Trends and patterns in the shipping industry are always changing. In fact, it’s important to keep your finger on the pulse of these trends so that you can make business decisions accordingly. There are many factors that affect truckload shipping and the trends listed below will give you an idea of what to expect and how to make decisions concerning your business or shipping activities.
- Strategic Transportation Planning
Your success is contingent upon the decisions you make concerning operations and logistics. One what that companies are dealing with changes in the industry is by taking a more strategic approach instead of being reactionary. For instance, a strategic approach to whether you should buy or rent a trailer can help you avoid issues down the road. The same applies to choosing the type of commercial trailer that works best for your needs. You’re more likely to achieve your business objectives and earn customer satisfaction with this approach.
One of the most significant ways in which companies are implementing a strategic approach is by being more careful about the type of freight that’s accepted. This works by planning ahead and only accepting freight that will enable you to generate the maximum amount of revenue. It’s simply a matter of optimizing the number of hours and miles that generate revenue. While this might seem obvious on the surface, it isn’t something that’s always a priority in the industry. A strategy focused on creating capacity should be the focus. The bottom line is that being more strategic with the capacity planning and logistics of a commercial trailer can significantly boost profits.
- Larger Truckload Fleets
There is an increasing number of truckload fleets, which often involves incremental growth based on business needs. In fact, there is a growing number of commercial trailers being sold to accommodate market demand. With a larger fleet, there becomes a need for more drivers. It’s one of many reasons why a more strategic approach to transportation planning is trending.
- Increased Driver Compensation
Since there are larger fleets and more drivers, there is also a pattern of increased driver compensation. In fact, there is a greater interest in the field because of higher pay. Companies in transportation are better able to meet their labor needs as a result of increased pay. Interestingly, there are innovative ways in which companies are filling vacancies, such as tapping into the applicant pool of female drivers and retirees. This is an area of the industry that will continue to evolve and it’s always an area where you have to pivot based on what’s happening in the industry.
- Shorter Haul Distances
An increase in ecommerce and green initiatives have had an interesting impact on the transportation industry, which is a decrease in the length of hauls. Some companies are committed to reducing the environmental impact of manufacturing and make an effort to ensure products are shipped within a certain radius. While this may not necessarily impact the quantity of hauls, it does impact the distance.
- Expanded Use of Trailers
As a result of the boom in entrepreneurship and small business ownership, the use of commercial trailers in general is expanding and so is the types of trailers that are available. Dry vans and reefers are often the most common types of trailers purchased by small businesses. Some of the trailers that are widely used by enterprises across industries include flatbeds and walking floors.
- Purchase of Pre-Owned Trailers
If you’re in the market for a pre-owned trailer, you’re in luck because there are plenty from which to choose. Companies that sell and lease trailers are now more likely to have a huge inventory from which to choose. A pre-owned trailer is beneficial in many of the ways that a pre-owned car is beneficial. You can take advantage of the lower price while still getting the features you want in a quality trailer.
As business shipping continues to evolve, making strategic decisions should be a priority. Whether you need a trailer for personal or commercial use, there are many options and the number of trailers available will continue to expand.