Sharing and shaking up logistics
In its latest “Trend Report”, DHL has argued that the “sharing economy is shaking up logistics”, as the new digital platforms and business models built around sharing rather than owning assets “present a significant future opportunity for the industry”. Matthias Heutger, Senior Vice President Strategy, Marketing & Innovation, DHL Customer Solutions & Innovation, explained: “Logistics providers can really benefit from sharing their own assets, as well as facilitate the sharing of goods that are a hassle to transport.
“Digital sharing platforms give instant access to what’s available from online networks of users, including but not limited to hotel rooms, taxis, construction equipment household items and even people’s personal time or skills. Logistics providers can leverage these developments via more cost-effective usage of warehouse space, more efficient transportation and delivery methods, or flexible staffing models.”
DHL gave an example how the company itself has used the sharing principle: “According to research, one in four trucks on US and EU roads are driving empty or typically only half-loaded. Digital platforms provide an instant snapshot of availability and the ability to access spare capacity in almost any truck, including smaller delivery vehicles or even privately owned cars on a day to day basis.
“With its recently launched Saloodo! real-time freight brokerage platform, DHL is already tackling the inefficiencies of unused capacity. Saloodo! uses the global network of smartphone users and real-time communications to reach a greater audience of shippers to take advantage of excess capacity.”
DHL continued: “Multi-customer warehouses help third party logistics providers achieve greater economies of scale by consolidating fulfillment, demand and know-how between several customers within a single site. Taking the concept of space sharing from the hospitality sector as a role model, sharing excess warehouse capacity would bring great financial and productivity benefits.”
While the sharing economy has huge potential, DHL cautioned there are issues that still need to be addressed, such as risk liability, workforce protection and developing suitable regulatory frameworks.
“Collaboration between companies and policy makers is necessary to ensure development happens in a positive and productive way,” said Heutger. “With logistics perfectly placed to enable and benefit from this trend, it will play a key role in shaping the Sharing Economy and rewriting the rules of value creation.”
Click here to download the report.
