The Evolution of Freight Management
Freight management has undergone a remarkable transformation over the years, particularly within the context of Sub-Saharan Africa. Unitrans has proudly been at the forefront of this evolution and continues to be. Throughout its operations, Unitrans continues to adapt to shifting trends and adopts appropriate technologies and safety measures to better serve its customers across diverse African markets.
A brief history of freight management
The concept of freight management dates to ancient civilisations, with early trade routes establishing the foundations of what would become modern logistics. In Sub-Saharan Africa, traditional methods of transporting goods relied heavily on manual labour and animal power. Routes were often dictated by geographical features such as rivers and natural harbours.
The 20th century, however, brought significant changes to freight management across the African continent. The development of railways and improved road networks during the colonial era marked the beginning of modern logistics in the region. Post-independence, many African countries invested in infrastructure, gradually improving their capacity for freight movement across borders.
The digital revolution in freight management
The late 20th and early 21st centuries ushered in the digital age, bringing key optimisations to freight management globally and in Sub-Saharan Africa. The advent of computers and the internet led to efficient tracking, planning, and coordination of freight movements. This digital transformation has been particularly effective in a region as vast and diverse as Sub-Saharan Africa, where efficient logistics are the backbone for enabling much-needed economic development.
Current trends and technologies in freight management
Committed to its mission to continuously improve service provision that fulfills the diverse needs of its customers, Unitrans adopts appropriate and purpose-built technologies. Through its operations, Unitrans has adopted:
Technologies in freight management
- Real-time tracking technologies: Using Internet of Things (IoT) technologies, in-vehicle tracking and monitoring technologies, and innovative warehousing technologies, Unitrans enables its customers to reap the benefits of real-time tracking and telematics. These technologies enable Unitrans to monitor the location, condition, and status of shipments across Sub-Saharan Africa’s varied terrains and climates. Sensor technologies can also track temperature, humidity, and shock, ensuring that sensitive goods remain in optimal condition throughout their journey.
- Data analytics: As part of the Unitrans Centre of Excellence’s mission and approach, a key focus on data analytics brings a data-backed operational format to customer supply chains. In the context of Sub-Saharan Africa, where logistics challenges can be complex, data analytics provides Unitrans with valuable tools for optimising customer supply chains and logistics journeys.
- Route optimisation technologies: Data analytics tools process multiple variables, including traffic patterns, road conditions, and border crossing times, to determine the most efficient routes for freight movement across Sub-Saharan Africa. Route optimisation technologies can help to reduce fuel consumption, avoid unsafe or congested areas and enable faster delivery times that leads to more efficient operations.
- Artificial Intelligence (AI) and machine learning: AI and machine learning technologies enable Unitrans to support its customers’ supply chains and optimise operations.
Throughout human history, effective freight management and transportation has required continuous adaptation. While the industry has certainly evolved beyond balancing a packhorse, and is now driven by effective technologies, Unitrans remains committed to enabling optimisation and tailoring solutions for its customer supply chains and logistics operations. As Unitrans solves current problems, it also seeks to future-proof its customers’ operations, enabling further efficiencies, cost savings, and on-time deliveries.
This bold text linked to article titled “Unitrans launches Centre of Excellence to enhance African supply chain solutions” from 19 March 2024