Myths and Misconceptions of the Logistics Industry in South Africa
The logistics industry can be a confounding system of businesses from the perspective of outside observers. Despite the fact that many everyday activities depend on it, urban legends, myths, and misconceptions about the industry remain widespread – especially in South Africa. Today, we’ll take a look at some of the most fascinating myths and misconceptions about the logistics industry in South Africa and why they’re misguided.
Myth 1: Logistics is Just About Shipping Cargo
One of the most persistent myths of the logistics industry is that it’s just about the physical shipping of cargo. In reality, there’s a whole host of activities that must take place before and after the physical shipping of cargo takes place. At best, shipping cargo is only one third of the process: Prior to shipping, firms must first identify customers to meet their supply needs and locate suppliers to fill those needs. Afterwards, they need to engage in invoicing and follow up on payments received, as well as ensure shopping transactions are fulfilled.
Myth 2: Logistics Depends Solely On Physical Assets Such as Trucks
Another misconception about the industry is that it’s centered primarily on physical assets such as trucks. Although assets do play a role, information technology systems are at the heart of the logistics industry. Without these systems, it would be impossible for logistics businesses to monitor where their assets are, how much cargo is being shipped, extrapolate forecasted customer demand, and plan for future shipments.
Myth 3: Logistics Firms Don’t Have Broader Impacts
Unfortunately, the detrimental impacts of many logistics firms have become a critical aspect of managing the industry’s environmental responsibility and sustainability. From the greenhouse gases emitted to the air during transportation and the land used to build or warehouse infrastructure to the waste produced by this infrastructure, the responsibilities of logistics firms have become increasingly complex. Logistics firms must strive to minimise the environmental damage they cause and take factors into consideration such as implementing efficient routing strategies and streamlining their operations to reduce costs without sacrificing service.
Myth 4: Private Firms Don't Participate in Logistics
At first glance, it may appear that logistics is an activity exclusively performed by large government agencies or freight forwarding companies, but this simply isn't true. Private firms in the public sector—especially small and medium-sized businesses—are of immense importance to the logistics industry. From transportation firms that help move cargo to software companies that manage the supply chain, entrepreneurial initiatives are playing an important role in the development of the industry.
Myth 5: Logistics Firms Don't Have to Be Technologically Savvy
Finally, one of the biggest misconceptions about logistics today is that firms don't have to be technologically savvy or up to date with technological advancements. But the truth is that technology is playing an increasingly important role in the logistics industry and firms must adapt quickly in order to remain competitive. From tracking technologies that help monitor cargo in real time, to predictive analytics platforms that forecast demand, firms must stay on top of the latest developments if they want to survive in an increasingly competitive industry.
QikTruck – Your Solution for Logistics in South Africa
Finding reliable truck hire can be a challenge and when it’s a matter of you needing it in a hurry, reliable and fast delivery of goods are essential. With the ever-evolving logistics industry, finding the right options can be a mind-numbing task too. However, we at QikTruck are here to help ease that burden. We offer you quality, on-demand truck and driver hire solutions to make your logistics easier. Whether you need a four-ton bakkie for a small job, or a truck for more sizable shipping, hiring a vehicle is always easier with QikTruck.
We provide you with customized solutions to whatever your needs may be. We understand that the logistics industry is highly competitive and that customer service is incredibly important. Hence we are focused on the customer experience and offer tailored solutions to address each of your unique requirements. At QikTruck, we deliver quality services, irrespective of the size of your job. We provide directly employed drivers rather than resources hired through agencies. This, in turn, reduces the time and money spent during the hiring process.
We also understand that the logistics industry is constantly evolving and require increased flexibility and affordability. This is why we have designed our rates to ensure that you get the best value for money. We have a range of payment options such as cash, bank transfer, or credit card and provide flexible invoicing options to better suit your needs.
We are aware just how important it is to ensure the safety of your cargo and cargo handlers, and work hard to ensure that your goods are being transported safely and timely. Our trucks and trailers are modern and well equipped to handle any size job and our fleet of C Track monitored vehicles are always up to date with the latest tracking technology. We also offer you 24/7 technical support for any issues you may encounter regarding your cargo.
The logistics industry presents a range of complexity and a wide variety of myths and misconceptions. QikTruck is proud to offer solutions to the logistics industry in South Africa and is committed to the highest standards of customer service. By offering on-demand solutions, we are well-positioned to help you move your cargo quickly, safely, and affordably.