5 exciting transport & logistics trends to watch in 2017
Published on 07/04/2017
The pace of global transport and logistics is non-stop. A lot is happening throughout the industry, with contemporary issues and challenges emerging every day. So what are the big issues to watch out for across 2017? We’ve identified five key trends that are set to change transportation services across the world this year.
E-commerce will continue to shape transport & logistics worldwide
Online retail is already well established in markets such as the UK and United States. Now, its digital tendrils are spreading across the globe.
Turkey’s e-commerce sector is rapidly expanding, for example. 44% of Turkey’s 77 million population shops online, which is predicted to hit 71.3% by 2020.
Globally, digital sales are set to reach $4 trillion over the next three years. This opens up a range of new logistics challenges. Retailers will have to adopt omnichannel approaches to deliver seamless customer experiences – presenting opportunities for 3PL and transporters to offer full supply chain, fulfilment and shipping services in collaboration with online merchants.
Over-capacity hits the maritime transport industry
The past couple of years have been somewhat shaky for the global sea freight industry – especially with the bankruptcy of South Korea’s Hanjin Shipping in 2016. Now, a new trend is emerging: over-capacity. According to OB Logistics, global shipping faces a surplus of container space that new vessel building threatens to increase.
New build capacity is to exceed one million TEU equivalents throughout 2017. This, so says OB Logistics, is a huge overestimation as over one million TEUs-equivalent are currently sat idle. Essentially, Hanjin’s collapse has flagged the issue that individual carriers may have overestimated the demand for maritime freight in 2017 – meaning they may have to form further alliances and collaborations to survive.
Economic growth to fuel transport & logistics in emerging markets
The economic growth of some key transport and logistics markets is likely to drive development of transport corridors and services. China, for example, has been a significant driver of transport and logistics expansion. Its “One Road One Belt” plan is fostering expansion of transport infrastructures across Asia and Eurasia. For example, Kazakhstan’s Nurly Zhol infrastructure initiative is being incorporated into China’s modern Silk Road equivalent.
Africa, however, has been identified as the world’s next big transport market. Several nations, such as Ethiopia and Nigeria, are experiencing rapid economic growth, leading to a rise in both governmental and public spending – and a greater demand for logistics services. Infrastructure remains sub-standard across Africa, but this only presents further challenges and opportunities for service providers to overcome.
Rail freight: the next green transport mode?
Greencarrier, a Swedish logistics company specialising in eco-friendly transport solutions, has suggested air freight could give way to rail in 2017. Why? The environmentally-conscious firm says rail is a the greener way to transport cargo.
Air freight is no doubt the world’s fastest transport mode - yet it is often part of extended multi-modal network. This means not only is the cargo plane burning jet fuel, but it often means ships, trains or trucks have to use up their fossil fuels too. Rail is switching to electric in many nations, meaning, according to Greencarrier, its emissions are dropping across the globe. The company also points out rail is significantly cheaper than air freight, and can more reliably carry cargoes across well-established transport corridors.
Supply chains are ready to go digital
Across the world, the Internet of Things is affecting all works of society. The interconnectedness of internet-ready devices, cloud storage and data collection is affecting hundreds of industries, including sport, retail and, of course, transport and logistics.
Integration of smart technologies is streamlining nearly all aspects of global supply chains. In our rundown of
transport and logistics technologies to watch, we pointed out how sensors are changing containerised freight operations, for example. Real-time data collection can iron out kinks in supply lines, while smarter warehouses are improving storage and fulfilment operations across the world. Basically, get ready to get techy as the Internet of Things is set to take supply chains to the digital realm.
Discover the latest transportation trends at ITE Transport & Logistics events
In order to get in touch with the technology suppliers and the logistics operators changing the face of the industry, you need to be at an ITE Transport & Logistics exhibition this year. Head to our
events page now to see our portfolio of transport exhibitions, showcasing the latest trends and technologies affecting the industry worldwide.