New Articles

E-Commerce and the Rise of the Sharing Economy in Logistics

ecommerce experience global trade logistics

E-Commerce and the Rise of the Sharing Economy in Logistics

E-commerce has therefore grown to become a dominant force in business and consumer affairs due to its drastic impact on the logistics industry. Since the rate of online shopping is increasing day by day, the need for quick, efficient, and cheap delivery services has become crucial in the marketplace.

Read also: Revolutionizing Global Logistics: Navigating the Future with Technology, E-commerce, and Strategic Outsourcing

As a result, the principles of the sharing economy have become prevalent in logistics, which implies the use of partnerships and numerous technologies combined with an effective management system for the most effective and cost-efficient delivery. This new approach is revolutionizing conventional logistics practices and is opening up prospects that can transform supply chains into more sustainable and flexible models through the sharing of fleets, storage units, and labor pools. Forklift Revolution, for example, highlights how this shift is transforming the material handling sector. This information contains an in-depth overview of eCommerce and the rise of the sharing economy in logistics. So let’s get started: 

Understanding the Sharing Economy in Logistics

The sharing economy which is also known as the “Collaborative Economy” is a business model where businesses or individuals gain access to products and services through a platform that is usually online. 

In logistics, this arrangement entails the use of shared resources including vehicles, warehousing facilities, and people throughout the delivery chain to enhance efficiency and minimize cost. In addition to this, digital signage has also become an essential tool in managing the flow of goods, providing real-time updates and visual communication across supply chains. It helps streamline logistics operations by offering crucial information like delivery statuses, vehicle tracking, and resource availability at a glance.

Various industries have adopted this model mainly to meet today’s eCommerce demands such as delivery of custom box packing as a branded experience through logistics companies emulating success models such as Uber, Lyft, and Airbnb.

Key Drivers of the Sharing Economy in Logistics

The following are the main factors that have influenced the sharing economy in logistics;

1. Growing eCommerce Demand

The increase in the level of e-commerce means that there are a lot of goods to be transported within a short time and at a lower cost. Logistical systems that were generally intended for static and large consignments are unable to cope with the frequent and often small consignments generated by eCommerce. This is done through the sharing economy which offers a solution to companies to expand or contract the delivery service when necessary.

2. Advancement in Technology 

Advanced technological tools include digital platforms, data analytics, and mobile technologies, all of which have helped shippers make connections to available logistics resources. 

Real-time tracking, route optimization, and automated matching vehicles drive efficient use and utilization of shared assets, hence preventing situations where the vehicle is moving around with empty capacity, optimizing routes and time of delivery or collection of products.

3. Cost Efficiency and Resource Optimization

The sharing economy model means that companies can reduce spending on infrastructure and vehicles since they use others’ resources more effectively and efficiently. On this aspect, through a pooling of vehicles, warehouses, and even workforce, firms are in a position to cut their logistics costs significantly yet will be able to meet customer demand for speedy and accurate delivery.  Furthermore, this model approves the use of custom box packaging; clients can design and develop this packaging to suit specific products or brands.

4. Sustainability Goals

Due to awareness of the negative impacts of pollution on nature, both consumers and businesses are pushing for sustainable logistics. The sharing economy makes optimal use of resources hence minimizing wastage as well as reduced emissions since routing is optimized, and deliveries are shared. Additionally, secure e-waste recycling plays a crucial role in further supporting eco-friendly practices by ensuring responsible disposal of electronic devices.

Positive Impacts of Sharing Economy System on Logistics

Following are some benefits of the sharing economy system on logistics: 

1. Enhanced Flexibility 

This way the company can easily handle fluctuating market trends, increases in demand during specific periods of the year, or sudden increases in orders through the use of readily available resources.

2. Reduced Costs

By coordinating users, the logistics infrastructure including vehicles, warehouses, and workforce thus implies lower expense. This cost-saving, in turn, will benefit the customers making a product or a company more competitive in the market through the use of customer survey alternatives.

3. Improved Sustainability 

The logistics Industry is under pressure to be even more sustainable as the sharing economy encourages better ways of using resources within the supply chain. This essentially results in less automobile pile on the road and therefore eliminates the idle cars, reducing emissions.

