The global supply chain has, in the past several years, been severely disrupted by numerous challenges, ranging from weather events, environmental disasters, social unrest and geopolitical tensions to a pandemic which has put the world on hold for a couple of years. Disruptions have a significant impact on international trade, especially within the air freight and sea freight industries. Products are no longer available, businesses are facing longer shipping times, higher costs, greater uncertainty and volatility in terms of delivery schedules.
Data has emerged as a powerful tool to help businesses navigate the complexities of disrupted international supply chains and all the challenges that come with it. Leveraging data-driven insights helps freight companies better manage disruptions in real-time, regain or increase efficiency and keep under control or reduce costs.
The Power of Data in Managing Disrupted Supply Chains
Data provides the industry with the visibility and predictive capabilities needed to respond to supply chain disruptions. Analysing historical data and real-time information provides companies valuable insights into market trends, shipping delays, potential risks and performance metrics, enabling them to optimise their operations and minimise the impact of disruptions.
Timely delivery is critical; real-time tracking, predictive analytics and risk management tools are essential to maintaining efficiencies. Those who integrate data into their logistics and operational systems respond faster to changes, anticipate delays and take corrective actions quicker.
Real-Time Monitoring in Air Freight
Airport congestion, weather disruptions and changes in regulations can severely affect schedules. Real-time data monitoring tools provide end-to-end visibility of shipments to mitigate these issues.
DHL uses advanced tracking systems that integrate IoT sensors and GPS technology to track shipments in real-time. Collecting data on shipment location, temperature and humidity enable DHL to proactively address temperature fluctuations in sensitive goods. When extreme weather or security delays occur, the system provides the necessary data to quickly reroute shipments, adjust schedules and communicate updates to customers.
FedEx forecasts potential delays caused by weather, air traffic and supply chain bottlenecks by analysing historical data and real-time inputs, thus able to predict the likelihood of delays and adjust delivery timelines accordingly. This allows them to provide more accurate delivery estimates to customers, improving satisfaction and reducing the uncertainty of delivery.
Optimising Sea Freight
Sea cargo businesses are often challenged by longer transit times, port congestion and shipping container shortages, issues exacerbated by the pandemic, leading to significant delays in global trade. Data analytics help sea freight companies navigate these challenges by optimising routes, reducing congestion and predicting future disruptions. The real-time insights into container location, port availability and vessel schedules, help Shipping Lines reroute ships or adjust departure times to avoid bottlenecks.
Hapag-Lloyd utilises advanced analytics to forecast shipping container shortages and improve the management of container fleets, and can anticipate areas where containers may be in short supply and proactively reposition them.
Risk Management and Predictive Analytics
UPS uses data to study weather patterns and flight information to predict flight delays due to severe weather, to adjust schedules and routes in advance. This proactive approach to risk management helps UPS maintain reliable delivery timelines, even in the face of unexpected events.
Artificial intelligence (AI) and automation are transforming both air and sea freight industries. By leveraging machine learning algorithms, AI systems can examine vast datasets to optimise shipping schedules, predict maintenance needs and automate processes that would otherwise require human intervention.
Airbus uses AI-powered predictive maintenance tools to monitor the health of its fleet. Data from aircraft sensors and maintenance logs allows Airbus to predict when a part is likely to fail, allowing airlines to address maintenance issues before they lead to delays. This reduces unplanned downtime and ensures smoother air freight operations.
AI systems will assist autonomous vessels with navigation, cargo handling and safety protocols. Finnish technology company Wärtsilä is working on AI systems for autonomous ships that can optimise fuel usage, reduce emissions and enhance the overall efficiency of sea freight operations.
As disruptions continue to shape the global supply chain landscape, those who embrace data-driven decision-making will be best positioned to succeed. IFCBAA’s monthly Global and Oceania Insights Report, in collaboration with MPC International, assists our members with this challenge. n
Stéphane Parrenin is international freight & logistics manager at the International Forwarders & Customs Brokers Association of Australia
This article appeared in the April | May 2025 edition of DCN Magazine
