The logistics industry continues to undergo digital transformation throughout peak season. Shipping capacity is near historic strain. Carriers are refusing pickups beyond set limits, says Paul Ziobro of the Wall Street Journal. Regardless, it’s time to start thinking about how companies can meet the next year’s supply chain challenges. That goal amounts to knowing what logistics trends to expect and their implications.
1. Automation Will Define All Logistics Trends in 2021
2. Machine Learning and Analytics Will Stimulate Improved Supply Chain Execution
3. E-Commerce Integration and Optimization Will Become the New Normal
4. LSPs and Shippers Will Expand Use of SaaS-Based Platforms to Strategically Source Capacity
Logistics service providers (LSPs) and shippers will also look to expand the use of software-as-a-service (SaaS) based platforms to source capacity strategically. Limited capacity is among the top challenges for today’s supply chains. Capacity problems will only grow worse as disruption continues. Recent months and years have taught supply chain professionals that disruption is the only constant. Therefore, leveraging expandable, cloud-based resources, such as the MercuryGate transportation management system (TMS), will be essential to expanding access to new lanes, LSPs, suppliers, and beyond.