As the widespread supply-chain disruptions of the COVID-19 pandemic continue to settle, shippers and carriers alike are looking eagerly ahead to 2023.
A survey by Ivalua found that 44% of US and UK procurement executives expect the supply chain crisis to ease by 2023, while only 18% expect that to be true by the end of 2022.
Moreover, over 90% of US and UK procurement executives stated that preventing supply chain disruption was one of their top 3 priorities for the coming year.
As the focus shifts from a lean supply chain to safeguarding against future disruption, what other trends can we expect to see as we transition into 2023?
Let’s take a look at the top 3 trends we can look forward to in 2023 – and what we can best do to prepare.
Shipping trends for 2023: Cloud-based logistics software takes the lead
The cloud computing market is set to reach $1251.09 billion by 2028, while business costs continue to decrease as the technology becomes more widely available.
Cloud-based software solutions and integrations can immensely benefit logistics companies, shippers, and SMEs. The increased accessibility of these technologies – AI, machine learning, and automation – is set to continue to create shipping services that can better meet demand.
One of the key takeaways of the COVID-19 pandemic for many organizations was the instability of centralized data solutions. A single web server – or paper filing system – is no longer sufficient given remote work’s increasing necessity and popularity.
As we move into 2023, what better time to invest in a cloud-based system to optimize and streamline your operations?
Shipping trends for 2023: The demand for OTR shipping is set to grow
One of the most optimistic forecasts for 2023 – much to the industry’s relief – is the predicted increase in demand for shipping services.
Businesses are opening up, e-commerce is booming, and the once luxury next-day delivery is on its way to becoming the norm.
The global truck freight market is forecast to increase considerably from 2022-2026. Total transported freight tonnage is expected to rise by 21% by 2023, with the freight transportation industry expected to rise by a massive 59% in the same period.
While the likely increase in demand offers a much-needed boost to the industry, ongoing labor shortages – of truck drivers in particular – threaten to dampen potential progress.
What this means for 2023 is that a considerable recruitment drive is needed to welcome in the new talent that will continue to keep America’s supply chain humming into the next year and beyond.
Shipping trends for 2023: Increasingly agile supply chains benefit shippers and customers alike
COVID-19 forced many industries to rethink their business models and how they created vulnerabilities to disruptions linked to unforeseen global events.
In response, the logistics industry has shifted from focusing on minimal costs in favor of supply chain agility. This trend is only set to continue into 2023 with an ongoing emphasis on the regionalization and diversification of suppliers.
While the pandemic may be behind us for the most part, risk minimization remains important as labor shortages, cyberattacks, and increasing consumer demand threaten to disrupt even the best-laid plans.
Supply chain agility – a company’s ability to “quickly adjust its strategy, particularly in procurement, inventory management, and delivery to meet rapidly changing supply chain requirements” – is a trend set to benefit shippers and customers alike.
Combined with accurate forecasting, agile supply chains can consistently and rapidly meet customer demand, leading to fewer delays, higher rates of customer satisfaction, and the possibility of increased sales.
Agile supply chains adapt effectively to the market – what’s not to love?
Shipping trends for 2023: Wrapping things up
As we move into 2023, we can expect to see the expansion of access to innovative technological solutions, increasing normalization of remote work within the industry, an emphasis on creating resilient systems, and an overall boost to the demand for shipping services.
To prepare, it will be crucial to step up recruitment processes and improve working conditions for drivers to ensure we have the talent in place to keep the supply chain turning.
Investment in cloud-based software or integrations offers a great way to optimize internal systems while diversifying suppliers – and strengthening relationships with existing suppliers – is likely to aid efforts to create more agile supply networks.
Whatever 2023 brings, we’re well on the road to being ready for it.
Jump into 2023 with Jansson
As we move into 2023, the North American supply chain is set for a good year, with rising employment opportunities, increasingly agile supply networks, and technological solutions continuing to innovate in the industry.
Curious how you could play a part?
At Jansson, we’re committed to providing high-level employment opportunities for freight agents, drivers, carriers, and more. With all training, competitive compensation, and an expert team ready to lend a hand, Jansson can offer the perfect place to kick-start your logistics career.
Whether you have a background in logistics, a related field, or none whatsoever, we’re waiting to hear from you.
To find out more about how you could join the team or discuss the possibilities a career in logistics can offer, reach out to a member of our team at Jansson today.
