With the year well underway, we decided to
take a look at what the rest of 2019 holds
for the transportation industry.
For one, Small carriers will continue to offer
capacity.
Most trend lists are going to focus on the continuing
driver shortage, but we prefer to shine a
light on the possibility of finding capacity
with small trucking companies where the driver
shortage is nearly nonexistent.
According to data from the Federal Motor Carrier
Safety Administration (FMCSA) small trucking
companies with one to six trucks have actually increased
their driver pool by 69% from 2012 to 2018.
William Cassidy, writing for the Journal of
Commerce, argues that “the claim no one
wants to be a truck driver is simply a myth.
Plenty of people want to be truckers, but
they don’t all want to work for large companies.”
And that makes sense
In 2019, shippers who want to tap this capacity
must find ways to partner with these smaller
carriers.
Technology is going to continue to change
the transportation sector.
From blockchain (the buzzword of the day)
and autonomous technology to the possibilities
of artificial intelligence and the more widespread
adoption of load-matching apps, technology
in trucking is changing the way logistics
providers do business.
In 2018, ELD adoption was enforced, and while
many in the industry expected the enforcement
to completely disrupt the industry, the transition
was relatively smooth.
In 2019, expect the data from those ELDs to address
issues of driver safety, productivity and
operations management.
Tracking and visibility holds great promise
for both safety, but also integrated operations.
Jason Doris argues that “tracking and visibility
is more than just points on a map.”
He suggests that it’s not a single technology,
but “rather multiple technologies used during
the time-frame of any load.”
When used correctly, automated texting can
set in motion a system that determines the
right tracking solution for each unique situation.
In 2019, also look for smart 3PLs like AM Transport
Services to utilize these broader and more
robust tracking systems.
Data analytics are going to provide new opportunities
and applications in logistics and supply chain
management.
Providers are beginning to hire data scientists
to help make data-driven supply chain decisions.Data
scientists analyze and interpret data in real-time
and this translates to quicker and better
decision making for logistics experts and
their customers.
Data science will also improve logistics planning,
scheduling, and management.
Expect 2019 to offer even more opportunities
for data science and to create savings for efficiencies
for shippers.
The logistics landscape is rapidly changing
and evolving.
Smart shippers will stay abreast of these
changes and incorporate the findings in to
the way they do business.
Third party logistics (3PL) providers are
often early adopters of new technologies.
When looking for a good 3PL, shippers should
ask these three questions.
Do you work with small carriers?
Do you use an integrated tracking and visibility
system and invest in smart technology?
Do you incorporate data science into your
decision making?
Here at AM Transport Services, we answer each
of the above three questions with a resounding
yes.
Small carriers are at the heart of our business.
For 30 years, we’ve been building relationships
with a core group of small local carriers
who want to haul your freight.
We’re a forward thinking cpmpany and invest heavily in technology.
We track over 90% of our loads from pickup
to delivery.
We have a data scientist in house who keeps
us abreast of market trends, shifting capacity
and volume in real-time.
And we offer the best customer service around.
If you’re interested and want to stay atop the trends,
give us a call today.
You’ll never get a message tree or a phone messaging 
service, just a live person 24/7/365.
As always, thanks again for watching. Have a great day!