4. Access to Innovation: 

Partnership in the sharing economy motivates the improvement of the products and services and integrates more varied companies and participants. Contact points are strategic partnerships where companies focus on one another’s areas of competency; exchange data; and create new models that address the problems of logistics.

The Future of the Sharing Economy in Logistics

With the growth particularly toward eCommerce, logistics will be even more inclined towards the aspect of the sharing economy. AI, Machine learning, and Blockchain we are predicting that the efficiency and security of shared logistics platforms will also improve further. Thirdly, since sustainable development is one of the primary concerns of companies in today’s globalized world, the need for environmentally friendly and resource-saving technological platforms for sharing economy development seems likely.

In the future, we may see more sophisticated partnerships and collaborations between traditional logistics companies and sharing economy platforms, creating hybrid models that offer the best of both worlds: the lower reliability and relatively small size of today’s fixed providers, but the higher flexibility and lower cost of the shared utilization of resources. Sharing economics in the logistics industry is not a trend but a shift that could solve basic problems in the flow of goods and their shipping in the digital age.

global trade christmas

Christmas Rush has Gripped Logisticians Earlier this Year

Although from a consumer perspective, there is still a long way to go before Christmas or November sales such as Black Friday, the TSL industry is already starting to feel the Christmas rush. The most dynamic situation is in sea freight. This year, the importance lies not only in the distance from production markets but also in the resilience of supply chain. We are seeing about a two-week shift compared to the peak shipping periods we’re used to. What’s more, some have started transporting Christmas shipments as early as June. The reason for this is the blockade of the Suez Canal. Ships take a circuitous route around Africa, which extends transit time by precisely 10-14 days. Christmas or sale goods, including electronics, textiles, ornaments and toys, arrive mainly from China, which is the EU’s largest import partner next to the UK and the US. According to Eurostat data, China accounted for 20.5% of EU goods imports in 2023.

Read also: Road Freight Prices Rise unexpectedly in the Lead up to Christmas, Increasing in November for First Time Since 2019

But how about rail from China to Poland?

A consequence of the Red Sea situation is also a greater interest in rail transport. This is influenced by both the longer transit time by ship and costs. Over the past six months, we have seen comparable prices for sea and rail freight, which has further encouraged customers to choose the latter option. Currently, sea freight rates are falling, which may result in mainly urgent cargoes being transported by train. Nonetheless, the blockade of the Suez Canal has meant that there are some companies that, for the sake of building resilience in their supply chains, have permanently included rail in their transport options portfolio. Despite the drop in sea freight rates and I think that even after the reopening of the aforementioned route, a portion of the volume will still be transported by rail. In addition, there is great potential in the Middle Corridor, leading from China to Europe via Central Asia, the Caspian Sea, and the South Caucasus, bypassing Russia. Due to the complexity of this route, the best solution there is intermodal freight, which, incidentally, is also becoming increasingly popular in pan-European transport.,  largely driven by the need to reduce the carbon footprint.

Cost-conscious customers are already planning air transport before Christmas

Air shipments usually start their journeys in late October or early November. However, this year, similar to sea freight, we anticipate a postponement of this date due to customers’ caution and their desire to build resilience of their supply chains. This is especially relevant in South Asia, where, unlike in China, air freight is the only alternative to the sea option. Decisions to transport goods by air earlier will also be dictated by the natural process of changing the route network from summer to autumn/winter, which will result in an approx. 10% decrease in the number of services and therefore a reduction in capacity. In the context of South Asia, mention should be made of the unstable political and social situation in Bangladesh. Numerous riots in July and August led to blockades of ports, airports, and land transport routes. This has implications for supply chains, especially in the important garment industry for this market. The situation is currently stabilizing, but as a consequence of these demonstrations, local authorities have introduced a number of restrictions, including increased controls at borders and key transport points such as airports and seaports. All this also affects the efficiency of supply chains.

It is also worth noting that the increased demand for the aforementioned global freight is also significantly influenced by the Chinese Golden Week (1-7 October). During this time, similar to the Chinese New Year, the economy in the Middle Kingdom slows down significantly, so customers plan the delivery of their goods well in advance.

Road transport, due to its relatively short distances, is at the latest starting to feel the pressure of the upcoming autumn-winter shopping season. At this point, it is still too early to talk about an increase in . However, the logistical system of interconnected vessels will certainly react in due course.

