A Peek Into The Future: The Futuristic Logistics Seminar

The 2018 Futuristic Logistics seminar has just taken place. For anyone who works in the courier industry, it’s essential to stay up-to-date with the latest changes and technologies, so if you missed the event,read on.

Futuristic Logistics Seminar

On the 15th of May, Triangle Management hosted the Futuristic Logistics seminar, in London. The event presented the latest technological advancements that will continue to shape the courier industry. Three sessions were held, providing an overview of the most recent software and hardware developments. Below are the highlights of the sessions.

Session One: Delivery Drones and Robots

Most delivery companies use petrol or diesel vehicles to transport goods. However, as drone and robot technology progresses, some may have started to consider using delivery drones and robots to complete short-distance courier jobs.According to a seminar speaker, Alexander Mauchle, a Principal Engineer with Cambridge Consultants, unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) have already successfully been used in some rural areas and also to drop off packages in locker terminals.

Another option is the use of pavement level delivery robots, an innovative technology that’s been tested by Starship Technologies. The company’s Head of Public Affairs, Lembit Opik, suggested using these robots to carry out courier jobscould help limit road congestion and emissions.

Session Two: Electric Vehicles

Many companies are already consideringthe addition of electric vehicles to the fleet to make courier jobs more environmentally friendly. The morning session summarised the commercial, operational and environmental benefits of electric vehicles in courier fleets, focusing on theircost-effectiveness and profitability. Speaker Charlie Jardine, CEO of EO Charging, also explained the feasibility of erecting charging zones in and around cities.

In the afternoon, Rob Wallis, the CEO of Transport Research Laboratory (TRL), and Ben Boutcher-West, Automotive Lead, Mobility Solutions with Bosch, came together to present information on autonomous vehicles and the trials that are taking place across the country. The session ended with Uto Patrick, Delivery London Project Manager of CRP, analysing the potential impacts of these autonomous vehicles on freight companies.

Session Three: Optimisation Software

Tore Grünert, owner and partner of GTS Systems and Consulting, and Mikael Wallstedt, Business Development Manager of PocketMobile and ALK, talked about the advantages of “last mile” optimisation software.

Neil Herron, Founder & CEO of Grid, wrapped up the final session, discussing smart parking and virtual loading bays. He argued that software enhancements could make inner-city deliveries more effective, while also improving road congestion.

The Take Away from the Seminar

As any owner-driver or fleet manager knows, the easiest way of acquiring more courier jobs is to prove your company’s efficiency and effectiveness, which means responding to the industry’s needs. As a first step, you may want to consider including electric vehicles for short-distance deliveries,or make improvements to existing vehicles by integrating new software to ensure they are more environmentally friendly.

While it’s impossible to implement all the suggested innovations at once, it’s important to be aware of them as your company looks to the future and strives to complete courier jobs even more quickly and efficiently.

Author Plate

Norman Dulwich is a correspondent for Courier Exchange, the world's largest neutral trading hub for same day courier jobs in the express freight exchange industry. Over 5,300 member companies are networked together through the Exchange to fill empty capacity, get new clients and form long-lasting business relationships.