Where do freight brokers fit into the future of freight..??
Within the transportation industry, freight has come under a watchful eye as digital disruption, acquisitions and mergers, and higher-margin business models have erupted throughout the space.
While there are various opportunities for certain aspects of the freight business, there are as many potentially disruptive factors, all which leave the future of freight foggy at best.
Freight brokers – a traditionally integral part of the freight marketplace – may find it difficult to clearly see where they fit in amongst the waves of change now and in the years ahead.
Recognizing both the strengths of the industry along with the potential setbacks is a necessary step for freight brokers who want to be successful in their business over the next decade.
Opportunities in the Freight Industry
There are impressive statistics that point to a strong future in freight, especially for brokerages that are open to embracing change. First, within the United States nearly 83% of all goods are transported by a truck at some point or another, and more than 33.8 million trucks are registered for business purposes.
Additionally, the volume of truckload is expected to continue rising with an estimated 3.2% increase this year alone.
Follow that up with industry experts anticipating freight revenue reaching $1.3 trillion per year by 2024, and it is no question that there are ample opportunities to connect critical players in the business as a freight broker.
In addition to the growth of the freight industry as a whole, freight brokers new to the business have even more opportunities in the market. Many current brokerage owners are near retirement age, and set heavily in the conventional way of doing business. The digital disruption taking place in freight has caused countless long-time freight brokers to reevaluate their position in the marketplace and their ability to keep up with ever-evolving technology needs and wants of customers.
New brokerages not only have an opportunity to acquire businesses with retiring leadership but those freight brokers starting on their own path can infuse digital tools into their operations from the jump.
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Possible Roadblocks to Success
Although there are many exciting opportunities in freight in the upcoming years, there are a handful of obstacles that could impede continued success for freight brokers, both new and seasoned. The digital revolution is hitting transportation in nearly all facets of the business, from the addition of full technology stacks for drivers and customers to autonomous trucks that threaten the viability of truckers throughout the country.
These widespread shifts mean less reliance on intermediary partners, including freight brokers, and in theory, a leaner business model that increases margins for customers and drivers alike.
Currently, there are low barriers to entry on both the legal and financial sides of the line, which is alluring to technology-focused firms eager to take their bite out of the freight market share. There is no question that companies with ample capital will continue developing software and apps that cut out the need for brokerage operations in one capacity or another.
Self-driving trucks are already being tested and debated in regulatory spaces, meaning their debut is imminent. Freight brokers need to be prepared for these changes now before the world of transportation looks wildly different.
Current and prospective freight brokers can take the reins of their future in the business by understanding the opportunities in the industry along with the obstacles. Embracing the digital disruption is pertinent to future success, as it connecting with customers and drivers on a level that no automated, humanless app or software could ever achieve.
Focusing resources in these areas ensures a seat at the table of the freight future for brokers, no matter their size, niche, or current business model.
Truck can’t replace the freight broker or the new age freight broker who has a automated computerized set up, the companies that have both a person to speak to if needed and online automation will be the success of the future.
We all need a human to speak with at times especially for custom orders, problem solving, human response, customer service etc…
I am new to the industry, I can see how computers are taking over everywhere and because of it, I am gearing up for that, but I also know the trucking industry can not be replaced because trucks drive themselves you will still need skilled individuals to monitor and direct that phase when it comes, that is a opportunity for growth but just in a different direction as we know it…
Drivers will be hit hard and at some point be almost removed if the industry goes driverless trucks? But we are way to far from that completely taking over, and these trucks will break down, manual drive will be a must on all of them in the event of a problem, so drivers will be needed in a different way…
Now I believe and this is just my opinion, that all these changes will make the industry even bigger and stronger, just like we are communicating through this site, 20 years ago it was unheard of? Just saying, no that being said, freight brokers will always be in demand because businesses are always looking to cut cost or have someone handle the logistics etc… We provide that and more, and most of the trucking companies will be very reliant on us because we are automized and have our fingers on the new age of business, fleet owners just want trucks on the road.
Brokers will always be that gap, businesses don’t have time to find different companies to handle their shipping, they need to get orders out regardless to what it is they need to sell product or goods, plain and simple.
Each phase of this industry will still need one another just in different ways and through technology. But all in all, I see a tremendous growth as long as the economy stays stable, if the economy isn’t stable its bad for everyone, not just the freight industry, take it from a guy who made millions in real estate, that market still hasn’t completely recovered, just saying…
By the time we have a full flegged automation with freight transportation, we would probably also have self driven cars as a purchase option. It wouldn’t be fare otherwise am sure congress would factor that into the decision as well.
WHAT IS CMR? PLEASE EXPLAIN
The freight and truck transportation industry can greatly benefit from electrical powered trucks, like the Tesla. But beware of self-driven technology creeping into our transportation industry. It’ll dominate the market in the 10-20 years.
I read through this article, probably this is more for USA, however in India , fareast and China there is ample opportunities for the freight broker, as the customs system is still quite complicated and also due to security reasons worldwide all customers need to go through a customs broker and freight broker just like any other brokers being it be insurance, property to get the best deals
I believe we’re years away from seeing autonomous trucks on the road consistently. There will be an extensive trial period not to mention the rules and regulation congress will need to impose prior to an autonomous truck being the sole option of transportation. In addition, autonomous trucks will be required to have a live person/truck driver riding in the vehicle. As a freight broker, I know it’s a tough business but ample room for growth! Lots of loads floating around with few and far inbetween trucks available. Last I checked we were st a 6.5 loads to 1 truck ratio. Now the issue of shortage of drivers may push more for the autonomous trucks.Thanks for your freight broker blog Hariesh.!