Sitemap

Comment

Transport And Logistics Need Innovation

Despite the pandemic, labour shortages, lack of transport and warehouse capacity, uncertainty in supply chains, rising prices, inflation, trade wars and armed conflict between states, the transport and logistics sector in many countries is experiencing growth, primarily thanks to the digital transformation. Logistics and transport service providers believe that this trend will continue, with the aim of meeting the growing needs and expectations of consumers

THE ELECTRIC GOODS VEHICLE MARKET HAS TRIPLED

Data from IHS Markit for Europe excluding the UK shows that 346 new electric delivery vehicles with a load of more than 16 tonnes were registered in 2021. Although this number sounds small for the whole of Europe, the growth rate of 193% compared to the previous year is incredible. Volvo, just one electric truck manufacturer, received orders and letters of intent in 2021 for the purchase of more than 1,100 trucks from 20 countries around the world. Manufacturers of these vehicles believe that offering zero-emission electric transport is becoming a key competitive advantage.

Most electric trucks in Europe have been sold in the richest countries, including Switzerland, Norway, Sweden, the Netherlands and Germany.

WAREHOUSE CHARGING POINTS ARE THE FUTURE OF BUSINESS

So far, parcel-delivery vans have made up most of the growth in the commercial electric-vehicle fleet. But large-scale are developing the technology for heavy-duty goods vehicles, adding pressure to develop the charging infrastructure. Companies planning to electrify their delivery operations are looking to turn their warehouses into hubs for charging their growing fleets of electric trucks and vans. Industrial real-estate developers say they have been receiving more requests to install charging stations at distribution centres, a sign that logistics companies are preparing for a shift in the power behind transport amid elevated fuel prices and a drive to rein in carbon emissions.

Installing chargers at warehouses, however, carries new costs and complications for distribution operations. Warehouses typically have no fuelling stations on site because drivers can generally fill up on diesel at the wide network of filling stations across the country. Adding charging capabilities means ensuring there is enough power and space available for trucks and vans to charge up without impeding freight-handling operations.

TOP 5 TRENDS SHAPING THE LOGISTICS AND TRANSPORT INDUSTRY

Organisations in the logistics and transport industry will have to embrace cutting-age technologies to design and sustain supply chain solutions of tomorrow. Here are five trends that will shape the future of the logistics and transport industry.

1. Robotic Process Automation

Robotic process automation will help eliminate manual tasks, boost order management, improve after-sales service and alleviate labour shortages, while enriching customer experience and enabling business agility.

2. Artificial Intelligence

AI-powered systems will not only help organisations optimise daily operations, they can also help in predictive and preventive maintenance, improve procurement and planning, optimise fuel consumption and pave the way for substantial inventory optimisation.

3. Drones

Drones Enabling delivery through drones will become a popular choice to improve the efficiency of last mile delivery while reducing costs. With enterprises like FedEx, Amazon, and DHL already using drones for delivery, we will soon see many more companies join the bandwagon to improve the speed and efficiency of delivery.

4. Autonomous Vehicles

Self-driving, autonomous vehicles that can operate without human presence will help the sector navigate traffic congestion, improve driver safety, lessen carbon emissions and curtail the overall cost of transport. They will also help reduce the rate and impact of accidents, while detecting obstacles, monitoring engine conditions, and recommending best routes for rapid delivery of goods between warehouses and to customers.

5. IoT-led Sustainability

IoT-led innovation will allow organisations to unlock new value while giving them greater control over their supply chains. They will eliminate waste to optimise energy efficiency, decision-making, the customer experience and the supply chain.

REAL ESTATE MARKET FOR LOGISTICS SET TO GROW

According to a new report by Buck Consultants International, the European logistics market is set for another year of growth, as companies ramp up capacity to meet booming e-commerce delivery demand and nearshoring activities in order to navigate mounting supply chain challenges.

Covid-19 has not affected logistics real estate take-up volumes across Europe. The fast growth of e-commerce and the build-up of inventory to cope with supply chain disruptions favour the growth of warehousing.

Accommodating the growing demand for logistics services will, however, bring challenges. These include the complex journey of digitalising operations and the lack of warehouse personnel.

The lack of personnel is becoming an important hurdle for further growth of the logistics sector and related logistics real estate. In many hotspot logistics regions demand for labour is higher than supply. There are three solutions to this: ensuring employers remain attractive for their staff, looking for migrant workers and accelerating automation and the use of robots.

SEEKING SOLUTIONS FOR THE DRIVER SHORTAGE

Germany’s Federal Association for Road Transport, Logistics and Waste Disposal (BGL) has put forward another proposal to solve the country’s acute driver shortage: anyone with a drivers’ license should be allowed to drive vehicles up to 12 tonnes.

Germany currently lacks 80,000-100,000 truck drivers, mainly due to poor wages, poor working conditions, separation from family, traffic jams, tight delivery deadlines, stress… The situation is likely to become even worse in the coming period, as more people leave the profession than take it up. If nothing new is done in the meantime, the shortfall could reach 230,000 in ten years.

