3 Logistics Management Trends To Watch Out For In 2022

As a business owner, you're always looking for ways to improve your operations and stay ahead of the competition. Keeping up with the latest industry trends is one way to do this. When it comes to logistics, there are several noteworthy trends that you should be aware of. 

But before taking a deep dive into the current and emerging trends in logistics and transport, let’s explore some of the basics about logistics first.

What Is Logistics

With reference to Investopedia, logistics is defined as “... the overall process of managing how resources are acquired, stored, and transported to their final destination. Logistics management involves identifying prospective distributors and suppliers and determining their effectiveness and accessibility.” 

In summary, logistics management encompasses the shipping, storing and acquisition of essentially any item you can think of. 

Types of Logistics

There are three types of logistics:

1. Inbound logistics

As the name suggests, inbound logistics processes involve raw materials, supplies, and finished goods being brought into a company (retail store, fulfillment center, or warehouse) from an external manufacturer or supplier. 

2. Outbound logistics

As a business owner, chances are you utilize outbound logistics all the time. This is where finished products are sent out to end users; that is, shipping items to customers.

3. Reverse logistics

If a customer wishes to return a product, this is where reverse logistics comes into play. Reverse logistics also includes moving products from seller to supplier with the end goal of either regaining the product’s value or disposal.

Current Trends in Logistics

Understanding the more recent current trends in 2021 can provide a better insight into some of the very exciting emerging trends in logistics that are expected in 2022.

1. Automation

The introduction of wonderful innovations in the global logistics industry such as robotic pick-packers, automatic guided vehicles, and other automation layers across every step of the logistics management process has helped to minimize errors as well as save time and money.

2. Digitalization

To stay ahead of the pack, creating new digitalization projects is essential these days to any business working within the transport and logistics sector. DHL Express has implemented over 100 forward-thinking digitalization initiatives over the past few years. For example, customers can now access DHL Express’s global shipping platform, MyDHL+, which makes it convenient for them to process their shipments online. On the platform, they can manage and pay their DHL invoices via an electronic billing solution, known as MyBill. If the package is still in customs, customers can pay for their duties online through the Advanced Duty Collection (ADC) payment portal.

3. Growth of e-commerce

As discussed earlier, there has been significant growth in the e-commerce industry during the pandemic. Businesses that might have otherwise never sold products online were forced to make the move or risk getting left behind. Meanwhile, consumers were in need of more e-commerce options for products they’d normally be shopping in-person for but all of a sudden weren’t able to. This explosion of e-commerce stores directly led to a fast-growing upward trend in transportation and logistics needs from business owners and customers globally. 

3 Exciting Emerging Trends in Logistics

Here are the top three new trends in global logistics to watch out for in 2022:

1. Sustainability focus

Sustainability efforts put into place by the logistics and transportation industry will help to reduce greenhouse gases not only concerning fuel and energy but also in many other aspects throughout the supply chain.

2. AI application updates

Each year brings with it new technologies that can be implemented in various areas of logistics. There is a greater focus on artificial intelligence (AI) these days and companies are looking out for the latest tech to assist their operations. For e-commerce customers, DHL Express has collaborated with Grabpay and Gcash to give individuals a wider range of convenient payment options. 

3. Unification of transportation networks

With reference to Forbes, as e-commerce businesses boom, the need for these nationally- and internationally-shipping businesses to be able to reach every customer has never been more relevant. According to The New York Times, unified transportation networks such as the plans to create a railroad network connecting the United States, Mexico and Canada offer the promise of a more efficient and cost-effective way to move goods around – truly revolutionizing the way we do business. 

Stay Ahead of the Competition

In order to stay ahead of the competition, it's important to be aware of the latest logistics management trends. At DHL Express, we prioritize projects that improve employee and customer experiences as well as bridge gaps for efficiency. 

Have any queries? Easily connect to the sales teams and customer service representatives using DHL Express Digital Assistant or create a DHL Express account with us – all from the comfort of your home.