A recent DC Velocity survey highlights a pivotal insight for the logistics industry: a significant majority of executives see enhanced visibility as the main enabler to increase rail use in their supply chains.

Key Insights from the Survey

• 84% of logistics executives expressed willingness to increase rail usage if visibility on shipments improved.
• Current challenges with rail visibility include limited real-time tracking and delayed updates, which hamper supply chain responsiveness.
• Executives are seeking integrated technology solutions that provide end-to-end transparency similar to trucking or air freight.

Implications for Shippers

For shippers, this signals a critical opportunity to leverage rail transport more effectively as visibility technologies evolve. Enhanced tracking can reduce uncertainty, improve inventory management, and enable better planning, making rail a more attractive option for moving goods cost-effectively over long distances.

What to Monitor Going Forward

Businesses should watch for advancements in rail tracking technology and increased collaboration between rail carriers and tech providers. The adoption of IoT devices, blockchain for shipment data, and improved data sharing platforms will likely drive broader rail integration into multimodal logistics strategies.

Staying informed about these trends will help companies optimize their transportation mix and capitalize on rail’s environmental and cost advantages.

Source: DC Velocity

Source: Original article/source

This article is provided for general logistics and transportation information and should not be considered legal, financial, or operational advice.