified.
The new technologies, regulations, and business models that have emerged over time are causing changes to the way companies operate in the industry. For example:
- Shifts in consumer preferences have led to a rise in e-commerce shopping and rapid growth in online sales.
- Autonomous vehicles (AVs) have driven companies to rethink their supply chain strategies.
- On the regulatory front, organizations are facing pressure from governments around issues like carbon emissions reduction targets or oil spill prevention laws that require significant investments on both sides of the supply chain.
Analytics and data are revolutionizing transportation
Analytics and data are revolutionizing transportation. They’re used to optimize routes and schedules, improve customer service, enhance safety, and increase efficiency.
- Analytics use data to monitor driver performance. Driver behaviour can be tracked via GPS systems in vehicles that are part of a fleet or by sensors on trucks that have been outfitted with technology like video cameras or accelerometers. Data is used to forecast demand for freight shipments across different regions at different times of the year. With IoT-connected devices providing real-time information about temperature conditions inside the truck cabins, drivers no longer have to make decisions based on estimates; they now know exactly what the temperature is inside their vehicles.* On-board diagnostics systems track driver behaviour through acceleration rates or whether lane departure warnings were activated during a particular trip.* Data from these sensors helps companies determine when it’s time for maintenance work so they don’t spend money fixing unnecessary problems on their vehicles’ engines or other parts (which would otherwise lead to unnecessary costs).
Businesses are concerned with the talent shortage in the sector
- Talent shortage is a major issue in the transportation and logistics industry.
- There are not enough workers to fill the available jobs.
- The problem is worse in certain areas of the country.
- Companies are having a hard time finding qualified workers, and it’s getting harder every year as fewer people pursue careers in transportation and logistics due largely to low pay, long hours and repetitive tasks.
A shift to e-commerce is driving business for freight brokers
The shift to e-commerce is driving business for freight brokers. With the growing popularity of online shopping, shippers are looking for help with their shipping needs. Freight brokers can connect businesses with carriers that offer the best rates and routes, saving time and money in the process.
