Three Transportation Trends for 2019
With the year well underway, we decided to take a look at what 2019 holds for the transportation industry.
Small carriers will continue to offer capacity.
Most trend lists will focus on the continuing driver shortage, but we prefer to shine a light on the possibility of finding capacity with small trucking companies where the driver shortage is nearly nonexistent. According to data from the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) small trucking companies with one to six trucks increased their driver pool by 69% from 2012 to 2018.
William Cassidy, writing for the Journal of Commerce, argues that “the claim no one wants to be a truck driver is a myth. Plenty of people want to be truckers, but they don’t all want to work for large companies.”
In 2019, shippers who want to tap this capacity must find ways to partner with these smaller carriers.
Think you might enjoy the video version of this blog more? Click here to check it out!
Technology will continue to change the transportation sector.
From blockchain (the buzzword of the day) and autonomous technology to the possibilities of artificial intelligence and the more widespread adoption of load-matching apps, technology in trucking is changing the way logistics providers do business.
In 2018, ELD adoption was enforced, and while many in the industry expected the enforcement to completely disrupt the industry, the transition was relatively smooth. In 2019, expect the data from ELDs to address issues of driver safety, productivity and operations management.
Tracking and visibility holds great promise for both safety, but also integrated operations. Jason Doris of SheepDog argues that “tracking and visibility is more than just points on a map.” He suggests that it’s not a single technology, but “rather multiple technologies used during the time-frame of any load.” When used correctly, automated texting can set in motion a system that determines the right tracking solution for each unique situation.
In 2019, look for smart 3PLs like AM Transport Services to utilize these broader and more robust tracking systems.
Data analytics will provide new opportunities and applications in logistics and supply chain management.
Providers are beginning to hire data scientists to help make data-driven supply chain decisions.Data scientists analyze and interpret data in real-time and this translates to quicker and better decision making for logistics experts and their customers. Data science will also improve logistics planning, scheduling, and management.
Expect 2019 to offer even more opportunities for data science to create savings for efficiencies for shippers.
***
Third party logistics (3PL) providers are often early adopters of new technologies. When looking for a good 3PL, shippers should ask these three questions.
Do you work with small carriers?
Do you use an integrated tracking and visibility system and invest in smart technology?
Do you incorporate data science into your decision making?
Here at AM Transport Services, we answer each of the above three questions with a resounding YES.
Small carriers are at the heart of our business. For 30 years, we’ve been building relationships with a core group of small local carriers who want to haul your freight.
We’re forward thinking and invest in technology. We track over 90% of our loads from pickup to delivery.
We have a data scientist in house who keeps us abreast of market trends, shifting capacity and volume in real-time.
And we offer the best customer service around. If you’re interested in stay atop the trends, give us a call today. You’ll never get a phone tree or a message service, just a live person 24/7.