Learn how to – Technology Trends in the Courier Services Industry

Learn how to – Technology Trends in the Courier Services Industry.

Technology continues to be a catalyst for change in many industries and the courier industry is no exception. The courier services industry has traditionally lagged behind other sectors in embracing technology largely due to the nature of the business.

But not any longer!

Today, emerging technologies have disrupted the courier industry on a large scale, reinventing the way the business is done, and fueling growth in the industry. According to a recent report, the courier services industry is projected to hit a whopping $400 billion by 2024.

The industry continues to grow year after year due to the emergence of new technologies. But what are these technologies? And how are they changing the way the business is done? This article will explore the key tech trends that are making waves in the courier services industry.

1. Courier Management Software

Courier management software – check out this list – is one of the disruptive tech trends in the courier services industry. It includes features like route monitoring, route optimization, and real-time updates for the customer and the dispatch team.

Gone are the days when customers used to skip important events waiting for deliveries to arrive, often with vague ETAs. With delivery management software like Circuit, customers can check the status of their delivery from the phone.

The dispatcher will also be able to see the driver’s location in real-time as well as the stops the driver has made and where they’re going next.

Leading delivery management software also comes with tools to capture the customer’s signature or take photos of delivered packages. This helps to increase the courier’s efficiency while reducing confusion and possible future disputes.

2. Delivery Droids

Delivery droids have taken center stage in the courier services industry due to their delivery efficiencies and cost savings features.

These “smart” vehicles come fitted with sophisticated technology—sensors, cameras, and other programs that enable them to fulfill all the delivery requirements without the need of a driver.

The droids are controlled by a remote operator in a control center, who ensures the robots deliver the packages to the right destinations. By eliminating the need for a driver, these droids save on company expenses while eliminating the human error factor.

3. GPS Software and Route Tracking

The courier services industry has also been transformed by GPS driver tracking. GPS tracking bridges the communication gap between dispatchers and couriers. This, in turn, helps to increase delivery efficiency.

Route tracking is also a very important part of the courier business. With the best route planning software, drivers can map the route that saves time and fuel and deliver the parcel on time. This helps to build your brand on trust and ensure customer loyalty.

4. Drone Deliveries

Drone deliveries started early in 2016 when Amazon became the first e-commerce company to use a drone to deliver a product.

As the name implies, this type of delivery uses drones to deliver products to customers. The hype with drones is due to their ability to deliver packages fast while avoiding traffic, potential strikes, and workplace expenses.

While drone technology for delivery services is still in the nascent stage, it’s future is promising. Amazon, for instance, is currently working on Prime Air—a delivery service that will use drones to autonomously fly packages to customers within 30 minutes of ordering.  

If you’re a delivery service provider, we hope you’re keeping up with these tech trends. Feel free to comment and share.