Viewpoint: Tradition, longevity, and deep market commitment will help shippers navigate the logistics fog

In today’s hyper-connected world—where trends are fleeting and attention spans are even shorter—there’s still no substitute for tradition, longevity, and deep market commitment.

For a leading B2B media brand, these qualities aren’t relics of the past—they’re the foundation of trust. At Logistics Management (LM), our long-standing investment in consistent, authoritative research has guided our editorial mission for six decades.

We kick off three consecutive issues spotlighting some of our most enduring and influential research in the logistics market—cornerstones that continue to deliver actionable insights for shippers year after year, decade after decade.

These traditions take the form of three flagship annual reports. This month, we frame the current logistics environment. In August, we recognize the carriers and service providers our readers say stand out in performance. And in September, we offer a “report card” from shippers themselves on the state of their logistics and transportation operations.

We begin with the 36^th Annual State of Logistics (SoL) Report; next month brings our 42^nd Quest for Quality Awards; and in September, we partner once again with the research team producing our 34^th Annual Study of Logistics and Transportation Trends.

And if there’s one phrase that defines the industry’s mindset right now, it’s “navigating through the fog”—a metaphor that, frankly, many LM readers are tired of hearing. But that’s how the Council of Supply Chain Management Professionals (CSCMP) frames this year’s State of Logistics report, authored by global consultancy Kearney and released June 3.

This month, our transportation contributing editor John D. Schulz paints the current logistics landscape based on the report. Picture, if you will, a murky scene of hard-won progress amid persistent uncertainty—and a future precariously perched on “fragile optimism.” If that makes you feel uneasy, you’re not alone.

“While 2024 marked a return to pre-pandemic rhythms in some areas, the broader logistics landscape remained soft,” says Schulz. “Business volumes were flat, truck capacity outpaced demand, and rising labor and fuel costs continued to squeeze margins. E-commerce was a bright spot, but even there, growing pains and infrastructure pressures remain.”

Why the haze? It’s a complicated mix of tariff disputes, regional conflicts, extreme weather, and shifting trade policies. As Schulz explains: “The report emphasizes that logistics providers are increasingly turning to AI, automation, and integrated tech to build more agile operations—a needed shift as pressures mount across the board.”

Key metrics reinforce the theme: U.S. logistics costs rose to $2.6 trillion last year (8.7% of GDP); parcel revenue hit a record $229.7 billion; and trucking—still the industry’s backbone—faces margin pressures from policy volatility and freight unpredictability. Even with spot rates ticking up, a full recovery appears delayed until 2026.

The message of the SoL report is clear: logistics professionals must remain nimble and ready to implement the technology toolbox that’s well within reach. With continued investment in technology and talent, and a sharp focus on resilience, the industry can find its way—no matter how dense the fog may become.