Warehouses are also bustling before Christmas

Bringing goods in well in advance naturally leads to an increased interest in contract logistics, as we are currently seeing. Warehouses are also bustling ahead of Christmas or Black Friday with value-added services. Many companies from various industries are interested in, for example, assembling special promotional product sets or creating display stands that later attract consumers in stores..

Uncertainty as the norm in logistics

Consumption in Poland is steadily increasing, although, as recent market research shows, consumers are carefully reviewing their budgets, not least in view of inflation, and, for example, are spreading Christmas spending over two months. As a result, manufacturers and importers are trying their best and fastest to prepare for the increased Christmas traffic. Undoubtedly, the challenge is that recent years have taught us that the only constant in logistics is unpredictability, as exemplified by the aforementioned crises in the Red Sea or Bangladesh, or earlier, the coronavirus pandemic.

Two years ago, traffic peaks around Christmas or Black Friday were characterized by much higher volumes than capacity, resulting in congestion and delays. Last year, the situation was quite the opposite. Therefore, looking at the past, it is difficult to draw conclusions about repeatable trends. Every year is different. During this year’s holidays, we transported significantly more volume than in the same period in previous years, which was due to both earlier-than-usual dispatching of sale goods and a slight upturn in the economy. However, many economic indicators now show that we can expect a slowdown from September onwards. This raises the question: will the market already begin to weaken in the last quarter of the year?

alan freight load global trade supply-chain logistics customer vehicle Q2

Logistics Industry Sees First Positive Growth in Two Years, TIA Reports Show

The Transportation Intermediaries Association (TIA), the leading organization representing transportation intermediaries in domestic and international commerce, has released its Q2 2024 3PL Market Report, marking the first positive growth in the logistics industry in eight quarters.

According to the report, Q2 2024 saw a 5% increase in total shipments compared to Q1 2024, along with a 3.5% year-over-year (YoY) growth. Total revenue also rose by 5.6% from the previous quarter, with a 0.6% increase in the invoice amount per shipment. While there were minor declines in gross margin—down 10 basis points quarter-over-quarter (QoQ) and 160 basis points YoY—the overall growth in shipments and revenue indicates strong market demand and operational efficiency.

“It’s a relief to finally see the industry moving in a positive direction after two years of declines,” said Anne Reinke, TIA President & CEO. “Every segment of the industry showed steady growth from Q1 to Q2 2024. We believe this is more than just a temporary upswing—it’s a sign that the turbulent COVID-era freight market cycle is nearing its end.”

Key Segment Performances

Truckload

The truckload segment performed well across various company sizes in Q2 2024. Smaller companies saw an increase in total loads, while mid-size and large brokerages experienced growth in invoice amount per load and gross margin per load. The strong market performance, coupled with effective cost management strategies, suggests a healthier market in Q2 2024 than in recent quarters. Notably, the truckload segment saw its first increase in gross margin percentage since Q3 2022.

Less-than-Truckload (LTL)

LTL exhibited mixed results in Q2 2024. While total loads increased QoQ, there was a slight decrease in invoice amount per load and gross margin per load. Smaller brokers reported mostly flat statistics, whereas larger brokers with over $100 million in revenue saw gains across all metrics. Similar to the truckload segment, LTL experienced a slight decline in invoice amount per shipment but an increase in gross margin percentage in Q2 2024.

Intermodal

The intermodal sector also saw gains in Q2 2024, with total shipments increasing by 9.5% and invoice amount per load rising by 1.1% compared to Q1. However, YoY, the invoice amount per load dropped by 22%, suggesting that while short-term gains are encouraging, the segment has yet to fully recover to 2023 levels. Despite this, the intermodal sector continued its trend of increasing gross margin percentage, a trend that began in Q4 2023.

Mark Christos, Chair of the TIA Board of Directors, commented on the industry’s outlook: “The past few years have seen significant disruption due to market conditions. I expect more companies to exit the industry over the next year, but this also presents opportunities for those that can quickly adapt, maintain excellent customer service, and leverage data-driven insights.”

global trade vehicle logistics

Choosing the Right Vehicle for Your Logistics Needs: A Comprehensive Guide

The logistics industry is the backbone of international trade and is expected to have a market size worth $11.23 trillion by 2025. For logistics companies, having the right vehicles is crucial for staying competitive and meeting the industry’s rigorous demands.

