The logistics industry is constantly shifting, and 3PL warehouses must adapt to meet the needs of businesses and customers. For those looking to stay ahead of the changes, understanding emerging trends in 3PL services for businesses in Canada can often illustrate major changes and noteworthy paradigm shifts within the industry.
In 2024, there are a few exciting trends that are popping up in 3PL facilities across Canada.
Automation and IoT in Warehousing
Technology is impacting every sector, and in 3PL warehouses, automation and the Internet of Things (IoT) are revolutionizing how we store goods. For example, at Amazon warehouses across Canada, you will often find Kiva robots that store, sort, pick, and pack goods, greatly increasing efficiency.
Beyond high-tech automated robots, many 3PL warehouses are implementing IoT devices like smart shelves and RFID tags to improve inventory management and reduce human error.
Green EV Fleets With Accurate Fleet Tracking
As personal vehicles transition away from internal combustion engines and towards battery-powered vehicles, so do the transportation fleets that deliver our packages. This has led to one of the biggest trends in the industry, which is 3PL warehouses experimenting with electric vans for parcel deliveries to reduce fuel costs.
Another trend that is shaping transportation is advanced fleet management technologies like IoT-based telematics that provide real-time data on vehicle performance and driver behavior.
Faster Last-Mile Deliveries for Consumers
Amazon’s one-day shipping changed the delivery process as we know it, and 3PL companies have had to adapt to keep up. Delivery speed has become a huge selling point for customers, and 3PL providers like 18 Wheels Logistics are addressing this through innovative last-mile solutions, such as cross-docking and less-than-truckload services.
With the rise of e-commerce, 3PL has become more critical than ever, and facilities have had to adapt and improve their operations to keep up with demand. The trends outlined here are just a few of the changes sweeping across the industry, and we suspect more shifts will happen to streamline warehousing, fulfillment, and transportation.
For over 30 years, 18 Wheels Logistics has strived to be the most customer-centric trucking, warehousing, and logistics company around.
Based in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada, 18 Wheels relies on experience and integrity to make customers happy and remain on the cutting edge of shipping and logistics management.
If you have any questions about this article or you would like to talk to us about your shipping needs, please call us at (604) 439-8938.
