The shipping industry is responsible for the transport of over 80% of world trade. It will continue to expand over the next couple of years. Shipping trends in 2022 are vastly impacted by the digitization of the industry alongside other technological advancements. Not only will shipping companies continue to grow, but there’s also been a significant increase in shipping weight. Companies have been shipping more goods both domestically and internationally due to the industry’s growth. They have had to adjust to many unprecedented changes such as fuel costs and stricter regulations. Shipping is one of the most important industries in the world, transporting goods for people and companies. Developments are continually being made to shipping technologies to enhance efficiency.
Digitization is the use of digital technologies to change a business model and provide new revenue and value-producing opportunities.
The shipping industry is one of the most essential industries in the world. With transportation contributing up to 2/3 of global GDP, it’s difficult to imagine any type of business not working in conjunction with shipping. As with every industry, shipping has evolved throughout its history. What can we expect from shipping technologies and logistic trends in the future?
To understand the future of shipping, we must look at the technological developments happening in the industry. These new technologies will impact shipping and transportation by making certain shipping processes more efficient through new and emerging techniques, methods, and processes.
Key Technologies for Shipping:
Robotics
Shipping is set to be revolutionized by robotic technology. This will introduce faster shipping times and reduce shipping costs. By the end of 2022, about 29% of shipping companies are expected to use robotics, however, most shipping companies have either not considered or not prioritized business alliances with robotics technology providers as of yet.
Several companies have begun testing autonomous 18-wheelers on public roads, but the industry has not yet started using driverless trucks commercially. To learn more about automated tech read this article.
Predictive Analytics
Predictive analytics has proved to be an effective shipping tool in enhancing shipping performance and reducing shipping costs. The use of predictive analytics in shipping operations is expected to increase in 2022. According to the Hexa Research forecast of shipping trends and growth until 2025, over 20% of shipping companies will make use of the technology.
Blockchain Logistics
Blockchain logistics is a shipping technology that uses blockchains to strengthen shipping processes, increase shipping security, and reduce shipping costs. For instance, it reduces paperwork and speeds up clearance of shipments by creating a reliable shipping trail. Over 40% of shipping companies consider blockchain logistics to be the next big shipping innovation.
NSMS (Network Shipping Management Software)
NSMS enables shipping companies to manage activities and costs through a web-based interface at reduced shipping costs. Software use is expected to increase from over 14% in 2017 to over 26% by 2022 among shipping companies.
Global shipping companies are focusing on these shipping technologies because they are cost-effective shipping solutions. They will help companies reduce their costs and improve shipping efficiency.
Shipping Logistics Trends:
Shipping software is assuming more significance in managing global supply chains. Therefore, companies that use shipping services are beginning to focus on technological advancements to remain competitive. Shipping technology allows shipping managers to make informed decisions that enhance shipping performance and reduce shipping costs.
1. Shift Towards Electronics
The shipping and transportation industry will continue to shift their focus to electronic technologies. For example, IoT (Internet of Things) devices provide connectivity between machines through the internet. This allows shipping companies to monitor the shipping process using data transmitted by sensors. Also IoT can help monitor inventory and shipping status. This allows shipping companies to track shipping conditions such as crew members, cargo, and security threats.
2. Streamlining labour
Shipping delays crop up through labour inefficiencies especially during peak hours when companies are shipping the most goods. Shipping companies can limit delays by streamlining labour-heavy activities to reduce congestion within the warehouse and on roads.
3. Polishing shipping
As shipping and transportation technologies advance, shipping companies will be looking to reduce shipping costs and increase shipping revenue. The use of algorithms allow shipping companies to plan routes depending on factors such as weather, traffic conditions, and shipping demand. This shipping technology makes shipping schedules more accurate and shipping journeys shorter by using the most efficient routes, therefore reducing costs and increasing revenue.
4. Future shipping technologies in 2022
As autonomous drones hit the market, shipping companies will be looking at ways to increase space for cargo as well as offer faster service times. The use of drones will reduce shipping costs and time, and reduce the need for companies to hire more staff. By using drones, shipping companies will also be able to operate shipping routes which were previously unprofitable or inaccessible, which may lead to more shipping carriers entering the market.
5. Automation Technologies
Freight automation software is one of the easiest freight solutions to implement and has been exponentially growing in company usage. Shipping companies can reduce time spent on manual inputting of information along every aspect of the process by making better use of this software. The top competitor in this software for increasing supply chain efficiencies is Freightnav. The software uses an algorithmic freight automation. This cuts the need for time lost on lengthy waiting periods at friction points. Also, FreightNav connects shippers and carriers with ease and helps lower freight costs across the board.
Shipping Technology Trends Overview
The advancements in technology for shipping and transportation will help shipping companies focus on efficiency and increasing their revenue. Shipping software and technological advancements will help companies reduce costs and speed up shipping times. Companies are also looking at ways to limit delays in the process. This is especially true during peak hours when demand for shipping is at its highest. The shipping industry will continue to shift its focus to electronic technologies, and optimizations. Visit Freightnav to learn more.