January 6, 2023
The international shipping industry is undergoing a period of unprecedented change. New technologies and trends are reshaping the way goods are transported around the world. This article will explore some of the key shipping trends that are currently driving change in the industry.
One of the most important trends in shipping is the move towards larger vessels. This is being driven by a number of factors, including the need to reduce costs and the increasing size of global trade. The trend towards larger vessels is also having a major impact on port infrastructure, with many ports having to invest in new facilities to accommodate the new generation of ships.
Another significant trend is the increasing use of containerization. This is a response to the needs of global trade, which is increasingly reliant on just-in-time delivery. Containerization allows for the efficient transport of large volumes of goods, and is particularly well-suited to the needs of the electronics and automotive industries.
The shipping industry is also being affected by the rise of e-commerce. This is resulting in a need for faster and more reliable delivery times, as well as a greater focus on customer service. These trends are all having a major impact on the way that goods are shipped around the world.
The top ecommerce shipping trends to watch in 2023 are:
1. Free shipping: Many online retailers are now offering free shipping to their customers, regardless of order size. This is a great way to encourage customers to shop more often, and it can also help to increase average order size.
2. Fast shipping: Customers expect their orders to arrive quicker than ever before, and retailers are responding by offering faster shipping options. In many cases, orders can even be delivered within a few hours.
3. Sustainability: An increasing number of consumers are looking for sustainable shipping options, such as those that use recycled materials or that offset carbon emissions.
4. Tracking: Customers want to be able to track their orders from start to finish, and many retailers are now offering tracking information at every stage of the shipping process.
5. Flexibility: Customers appreciate having options when it comes to shipping, such as the ability to choose their delivery date or time, or to pick up their order from a local store.
Why A/B test shipping rates?
A/B testing or split testing, is when you compare two versions of something (usually a website or app) to see which one performs better. Version A is the control and version B is the variable. You can test things like different headlines, calls to action, or images. Split testing shipping rates is a powerful tool you can use to help your online business thrive. It can help you determine which shipping rates are most effective in terms of conversion rates and order value. It can also help you determine which shipping rates are most effective in terms of customer satisfaction.
Find out what shipping threshold works best for your business with ShipScout!
References:
Research Gate
McKinsey
BigCommerce
Medium
A/B test shipping rates and thresholds on Shopify