We live in a global world where we source products from many different countries. These products reach us due to the logistics networks we have in place. As with other industries, the logistics and transportation industries are also facing some challenges, many of them tied to technology, innovation, and personnel. In this article, we will be looking at some of the more concerning challenges as well as what industry players can do about them.
Changing Customer Expectations
Technology has been great for the transportation and logistics industries, but it has also brought with it some challenges. With customers now more informed than ever before, they expect businesses to keep them updated on everything going on. Additionally, customers are now demanding tailored services as they feel businesses can cater to their every demand. Although many businesses know the technology is available, they have to add new capacity to help build the technological infrastructure that makes this possible.
Lorry Driver Shortage
As we emerge from the pandemic, a serious issue facing these industries is the driver shortage. The pandemic caused a backlog in driver tests as well as some drivers returning to their countries. The shortage is quite serious, with the UK reporting that it has a driver shortfall of about 90,000 drivers. This is a huge problem for all industries that rely on lorries and their drivers, but the situation can be rectified by having more drivers on the road. Companies like Easy as HGV are doing their part by making HGV driver tests available and affordable. They also partner with numerous businesses and companies to provide drivers and help fulfil driver demand. For more information, visit the following blog page: How Serious is the Shortage of Lorry Drivers in 2022?
The government is also doing its part by urging drivers to return behind the wheel. We can also expect the government to streamline the process of getting certified so training groups and businesses can get more drivers on the road.
Fatigue Management
With an increasing demand for transportation services and a driver shortage, companies are seeing increasing fatigue among their available drivers. This is because drivers have to work longer hours or more days to meet the existing demand. Businesses are now using technology to track the number of days and hours their personnel have worked. Businesses can then notify their personnel if it is time to take a break. While this might mean that deliveries might take longer, it also means roads are safer because fatigued drivers are more likely to cause accidents.
Cybersecurity Challenges
As logistics and transportation businesses move their operations online, malicious actors follow closely behind. There have been data breaches involving the critical systems used by players in this industry. Such breaches cost money and time, both of which are valuable commodities in the transportation and logistics business.
Players can source the services of cybersecurity experts to ensure their systems are built to repel and withstand attacks. They should also have monitoring systems that help them take care of breaches and other issues before they become unmanageable.
We all rely on logistics and transportation to keep the world, as well as its goods, moving. Considering how important both industries are, it is important to take measures to solve the challenges in both before our world falls apart.