Welcome - Leaders in Logistics

From the insights shared by the expert speakers at Leaders in Logistics Summit, we’ve selected the 10 key trends driving the logistics industry in 2025.

WELCOME FROM LEADERS IN LOGISTICS

It’s fair to say that there has never been so exciting a time to be working in logistics. Between changing customer expectations, upgrading core systems, the transformative potential of new technology, new entrants and so much more, the face of our industry is changing more and faster than ever before.

We’re delighted to present our Trends Report, which tracks the key developments in the industry, relying on the expertise of our industry-leading speakers at Leaders in Logistics Summit and of our expert Advisory Board.

Among the 10 trends we’ll be covering are the developments in out-of-home delivery, the shifting balance of speed and convenience for customer, AI (of course), the increasing complexity of cross-border logistics, and many more!

Charting a course between these opportunities, challenges, and market-shifting technologies is vital, especially as new entrants vie with legacy carriers for market share. Relying on old strategies will not work: those who were once competitors must become collaborators (at least sometimes), new technologies must be embraced and successfully deployed, and strategic decisions around consolidation made. This theme and its solutions are taken up in more detail by Accenture in their viewpoint.

We would like to say a huge ‘thank you’ to all the speakers and sponsors at Leaders in Logistics Summit, without whom neither the event nor this Report would have been possible. Our Advisory Board informs every aspect of our content plans – a big ‘thank you’ to every member. We’re grateful to Accenture for their support. And finally, ‘thank you’ to you, the reader!

WE HOPE YOU ENJOY!

SEB FOX
DIRECTOR,
LEADERS IN LOGISTICS

JAMES HEALEY
CONTENT MANAGER,
LEADERS IN LOGISTICS

MARK BRIGANTI
GLOBAL POST AND PARCEL LEAD, ACCENTURE

What an incredibly dynamic time for our industry! In a fiercely crowded marketplace, with new entrants vying with legacy carriers for market share, there’s growing pressure on all players to find a competitive edge and bolster historically low margins.

This hunt for share is making unlikely allies of former competitors – we are seeing more partnerships in logistics, a signal both of the pressures the industry faces and of the opportunities that can be realised by thinking and working in new ways.

This new era of collaboration and partnership is helping companies tap into economies of scale and extend the service range without significant upfront outlay, whether it’s gaining a strategic parcel locker footprint or leveraging specialist fulfilment or repair and refurbishment facilities to enhance reverse logistics.

Technology is also opening doors – though much more needs to be done and the pace of change, especially for national posts, needs to accelerate. As members of the global advisory board to Leaders in Logistics 2025 agreed, this search for differentiation will soon become akin to a “data arms race” between the AI haves and have-nots. AI not only helps to optimise processes and routing in core logistics to deliver previously unprecedented gains into boost efficiency but it can also help players launch new products and services, including customised products, new insights and niche offerings that can help boost margins.

Ultimately, we feel more consolidation will be inevitable, whether to build scale or access new digital capabilities. It’s starting to play out already. Companies should consider now whether they wish to go on the offensive and grow, including beyond own borders, or whether to hyperfocus on an area or customer segment and potentially get absorbed. Both are valid strategies, but the status quo must change to improve stakeholder value and shareholder returns.

The time to act is now. Don’t get caught in a spiral to the bottom – falling efficiency, margins, pricing. The time for reinvention and bold moves is now. Be a driver of disruption and accelerate transformation. While the challenges to this industry have arguably never been greater, there will be some big winners and success stories.