Logistic Technology Shaping the Industry

cargo trucks, air plane, and man showing logistics

The coronavirus pandemic forced industries around the globe to adapt in order to survive. That adaption included placing a focus on technology. There’s perhaps no industry where this is more apparent than the logistics industry. The technological advances made since the height of the pandemic will spark long-term change in the industry. In today’s article, we will go over the key developments in the logistics industry and how they can impact time-critical shipping and time-critical logistics. 

How the Pandemic Changed the Industry

The COVID-19 pandemic and subsequent lockdowns and shelter-in-place orders sparked changes in the logistics industry that is here for good. Digital technology adoption skyrocketed in 2020. In fact, one survey shows that the global response to the pandemic accelerated the adoption of digital technologies for consumer and supply-chain interaction. 

Experts believe it may have been three to four years before we saw these changes prior to the pandemic. These changes are long-term in nature, and logistic companies around the world are changing the way they operate because of it. What are some of the biggest changes you can expect to see moving forward?

Blockchain Technology

When you hear the term ‘blockchain,’ you more than likely think about cryptocurrencies. In fact, with how much cryptocurrency supporters discuss the blockchain, it’s hard to think about anything else. However, blockchain technology has much broader applications than just cryptocurrency. 

Because of the potential of blockchain technology, logistics companies have integrated this technology into their business. Consumers will benefit from the decentralized digital ledger since it will allow them to trace their orders throughout the trip. It increases security by disclosing attempted frauds. 

Transportation Management Systems

Transportation Management Systems (TMS) have boomed in popularity in recent years throughout the logistics industry. This technology makes it easier to organize and manage large orders. These systems provide the tools necessary to place organization and management needs in a single location. 

This helps logistics companies keep track of carriers and improve route automation. It can also be used to track delivery drivers in real-time so you always know where your shipment is and when you can plan on it arriving. TMS can also help reduce freight costs, improve transparency, and boost overall customer happiness. 

Internet of Things

The Internet of Things (IoT) is another technology that has increased in popularity since the height of the pandemic, especially in the shipping industry. Experts believe this technology will alter every area of people’s lives. IoT provides more data that can be used to manage assets remotely, predicts risk, and forecast traffic congestion. 

IoT making its way to the logistics sector has allowed for more connectivity between items, packaging, transportation hubs, and vehicles. By pairing IoT with the blockchain, end-to-end visibility of packages becomes a possibility. Consumers will track every single detail about their order from the moment they pay to the moment it shows up at its desired location. 

How These Technologies Affect You

These advancements in technology can help make your life easier. It’s not a secret; dealing with logistics has been a nightmare in recent years. It can be difficult to wrap your head around everything going on, from increased pricing to delayed shipping. 

Logistics companies are utilizing the blockchain and the IoT to make life easier not only for themselves but for their customers as well. Accountability, which is often lacking in the logistics industry, is now at the forefront. 

Let Us Handle Your Logistics Needs

Our team here at Trifecta Transport is here to help you with your logistics needs. We have special departments for each logistics sector, so our team can work one-on-one with customers to choose the best shipping method for their needs. Contact us today to find out how our services can help your business.