Just like other industries, the freight industry in Hawaii is seeing the impact of the COVID-19 regulations including shutdowns. Despite the slower growth caused by the pandemic, Hawaii’s population continues to rely heavily on the freight sector.
In this article, we will explore some of the trends we have observed and expect to see in this industry.
- Traffic has Greatly Reduced
During this time when COVID-19 travel restrictions have led to shutdowns and a 14-day quarantine period in Hawaii, traffic has greatly reduced. This is especially true in areas around the islands, which have always experienced heavy congestion.
Usually, major freight locations like Nimitz Highway and Lunalilo Freeway experience a lot of traffic. These freight corridors also have a speed limit that makes it difficult for truck fleet operators and shippers to deliver their shipments on time.
With the reduced number of cars around these corridors, freight delivery trucks navigate with ease and deliver goods on time. Consequently, businesses like those in the Waikiki area can now get their goods on time. This also means that receivers don’t need to keep their employees longer to receive goods.
- E-commerce
Most industries are now using the internet to run their operations, and the freight and trucking industry is no exception. Buying and selling goods online is a major trend that is likely to have a great impact on marine and air freight in Hawaii. Customers can easily get information on the cost of shipping a car to Hawaii, and much more.
Other than e-commerce, the developments in technology have also helped shippers to make strategic decisions in terms of freight logistics. The development of drones and autonomous services is expected to bring a big change in the way fright is run and delivered.
- Increase in Demand for Construction Materials and Essential Goods
Amidst the pandemic, there has been an increasingly high demand for construction materials. Hawaii freight and trucking companies experience an increase in the number of cargos that carry products and services from this sector.
This is probably because most establishments are doing renovations to accommodate the new regulations set by the government regarding COVID-19 concerns. Following the reduced volume of tourists in Hawaii, hotels and resorts are now taking advantage of this time to complete long-overdue renovations that were part of their long-term plan.
The trend in the increase in the cargo numbers has also been contributed by the demand for non-essential goods. The demand for furniture, electronics, and other home appliances is also high as most people spend time at home now more than ever.
- A change in Will-Call procedures
Before the pandemic, most warehouses offered the will-call process to their clients. These are orders that are processed at the warehouse and assembled to be picked up by the client in a period shorter than the normal delivery time.
However, the procedures for will-call policy have changed as more companies seek to protect their employees, customers, and vendors from the COVID-19 infection. Customers are no longer required to enter the warehouse or office. Instead, they are required to make orders ahead of time and wait in the car as the staff loads the freight in their vehicle.
If the staff doesn’t come to you in time, you are required to call the office and let them know you have arrived at the premises. You are also required to wear your mask at all times while at the facility.
Another trend is that shippers may not be allowed to bring freight and pack their lift-vans as before. Instead, forwarders now require shippers to pick up their crates before removing them for packing. They should return them while they are full.
- Limited Inside Deliveries
The other observation in the freight and trucking sector is that the freight delivery services are taking every precaution necessary during their delivery procedures. Unlike before when inside delivery was the order of the day, most providers are now offering curbside delivery services.
Of course, the delivery procedure changes vary from one provider to another and from one location to another. Some providers may ask businesses to fill a questionnaire regarding their safety precautions. On the other hand, other providers may only offer inside deliveries to existing customers and not new customers.
- Increased Inquiry Volume
According to shippers, questions about delivery dates and times have increased. Both the good producing and service sectors rely heavily on the Hawaii freight industry to receive supplies and send goods to customers.
With the uncertainty that comes with the pandemic, business owners and supply chain managers are getting more concerned about whether they will receive their goods on time. Some want to know how much to ship a car to Hawaii while others want to know whether their shipment will arrive in time.
- More Precautions in Freight Delivery Companies
More and more companies are now taking precautions in their facilities in a bid to protect their staff, customers, vendors, and the general public. Some of the measures may include taking temperatures and providing wipes and sanitizers for the staff to sanitize their equipment.
Others are limiting some practices that were initially common like staff access to the office locations and the central warehouse. Drivers and other staff are also required to wear masks and observe social distance to prevent the spread of infection.
- Reduced Workforce
Another trend in the freight industry is the challenge in hiring a workforce. Notably, fewer mariners are joining this sector and this can be a problem for the industry. The main reason for this is Hawaii’s aging population. Older drivers are retiring and only a few young drivers are getting into the industry.
Conclusion
There is no denying that the pandemic has affected how things are run in the freight and trucking industry. The economic uncertainties brought by the pandemic have affected almost every sector of business in the state. Despite the effects of the pandemic, most businesses in the freight industry are committed to adjust to government regulations and meet the market demands.