Technological advancements in shipping have grown various technology trends in the industry, including 3D printing’s impact on trucking. 3D printing is a manufacturing process where a computer uses a digital design to create a physical object. The computer builds up the object layer-by-layer using software. This differs from traditional manufacturing, where manufacturers cut down on raw materials. In recent years, these technologies have risen in industries like automotive and aerospace and have made their way to logistics. Different parts of a supply chain, like warehouses, carriers, and manufacturers, are starting to use this tool. Along with moving goods internationally, 3D printing could majorly impact domestic transport.
What Is 3D Printing’s Impact On Trucking In The Future?
A significant benefit of 3D printing in domestic shipping is that it allows for better and quicker innovation. For shippers transporting a product, this can allow for rapid, on-demand production, potentially reducing lead times for carriers. Speed becomes increasingly crucial for importers and exporters with large supply chains. 3D printing benefits carriers because it is lightweight and can be helpful in replacing damaged parts. The lightness of high-strength plastics may cut the weight of components by nearly a third, which helps in lessening fuel consumption. Since manufacturers can produce parts rapidly, 3D printing allows for faster repair and maintenance of the trucks. On-demand production also enables the sourcing of the part at a remote location.
As 3D printing becomes more common, so will the needs of the domestic shipping industry. There could be an increase in the transport of raw materials like plastics and metals. The need for short-haul and last-mile trucking increases as carriers move goods to customers or local businesses. Another benefit of trucks that use 3D-printed materials is that they can decrease accident damage. Plastics are much lighter than the metal parts that carriers typically use. 3D printing using recyclable materials like metals and thermoplastics is also eco-friendly. The printer allows for no waste when creating the item since it applies the material layer after layer.
Could This Be Negative For Domestic Shipping?
While there could be many benefits of 3D printing in the future, many believe that it could negatively impact trucking. One of the concerns is that it will reduce the need for long-haul shipping since production becomes closer. Demand for international and domestic shipping could decrease as production becomes more localized. The types of carriers that shippers use may change to smaller vans and trucks. Other parts of a supply chain, like large-scale warehouses and bulk transport, can become less necessary. Domestic shipping companies may have to adapt to these changes by focusing on last-mile and local services.
Despite 3D printing’s potential to change domestic shipping, it may be a while before the industry feels the effect. 3D printing is still relatively slow, making it challenging to use in a large-scale supply chain. It is also costly, and the technology is still developing. Despite the negative implications, it could also benefit shipping as the technology improves. Until then, shippers still have to move goods domestically, and we are here to help. We have freight brokers with experience in transporting shipments to their final destination. Contact A1 Freight Solutions at 786-375-9420 or info@a1fsinc.com for a quote to move your cargo anywhere domestically.