We use technology in almost every aspect of our lives in today’s modern world, and the more technology becomes integrated into everyday living, the more advancements we seem to make. There is no limit to what technology can do to make our lives easier, more organized, and more connected. Virtually every industry has been impacted by technology, and the shipping industry is no different. As more people push for environmentally conscious policies, tech is helping companies use a greener shipping strategy while also making the entire process safer and quicker. Find out some of the tremendous technological advancements that have been incorporated into the shipping industry in the last decade.
Autonomous ships and trucks
Self-driving cars have already begun to work their way into the mainstream acceptance of new technologies. Although it is a strange concept for people to grasp as it gives people a sense that they are lacking control, self-driving vehicles actually may get into fewer accidents because they eliminate many of the human errors that cause accidents in the first place. Now, trucks and ships are envisioning a similar automated future. Delivery trucks are being designed to drive themselves to their delivery locations, which would cut costs and allow the delivery truck to work longer and quicker than a human.
Autonomous ships are also on the horizon. These ships would be unmanned or have a minimal onboard staff and be controlled by people in a central control tower. This would significantly reduce the shipping cost as you don’t need as many people, and the ship would also be lighter without the addition of a crew of people. Much like how self-driving cars eliminate human error, these autonomous ships would also rid the potential of human mistakes and make deliveries quicker.
Eco-friendly ship and materials
Thanks to technological advancements, we have discovered more ways to reduce CO2 emissions and hopefully help to save our planet from the negative impacts of climate change. Most carriers now provide eco-friendly packaging and packaging materials to reduce waste and reuse fibers and other recycled products. However, using recycled packaging is just one part of a more significant movement to be more environmentally conscious. Most shipping carriers are now using hybrid and electric car technology in their fleet to reduce carbon emissions and cut down on fuel usage. Even many carrier ships are beginning to use a new, different type of fuel that is cleaner and releases fewer pollutants into the air.
New cargo trains
Although trains are typically thought of as an older type of technology, researchers and engineers have discovered a way to take the former train system and revitalize it to work better for modern-day shipping needs. Trains slowly became a less popular transportation option for shipping needs as the cost of fuel was high and also significantly contributed to climate change. However, with some of the many technological advancements, engineers were able to switch up train routes and use cleaner fuel options to help train transportation become a green option that is greener and cheaper than other shipping methods.
Connections through the internet of things
The Internet of Things is a phrase that refers to a network of devices throughout the world that are connected via the internet. We, as individuals, probably already own a handful of devices that are a part of the Internet of Things. These devices make our daily lives easier by quickly providing us with information, GPS directions, and an avenue of direct communication. When it comes to the shipping industry, the Internet of Things has revolutionized how ships (and other vehicles) can communicate and provide better and faster ways to determine the best shipping routes and process delivery times. Essentially, the Internet of Things allows the shipping industry to automate many processes and more accurately track them.
Automating processing procedures
People worked many aspects of the warehouse shipping process in the past, but thanks to new technology, many of these jobs can be done with robots. Employees are still needed in the warehouse to keep inventory organized and do some work that robots cannot do. Still, this new equipment can quickly and efficiently finish shipping tasks to get orders out the door. Working in a warehouse poses the potential for accidents, but allowing robotic processing devices to do some of the work can also decrease human employees’ chance of being hurt. These devices also reduce mistakes caused by human error as they are programmed to do the same task repeatedly at the same speed without the potential of getting distracted or taking a break.
Drone delivery
Although drone deliveries have not become a part of the mainstream shipping process, this is where the industry is headed. Amazon announced its first successful drone delivery, which means it’s only a matter of time before other companies start catching up. This is potentially the most exciting and futuristic change technology has brought to the industry. Soon, you may be ordering packages on the internet only to have a drone drop them right at your front door hours later. Drone delivery is excellent because it’s quick, efficient, and environmentally friendly. No carbon is emitted from these devices, but companies must devise a way to collect drones that may become damaged during delivery.
Future of tech and shipping
Technology will continue to impact the shipping industry for years as eCommerce becomes increasingly popular and more people turn to the internet to order items they need. Thanks to environmental efforts, tech has already allowed us to create eco-friendly packaging and implement cleaner fuels into ships, trucks, and trains. While many of these inventions are making things both easier, greener, and more efficient for companies, there are many more devices and creations to come. In the next few years, you can expect to hear more about drone deliveries and autonomous transportation that will alter the way we ship products for the better.
It can be seen that technology has really been changing the shipping industry. In the coming ages, the transformation will be even more significant.