Read also: Congestion Solutions: Tackling Traffic Gridlock and Delivery Delays in Big City Logistics

That said, finding vehicles within budget, that meet your transportation needs, and are fit for long-term performance and durability can be challenging. However, it’s a necessary part of the logistics business management process. 

With transportation trends ever-changing and the industry growing bigger and more lucrative with every passing year, the need for reliable trucks is tantamount to your company’s growth and success. There are many factors to consider: scalability, safety, training, loading requirements, and fuel efficiency, among others. 

Fortunately, the vehicle market is thriving, and the options are vast. That means you can select from an incredibly wide variety of vehicle options, which is all the more reason to take the selection process seriously. 

Choosing the right truck for transportation is much like choosing the right tool for a project. All vehicles have pros, cons, and unique features. 

The size, scale, and demand of your logistics business are the first few things you must consider when choosing a vehicle or fleet of vehicles to invest in. How big is your operation? What kind of distances are the routes covered? How established is your business? What sort of cargo do you primarily need to transport? 

The answers to all of these questions can give you key insights into how to go about choosing a vehicle that meets your logistics needs. Of course, there is also a budget to consider. The funds you have access to impact what kind of vehicles you can invest in directly. 

Gathering information like this is the first step in deciding which logistics vehicle to buy. Conduct thorough research on your current financial status and review your forecasts to determine what costs are feasible and over what period. 

The Most Popular Vehicles In The Logistics Industry 

There are many different types of logistics vehicles on the market. However, some stand out as particularly practical, affordable, and well-suited to the transportation of goods. 

The main types to be aware of include flatbed trucks, refrigerated trucks, straight trucks, tanker trucks, jumbo trailer trucks, semi-trailer trucks, dump trucks, box trucks, and tail-lift trucks. Each of these truck types has unique advantages and drawbacks, all of which need to be considered before you can decide which best suits your needs. 

Box trucks

Box trucks are the most familiar and accessible logistics vehicles on the market. With a rectangular box-shaped cargo unit that comes in widely varying sizes, they make handling all sorts of goods simple and straightforward. They also offer valuable protection for cargo against the weather and theft or vandalism.

Jumbo trailer trucks

Sometimes called road trains due to their immense size, jumbo trailer trucks are the heavy-duty trucks of the logistics world. Although they differ from vehicle to vehicle, jumbos typically have two or three levels of storage space, amplifying their ability to transport large quantities of goods over long distances. Their heaviness also allows them to handle bigger payloads. 

Flatbed trucks

A flatbed truck is one of the most common logistics trucks. It has an open platform on the back with no sides or roof. It’s a reliable option for transporting bulky, awkwardly sized, oversized goods that won’t fit into conventionally structured trucks. Its large inventory capacity and ability to transport some of the heaviest materials and machinery make it a common sight in the industry. 

Refrigerated trucks

If you transport temperature-sensitive goods such as food or pharmaceuticals, a refrigerated truck (also known as a reefer truck) is the best choice. These trucks form an integral part of the cold chain as they are designed with built-in refrigerators for storing cargo and their temperatures can be adjusted as necessary for the goods in transit. 

Straight trucks

This type of truck features a separate cab and trailer, giving it a higher level of maneuverability than most. The all-in-one configuration allows drivers to turn almost anywhere, provided there is clearance and to easily navigate local and regional routes covering residential areas or roads not designed to handle capacity loads. 

Dump trucks

Dump trucks transport dump material, such as debris, sand, compost, and other heavyweight loose materials. They come in all shapes and sizes, including those with single and multiple axle units. Dump trucks require a skilled professional to drive them, as they are difficult and dangerous to operate without proper experience. Their weight changes constantly as their loads fluctuate and this makes driving them challenging, as it requires various skills. 

Tanker trucks

A tanker truck is the only truck you can use to transport liquids and gasses. As such, they’re a cornerstone of the logistics industry that nothing else can’t replace. The cylindrical box is pressurized and tightly sealed and can be found in various sizes for different modalities and distances of travel. These trucks also require experienced hazmat drivers who know what to do in the case of an accident or chemical spill and who can handle the tankers on the road, whether full or empty.

Semi-trailer trucks

Also known as semis, semi-trailer trucks are another widely used vehicle within the industry. They come in many different configurations and sizes, but what sets them apart is their semi-trailer back end, which is connected to the cab with a fifth-wheel hitch. They are versatile vehicles that can maneuver easily through suburbs and highways. 

