In the world of business, trade, and finance, most consumers don’t think twice about how their goods arrive. In the customer’s eyes, availability supersedes means. Their main priority is making sure the items they want to get in their hands.
Yet, businesses around the world know this perception is changing rapidly. Current trends in logistics show consumers want their goods on short notice. According to customers, on-demand delivery isn’t going anywhere.
In fact, on-demand delivery is only the beginning of a long-term trend. Over 75% of consumers want a same day shipping option. Yet, the same survey reports, only 50% of businesses offer same-day delivery.
Why is it so important to focus on same-day deliveries? Why should businesses reconsider their delivery methods? Most importantly, what does logistics tech have to do with it? Let’s take a look at the ways the technological revolution is changing logistics.
Logistics As an Industry
Centuries ago, logistics had a different look. Ancient civilizations relied on limited means of transportation such as roads and waterways.
However, these simple modes of transportation all changed during the 17th and 18th centuries. With the emergence of railroads during the industrial revolution, transportation became faster, safer, and reliable.
During the 20th century, the logistics industry was invented. Automobiles became a widespread transportation method. Airplanes were invented and box trucks were becoming more common. Governments around the world invested in infrastructure to make the transport of goods easier.
Yet, the most impactful event was the invention of the internet. Ever since the 1990s with the widespread introduction of the internet, the technological revolution has reached a new high. With about half the world online as of 2017, the internet has become a globalized method of communication.
The technological revolution has changed the way in which logistics runs. Artificial intelligence and blockchain-based technologies are dominating the spot market. Logistics tech such as automated processing systems and robots have greatly increased output. More and more companies are willing money to increase their efficiency.
Logistics is still a relatively brand new industry. What was once constricted to boats and small roadways has turned into an $8 to $12 trillion dollar industry. The field of logistics has rapidly grown in size with many more transportation options available.
With new technologies, the logistics field has changed dramatically. Two modes of transportation turned into six starting in the 20th century. This boosted companies’ abilities to trade and do business with foreign entities.
Development of On-Demand Delivery
Transportation management systems have drastically changed. The wide availability of cell phones, tablets, and computers have changed the way businesses communicate. Now with the ability to connect with customers faster than ever before, businesses are taking advantage of those opportunities.
Which was once a luxury for the consumer to afford has now become a necessity for businesses to thrive. In the past decade, on-demand delivery has skyrocketed. More and more businesses are using on-demand delivery than ever before. A desire for faster service delivery has dominated the consumer landscape.
Companies, such as Amazon, recognized the need for on-demand delivery. Within a few years, Amazon became the world’s biggest ecommerce company in the world. With the implementation of the PRIME option, PRIME members can order the day of and have their order within hours.
Yet with these changes in consumer behavior, some companies struggled to keep up. Even now with Amazon, many businesses can’t compete. However, the invention of crowdsourced delivery has made it much easier. Businesses now have the option to hire a third party to deliver orders.
Third-party companies usually offer crowdsourced delivery. Crowdsourced delivery is a form of on-demand delivery. The biggest factor is that it uses contractors to fulfill deliveries instead of full-time employees.
Crowdsourcing deliveries are still a new phenomenon, yet it is growing rapidly. In fact, it’s estimated that more than 90% of retailers will use it by 2028. More and more companies are using it as a way to fulfill their orders. Especially considering its inexpensive model, many companies opt to use it.
The Importance of Logistic Trends
With new ways to do business and increased competition in the business world, old-school logistic companies are struggling to adapt. Some companies try to connect their systems to make it more efficient. However, many are finding that it’s still no match in comparison to the technological wave. Instead of connecting their systems together, businesses are finding it necessary to scrap them altogether.
New tech available doesn’t mean businesses can’t thrive. The business models just need to be adjusted. Instead of trying to compete with the trends, companies should be adapting to them.
Depending on the industry the business is in, logistics will look different. Yet, there are some trends that are applicable to all businesses regardless of their respective industries.
One of the biggest logistic trends of the 21st century is on-demand and crowdsourced delivery. As previously stated, more consumers want goods faster. Per the last stat, 50% of businesses offer same day shipping, yet 75% of consumers want the option across all industries.
With 25% of retailers not fulfilling that expectation, it’s evident there’s a wide gap. Many businesses are too short-staffed to handle the increase in demand. To help, third parties have stepped into the logistics industry to help businesses meet consumer expectations.
Arguably, a business can choose to continue with their old systems if they want. But, consumer demand won’t be fulfilled in a timely manner. As previously stated, if changes are not made soon, businesses will suffer losses in sales. The costs far outweigh the early sacrifices.
To avoid a downhill spiral, it’s necessary to make adjustments early on. Not only will the company still be in business, but they’ll reap long-term benefits made to their supply chain.
GoShare’s Crowdsourced Tech
If you’re a business planning to use on-demand delivery for the long haul, GoShare may be right for you. We are a global crowdsourced delivery platform with a virtual fleet of over 7500 delivery professionals. We believe the future of logistics will continue to be shaped by on-demand delivery. We work to provide reliable on-demand service for our clientele base.
Some of our current partners include HomeGoods, Living Spaces, Ace Hardware, Cummins, CAT, and more. Focused on digital enablement, GoShare believes our clients should have the freedom to monitor their transport modes. With our software available on both IOS and Android devices, we strive to give easy access to businesses.
GoShare acts as a digital broker ranging from small trucks to large freight. We match businesses with localized delivery professionals. Our crowdsourced contractors are licensed and insured, assuring quality delivery.
We provide continuous real-time updates on products throughout the duration of the delivery. Project information is readily available for businesses to check on a day to day basis. This helps companies manage their order and make changes if necessary.
We offer affordable contract rates for businesses both small and large. All purchases are handled through the app. Billing can be set up automatically and payment information is saved through the platform.
Our on-demand delivery platform services 32 metropolitan areas and counting. Our third-party logistics provides long term solutions to your business needs. With high-tech system integrations and efficient data processing, you can rest assured your project will be in safe hands.
To learn more about our crowdsourced services or becoming a potential partner, please click here.
To learn more about why our success rate is so high and why customers love our local delivery services, click here.
Suggested Reads
If you found this information helpful, check out these additional posts.
- Just-In-Time Logistics: What is it?
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- How Retailers Are Using Logistics Technology to Improve Their Last Mile Delivery
- What is On Demand Delivery?
- Crowdsourced Delivery: The Ride-Hailing of Logistics
- What is the Average Cost of Courier Delivery?
- Why Robotic Process Automation is Essential in Logistics
- Jobsite Delivery Service App for Fast, Local Deliveries