2021 Shipping Trends: Navigating the eCommerce Boom with FreightAmigo

Introduction: The eCommerce Acceleration

The year 2020 was undoubtedly disruptive, but it also served as a catalyst for existing trends in shipping and logistics. Most notably, the pandemic accelerated the shift from physical shopping to eCommerce by an astounding five years, according to the US Retail Index from IBM. This seismic shift has reshaped consumer behavior, with a growing number of people now preferring online shopping over in-person experiences.

As we navigate through 2021, the shipping and logistics industry continues to recalibrate around eCommerce. While supply and demand issues have impacted pricing and delivery times, we expect to see stabilization in the coming months. However, uncertainties remain around public health, geopolitics, and emerging technologies like commercial delivery drones.

For merchants, 2021 presents a golden opportunity. With global eCommerce surging, those expanding into new markets stand to reap significant rewards. The key to success lies in developing an effective growth strategy, supported by reliable and cost-effective shipping solutions. This is where FreightAmigo's digital logistics platform comes into play, offering a comprehensive suite of tools to navigate this new landscape.

Key Shipping Trends in 2021

1. Increasing Demand for Affordable Global Shipping Options

As global eCommerce continues to boom, the demand for cost-effective international shipping options is on the rise. Businesses are actively seeking ways to manage shipping costs while expanding their reach to new markets. FreightAmigo's digital platform addresses this need by allowing users to compare door-to-door freight quotes for various shipping methods, including international courier, airfreight, sea freight, rail freight, and trucking solutions. This comprehensive approach enables businesses to find the most cost-effective shipping options for their specific needs.

2. Normalization of Delivery Times

After the disruptions of 2020, delivery lead times (DLT) are expected to return to normal in 2021. While US domestic deliveries saw an increase in average delivery time from 1.9 days in 2019 to 3.2 days in 2020, recent innovations in shipping and logistics promise to stabilize these times. FreightAmigo's platform contributes to this stability by offering real-time shipment tracking across more than 1000 reputable airlines and shipping lines, allowing businesses to monitor their shipments and manage customer expectations effectively.

3. Popularity of USPS, UPS, and FedEx for US Domestic Shipping

In the United States, USPS, UPS, and FedEx remain the most popular domestic delivery services. Each offers a unique mix of affordability, speed, and reliability. FreightAmigo's platform integrates with these major carriers, allowing businesses to easily compare rates and services to find the best fit for their domestic shipping needs.

4. The US as a Global Shipping Hub

Despite advancements from other countries, the United States continues to be the world's largest consumer economy and the primary conduit for cross-border shipping. This positioning means that US-based merchants can expect relatively stable cross-border shipping prices in the coming year. FreightAmigo's platform is well-equipped to handle this global traffic, offering seamless integration with various international shipping routes and customs clearance services.

5. Emerging Markets for US Shipments

Interestingly, countries like Brazil, Italy, and Spain saw the largest increase in US-based shipments in 2020. This trend suggests new opportunities for merchants to expand into these markets. FreightAmigo's platform can help businesses capitalize on these emerging opportunities by providing comprehensive logistics solutions, including customs clearance and trade finance options.

eCommerce Buyer Trends

Global Distribution of eCommerce Buyers

Our research indicates that eCommerce buyers are primarily clustered in three countries: the United States, the United Kingdom, and Australia. However, over three-quarters of cross-border buyers reside in 12 developed nations. This information is crucial for merchants looking to craft their international growth strategy. FreightAmigo's digital platform can help businesses identify and target these key markets with tailored shipping solutions.

Product Category Preferences by Country

Understanding product category preferences in different countries can help businesses tailor their offerings and shipping strategies. For example:

• US buyers prefer jewelry, board games, and fashion products
• Hong Kong consumers favor sports & leisure, health & beauty, and board games
• Canadian shoppers opt for nutrients & supplements, bags & luggage, and jewelry
• Australian buyers focus on nutrition products, sports & leisure, and board games
• UK consumers prioritize health & beauty, board games, and jewelry
• Singaporean shoppers prefer bags & luggage, fashion, and jewelry products

FreightAmigo's platform can help businesses optimize their shipping strategies for these diverse product categories and markets, ensuring efficient and cost-effective delivery to customers worldwide.

Emerging Trends in Shipping and Logistics

1. Commercial Drone Deliveries

With the Federal Aviation Administration's approval of low-altitude drone deliveries in the US, we're on the cusp of a new era in last-mile delivery. FreightAmigo is closely monitoring these developments and is prepared to integrate drone delivery options into our platform as they become more widely available.

2. Sustainable Shipping Practices

As consumers become increasingly climate-conscious, brands adopting sustainable shipping and fulfillment practices will gain a competitive edge. FreightAmigo is committed to promoting eco-friendly shipping options and can help businesses implement greener logistics strategies.

3. Rise of Small Merchants

The accessibility of omnichannel software has leveled the playing field for small businesses. FreightAmigo's digital platform is designed to support businesses of all sizes, offering powerful tools that simplify complex logistical processes and enable growth.

4. Potential Increase in Shipping Costs

Due to ongoing supply chain strains and container shortages, shipping costs may continue to rise. FreightAmigo's platform helps businesses mitigate these potential increases by offering real-time rate comparisons and cost-effective shipping solutions.

5. Enhanced Multi-Courier Solutions

Multi-courier shipping solutions are becoming increasingly sophisticated, offering improved services and wider coverage. FreightAmigo's platform integrates with multiple carriers, allowing businesses to leverage these enhancements and offer the fast, reliable delivery that customers expect.

Conclusion: Navigating the Future with FreightAmigo

As the shipping and logistics industry continues to evolve in response to the global eCommerce boom, businesses need a reliable partner to navigate these changes. FreightAmigo's comprehensive digital logistics platform is designed to meet these challenges head-on, offering a suite of powerful tools and services to streamline your shipping operations.

From comparing freight quotes and tracking shipments to arranging customs clearance and trade finance, FreightAmigo provides a one-stop solution for all your logistics needs. Our platform's ability to integrate with multiple carriers and offer real-time data ensures that you can make informed decisions and optimize your shipping strategy in this dynamic landscape.

As we look ahead to the rest of 2021 and beyond, the opportunities in global eCommerce are immense. With FreightAmigo as your logistics partner, you'll be well-equipped to capitalize on these opportunities, expand into new markets, and deliver exceptional service to your customers worldwide.

Ready to revolutionize your shipping and logistics operations? Explore FreightAmigo's digital platform today and discover how we can help your business thrive in the new era of global eCommerce.