Over the timeline of a few hundred years, technological developments in freight forwarding has holistically affected the process in positive ways. A recent trend has been the usage of technology in different aspects such as warehousing, shipping and vehicle transportation.
Automation
Each of the various of aspects of the supply chain are slowly transitioning into automation. In warehouses, it is becoming more common for storage handling such scanning, lifting and moving to be done by technology. Also, more of the conveyance means to get to the warehouse are becoming self-automated such as self-driving cars.
Time
What used to take longer in the freight forwarding process is being shortened thanks to advancements in technology. Humans work for a certain number of hours a day and may take time off. Machinery does not have these limitations and can work without needing to take a break, which leads to a higher output in a shorter period.
Expenses
Unless you are working charity, you are going to want compensation for your labor. Automation may be cheaper than the average worker because it does not require a salary. The only costs they need are for development and maintenance. The advancements in machinery has also made it possible for technology to do much more tasks for less amount of money than in the past.
Jobs will be Lost
The issue with automation is that the jobs that were done by humans in the past will be done by technology that can do the same job in a quicker and more accurate way. On a large scale, this can lead to a loss of millions of jobs. An example of this previously mentioned can be self-driving trucks becoming more common in the freight forwarding process. More truck drivers may become jobless as more vehicles become self-automated.
Jobs will be Created
Despite the jobs that will be lost, new jobs will be created in their place. There must be someone there to engineer and watch over the machinery in case of malfunction. Also, with technology influencing a certain part of the supply chain process, humans can focus their attention on and create jobs for other parts that need improvement.
A1WWL
If you need help with all your international freight needs or would like to get a quote for your shipments, feel free to call us at (305) 821-8995 so our customs brokers can help you.