Foto: Reprodução/Freepik.
Driven by shifting consumer habits and advanced technology, this booming industry is overcoming challenges to define the future of logistics
Americans are more interested in receiving their purchases the same day, whether for meals or general retail items. This sector is expanding in the United States and is expected to maintain its rising trend in the coming years.
Research indicates that the same-day delivery market in the country is projected to reach $28.01 billion by 2028, driven by factors such as the rise of B2C commerce in the digital sector and technological advancements in artificial intelligence.
The new consumer behavior places pressure on the market to meet the growing demand for faster deliveries. In this context, specialized companies are investing in innovations to capitalize on this tendency.
Impact of the Growth of B2C E-Commerce
B2C e-commerce refers to the market where companies sell products directly to consumers across various sectors. The expression means “business to consumer” and is widely used in retail.
Data shows that this model is one of the main drivers of increased revenue in the same-day delivery market. This trend is attributed to the ease with which products are exchanged between parties, varying from essential items to documents.
Additionally, the sector has been adopting fast delivery models to better serve consumers. Buyers increasingly focus on delivery speed when choosing where to make their purchases.
Influence of Artificial Intelligence Trends
In the current landscape, AI has provided results for companies providing services. Generally, this technology optimizes all stages of the supply chain, from manufacturing to the final delivery of products.
One application is demand forecasting, which utilizes data analysis to anticipate the need for certain materials. This enables more precise production, reducing costs while avoiding waste and shortages.
Also, real-time inventory management allows for continuous control over available stock, facilitating better planning. Operations can be monitored to develop strategies and predict future outcomes.
AI also improves reverse logistics, simplifying the returns process. A practical example is Amazon’s implementation of this technology to identify potential damage to shipments and manage them more efficiently.
Logistics and Infrastructure Challenges
Despite a promising outlook, the same-day delivery sector still faces challenges. High costs restrict many companies from adapting their logistics to serve consumers more effectively.
These difficulties can lead to infrastructure issues, such as stock losses due to inefficient management. Additionally, the shortage of specialized professionals affects the accuracy.
Another area that requires attention is last-mile delivery, the final step in delivering a product to either a physical customer or a retail store.
Deliveries need to be optimized to ensure packages arrive quickly without damage, but achieving this is not always possible given current investment levels.
Main Companies and Investments in the Sector
Among same-day delivery companies, A1 Express Services Inc. is recognized as a market leader. The company provides solutions in the U.S. and many other parts of the world.
Another notable service is Aramex, which has innovated in geolocation in recent years. The company has formed partnerships to improve last-mile delivery with a system that manages addresses more accurately.
In the food sector, Picnic provides services such as office lunch delivery, serving those who work from home or in the office. More companies are adopting specific strategies to satisfy consumer needs.
Sustainability in Same-Day Delivery
Currently, trends towards greater sustainability are influencing all sectors of the economy, including deliveries. Sustainable packaging, which avoids the use of materials that take a long time to decompose, is becoming more common.
Another solution involves the use of sustainable energy sources, such as electric units, which are being adopted more widely. In this context, AI can be important by analyzing operations and optimizing energy consumption in production.
Moreover, efficient inventory management minimizes issues with excess stock and improper use of materials, reducing waste and preventing excessive consumption that can harm the environment.
With escalating climate concerns and future doubts, companies must adhere to regulations in line with national laws. Consequently, it is essential to adjust operations to improve eco-friendliness.
Future Projections and the Role of Technology
To optimize the same-day delivery market, companies are utilizing new transportation technologies. This includes autonomous vehicles and drones, which have already been adopted by big companies like Amazon.
In addition , AI is expected to further improve production activities, making them more effective and boosting the quality of products delivered to consumers.
Companies that fail to adapt to these new technologies are declining in market presence. On the other hand, closely monitoring innovations can be a central factor in distinguishing themselves from competitors.