Courier services have always been a popular option for companies and individuals in need of immediate deliveries. The flexibility, affordability, and reliability that couriering offers are hard to beat. However, that doesn’t mean technology will never change the way demand for courier services can be met.
The impact of technology on the world of courier services is already becoming apparent. Modern technologies, such as mobile phone apps, GPS tracking systems, and car-sharing apps are all playing their part in changing how people get around town and are expected to disrupt our current service demands.
The Past: How Technology Has Changed Courier Services Over Time
On a basic level, it’s evident to see the impact of technology on couriers as far back as the automobile. Before cars, people would travel by train, horse and carriage, or on foot. They could also use technologies, such as electric trams in cities, to take them around town quickly and easily.
While the advent of transport technology did not instantly change the way people lived their lives, it was instrumental in changing how courier companies handled business. It enabled couriers to deliver goods much faster than was previously possible. The growth of the automobile meant that many more goods could be transported at one time in one vehicle and delivered within a short period.
The Present: The Current State of Technology in Courier Services
While the impact of technology on courier services may not have had a direct impact, other changes have been taking place that will undoubtedly change the face of courier services as we know them.
Mobile apps are one way that technology is impacting courier services today. The most common mobile app to be used by couriers is the GPS tracking service, Waze. Waze uses GPS signals from mobile devices to track traffic conditions. This has enabled drivers to find the best routes and avoid traffic jams and accidents in real-time, which has saved both time and money for couriers.
Another example of how technology is changing the way couriers use their vehicles daily is car-sharing apps, such as Uber, Lyft, and GoGet. The idea behind these apps is simple: they connect passengers with licensed, regulated, and insured drivers. The cost of traveling is also easy to calculate in advance by using the app’s interface. This allows couriers to find a passenger, get them where they need to go, and then quickly move on to the next job.
The Future: How Technology Will Continue to Change Courier Services
Even though the proliferation of technology in courier services is only just starting to take place, many experts have predicted how it will continue to change over the coming years.
The world of self-driving cars is expected to have a large impact on courier services in the future. Companies, such as Google, Apple, Tesla, and Uber are all working on creating self-driving systems for vehicles that will be able to navigate and drive through cities without human intervention. Experts predict that due to the reduction in accidents and human error from self-driving cars, insurance premiums will also drop significantly. These benefits couriers who will no longer be liable for any accidents caused by drivers or themselves.
While the impact of technology on courier services may not be entirely apparent right now, the changes that are already taking place are predicted to revolutionize the way people use courier services in the future. Couriers will be able to focus more on their businesses while they still effectively transport their clients wherever they need to go. It’s clear to see that technology has and will continue to have a huge impact on courier services forever.
