Intermodal is awash in information that feeds into and flows from various emerging technologies. While it’s tough to say which of the many IT offerings will prove to be the most impactful, bet on the next disrupter leveraging one or more of intermodal’s strengths:
Visibility: Greater transparency around time, condition and location is increasingly sought after and available across the intermodal supply chain. In 2018, we saw the adoption of track-and-trace solutions by major marine players, an investment already being made by domestic intermodal service providers. Expect more deployments of this type of technology, mostly on a regional basis, in 2019.
Security: Blockchain’s decentralization and distributed ledger potentially reinforce the closed-loop, security advantages of intermodal in the physical world. In 2018, proprietary blockchain solutions were introduced among multiple carrier consortia, signaling “game on” to other sectors at the risk of being left behind.
Cost-effective: Comparable to the concept of blockchain transactions, digital brokerages offer the benefit of streamlined buying and selling. The “Uberization” of freight will continue in 2019 as investor money flows into start-ups matching supply and demand in the 3PL and intermodal drayage space. We anticipate more new partnerships on the international side as well.
Environmental: IANA’s own Street Interchange Application exemplifies the role that technology can play in reducing emissions. This industrywide platform facilitates cargo moves that do not require extra trips to return equipment prior to reloading. The benefits are reduced emissions, not to mention driver productivity and terminal efficiencies.
Service consistency: While technology can sometimes disintermediate parts of the market, third-party logistics providers are expanding its use to enhance customer relationships, provide greater reliability around drayage delivery, and bridge the gap between proprietary transportation management systems. The result is consistency.
The silos that have held intermodal back in the past are coming down, thanks in large part to new and emerging technologies, as well as attempts to standardize digital processes among and across modes. Which will be the “ELD” of 2019? Those that unlock intermodal’s strengths will have the greatest impact this year and beyond.