Amid ongoing economic and operational hurdles, U.S. transportation and logistics (T&L) professionals are calling for a renewed focus on supporting frontline workers and enhancing sustainability to improve resilience and service quality. New research from SOTI, The Road Ahead: Driving Digital Transformation in T&L, reveals that 99% of T&L workers rely on mobile technology daily, yet they are losing up to 11 hours per worker per month due to mobile-device-related downtime.
“Losing hours of productivity due to mobile device downtime and facing potential data breaches is a wake-up call. Technological disruptions have evolved from mere inconveniences to serious threats to both operations and consumer trust,” says Shash Anand, SVP of product strategy. “We need to go beyond basic training and start thinking critically about how we protect our consumers’ data in every scenario. This means investing in advanced tools that not only manage devices but also anticipate problems before they escalate.”
Key takeaways:
- The report found a significant gap in operational visibility that directly impacts a company’s bottom line, employee morale and customer experience. Unfortunately, U.S. companies often identify issues like delivery delays or buyer dissatisfaction only after they occur, and lack the insight needed to respond quickly and prevent these problems from escalating.
- While 57% of U.S. employees see the benefits of increased mobile investments, T&L organizations desperately need the proper infrastructure to address challenges in real-time and boost overall consumer satisfaction and loyalty.
- Despite 81% of U.S. T&L professionals reporting they feel adequately trained on mobile data security, SOTI found that 46% still fear for the safety of their customers’ data while using mobile devices. Nearly half (49%) are concerned about data loss if their devices are lost or stolen and 56% worry about customer data falling into the wrong hands when mobile devices are shared.
- Failures from depleted batteries, software issues, connectivity problems or device misplacement are causing significant disruptions that ultimately harm the customer experience. As a result, 41% of U.S. respondents report working overtime to make up for lost productivity, with 27% of those in transportation or delivery roles admitting to speeding to make up for delays. These technical issues are also contributing to a stressful work environment for over half (51%) of respondents, with 35% missing targets, 17% losing preferred routes and 10% losing bonuses.
- While 88% of respondents currently use tracking technology on their work devices, 57% would like more to be installed. Tracking technology is widely regarded as a crucial area for enhancement, with 88% believing it ensures timely deliveries and keeps customers informed. Additionally, 82% feel more secure with the tracking of high-value goods, and 77% believe vehicle tracking enhances driver safety.
- 93% of U.S. enterprises are taking steps toward greener practices. However, 59% of respondents believe their companies could do more to protect the planet, while 34% say they would leave their jobs if their employer were not doing enough to protect the environment, indicating the potential impact on employee retention.
"The lack of transparency in the T&L industry is an operational hurdle and, ultimately, a source of frustration for both customers and employees," adds Anand. "Hence why a mobile-first strategy and advanced technology must be at the forefront of the T&L industry. Find an industry leader that supports organizations to achieve operational efficiency, security and sustainability. It’s about doing what’s right for the planet and the people who keep the industry moving."
