The world’s smart container fleet is forecast to grow sixfold over the next five years and account for 30% of shipping containers by 2027, according to a forecast by Drewry. Supply chain disruptions and port congestion during the pandemic spotlighted the need for smart containers — fitted with telematic devices that allow for container tracking and monitoring — that allow for better visibility, kickstarting a drive to adopt smart containers, according to Drewry. Falling device costs and pressure by carriers that have adopted the technology are expected to hasten their adoption over the next five years. Penetration rates vary, however, with smart containers more prevalent in reefer and intermodal containers, Drewry’s report noted.

Retailers are raising the bar for zero-fee shipping to cope with rising delivery costs, theWall Street Journalreports. The average minimum-order threshold for retailers to provide free shipping has risen to USD 64 this year from USD 52 in 2019, according to a sample set of 48 retailers, as global retailers revise their logistics strategies to adapt to changing consumer patterns and inflation. “Shipping costs are up, distribution center costs are up, fuel is up across the board,” said Anisa Kumar, chief customer officer of retail-tech provider Narvar. Companies need to “either pass it to the consumer through price increases or shipping policy changes.”

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