The transportation network delivers goods via 12 million locomotives, rail cars, trucks, and vessels. When a shipment’s destination is 750 or less miles, trucks are responsible for transporting the largest amount of freight by value, tons, and ton-miles. Rail cars, however, are the primary mode of transportation for shipments traveling 750 to 2,000 miles.
A Brief Overview of Freight Shipments and Value
The trucking industry transported almost 15 billion tons of cargo during 2013. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, predictions indicate that 18.79 billion tons of cargo will be transported by 2040.
Recent data on e-commerce revenue indicates that it’s approximately $423.3 billion and continuing to expand. E-commerce has made a significant impact on the retail industry and how items are delivered to consumers. In addition to full truckloads, less-than-truckloads (LTL) are becoming more common. Currently, the LTL market is valued at roughly $35 billion.
The per-ton value of freight is also expected to increase. The U.S. Department of Transportation, for example, reported that the per-ton value of freight moved in 2007 was $882.00. By 2040, the per-ton value is expected to amount to $1,377.00.
Cargo-Theft Incidents
Cargo theft continues to be a concern. In 2016, CargoNet and FreightWatch International provided data on cargo-theft incidents. During the first three quarters, roughly 615 cargo-theft incidents were reported. In order to prevent as well as minimize theft, it’s essential to have an experienced security staff and an effective tracking system. Furthermore, in the event that theft does occur, it’s important to report it to the appropriate authorities.
TMS with MacroPoint Integrated Broker Software
Since keeping track of shipments is vital for your business, using TMS with MacroPoint integrated broker software can assist you with this process. This transportation management system can provide you with detailed information on where your shipments are at any given time. It will also inform your office when deliveries arrive at their final destination. Once you speak with a representative, you’ll be able to learn more about the different types of transportation broker software and which ones would be the most effective for your business transactions.
