In 2022, consistency is scarce, with every global industry falling victim to continuous change and neverending evolution. In particular, the supply chain management sector has seen drastic shifts in trends, leaving many businesses scrambling to catch up.
Nearly every corporation requires shipping and handling services to keep operations flowing freely, creating a high demand for shipping services worldwide. Read on to ensure you remain up-to-date on the latest supply chain trends.
Higher shipper costs
With strict COVID-19 regulations slowing down production in shipping capitals like China, costs for routine transportation have skyrocketed. Additionally, delays and staff shortages are frequent roadblocks for businesses, wreaking havoc on operation timelines and tight budgets.
Everything from freight to parcel to vehicle shipping will increase, leaving both businesses and consumers scrambling to keep up with ever-changing prices. Whether you’re wondering, “how much does it cost to ship a car?” or “how much will it be to ship this package?” the price will undoubtedly be higher than in previous years.
Focus on optimizing shipping sizes
With higher rates across the board, many CEOs are onboarding shipping experts to aid in cost mitigation, attempting to shrink packaging by any margin. However, with bolstered shipping rates showing no sign of slowing down, alleviating high prices may be challenging even with price-reduction plans.
That said, cutting costs isn’t an impossible task with the proper knowledge and implementation. After all, every cent counts in the long run.
Considering alternative transport options
Obtaining the best bang for your buck when transporting large packages requires a more direct route than previous years, creating an uptick in DIY transport models. With increased restrictions and high price points, many businesses are cutting out the middle man, specifically in short-distance instances.
Normalizing shipping times
As COVID restrictions calm in certain parts of the world and operations pick back up, shipping times are gradually inching toward normality. Supply chain disruptions have slowed, congestion has cleared, and labor is picking back up, mitigating long wait times across the board.
No more borders
Businesses hoping to remain competitive going forward will need to expand their operations globally, taking advantage of cross-border trade. Globalizing is especially vital for eCommerce companies, enabling them to tap into their target audience from anywhere in the world. However, when scaling your corporation out worldwide, you’ll need to collect analytics carefully to ensure that your efforts are worthwhile.
Increased automation
One trend increasing the efficiency of the supply chain industry is automation technology which reduces manual operations, optimizing flow without hiring additional staff. In regions where COVID protocols are still in full swing, automated systems enable corporations to abide by regulations without compromising productivity.
Ultimately, companies that ignore computerization trends and stick to manual data input and tracking will fall behind those who automate their systems.
Wrap up
Shipping industry trends are rapidly evolving as 2022 continues to deliver shift after shift through technological advancements and skyrocketing prices. Make sure you stay on top of supply chain trends to ensure your company can stay on top of its game and keep up with fast-paced consumption.
