5G: Transforming transportation and logistics.
Digitally managing logistics tracking was already growing significantly with 4G, but as 5G continues to expand, so does a whole new set of opportunities.
Greater insights into fleet management.
Traditional fleet management and telematics tools allow you to plot and track driving times and routes using a physical device that's plugged into each vehicle. These devices then connect with an app that provides managers with access to vehicle data and enables communication with the driver.
With 5G-based solutions, devices will deliver more functionality to users that will make their jobs easier, like live driver coaching and dynamic fleet management based on real-time shipment data and weather conditions.
5G could allow autonomous semis to travel close together over long distances in “platoons,” reducing drag and fuel consumption.
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5G connectivity could also empower transportation and logistics companies to use diagnostic data in real time, with digital dashboards and metrics that provide insights into driver behavior as well as route and fuel efficiency. With the use of smart sensors and onboard computers that monitor and transmit position, speed, fuel consumption, vehicle wear, and component failure, organizations can improve operational efficiency across the board. Additionally, data can be captured, analyzed, and viewed wherever the assets or the central office is located.
"Platooning" is another potential use case for 5G. By allowing trucks to travel on a highway with vehicle-to-everything (V2X) communications and autonomous technology maintaining a fixed gap between them, they could form coordinated, identically spaced convoys that can drive in close proximity over long distances—reducing drag, lowering fuel consumption, and cutting costs. The European Automobile Manufacturers’ Association projects found that platooning could reduce the CO2 emissions of vehicles by up to 10% and offer safety benefits.
Improve asset tracking.
T-Mobile recently estimated that 77% of firms had limited to zero visibility into their supply chains. Unfortunately, receiving shipping updates at only a few key checkpoints can lead to unforeseen delays that can negatively impact delivery times, customer satisfaction, and budgets. Attaching a low-cost asset tracker to shipments, pallets, or individual assets can provide precise location and temperature data. Connecting asset trackers over a cellular network also improves security over proprietary and other IoT standards.
For overseas container shipments, the assets can even be tracked at the seaport. Several ports around the world, including one in Seattle, now use private 5G networks that allow completely autonomous movement of cargo within the port.
Tracking last-mile delivery.
Supply Chain 4.0 for consumer goods will include a flexible transport capability, modeled on ride-sharing technology, that can potentially increase agility in distribution and introduce new direct-to-consumer and drop shipping opportunities.
It all adds up to better customer service.
Using Artificial Intelligence (AI) and 5G to aggregate and analyze data from production, logistics, and sales channels will allow organizations to introduce increased levels of automation across all stages of a cloud-based supply network. Predictive planning could reduce lead times by allowing finished goods to move to the next stage in the supply chain even before an order has been placed. For a broader perspective, consider this: a transformed supply chain using smart product tags could use 5G to help ensure security, quality control, customer follow-up and after-sales service—and even facilitate eco-friendly disposal at the end of the product’s journey.
Regardless of industry, a nationwide 5G network lays the foundation for businesses to take important steps and create what’s next. From more productive field operations to more efficient supply chain management, 5G delivers a platform for innovation that can transform how a business operates – both profitably and at scale.
T-Mobile for Business.
T-Mobile is leading the 5G charge with a network built from the ground up for the next wave of innovation. We help transportation & logistics tracking companies of all sizes get ready for the future of wireless and provide fast, reliable connectivity for their business and their mobile workforce. T-Mobile for Business is committed to helping you move your mission forward with products and services that close the digital divide and enhance your T&L operations — all with the dedicated, exceptional service you deserve.
T-Mobile® for Business has an ambitious vision for fueling innovation in transportation and logistics. To continue exploring 5G-fueled transformations across the transportation ecosystem, visit our industry webpage today.