Self-driving car the future of logistics industry

The logistics industry will probably be one of the first testing grounds for automated vehicles, according to a study from package delivery giant DHL.

Shipping companies will likely adopt the technology faster than other sectors, since moving cargo in non-public areas like storage facilities and warehouses provides a safer venue to test such devices, according to a study published this week by DHL, the freight and express arm of Deutsche Post AG.

Eventually vehicles might bring packages to a pick-up station where a consumer could find them, the study said.

DHL plans to “maintain pole position in the world of self-driving vehicles,” wrote Matthias Heutger and Markus Kueckelhaus, the authors of the study. "The question is no longer ‘if’ but rather ‘when’ autonomous vehicles will drive onto our streets and highways."

Source : http://www.cargobusinessnews.com/news/techwire/news2.html

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Japanese logistics firms to share drivers

Logistics companies in Japan are moving to combine their freight truck operations amid an industry-wide shortage of drivers as the economy recovers.

Yamato Transport, Seino Transportation and six other companies have set up a committee to study possible collaboration, according to Nikkei Report.

As early as the fall, the group, which also includes Tonami Transportation, Sapporo Express, Meitetsu Transport, Chuetsu Unso, Daiichi Freight System and Kanda, plans to begin sharing cargo space and sorting sites on a trial basis as early as the fall. Based on this, they will decide how to split costs.

A nationwide association of logistics companies will implement the initiative. Other carriers, such as Sagawa Express and Nippon Express, will be encouraged to take part as well.

Trucks handle about 90 percent of domestic freight transport.

About 60 percent of the carriers had anticipated a labour shortage between April and June, according to an industry survey. And drivers are ageing as well. By collaborating with peers, the carriers will work to maintain quality service while curbing costs.

The joint operations will be employed on routes that include small and mid-size cities. Trucks hauling freight along these routes often have under-utilised cargo space on return trips.

Source: http://www.cargonewsasia.com/secured/article.aspx?id=7&article=33655

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