The eCommerce market is growing rapidly and changing the way we buy and sell products. It’s also changing the way that freight is transported around the world. In this blog, we look at ten key trends in eCommerce freight transport for B2B and what they mean for your business.

1. Shippers are Demanding More

The eCommerce shippers are demanding more control over the transportation process. Freight forwarders and carriers must be able to respond to that demand quickly and effectively, or they risk losing business.

If your business is looking to gain an edge over competitors by offering a more seamless shipping experience, you need to ensure that your freight forwarding service providers can deliver on these key trends:

• Transparent pricing: Shippers want transparency in their freight transport costs so they can easily compare them against competing solutions. They also want visibility into how those costs will change over time as volumes increase or decrease, which requires flexible pricing models with minimal setup fees and minimums.
• Greater control: Shippers are seeking greater control over their shipments so they can make decisions for themselves without having to rely on third parties for guidance or approval at every step of the process. This includes being able to schedule shipments directly through an e-commerce platform where possible (rather than calling a separate call center), receiving notifications from carriers when delays occur before they happen so customers know what’s happening with their shipment (or if it has been delivered), being able to reroute parcels in real time should issues arise during transit (such as bad weather) and so on.

2. Networks Become Smaller and Flexible

• Networks are becoming smaller and more flexible. Smaller networks are able to adapt to changing market conditions, respond to customer needs, and offer more tailored services. They can also be much more cost-effective for B2B enterprises in eCommerce freight transport because they don’t have the same fixed costs as larger networks.

3. Cloud-based Platforms Enhance Visibility

• “Cloud-based platforms” are the future of B2B freight transport, and they allow companies to achieve a number of benefits.
• By utilizing cloud-based platforms, you can:
• See your shipment in real time through cloud-based monitoring systems.
• Collect data about your freight transport as they happen, so that you can analyse performance and make informed decisions on the fly.
• Collaborate with partners to improve efficiency, reduce costs, and increase profitability.

4. “Click and collect” Gains Popularity

Click and collect is a growing trend in B2B eCommerce. It’s also a way to increase customer satisfaction, loyalty and retention, as well as a way to increase the lifetime value of your customers.

Here’s how it works: Customers order items online (often via mobile), then come in store to pick them up at their convenience. This allows you to keep your business open more hours than usual and gives customers another reason—and ease—to come back for future orders.

5. Bigger Players Gain Market Share

One of the most important trends in eCommerce freight transport is that, as the industry grows, bigger players will take a larger share of it.

The reasons behind this trend are multi-faceted, but one thing is clear: as the market gets more complex and competitive, it will be harder for smaller companies to keep up with their larger counterparts. Smaller players need to adapt quickly or risk being left behind by the pack.

6. New Technologies Impact Data Collection, Communication and Decision Making

New technologies will impact on data collection, communication and decision making. Data is the lifeblood of modern eCommerce, so it’s important to have a clear strategy in place for how you will manage it.

The Internet of Things is changing the way we interact with our environment, but it also has an impact on data collection and communication. IoT sensors collect information about temperature, humidity or light levels that can be used to improve operations by providing real-time visibility into your supply chain processes—or even change them entirely by automating certain tasks such as loading trucks or truck scheduling based on weather forecasts. But these changes pose new challenges when it comes to protecting your business from cyberattacks or employee frauds​.

7. Sustainability Becomes a Major Issue

Consumers want to know that the products they buy are produced in an environmentally responsible way, as this is one of their top considerations when making a purchase. They also want to know that the company they’re buying from is doing its part for sustainability, which could help them decide where to shop.

Regulators are making it clear that sustainability is important by increasing their focus on environmental protection and carbon emissions reduction. Shippers need to be able to prove they are operating responsibly or risk losing contracts with government agencies and other organizations who care about sustainable practices. Forwarders will have new opportunities if they can demonstrate expertise around sustainable freight transport systems such as LTL rail service or ocean-going cargo ships with zero emissions engines

8. Focus on Cost Management

While it is essential to keep shipping costs as low as possible, cost management must also be done in a way that is sustainable. For example, if you hire an individual freelancer who has no business experience and ask him or her to handle your entire fulfillment operation at very low rates, chances are good that you will end up paying more in the long run due to poor service quality and higher staff turnover rates.

Cost management is a key factor in determining the success of your eCommerce venture—especially if you’re trying to compete on price with other online retailers. To stay competitive without sacrificing profitability and long-term growth prospects, you need effective cost management strategies in place from day one.

10. Freight Transport platforms with added value like after sales support, forecasting tools and compliance support become mainstream.

These platforms help shippers not only to be more competitive but also to have a better understanding of their supply chain.

11. Freight tracking and monitoring of status updates along the full supply chain is essential.

You’ll want to know where your shipments are, and you’ll want to know if they’re delayed. Here are some of the ways in which shippers can stay updated:

• Shipper self-service portals that provide real-time tracking information online and via mobile apps
• Timely alerts when shipments arrive at their destination or change status (e.g., an email alert when a shipment has been delivered)
• Automated notifications when freight is not delivered on time

To remain competitive, shippers must understand the key trends in eCommerce freight transport, and take action to ensure they remain relevant within a dynamic global marketplace.

To remain competitive, shippers must understand the key trends in eCommerce freight transport, and take action to ensure they remain relevant within a dynamic global marketplace. Shippers must also be aware of the various options available to them in regards to domestic and international eCommerce transportation as well as the associated costs.

The following are some of today’s most important trends:

• E-commerce is growing rapidly across industries
• Shippers need better visibility into their supply chain
• There is an increased demand for last mile delivery services

Conclusion

The world of eCommerce freight transport is changing rapidly, and the stakes are high. Companies who understand these trends and take proactive steps to prepare their supply chains will be best positioned to remain competitive in this new era of eCommerce.