It’s safe to say that 2020 was a difficult year for almost every industry. Businesses were forced to adapt to remote working environments, usual procedures had to be altered to prioritise sanitation processes and consumer shopping patterns evolved completely. What can’t be said, however, is that the logistics sector was not on hand to help every step of the way.
At Forest Freight, we’re proud of how our expert in-house team has tackled the trials of the COVID-19 pandemic, but we also know that these challenges are far from over. In 2021, we’ll continue to work alongside our clients, as well as the wider industry, to keep the wheels turning.
So, what can we expect from the New Year? Well, that’s exactly what we’ll be exploring in the below article!
Improved logistical facilities and regulations
One thing that is sure to come in 2021 is an increased level of attention focused on the freight industry as a whole. Following a global pandemic and the UK’s exit from the EU, there has never been more strain placed on businesses and professional industries – and a major element will fall on the uncertainty of traditional supply chains.
So, in 2021, we expect that there will be, and should be, further focus placed on transport solutions – with the government introducing regulations to make transporting large consignments both internationally and nationally simple and supported whilst we overcome numerous challenges.
Further push for sustainability
Whilst we’re working towards a solution for the coronavirus pandemic, there are certainly a number of issues that will prevail in its wake. A major one being our environmental impact.
Hauliers across the nation, and all over the world, will be working towards a net-zero future. This will mean opting for vehicles which run more sustainably as well as making ‘greener’ decisions internally. Of course, the worry for many within the industry is that a focus on sustainable action could harm their annual turnover – but this isn’t necessarily the case. Adopting these ‘greener’ objectives can allow hauliers to become more efficient – for example, a measure such as only having a set number of vehicles out at one time will limit any carbon emissions but also reduce time and expenditure when considering the reduction of staff on the road!
Reliance on real-time tracking data
Whilst many businesses have come through from 2020 feeling fortunate and hopeful, it makes sense that further assurance will be necessary when moving forward. Professionals need to know that the necessary logistical details happen at the right time and in the right place – ensuring their goods are where they need to be, when they need to be.
It’s for that reason, that tracking will become an essential service offering in 2021. Hauliers will need to adopt technology, such as Forest Freight’s tracking platform, that provides all clients with real-time tracking solutions. By doing so, clients and hauliers alike will save time and effort – no longer needing to spend time on unnecessary communication.
Facing Brexit consequences
As of the 1st of January, we are no longer part of the EU and the transition period is over. This means that all standard customs documentation and regulations have changed also. So, it’s not too difficult to understand that logistics solutions will need to become more intelligent and efficient. Prioritising paperwork will likely become a necessary job to undertake to ensure a smooth transit – and this is something we’ll simply have to get used to. Additionally, while we wait for increased government response, the industry will need to account for substantial delays when organising their journeys.
Of course, this isn’t necessarily all bad news! In fact, it simply means that 2021 will need to better understand how the industry is evolving with our shifting status. Once those ground rules are laid down, there’s no reason that we might not transport our goods with ease.
While there’s no telling what the year ahead could bring for businesses across the globe, there is no reason that they may not have efficient, reliable logistics solutions at their disposal. Our industry has weathered an abundance of storms and we don’t plan on stopping just yet!
If you’re searching for bespoke freight and warehousing solutions that can support your business throughout 2021, then we can help.
Speak to one of our experts today!
