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From trends that have made their mark on social media to the trends dominating the discussion surrounding the future of logistics, here’s a roundup of the logistics trends that have dominated 2022 and things we’re likely to see become even more important in 2023.
In this report, we look at the trending topics that will be at the forefront of the logistics industry for the foreseeable future.
Sustainability
Discussion surrounding sustainability has been at the forefront of all industries. For logistics companies, this means considering the various avenues that will allow them to reduce carbon emissions. Sustainability initiatives in the logistics sector have been wide-ranging and affect every step and sector of industry, from warehousing and supply chain management to final mile delivery.
A better understanding of sustainability practices and implementing a roadmap towards attaining measurable goals is key going forward.
Going Electric
Sustainability has been on the minds of consumers for some time. Now more than ever before, consumers are more aware and conscious of the environmental impact of their purchasing habits. Courier and delivery companies increasingly have an obligation to enact sustainable policies, with many setting future goals to becoming carbon neutral with their deliveries.
In the world of logistics, there is an increased pressure to integrate electric vehicles into their fleet. In 2022, Speedy Freight saw the inclusion of more electric vans, with several branches going electric to meet rising consumer demands of greener modes of transportation. Going forward, more courier and logistics companies will introduce or expand their greener electric vehicles in 2023 and beyond. All this said, the range constraints continue to be an issue for heavy and long-distance loads, focusing electric fuelled delivery around major towns and cities.
Adapting to a Changing World
As the world goes electric, this has led to an increase in demand for certain types of materials, such as lithium-ion batteries for green vehicles.
In the logistics sector, this increased demand has highlighted their complexities and transport risks. Those involved with the transportation of these batteries need to be aware of the fire risks they pose and how to manage them.
Changes like these that are rapidly occurring highlight the need for supply chain professionals to be up to date and quickly adapt to the needs of an ever-changing world that moves towards more sustainable materials and practices. Added pressure on the logistics sector to supply the rapidly increasing demand for certain materials is to be expected and staying up to date on training for the handling of these materials is of the utmost importance.
Reducing Plastic Waste
With many industries enacting several measures, bans, and restrictions on the use of plastic, particularly single use plastics, the logistics industry has not been exempted.
The plastic packaging tax (PPT) that came into effect in April 2022 gives businesses an incentive to use recycled plastic in the manufacture of packaging plastic, creating greater demand for this material. The goal of this newly implemented policy is to increase recycling and the collection of plastic waste to divert it from landfills and incineration.
Switching to Eco-Friendly Packaging Products
Every day, more plastic packaging makes its way to landfill, as a lot of traditional packaging materials are non-recyclable and non-reusable.
The shift to using environmentally friendly packaging, such as recyclable, biodegradable or compostable packaging, is on the rise, as both consumers and businesses start doing their part in making more ecologically sustainable choices.
In the business world, government mandates, such as the plastic packaging tax, have sped up the process of instating sustainable initiatives, and many are taking a proactive, rather than reactive, approach to sustainability.
A Greener Future
Going forward, logistics companies will be expected to increase their green initiatives as part of their role to become more environmentally friendly and contribute to a better, greener future for all. Actionable plans to deliver on these goals are key in attaining these objectives and reporting on them for accountability purposes and to avoid greenwashing and unrealistic short-term targets.
Social Media
As social media’s popularity rises, it’s no wonder that logistics has carved out its own space and built an active community across platforms. People in a range of roles within the logistics industry, from supply chain managers to drivers, have all been making their mark on social media.
From subreddits and Facebook groups, to video-driven platforms such as TikTok and Instagram, online communities provide a space for those already working within the industry and those interested in joining.
Many have taken to the social media platform TikTok to give a glimpse into their day-to-day life as truck drivers and logistics professionals, while others have used the platform to recruit interested logistics professionals and raise general awareness of the ins-and-outs of the logistics industry among the public.
Transport Spotting
Transport spotting, from trains to trucks, has always been a well-documented hobby among transport enthusiasts. With the rise of social media, those into this niche hobby have found a community of like-minded individuals who share a niche interest to share and interact with.