Professional drivers’ associations and transport managers think that the problem could be solved by allowing anyone with a driver’s license to drive trucks of up to 7.5 or even 10 or 12 tonnes. They also think that simplifying the procedure for extending the HGV license for drivers over 50 years of age would be helpful.

NEW LOGISTICS SERVICES FOR STRONGER SUPPLY CHAINS

In the challenges faced by its logistics sector, Serbia is similar to the rest of the world and even the most developed Western countries. The pandemic, labour shortages, lack of transport and warehouse capacity, rising prices, inflation, trade wars, armed conflict between states and uncertain supply chains are just some of the problems we are facing. Fortunately, however, the logistics sector has plenty of room for business improvement, reducing costs and making savings.

Experts agree that the solution to many of the challenges can be sought in the introduction of new logistics services, solutions and technologies, in digitalisation and automation of business, in innovations in the environmental, energy and security fields, and in the application of the most modern tools, algorithms, advanced analytics and artificial intelligence, because good logistics and well-developed supply chains are crucial to the successful operation of the economy and the functioning of society.

CorD Recommends

More...

Nelt Partners with EUSPA on SPATRA Project to Enhance Transport via Satellite Tech

Nelt has announced its participation in the SPATRA project, a collaborative initiative with the European Union Agency for the Space Programme (EUSPA) to revolutionize...

China Surpasses the US in International Patent Filings

In a landmark shift that underscores the rapidly evolving landscape of global innovation, China has for the first time significantly outpaced the United States...

China Pioneers 6G Network Testing with World’s First Satellite Launch

In a groundbreaking advancement, China has announced the successful launch of the world's first satellite dedicated to testing the 6G network, according to local...

Istanbul Airport Retains Top Spot as Europe’s Busiest for Second Year

In a recent report by the European Organisation for the Safety of Air Navigation (Eurocontrol), Istanbul Airport has been identified as Europe's busiest airport...

News

CEB Grants €1.3 Billion Loans to Boost Social Sectors in 11 Countries

The Council of Europe Development Bank (CEB) has sanctioned loans totaling €1.3 billion for 11 member countries, including Serbia...

Serbia Advances in Renewable Energy with Pupin Wind Park Financing

In a significant stride towards renewable energy adoption, Serbia has finalized the financial arrangements for the Pupin Wind Park,...

Đedović Handanović: Nuclear Energy in Serbia by 2039 at the Earliest

Nuclear energy in Serbia could become a reality by 2039 at the earliest, should work on the project commence...

Belgrade’s Hotel Jugoslavija Sold, Sparks Redevelopment Controversy

Belgrade's iconic Hotel Jugoslavija, located in Serbia's capital, has been sold for approximately €27 million to MV Investment, affiliated...

Bosnia and Herzegovina Kickstarts EU Membership Talks

Bosnia and Herzegovina has initiated accession negotiations with the European Union, a development hailed as a pivotal advancement for...

CEB Grants €1.3 Billion Loans to Boost Social Sectors in 11 Countries

The Council of Europe Development Bank (CEB) has sanctioned loans totaling €1.3 billion for 11 member countries, including Serbia...

Belgrade University Partners with CERN on Future Circular Collider Project

The University of Belgrade has officially become part of CERN's largest scientific endeavor, the Future Circular Collider (FCC) project,...

Kushner Eyes Balkan Luxury Developments in Serbia and Albania

Jared Kushner, closely related to former U.S. President Donald Trump as his son-in-law, is turning his attention to the...

European Parliament Passes Groundbreaking AI Law

The European Parliament has adopted the Artificial Intelligence (AI) Act, aiming to safeguard fundamental rights, democracy, the rule of...

European Parliament Members Endorse Western Balkan Reform and Growth Instrument

Members of the European Parliament's committees on foreign affairs and budget have officially adopted a stance on the Western...

CEB Grants €1.3 Billion Loans to Boost Social Sectors in 11 Countries

The Council of Europe Development Bank (CEB) has sanctioned loans totaling €1.3 billion for 11 member countries, including Serbia...

Belgrade University Partners with CERN on Future Circular Collider Project

The University of Belgrade has officially become part of CERN's largest scientific endeavor, the Future Circular Collider (FCC) project,...

Kushner Eyes Balkan Luxury Developments in Serbia and Albania

Jared Kushner, closely related to former U.S. President Donald Trump as his son-in-law, is turning his attention to the...

European Parliament Passes Groundbreaking AI Law

The European Parliament has adopted the Artificial Intelligence (AI) Act, aiming to safeguard fundamental rights, democracy, the rule of...

European Parliament Members Endorse Western Balkan Reform and Growth Instrument

Members of the European Parliament's committees on foreign affairs and budget have officially adopted a stance on the Western...