How Haulage Companies Must Adapt to the Digital Economy

The term and concept "digital economy" is a hot topic in the world of business. It is front and centre on the agenda of government think tanks, a focus for corporate training organisations, and a spectre to many who seek to pin it down and measure its impact.
This impact may be obscure at times, but it is real and potent, including in the transportation industry. Businesses are working out how to assess and adapt to the digital economy, and do so in simple yet effective ways.

Invest like it's a priority, because it is

It can be tempting to see the digital economy, or at least the weight of its importance, as a bit of a fad. But fads come and go, and the digital economy is becoming more and more significant to successful haulage companies. While broad reaching and diverse, and thus a little hard to measure in terms of impact, once its impact is seen in terms of the financial results and potential of technological change in the industry, its importance is clear. From the usefulness of GPS tracking to the changes in marketing wrought by online exchanges, it is easy to see why those who fail to even consider it will be left behind. Investing in the opportunities offered by mobile, online, network and social media technologies should be treated as a priority by every small business.

Develop a digital marketing face

Many haulage companies see online marketing as the domain of big companies. The idea of managing a website, let alone a social media platform or presence on relevant mobile applications, can be a burden to those whose skills involve the movement of the physical not the digital! But just as emails and online shopping have changed the market for the delivery of physical information and goods, so too has digital marketing changed the options for businesses to market themselves. Many people now trust companies based on online reviews and their online image. Developing a clear and robust digital marketing face is the first step in reaching respectability among this ever-growing segment of the market.

Use its tools to find work

The impact of the digital economy can appear threatening – but it's good to remember that change almost always appears this way at first. Haulage companies are better off considering this impact in terms of opportunity, not threat. The capacity to communicate with clients using mobile apps, the ability to build a reputation on web-boards and through website comment sections, or the means of looking to fill return loads on online exchanges are all tools you can use to get more jobs.

Take advantage of digital efficiency

Anyone who has worked in the transportation industry will know that haulage companies work in a very competitive environment, especially those that run small businesses in an urban environment. It is vital to stay efficient as wasted time, fuel and logistical energy will lead to loss of profit. The digital economy provides a very real means of improving efficiency. GPS tools, logistics apps, online commerce courses, and social media management suites are all designed to save you time and money in your everyday work.