If we
are to believe a study by McKinsey, we will soon be unable to avoid
driverless vehicles delivering parcels. The consultancy firm expects that
within ten years, by 2025, eighty per cent of all parcels will be
delivered by driverless vehicles.
For many logistics companies, the last mile is a sticking point
due to costs and congestion in cities. Driverless vehicles could
solve this problem. Consultancy firm McKinsey conducted a survey of 4,700 consumers in China, Germany and the United States. The findings show,
, amongst other things, that 70 per cent of all consumers will always opt for
the cheapest option. A quarter would prefer better or
faster delivery. Younger people will often opt for same-day delivery or
even delivery within the hour. However, there is a difference depending on the type of
product. For example, groceries and medicines usually need to be delivered quickly,
preferably on the same day.
Fast
deliveries are in demand
McKinsey expects that these consumer preferences will lead to autonomous vehicles becoming a common sight on our streets. This is because they can deliver quickly and are cost-effective. In busy areas and for short-distance deliveries, human intervention
still be essential. Bicycles are of great value in this regard. For remote areas
, drones will be deployed. If McKinsey’s findings are correct, there will be
250,000 of them in the air by 2025. Unmanned lorries are also being extensively tested
and will increasingly become a common sight on our streets.
legislative changes
are necessary
Before that can happen, many more tests are required and
the law must also be amended. Self-driving vehicles and drones are currently
not permitted everywhere.
The good news for logistics companies is that their
operating costs are set to fall significantly as a result of self-driving and driverless vehicles
. The expected reduction is between 35 and 50 per cent.
Editorial LogistiekProfs