Many have turned this hobby into a career, like Francis Bourgeois, who became a viral sensation on TikTok and has made a career of his train-spotting hobby with over 2.7 million followers. Accounts dedicated to spotting trucks, haulage, and more, these individuals are bringing a unique perspective to logistics across social media.
@ronan_transport on TikTok is a dedicated transport spotter who has amassed a following of over 5k people and has spotted a number of Speedy Freight vehicles on the road over the years.
Life of a Delivery Driver
Social media has facilitated sharing details of your lives with others, and those sharing a unique or interesting perspective into a particular aspect of their lives can build an audience and community of people with a shared interest or those keen on getting a behind-the-scenes look at the services they use.
Drivers for logistics and courier companies have been using video-sharing platforms to document what a day in their work life looks like. This allows viewers to get a better understanding of what a day on the road as a delivery driver is, and the crucial role they play in getting the things people and businesses rely on delivered to them.
If you’ve ever wondered how same day delivery works or how your goods get from point A to B, then you may just find the answer you’re looking for on social media. From parcel to food delivery services, many are engaging with this behind-the-scenes look at the couriers who keep the delivery world running.
Female Truck Drivers
Women have also taken to social media to highlight their work lives in a traditionally male-dominated industry. Their content offers a fresh and unique insight on the challenges and intricacies of being a female truck driver.
@thebre.tv is a US-based female truck driver who documents her adventures as a female truck driver in a reality-TV style way. She has amassed a dedicated following of over 100k people on TikTok by taking people along on the road with her.
Logistics Education & Recruitment
Video sharing platforms such as YouTube, TikTok, and Instagram have become platforms for logistics industry professionals and experts to share their knowledge to those interested in the logistics field.
Some recruiting professionals have also begun using social media to hook interested individuals and provide them with the tools needed to get started in the logistics industry.
@professormrod is a supply chain management instructor and logistics professional who utilises her social media platforms to educate her audience on the intricacies of the logistics industry.
The Future of Logistics on Social Media
A quick search on social media platforms can highlight the huge presence that the logistics industry has across platforms.
As of writing, #logistics has over 420 million views on TikTok and 2.6 million posts on Instagram. In an industry that is often not well-understood by the public, social media has really stepped in and offered a simplified look at the logistics industry.
This never-before-seen insight from people within the industry has helped put a face and a human touch on the logistics industry. As the world of logistics can be quite confusing to outsiders, this helps people understand what the logistics industry is and helps companies and individuals employed in the industry build communities and develop relationships with their audience.
Going forward, we can expect the logistics industry to have an even greater presence on social media as more logistics and courier companies, as well as individuals within the industry, join the platforms and share their unique insight and takes on social media trends.
Transparency
Consumers are increasingly aware of where their purchases are made and coming from. Social media has facilitated the spread of information and knowledge regarding supply chains and manufacturing, and consumers are now more than ever tuned into the ethics and sustainability of their purchases.
Businesses are having a spotlight shown on their operations and consumers are increasingly holding businesses accountable for their choices.
Traceability and Transparency
Maintaining a certain level of transparency in business operations and supply chain is key to building strong relationships with your audience. In 2022, reports on mega online fashion retailers were exposed for unethical and unsustainable business practices and were widely reported on and shared across social media platforms.
Developing a proactive approach to traceability and transparency in your operations is key in keeping your internal and external shareholders, including your customers, informed and educated.
Transparency can also help drive and provide accountability for your sustainability initiatives. It can also help companies identify areas that need improvement, while also mitigating issues that could rapidly evolve if not dealt with rapidly.
The importance of supply chain transparency is one that will only grow as time goes on and stakeholders and consumers become more aware. It is key in keeping your business initiatives attuned to global ongoings.
Same Day Delivery
The world moves at a fast pace, and consumers and businesses alike are becoming increasingly dependent on express delivery options. In 2023, same day delivery is set to only gain in popularity and importance.