Tail-lift trucks

Featuring a hydraulic lift gate, tail-lift trucks have transformed the loading and unloading of heavy cargo. The lift mechanism makes transporting otherwise heavy or awkwardly sized goods easy across long distances. 

Every fleet relies on its vehicles and the people who drive them to keep the logistics world turning and ensure that customers receive their goods timeously and undamaged. The process of selecting which vehicle to invest in takes time, but it is time well spent. This guide can help you make a more informed decision for your logistics company that will set you on the road to success. 

Meta Title: Guide To Choosing Logistics Vehicles | Global Trade Mag


Meta Description: Having vehicles that suit your logistics needs can increase efficiency and turnover. Use this guide to determine what type of vehicle you need for your fleet. 

 

arrive circle logistics tag documents food circle redwood

Six Big Trends in Cross-Border Logistics for 2022

As we look back on the year, the supply chain and logistics industry received more attention than ever before as it faced a myriad of challenges and circumstances. As we look towards 2022, here are some of the top trends and priorities to keep an eye on in the year ahead from Nuvocargo, the first digital freight forwarder and customs broker for US/Mexico trade.

Platformization and integration of data across the whole supply chain. The pandemic pushed the adoption of digital platforms lowering the friction to try new solutions that will drive migration from informal and manual communication platforms to specialized products that make their workdays more “automagical” by providing one source of truth and higher visibility. According to a report by Alloy Technologies Inc., 92 percent of executives agree supply chain visibility is important to success, only 27 percent have figured out a way to achieve it. This means, we may see a shift from discrete software to manage specific use cases (TMS and warehouse software) to platformization and integration of data across the whole supply chain, which will increasingly make operations smoother and companies more competitive. To achieve this, blockchain technology can be used to integrate all supply chain components in one platform and offer more transparency in the process.

Vetting suppliers and vendors based on resilience and adaptability.  With digitalization revolutionizing the logistics industry and bringing about more efficient processes, information exchange and visibility, we will see the industry shifting into a careful selection of partners based on their technological aptitude and insights. This will strongly be the case for Mexico since new tax regulations are forcing companies to adapt and optimize their processes in order to comply. Smaller carrier companies will struggle to comply with requirements when dealing directly with clients without the technical infrastructure of brokers. The accounting team of every logistics company will be put to the test and the ones that manage to leverage efficient and automated processes will avoid the crisis of on-time compliance for every shipment. From that angle, staying competitive will require a stricter filtering system of logistics partners and suppliers.

Regionalization of supply chain and nearshoring.  Organizations have been impacted by COVID-19 supply chain disruptions which have led companies to find suppliers closer to home to reduce costs and be less affected by more complex logistics or uncertainties. McKinsey’s report on the coronavirus effect on global economic sentiment says that uncertainty over COVID-19 is no longer executives’ foremost economic worry. Instead, they perceive the mounting fallout on the supply chain and inflation as the biggest threats to growth in their companies and economies.’ “Companies have learned the importance of being agile, adapting and solidifying to be able to thrive in volatile and unpredictable environments. That includes a restructure of the business core, technological implementation, regionalization, partners, etc.,” says Anaid Chacón, Head of Product of Nuvocargo. “Businesses have already started implementing new strategies over their supply chains and we can expect these shifts to continue in the coming years.”

Creative and technological solutions to address driver shortage. Delayed delivery is the accumulation of many factors. According to the American Trucking Associations (ATA), in order to keep up with the current economic demand, more than a million truck drivers will have to join the industry. In 2022, we will see how the industry fills this need by tapping into talent from other areas or demographics with previous low representation among drivers. A 2019 US Department of Transportation report states that 28 percent of the current heavy truck driving workforce will be 65+ years in the next decade. This means that the industry will have to promote and offer more benefits to younger people and women since the current average US truck driver is 48 years old. We may also see solutions based on process automation or self-service systems for customers to deal with these labor shortages. Autonomous trucks are also on the rise since large transport lines are starting to buy and test efficiency and costs.

