3PLs Express Strong Optimism for Transportation Industry in 2025

Economic conditions (56%), geopolitical events (50%) and environmental regulations (36%) rank as the Top 3 factors set to shape the industry in 2025, according to the Transportation Pulse Report by Transporeon, a Trimble Company. 

“This year’s survey reflects a broader concern for the global economy and geopolitics beyond transportation and logistics,” says Philipp Pfister, chief customer experience officer at Transporeon. “Carriers and 3PLs especially see opportunities for technological innovation and growth, balancing optimism with caution. While digitization won’t be the answer to everything, companies recognize the benefits and aim to use digital tools to control costs, better manage customer expectations and further sustainability practices.”

Key takeaways:

• Despite the conjecture, carriers and third-party logistics (3PL) providers on both sides of the Atlantic show strong optimism (75%), likely due to the increased freight demand and rates, coupled with a gradual capacity reduction.
• Shippers, however, seem less confident as the current trends forecast increased rates and tighter capacity: only 38% declare feeling optimistic about 2025.

• Cost reduction is the top priority for the majority of all respondents surveyed (61%) and is particularly significant for shippers, at 76%.
• Market expansion surpassed cost reduction for carriers/3PLs: 58% highlighted it as their key focus, likely reflecting a desire to capitalize on anticipated market condition improvements following a downturn.
• Supply chain digitization garnered 51% of the total votes, with European respondents showing a greater inclination (59%) than their U.S. counterparts (39%). 
• Sustainability initiatives secure 44% of the votes, signifying their growing importance in the sector. European executives value sustainability the highest, reflecting Europe's more advanced implementation of sustainability-related regulations and emissions standards.
• A majority of respondents (54%), including both shippers and carriers, anticipate automating only 25% or less of their transportation processes by the end of 2025. Only 10% of the respondents said they expect to automate more than 75% of their transportation processes or transactions. 
• While global respondents rank artificial intelligence (AI) as the fourth biggest trend that will shape the industry in 2025, it emerges as the second biggest for carriers and 3PLs. This difference might be linked to carriers' focus on market expansion, as AI and advanced platforms can facilitate connections with a wider range of shippers and streamline freight matching processes.