Web 3.0 is on its way, and London-based global courier Fastlane International says that the international parcel market are poised for some significant developments in 2015, which will fuel further growth in cross-border ecommerce.
Fastlane International is predicting for 2015 and beyond: Increased delivery options, the growth of Sunday and same-day deliveries, better ‘signature’ proof systems, the use of more electric/hydrogen vehicles, the demise of cut-price man and van deliveries, and – as trials get serious – drone development.
Fastlane International’s David Jinks says he is expecting 2015 to outperform even the technology-powered ecommerce revolution of 2014.
“Retailers have paid lip-service to the idea that the customer is king, or queen, for many years; but today they really are,” Jinks said. “No longer do companies decide how much stock might be available in any store, or how many days it might take to deliver. We were in a push-economy, with manufacturers and retailers calling the shots. Now we are in a pull-economy: customers are in the driving seat, and are deciding exactly when and where they want their products.”
Increasing real-time delivery options will be a growing feature next year. Fastlane’s partner DPD helped revolutionise customer’s experience in 2014 with its multi-award winning Predict and Follow My Parcel services. Now customers can receive a one-hour delivery window and reschedule the parcel while the delivery is actually on the road. Real time tracking follows the delivery, and there’s a 15 minute countdown.
This innovation was made possible through the growing use of GPS satellite tracking systems. Jinks predicts by the end of 2015, a number of more dynamic companies will be offering full real time information and ‘in flight’ delivery change options in the UK and US.
Sunday deliveries will also become more widespread, as they have proved to be a hit with consumers. While there may be a question mark over harder to reach areas, city centre Sunday deliveries will become the ‘new normal.’
Same day deliveries will expand rapidly, predicts Fastlane. Consumers expect ever quicker deliveries and soon that will mean not only the same day, but an exact hour. Jinks said such is the appeal of “instant gratification” that people are prepared to pay handsomely for it.
“If people want an item badly and urgently enough, and are prepared to spend more for this, that need that will be met using a mix of improved ordering, picking and GPS technology,” Jinks said. “By next Christmas, we’re predicting a number of retailers will be offering fast, time specific, same-day deliveries.”
Better signature proof systems will benefit retailers and customers. Increasing use of mobile devices with cameras to record exactly who accepted what parcel, and when, will lead to less lost and missing parcels, and fewer allegations against couriers. A win-win for consumers and delivery companies!
Electric and even hydrogen powered delivery vehicles will be an increasingly familiar site in our towns and cities as the effort to improve the air quality of our urban areas continues. Hydrogen vehicles are in their infancy, but already one company is trying out this even greener alternative to electric vans. And watch out for DHL’s increasing use of pedal power, as cycles make a parcel comeback.
Unmanned drone deliveries may sound the stuff of science fiction, but Amazon is getting tough in its belief that this is a practical technology. Recently Amazon threatened the US Government that the internet giant will take the development of its R&D outside America if the US doesn’t make some concessions to the developing technology. There’s already one German island that is being served by drone delivery technology in a DHL experiment.
Finally, the end of the road for cut price untrained delivery drivers and the cheap-and-not-so-cheerful companies that use them, cannot be far away. This Christmas has seen increasing consumer anger at the antics of some low-cost couriers.
“In the US couriers largely upped their game following what was a difficult 2013 Christmas for some,” Jinks said. “But in the UK a number of parcel delivery firms have spectacularly failed to cope with demand this year.”
However, Jinks said some low-cost delivery companies continue to capture headlines for all the wrong reasons. He said it won’t be long before consumers wise-up to those companies who are failing to meet basic delivery standards, and, even more significantly, stop doing business with all those retailers who continue to use them.
“Internet retailers looking to save a few cents will actually lose many dollars if they don’t prioritise deliveries,” Jinks said. “In Britain, we have a saying, don’t be penny wise and pound foolish when it comes to customer satisfaction.”