A Key Factor in Business Logistics
For businesses, a same day delivery option is crucial in optimising your supply chain, maintaining stock levels, and being ready in an emergency. Same day delivery is a key component in ensuring that your operations flow is not disrupted by last-minute emergency stock needs and guarantees that your business can get what it needs, when it needs it.
Many industries, including the medical and pharmaceutical and events industry rely on same day delivery for the delivery of time-critical goods, however, no matter what industry you’re in, same day delivery is becoming increasingly important to business logistics and keeping your business up and running.
2022 saw strikes across multiple industries, including the logistics industry. As we head into 2023, partnering with a logistics provider that offers same day courier services is key in being prepared for everything.
Shipping Speeds and The Customer Experience
In the e-commerce sector, consumers are increasingly being offered express delivery services, including same day delivery and next day delivery. Express delivery options have become the new standard and are now expected by consumers.
While next day delivery has become widely adopted by most online retailers, in 2023 we’re likely to see more retailers begin offering same day delivery to stay ahead and gain a competitive edge. Mega retailers have set the benchmark for delivery speeds and are already offering same day delivery for many products, which is only going to increase as time goes on.
Partnering with a logistics company that offers e-commerce fulfilment, such as Speedy Freight can help deliver all your parcels quickly—whether that’s 100 or 1,000 parcels. Using a reliable courier service to fulfil your delivery needs is key in ensuring you meet your delivery guarantees.
Going forward, finding the balance between delivery speed and sustainability will be key in meeting business and customer expectations.
Third-Party Logistics (3PL)
With the effects of the global pandemic, logistics strikes, and geopolitical tensions still being felt, and as the world heads into a recession, uncertainty is casting its shadow over all industries, including the logistics industry.
Many companies are opting to outsource their logistics to third party logistics to handle whatever may come their way in 2023. Looking back at 2022 and the key events that have the year can help better understand what’s to come in the new year.
Driver Shortages
Staff and driver shortages greatly impacted the logistics industry in 2022 and continue to do so into 2023. Companies being affected by driver and staff shortages may find relief by outsourcing their logistics to a third-party logistics provider that can help them navigate the active challenges that they’re facing.
Speedy Freight offers driver cover, so that when you’re suddenly down a driver, you can keep your business running smoothly and get your consignments delivered on time.
Partnering with a logistics provider with an extended professional courier network ensures that your business will not be affected by driver shortages or staff shortages.
Warehousing & Sustainability
Partnering with a logistics provider like Speedy Freight that also offers warehousing services with over 60 locations across the UK and Europe can also help cut costs and offset the carbon footprint of deliveries.
With many courier and third-party logistics providers increasing their electric vehicle offerings, this can help offset the carbon emissions from deliveries from brands, without companies having to invest in their own electric fleet.
Businesses can implement greener shipping practices by collaborating with 3PL providers whose sustainability goals align with their own.
Automation & AI
Digitisation, automation, and AI have been key trends dominating 2022 and will continue to dominate the discussion into 2023 and well beyond.
In the realm of the logistics industry, these topics have been surfacing as discussion on how automation and AI can help optimise supply chain and warehouse management, help with staff shortages, and increase cost-effectiveness.
As the world increasingly turns digital, automation and AI and how they can be applied to the logistics industry will surface consistently throughout the year.
The Future of Logistics in 2023
As we kick off 2023, these trends and more will be at the forefront of the logistics industry well into the year and beyond. Keeping up to date on global happenings, industry-specific news, and how they’re reported on in news outlets to social media
Keep Up with Speedy Freight on Socials
You can follow Speedy Freight on LinkedIn, Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter to keep up to date with all the latest logistics industry news and trends and share your own insights on what you think will be trending in the logistics industry in 2023.
Partnering with a Logistics Provider
If you’re looking for an end-to-end logistics provider that also offers a same day courier service, you’re in the right place. Discover Speedy Freight’s courier, freight, and specialist services to learn more about how we can handle your every business delivery need.
