In January 2025, Transporeon released its annual Transportation Pulse Report, offering an overview of the dynamics set to shape the transport and logistics industry in the year ahead. The study, which gathered insights from over one hundred executives across Europe and North America, including shippers, logistics professionals, and carriers, highlights the challenges, opportunities, and priorities of a sector in constant transformation, influenced by economic, geopolitical, and environmental factors.
According to the findings, the primary concerns for operators in 2025 revolve around global economic conditions (56%), geopolitical events (50%), and environmental regulations (36%). The combination of inflation, slowing economic growth, and geopolitical instability has created a climate of uncertainty that permeates the entire logistics supply chain. Despite this complex backdrop, a varied outlook emerges among the industry’s key players.
Carriers and logistics service providers express a more optimistic view, with 75% of respondents anticipating an increase in transport demand, driven by a gradual reduction in service availability. Conversely, shippers adopt a more cautious stance, with only 38% expressing optimism due to expectations of rising freight rates and challenges in securing the necessary transport capacity.
The study underscores clear strategic priorities: cost reduction, market expansion, and supply chain digitalisation. For 61% of respondents, maintaining profitability is primarily tied to cost management, with shippers placing significant emphasis on this aspect (76%). Meanwhile, carriers and logistics providers aim to capitalise on a sector recovery, with 58% prioritising market expansion, even over cost reduction.
Digital transformation garners support from 51% of participants, with European respondents (59%) more inclined than their US counterparts (39%) to adopt new technologies to enhance logistics processes. Sustainability initiatives also stand out, with 44% of respondents identifying them as a priority. European executives exhibit greater sensitivity to this issue, reflecting a more advanced market in terms of environmental regulations and emissions standards.
Despite the growing interest in digitalisation, the rate of technology adoption remains low. Over half of those surveyed (54%) expect to automate less than 25% of processes by 2025, while only 10% aim for automation exceeding 75%. Among emerging technologies, artificial intelligence is gaining prominence. Ranked as the fourth most significant global trend, AI has become the second-highest priority for carriers and logistics providers due to its potential to improve goods management and optimise the balance between supply and demand.
“This year’s survey reflects a profound concern for the global economy and the geopolitical environment, extending beyond transportation and logistics,” commented Philipp Pfister, Sector VP at Transporeon. “Carriers and logistics providers see opportunities for technological innovation and growth, balancing optimism with caution. While digitalisation won’t solve everything, businesses recognise its benefits in controlling costs, enhancing customer satisfaction, and fostering sustainable practices.”
