Technology is transforming the shipping industry.
Of all the industries out there, you might think the shipping industry is the one that wouldn’t experience any major changes. But this is definitely untrue.
Though the shipping industry can be slow to change, we can expect developing technology to turn that around in the near future.
Take a look at these five ways technology is putting a wrench in the shipping industry.
1. Trains Are Coming Back
Trains aren’t a good way to transport every type of product, but they can transport high-value products that need to reach their final destinations as fast as possible. This list of items could include car parts, fresh meat, premium agricultural goods, fashion items, electronics, etc.
So huge freight trains are making a comeback.
Why?
Shipping products by air is fast but expensive. Shipping products by sea is inexpensive but slow.
Trains provide the shipping industry a middle ground. They are both affordable and fast.
Trains also produce lower amounts of carbon than other shipping methods. This makes them an environmentally friendly option, which means more and more companies are using them.
2. Automated Driving
Can get shipped without any drivers
With Google and Uber pushing to mainstream driverless vehicles, this technology is paving the way for driverless freight vehicles.
The shipping industry isn’t using these driverless vehicles yet (at least not widely), but we can expect to see automated trucks shipping products in the future. So far, the technology needed for these trucks is still improving and addressing important safety concerns.
3. Ships That Don’t Need Sailors
Like driverless vehicles, many companies are developing freight ships that don’t rely on humans.
Why the big push for this technology?
Fright ships make up 90% of the world’s trade movement. Because air transport is so expensive, most people choose to ship products overseas. Shipping companies are also looking into ways to keep ships from creating as much pollution.
Humans cost more than automation, and they are more likely to make mistakes than computers. Because of these things, the shipping industry will likely switch to remote-controlled ships and autonomous ships to deliver products overseas.
4. Eco-Friendly Ships
Part of the reason automated ships are becoming more popular is because shipping companies are also trying to reduce the negative environmental impact of their freight ships.
In other words, these automated ships will be powered by different methods, such as the wind. Ships powered by wind can use the trade winds and ocean currents to transport products across the sea.
They might move slower than gas-powered ships, but they are also made of lighter materials. This both counteracts their speed problem and allows them to carry more freight.
Ships are the first step to getting products from warehouses, distribution centers, and fulfillment services (Think services like Fulfilltopia) to their final destinations.
5. Drone Deliveries
E-commerce companies, like Amazon in particular, put a lot of their focus on quick deliveries.
But this means these companies have to find more efficient ways to get their products from their distribution centers to their customers.
Traditional shipping methods can only move so quickly.
That’s why Amazon is pushing for drone delivery. These drones will pick products up from the distribution centers and deliver them to the customers front door.
Drones could potentially deliver products to buyers in a few short minutes.
Technology Is Transforming the Shipping Industry
Some of these technological changes are coming fast. Some are still several years down the road. Either way, things like driverless freight trucks, automated ships, and drones are changing the shipping industry.
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