Innovative financing solutions for the supply chain. Continuously offering partners alternatives that will help finance their operations and improve their cash flow will benefit all parties in terms of incrementing capacity and in keeping the supply chain moving. “Our data collection and experience has taught us the pain points of our partners who have high expenses, get paid 30 to 60 days after delivering shipments, and often need loans with high fees to continue operating,” says Chacón. “This is an industry-wide condition that requires attention if we wish to continue strengthening and growing the industry. Financing is one of the solutions to cash flow unpredictability that is required to respond to demand spikes.”

Greener supply chains.  Logistics and transportation companies are pushing environmental efforts to make their supply chain less invasive or harmful. This may include eco-friendly warehouses with advanced energy management systems, climate-smart supply chain planning, etc. We can expect these initiatives to continue rising and becoming more sophisticated over time.

Qatar Trade Summit

Qatar Trade Summit: Innovation and Disruption Revolutionising the Logistics Industry in Qatar.

Valuable insights into the future of Qatar’s Trade and investments sector aligned with logistics and supply chain in the region will be showcased at the exclusive Qatar Trade Summit scheduled to take place from 25th to 27th November 2019 in Doha, Qatar, The summit is Qatar’s only event focusing on the nation’s economic diversification plans and progress with strategic plans on becoming the regions logistics hub. 

The summit will strive to examine the nation’s potential on becoming the region’s economic powerhouse via 3 days of deliberations on sea ports development, Shipping and Air Cargo industry, future of logistics and supply chain as well as a final day dedicated to engage in interactive sessions on Qatar’s trade and investment prospects. Attending delegates and partners will get a first-hand knowledge of Qatar’s logistics and supply chain industry, the planned development of sea ports to support regional growth, the influence of shipping air cargo and the free zones in opening up opportunities for regional and foreign companies to invest and do business in Qatar” stated Allan Martin, Communications Director, Qatar Trade Summit. 

All aspects of the shipping industry, port development, air cargo, supply chain and logistics and trade and investments will be discussed at this summit. The event will engage the entire ecosystem of the logistics business in Qatar focusing on procurement, forwarding, planning, new business, infrastructure and investments. The theme of the summit is to explore the scale of innovation and disruption which is revolutionizing the logistics industry in Qatar and the nation’s keen intent on diversifying into a thriving economy prior to the prestigious FIFA 2022 football world cup taking place in Qatar. Qatar Trade Summit will directly impact a comprehensive range of sectors in the region and will cover solutions and products to uplift these sectors. The areas covered will be Ship building, Port management, Port Infrastructure development, Air Cargo expansion, Logistics and supply chain solutions and the investments and business opportunities in Qatar. 

The summit’s profile includes key dignitaries such as H.E. Akbar Al Baker, Group CEO, Qatar Airways, Capt. Abdulla Al-Khanji, CEO, Mwani Qatar, Qatar, Mr. Abdulrahman Essa Al-Mannai, President & CEO, MILAHA, Qatar, Mr. Lim Meng Hui, CEO, Qatar Free Zones Authority (QFZA), Mr. James Baker, Editor, Lloyd’s List Containers, UK, Mr. Glyn Hughes, Global Head of IATA Cargo, Switzerland, Mr. Turhan Özen, Chief Cargo Officer, Turkish Airlines, Mr. Amadou Diallo, CEO, DHL Global Forwarding, Middle East & Africa, Mr. Bertrand Maltaverne, Solutions Consultant, Ivalua, Austria, Mr. Fikret Ersoy, MD, BDP International, Middle East, Turkey & Africa from Qatar and across the globe who will be presenting at the conference and the summit will also host some of the world’s best solution providers and also invite attendees from leading government and private entities from Qatar. 

The Qatar Trade Summit will also feature one of the most exhaustive and inclusive knowledge sessions seen at a national summit. The conference will include 19 topics spread across 4 sessions, and two key workshops all scheduled over 3 days of high level networking and interaction. Qatar Trade Summit will assist in realising Qatar’s ambitions to become the logistics and trade leader in the Middle East. 

______________________________________________________________________

About Organizer: © Qatar Trade Summit | Allan Martin | Email: info@qatartradesummit.com | allan@qatartradesummit.com | UK Tel: +44 20 3807 8492 | India Mobile: +91 96061 70760 Qatar Contact: Saf | Tel: +974 33834548 | +974 66947607 | saf@apexqatar.com LinkedIn: Qatar Trade Summit | twitter: @tradeqatar