Core Insights - The logistics industry is facing significant challenges such as global instability (60%), tariff changes (42%), and customer pricing pressure (61%) over the next five years, according to a study by Descartes Systems Group [1][6] - Despite these challenges, 67% of logistics providers view technology as essential for growth, with 55% identifying the implementation of new technologies as a key strategy to outperform competitors [1][6] Technology and Investment Trends - Automation and artificial intelligence (AI) are seen as critical for achieving long-term efficiency, compliance agility, and profitability, with 65% of respondents expecting AI to deliver the greatest value in the next two years [3][6] - The importance of rate management (20%) and regulatory compliance systems (30%) has increased, reflecting the need for automated, self-service capabilities and the complexities of evolving regulations [3][6] Industry Evolution - The role of technology in logistics has evolved from streamlining back-office operations to enabling digital customer engagement and intelligent automation, indicating a shift in IT investment priorities over the years [6] - The study surveyed 434 freight forwarders and customs brokers globally, providing insights into economic, regulatory, and industry trends that shape the logistics landscape [6] Competitive Landscape - Tailored services (33%) have surpassed high service (31%) as the primary competitive advantage, indicating a shift towards more customized and data-driven customer experiences [8] - There is a notable divergence in the perception of technology's importance based on company size, with 60% of large companies viewing it as fundamental to growth compared to only 27% of small companies [8]

Core Insights - The logistics industry is facing significant challenges such as global instability (60%), tariff changes (42%), and customer pricing pressure (61%) over the next five years, according to a study by Descartes Systems Group [1][4] - Technology is viewed as a critical factor for growth, with 67% of respondents considering it fundamental or highly important, and 55% identifying the implementation of new technologies as the top strategy to outperform competitors [1][4] Technology and Investment Trends - Automation and AI are seen as vital for achieving long-term efficiency, compliance agility, and profitability, with AI expected to deliver the greatest value (65%) over the next two years [4][9] - Rate management (20%) and regulatory compliance systems (30%) have gained importance, reflecting the need for automated, self-service capabilities and the complexities of evolving regulatory demands [4][9] Industry Evolution - The role of technology for freight forwarders and customs brokers has evolved from streamlining operations to enabling digital engagement and intelligent automation, with IT investment priorities shifting from efficiency to digitization and now to intelligence and automation through 2025 [7][9] - The study surveyed 434 logistics professionals across various regions, providing insights into economic, regulatory, and industry trends shaping the logistics landscape [7][9] Competitive Landscape - Manual processes are identified as a significant growth inhibitor, with 25% citing them as the top barrier, particularly affecting smaller companies (27%) [9] - AI is the primary focus for technology investment, with 55% of respondents planning to prioritize it over the next two years [9] - The competitive edge is shifting towards tailored services (33%), surpassing high service (31%), indicating a trend towards more customized and data-driven customer experiences [9] Company Size and Technology Perception - There is a divergence in the perception of technology's importance based on company size, with 60% of large companies viewing it as fundamental to growth compared to only 27% of small companies [9]