Today’s material handling equipment systems are the backbone of every thriving economy. Exponential increases in technology since the industrial revolution is the reason for most of the commodities we have today. Higher production rates and lower employee fatigue are primary reasons life expectancy and standard of living have increased.
The ability to use mass production tools like food processors allow far more people to work on technological advances. Our modern pallet and warehouse systems allow companies to be versatile and ship large amounts of commodities. Also, advances in the shipping industry have allowed us to ship more goods faster than ever.
Here are some interesting shipping statistics:
- Rail transportation is more cost efficient than truck transport on lanes over 750 miles.
- Trucks emit approximately 19.8 lbs. of carbon dioxide per 100 ton-miles, whereas trains only emit approximately 5.4 lbs.
- In the United States trucking accounts for for almost 70% of freight.
- US truck freight generates $255 billion in revenue each year.
- The average cost of diesel in the United States is $3.976 per gallon.
- UPS expects to deliver 527 million packages between Thanksgiving and Christmas this year.
- 2752 million tons of oil was transported by sea in 2010 compared to 1442 million tons in 1970.
- 2333 million tons of main bulk goods were transported by sea in 2010 compared to 448 million tons in 1970.
- 8408 million tons of cargo was transported by sea in 2010 compared to 2566 million tons in 1970.
- Fed Ex and UPS airlines transported a combined 23483 million Freight Tonne Kilometres of goods in 2010.
- It has been estimated that container ships lose between 2,000and 10,000 containers at sea each year, which is roughly $370 million in losses.
The importance of modern shipping systems can’t be stressed enough. Without trucks, ships, trains, and planes our economies would crumble. As the saying goes, “If you got it, a trucker brought it!”
Be sure to check out our blog often as we dive deeper into the world of material handling, logistics, and warehouse solutions!
Sources:
Integrated Distribution Services
Trucking Office
UNCTAD Review of Maritime Transport 2011
IATA
Thomas Miller