Instant satisfaction…It’s something all-too-common in today’s digital age where we can purchase just about anything online and have it delivered same day. Behind every order is an entire freight process that must be followed to fulfill each request.
This process isn’t new and has led to a growing question among industry experts… “Are we looking at a shift in how the industry processes fulfillment in their supply chain?”
In short, the answer is yes.
There are serval reasons why. Decades of technological advancements has caused a shift in consumer behavior, with a focus on online shopping. A few years ago, online grocery shopping was still mostly in the testing stages. Now grocers offer mass market online availability.
This isn’t limited to just groceries or major retailers either… many specialty stores and indie companies no longer operate in brick and mortar locations, focusing more on immediate shipping for customers instead. The effects of this type of purchasing power is felt throughout the supply chain, stretching freight to its limits in terms of shortening lead times, eliminating inefficiencies, and creating real-time tracking for shippers and customers.
Each of the dominoes has been put into place, and the effect has been put into motion. Changes are coming to the supply chain and it’s likely only those able to adapt to this new era of consumerism will survive.