Providers that invest in technologies to optimize data handling and operational efficiency will move closer to achieving fully autonomous , self-healing , and self-learning platforms . That will enable them to respond to customer needs more quickly and efficiently .
Jagad : Next year , technologies that only provide point-to-point solutions for specific verticals will be completely antiquated . These solutions limit last-mile providers ’ ability to diversify their service offerings . They force carriers into relying on work for single shippers or types of deliveries .
Carriers need scalable solutions across various industries and regions , making point-to-point , vertical-specific technologies less viable . Additionally , systems that cannot accommodate managing multiple facilities or support a carrier ’ s expanding network will struggle to remain relevant for the same reason . They cannot manage various locations and scale seamlessly . Technologies that lack flexibility will become obsolete .
Finally , technologies with fixed workflows that do not allow carriers to configure customer processes will be phased out . As last-mile operations increase in complexity and carriers scale to serve a broader range of customers , they will require adaptable solutions that do not require tedious , manual workarounds . Inflexible platforms are unsustainable as the last-mile logistics industry continues to evolve .
Raman : Assembling a disconnected web of incomplete software is the wrong foundation for adopting modern technology . For example , some carriers use disparate tools for warehousing , dispatch , routing , and billing . The data and processes are stored in various places , making it di ! cult or impossible to get a unified view of business or deploy AI .
CLDA Mag : What else should last-mile providers know about upcoming changes in technology in 2025 ?
Jagad : In 2025 , last-mile providers should review their current technologies to assess whether they are too rigid or limit future growth . Providers locked into inflexible technology systems or multiyear contracts that restrict their ability to scale or upgrade may find adapting to the industry ’ s fastpaced changes challenging .
It ’ s essential to evaluate various tools and invest in more strategic solutions , like last-mile TMS , that enable providers to manage diverse operations within a single , scalable platform .
Providers should also prioritize working with technology partners whose values align with their own , particularly those committed to helping solve their delivery challenges through AI and ML technologies . These tools can optimize existing operations and help ensure built-in flexibility to adapt to future demands without being locked into long-term , restrictive agreements . CLDA
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