The previous sections provided an overview of trends based on Easyship’s shipping data. This last section highlights five emergent trends shaping the world of shipping and logistics in 2021.

1. Drone Deliveries Ready For Takeoff

In August 2020, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) approved low-altitude drone deliveries in the US. This means that commercial drones can fly over residences and roadways to shorten the last mile. This new technology promises to boost efficiency and cut costs on fulfillment.

Retail leaders like Amazon and Walmart, plus shipping companies like UPS, are fast-developing their own airborne fulfillment capabilities. In coming years, merchants may come to use commercial drones for deliveries as well.

2. Shipping Goes Green

Increasingly climate-conscious shoppers favor brands who share their values. Brands using sustainable shipping and fulfillment practices will garner valuable word of mouth from customers.

The easiest way to practice green shipping is to use eco-friendly packaging. Additionally, you can partner with shipping companies that use low carbon fuel and optimize delivery routes to slash emissions. With the US back in the Paris Climate Accord, top-down initiatives that reward companies for being green are expected. To refresh your shipping policy, check out the free shipping policy generator.

3. Small Merchants Gain Momentum

As omnichannel software becomes more accessible, small businesses are winning. According to Digital Commerce 360, US eCommerce businesses reported a 15% increase in growth last year, on average.

Platforms like Shopify help merchants reach audiences anywhere, then convert buyers with personalized shopping experiences. For example, 41% of shoppers saying they plan to increase the use of buy-online pick-up-in-store options this year. Could your business benefit from this offering?

Moreover, these all-in-one tools simplify complex logistical processes that, historically, are a major hurdle for growing retailers. Similarly, new tools like duty and tax calculators help you gain clarity on your shipping costs.

4. Shipping Costs Could Climb

The pandemic and subsequent pivot to eCommerce strained supply chains. This, in turn, increased shipping rates. As reported in Marketwatch, fees to ship containers from major Asian exporters have more than doubled in the past year.

Container shortages lead to port blockages and the compounding inefficiencies pushed prices upward. If demand for shipping containers continues to exceed supply, shipping costs could rise even higher, says economist Blerina Uruci, an economist at Barclays. This could lead to higher shipping prices for all parties.

To mitigate against cost hikes, monitor your shipping costs. Our free shipping rate calculator offers up-to-the-minute rates for all global couriers.

5. Multi Courier Shipping Solutions Enhance Offerings

Multi-courier shipping solutions are a cornerstone of a cost-effective shipping strategy. Moreover, using multiple shipping companies is the best way to offer the fast, reliable delivery shoppers expect.

This year, good service will keep getting better. Consider the following improvements from top couriers:

  • FedEx opened six new sorting centers in the US in 2020
  • UPS and FedEx now both delivery to residential addresses every day of the week

To explore the latest benefits of multi-courier shopping, check out the free courier comparison tool.


COURIER-MESSENGER, INC. – BIG OR SMALL WE SHIP IT ALL

  • CMI is  based in the Valencia Industrial Center, Santa Clarita, providing transportation of time sensitive shipments of all sizes from envelopes to full truckloads.
  • CMI provides same day, Overnight and Time definite Ltl point to point deliveries, through out the USA. Same day truck service is determined by availability at time of call.
  • CMI provides our customers with internet tracking, and proof of deliveries at time of completion in real time.

Phone: (661) 257-8689 – Fax: (661) 257-1895
Email: [email protected] – Website: ShipCMI.com

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