The logistics industry is increasingly starting to see the benefits of digital initiatives. New technologies are increasingly popular among shippers, logistics providers and carriers. The changes are mainly because more start-ups are coming up with ideas to make logistics more efficient.

Down with conservatives
Whereas the industry was previously seen as conservative, it is now changing rapidly. More and more companies are using digital initiatives. Research by Economic Bureau Netherlands, part of ABN-Amro, shows that over 75 per cent embrace digital ideas.

Start-ups as mushrooms
More and more start-ups are interfering in the logistics market. The survey reveals that they mainly focus on specific modality such as ocean carriers or targeted groups such as consumers who mainly shop online. Others continue to use existing transport company and focus on all-in-one solutions that many logistics companies can benefit from.

Autonomous devices
Part of the initiatives are the self-driving cars that are now being experimented with at home and abroad. Tesla, among others, is busy working on this and has already received permission to further roll out the software they created. Autonomous devices and vehicles will facilitate the logistics chain. DHL is also pushing hard in this regard and is already using drones to deliver parcels to the German Wadden Islands.

Share economy
The growing sharing economy has also changed the logistics industry. Equipment that is shared will be idle less often and yield higher returns. One example is last-mile delivery, which has become increasingly important due to e-commerce. The sharing economy does not only focus on transport equipment, but can also be used more broadly.

3D printing
Another technological advance of the logistics industry is 3D printing. This new way of printing is increasingly being adopted with start-ups leading the way. In the coming time, this new way will continue to grow and also gain importance in the industry.

Editorial LogistiekProfs