Dive Brief:

• A growing preference for spot rate requests and shorter contracts is increasingly common in our modern "get it now" economy, reports Drewry. 
• 3PLs are increasingly challenged to improve sales, thanks to shrinking margins.
• The presence of millennials skilled in the newest technologies within the workforce is increasing the need for mobility and agility within shipping capabilities.

Dive Insight:

While traditional relationships with carriers and forwarders are still important, the transactions and day-to-day communication are best served using digital tools, including those in the Cloud. The next generation of people entering the profession have been trained to use the latest online platforms and tools, focusing on process and managing costs. The profession must continue to evolve.

The days of the dog-eared Rolodex cards and trucker-supplied calendars are over. Yesterday’s shippers are today’s logistics professionals, looking to automate and streamline processes, build intermodal relationships, improve customer satisfaction, and maximize opportunities for cost savings. Supply chain visibility is critical in all supply chains. Digital solutions are the main factor in maximizing it.