The logistics industry is undergoing changes, and these changes are paving the way for a more efficient and sustainable future.
Whether you’re a business owner, a logistics professional, or someone simply interested in how your online orders get to your doorstep, it’s essential to stay informed about the latest trends.
Simplifying the logistics of delivery services, many companies now allow users to benefit from on-demand courier solutions without the hassle of setting up an account, enhancing ease of access and convenience.
Delivery shaping the future of logistics
In his book titled Delivery, Australian expert and founder of Zoom2u Technologies (ASX:Z2U) Steve Orenstein says: “Same day delivery is the gold standard for speed.”
He speaks of the five key ingredients in the delivery process. One of these is choice.
“The customer needs the flexibility to choose a time window, and be confident that it will be delivered on the day and in the window they choose,” says Orenstein.
People want fast service today.
In this article, we’ll explore the top five trends that are shaping the future of logistics, with a particular focus on delivery, a crucial aspect of the industry.
1. Artificial intelligence: Smarter logistics
Artificial intelligence (AI) helps companies optimize delivery routes, forecast demand, and manage inventory more efficiently.
Imagine a system that learns from past delivery patterns to predict the best routes or one that adjusts delivery schedules in real-time based on traffic conditions.
AI-powered systems do just that, making deliveries faster and more reliable by allowing users to track their delivery drivers and parcels in real-time, ensuring an efficient and user-friendly service.
Some added features of AI include:
- Analyzing vast amounts of data to predict when a delivery truck might break down
- Allows companies to fix issues before they disrupt the delivery process.
What’s the bigger picture? This kind of proactive maintenance not only saves time but also ensures that your package arrives on time.
Companies are using robotic technology to get items to customers faster. For example, consumers in Japan can now have food delivered to their door with robots.
This is thanks to Uber Eats launching food delivery by robot. How cool is that!
Picture this: It’s a Friday night and you’ve just arrived home from work, too tired to drive down to your favorite restaurant to buy food.
Thanks to robotic food delivery, getting into your car doesn’t have to be an option anymore. You can now order groceries and have them delivered to your doorstep.
AI is giving customers the ultimate convenience of quick service without waiting too long. No more queues for food!
Last-mile delivery: Get parcels to your doorstep faster
Whether you are a courier company or a restaurant chain, managing the delivery and logistics services for parcels to ensure they reach a customer’s door in rapid time is key.
What is last-mile delivery for food?
Last-mile delivery refers to the final step in the last mile delivery process where a package is transported from a distribution center or warehouse to the customer’s doorstep.
A collection point serves as a convenient location where customers can collect and return their parcels, enhancing the ease of access and service offered.
This final step is often considered the most challenging part of the delivery process due to the high costs and need for efficiency, known as the challenges of the last mile.
“The best deliveries are speedy deliveries. Same day delivery (or next day, depending on the time the product is ordered) is what wows customers,” says Orenstein.
But then there are drones. This technology is helping companies conquer the need for speed. Retail giant Walmart is on a flying mission to deliver groceries to customers fast.
The company has rolled out drone delivery in Dallas Fort Worth, bringing the delivery technology to 75% of that community.
ALSO READ: Royal Mail tests drone deliveries between remote Scottish Isles
2. Electric fleets: Driving sustainability in logistics
Sustainability is a hot topic in the logistics industry in recent months. Companies are waking up to the realization that operating the sustainable way is important.
One of the most significant trends is the shift towards electric fleets. These vehicles are not only better for the environment, but they also offer cost savings in the long run.
Why go electric?
Grand View Research reports the global EV market is expected to achieve excellent growth in the next six years. “The expansion of the transportation and logistics sectors significantly drives the rising demand for EVs,” reads the report.
There are many great benefits to going electrical. These include:
- Fuel saving: Cost of Diesel and petrol are higher than running an electric-powered car.
- Better for the environment: EVs help reduce emissions, keeping a city’s air cleaner.
- The ultimate ride: EVs are easy to maintain and offer a smooth ride.
4. Autonomous vehicles: The future of delivery on wheels
Autonomous vehicles (AVs) are no longer the stuff of science fiction — they are becoming a reality in the logistics world.
These self-driving vehicles promise to change logistics for the better, reducing human error, cutting costs, and improving efficiency by providing personalized and human-centered delivery solutions that emphasize the importance of in-person interactions.
Picture this: A world where your groceries are delivered by a driverless van or your online shopping is brought to you by a robot.
Faction, an autonomous vehicle technology company, has started testing self-driving light EVs in Houston, Texas.
Using its advanced DriveLink® autonomy system and TeleAssist® for remote human help, Faction is deploying a fleet of self-driving light EVs. These vehicles aim to transform curbside delivery in Houston, making urban transportation safer and more efficient.
5. Customizable delivery options: Customer choice
As consumers become more accustomed to the convenience of online shopping, they also expect more control over how and when their packages are delivered.
Whether it’s choosing a specific delivery window, rerouting a package to a different address, or selecting a contactless delivery option, clients want flexibility and positive experiences.
Emphasizing strong client relationships and understanding their needs can lead to improved service delivery.
Let’s do a trends recap:
- AI-driven optimizations, sustainable electric fleets, and autonomous vehicles are rapidly evolving the logistics industry.
- Last-mile delivery, parcel tracking, and customizable delivery options are key to meeting consumer demands for faster, more flexible service.
- Staying ahead of these trends is crucial for businesses to remain competitive in the logistics sector.
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About the author
Sharl is a qualified journalist. He has over 10 years’ experience in the media industry, including positions as an editor of a magazine and Business Editor of a daily newspaper. Sharl also has experience in logistics specifically operations, where he worked with global food aid organisations distributing food into Africa. Sharl enjoys writing business stories and human interest pieces.
