Globalization was only possible on such a large scale thanks to innovation and investment in transportation and logistics companies, whose forward-looking vision shaped the world of international trade as we know it.
Author: Frantz Wallenborn, President and CEO of Wallenborn Transports
We are more connected than ever. Over the past thirty years, the rapid rise of globalization has completely transformed the global economy, creating an increasingly interconnected trade network and supporting the production of new goods and services. Like many other industries, the transportation and logistics sector has benefited greatly from globalization, as the increase in international trade has provided lucrative opportunities for companies to take advantage of. As transportation and logistics companies enjoy booming market profits, it is important to note that globalization has only been possible on this scale thanks to the innovation and investment of these companies, whose forward-looking vision has shaped the world of international trade as much as we do. Known.
Just as transportation and logistics companies played an essential role in creating this essential network for global trade, they continue to play an essential role in the international market. Transportation and logistics remain a key cog in this complex system – without them, the entire commerce ecosystem would collapse. Over the years, the industry has grown and evolved in line with the latest technological developments and evolving customer expectations.
Transport and logistics companies are facing unparalleled change, with exciting developments bringing both opportunities and challenges. It goes without saying that digitalization is transforming industries all over the world, and the logistics business is certainly no exception. From drones and self-driving trucks to fully electric vehicles, the industry is headed toward a bright future, but companies must ensure they are prepared to handle rapidly changing customer demands and external economic shocks if they want to stay one step ahead of their global competitors. Years to come.
Not only will self-driving vehicles provide a more environmentally friendly means of transportation, but they will also significantly reduce costs
Leadership development
As digitization takes hold of the transportation and logistics industry, new technology is rapidly reshaping the market, impacting every stage of the supply chain and helping to reduce costs and improve efficiency. In many ways, logistics is a key industry for automation and Internet of Things (IoT) adoption. Successful integration of IoT can have numerous benefits for logistics companies, including reducing transportation delays, operator errors, poor cargo control, IT failures, and theft, while effective use of big data can lead to real-time automated insights.
Perhaps the most transformative technology to hit the industry is autonomous vehicles. While the effective implementation of autonomous vehicles is still several years away, significant progress has been made in this area in recent years, with startups and established transportation companies investing heavily in this technology, suggesting that it will play a crucial role in the future. Industry. Elon Musk’s company Tesla is certainly pushing this new technology forward, and there is industry-wide interest in pursuing its development because it promises many advantages. Not only will self-driving vehicles provide a more environmentally friendly means of transportation, but they will also significantly reduce costs while addressing the pressing issue of driver shortages. Furthermore, autonomous vehicles will allow for more efficient use of platooning – a technology in which vehicles travel in convoy to save fuel and reduce emissions. This reduces the number of drivers needed and, according to the North American Council for Freight Efficiency, provides fuel savings of up to four percent for the truck leading a convoy of two and 10 percent for the vehicle being towed.
While it will likely be another decade before autonomous vehicles become a common sight on our roads, delivery drones are already in use in countries all over the world, including the United States. The use of drones is highly effective in improving delivery times, and as customers become accustomed to fast shipping of goods, it can be vital for businesses looking to gain a competitive advantage over their counterparts.
becomes green
In addition to the development of automated vehicles, one of the most exciting areas of progress in the transportation and logistics industry is undoubtedly the growth of clean technology and, more specifically, the emergence of low-emission electric trucks and vehicles. In September 2015, the European Union introduced the Euro 6 standard, the sixth incarnation of its directive to reduce harmful pollutants emitted from vehicle exhausts. At Wallenborn Transports, we have taken significant steps to reduce our carbon footprint and are proud to operate one of the greenest transport fleets in Europe as a result of continued investment.
In 2017, we made a significant investment in Euro 6 trucks; Today, 100 percent of Wallenborn-owned trucks driven internationally are compliant with the European Union’s Euro 6 emissions standards. This not only reduces the carbon footprint of our trucks and trailers, but also allows us to pass on the savings to our customers, as cleaner trucks pay the lowest tolls on many roads in Europe. The next step for the industry will be electric trucks. Although conventional fuels will likely remain the primary power source for transportation trucks for some time — especially for long-haul operators — electric vehicles are on their way to becoming the new normal. In fact, it could represent the biggest change in trucking equipment since the automobile replaced the horse and buggy.
As EV battery performance continues to improve and charging networks expand, consumers will begin to overcome range anxiety and forget any concerns that the battery can’t take them as far as a tank of gas. In fact, the average range of electric vehicles increased by 56% between 2011 and 2017, and certain models, like the Tesla Model S Long Range, can now drive more than 300 miles on a single charge.
Supply chains are safer
However, new transportation and logistics technology is not only having a positive impact on the planet, it is also saving lives by improving temperature-controlled supply chains. The World Health Organization estimates that more than 50 percent of vaccines may be wasted globally each year due to temperature control and shipping issues. In recent years, important steps have been taken to improve standards, accountability and transparency in the pharmaceutical and healthcare supply chain, with increased regulation aimed at reducing vaccine losses.
Good Distribution Practice guidelines now ensure high-quality equipment and procedures are in place at every stage of the supply chain, along with more sophisticated monitoring to eliminate counterfeiting. If the product is safe to use when it reaches the patient, the entire distribution network must comply with regulatory requirements. Obtaining Good Distribution Practices certification in 2013 was a major stepping stone in Wallenborn Transports’ mission to serve pharmaceutical customers with confidence.
According to IATA, pharmaceutical product losses range between $2.5 billion (€2.26 billion) and $12.5 billion (€11.32 billion) annually, making distribution a vital area of focus in the coming years. Beyond these financial incentives, patient safety is paramount, and an efficient cold chain is essential to saving lives. At Wallenborn Transports, we are proud to offer reliable, climate-controlled vehicles, and hope to build on our existing successes as the industry moves forward.
