Two things that always go hand in hand are the latest technology and the logistics industry. Logistic businesses around the world are looking for new and fresh ways to make shipment more accessible and straightforward. Though most companies are already making use of the technological advances, the quick changes to the digital world are piquing the interest of logistic company owners around the world. The reason for this is because technology not only makes processes hassle-free and reduces expenses, but it helps increase the revenue.

E-commerce, for example, has changed the way deliveries are picked up, shipped and tracked, and this has made things accurate and faster. In fact, the speed at which technology is changing has shifted even more with the rise of the digital world. This is just why it is crucial that we discuss the different ways in which technology can change the future of logistics.

So, without further delay, let’s look at how the shipping industry is meant to change because of the advances in technology.

1. Drone Delivery

The next big thing in logistics is drone delivery. If you are aware of the recent advancements in technology, then you already know that the CEO of Amazon discussed how his company would soon use drones to ship packages and this has already happened. Because Amazon is one of the primary businesses that offers next-day deliveries inside the U.S, the company stepped ahead by making the promise to ship packages within 30-minutes using their drones. Though the initiative has issues as far as the FAA (Federal Aviation Administration) is concerned, problems are being tackled so drone deliveries can be made possible.

Following suit of Amazon, company giants such as Google and 7-Eleven are also making their first drone deliveries this year, and they are being appreciated and welcomed for their efforts by customers. Though it is difficult to say when drone delivery will be fully integrated into logistics, it is something that we can look forward to.

2. The Dawn of the Internet of Things

The internet of things or the IoT involves the use of sensors and network communications to connect machinery to the internet. In logistics, this is something which can help businesses monitor equipment, control them remotely and receive alerts if a machine is in need to repair or to service. In fact, IoT is the next level telematics information which is already set its path in the logistics industry.

With the internet of things, things can be streamlined into the ordering, manufacturing and warehousing processes, so both packaging and delivery is made more efficient. With the dawn of IoT, you can expect machines to show the need for new parts or repairs before they run out and cost the company thousands of dollars in losses because equipment went down.

Other than warehouse machinery, IoT could also bring changes to the trucks by monitoring their temperature, vibrations and keeping an eye on the overall condition of the shipment. The IoT could also stay with delivery across multiple platforms and help both shippers and receivers know precisely where their delivery is and in what condition.

3. Tracking

Tracking is closely related to logistics since the beginning. Unfortunately, international ocean shipping has always been one of the industries that were devoid of the courier-style tracking that we appreciate in this millennium. The good news is that both the MSC and CMA CGM have invested in TRAXENS, which is a container tracking solution that could revolutionize the ocean shipping industry. What this means for businesses all over the world is that even though the logistics industry is already using GPS and other such technology to keep track of their packages, advancements such as TRAXENS will help the industry go one step further, so conveniences become a possibility not just for customers but shippers as well.

4. Self-Driving Trucks

Driverless cars, much like drones are the next big thing as far as the logistics industry is concerned. This technology is hitting the mark sooner rather than later, and several companies such as Tesla have already tested self-driving trucks on the road. Moreover, tech companies such as Uber, which are mostly centered on customer transportation, have also acquired Otto and completed driverless truck deliveries in the U.S.

Though work is still in progress, self-driving trucks are something which has a sure-fire way of making the logistics industry boom. On the flipside, The White House estimates that 2.5 million jobs will be rendered useless due to the advancements in trucking automation and technology. However, experts say that this shouldn’t be a reason for self-driving trucks to go into the shadows because new avenues will open up for employees that were driving trucks earlier.

Checkout some of the best ELD devices that can help truck companies to track their drivers in real time. It’s a tech that’s worth investing!

5. Cloud-Based Analytics

Finally, unlike the past, cloud-based computing and analytics have made it possible for you to use the information that your company gathers during operations. Though telematics and RFID technologies provided plenty of data, they weren’t able to organize or use this data because of the sheer volume.

Thankfully, cloud-based computing has changed this, and the sophistication of data and software architecture now make it possible for you to not only gather information but control and manipulate it as well. This is beneficial not just because it helps you work with what you have but also acts as a predictive tool that stops problems before it can occur. Though this technology is something which has already been added to the logistics industry, there is still a lot of work that needs to be done.

Technology is changing the logistics industry, and with new trends and happenings occurring all over, there are a lot of possibilities for the future. The companies that are involved in logistics are preparing to embrace these changes and innovations and those who aren’t will have to take a step back. If you run a logistics business, then you need to know that technology will improve your competitive position and help you in meeting future demands and needs of customers.