Is the market optimistic?

ALL RESPONDENTS

What is your overall outlook for the transportation market in 2025?

Carriers are optimistic about 2025, expecting conditions in the industry to improve. In contrast, shippers are less optimistic, expressing concerns about ongoing challenges and uncertainties. This difference in outlook reflects varying perspectives on future market dynamics and the overall economic environment.

Carriers feel optimistic about 2025 — shippers less so

Overall, more than half the survey respondents (55%) said they were either 'very optimistic' (14%) or 'somewhat optimistic' (41%) about the transportation market in 2025, with only 16% saying they were 'somewhat pessimistic'.

Shippers and carriers/3PLs, however, have different outlooks for the year ahead. A much higher percentage of carriers and third-party logistics providers (75%) have an optimistic view of the transportation market in 2025 compared to shippers (38%).

The likely explanation for the difference is that carriers, in general, have been dealing with lower demand, depressed rates, excess capacity and higher operating costs for almost two years.

'It can only get better from here!' is the prevailing thought among many carriers and logistics service providers.

Shippers, on the other hand, have benefitted from having access to plenty of capacity and lower rates over this time. 'The good times are bound to end sometime!' is what many shippers are thinking at the moment.

SHIPPERS VS. CARRIERS/3PLs

What is your overall outlook for the transportation market in 2025?

'We see that operating costs for carriers are rising and they won’t come down anytime soon. This [correlates] with Transporeon Market Insights data which shows that operating costs are sometimes higher than contracted rates, and sometimes spot rates are below contracted rates. So, how do you operate a sustainable business model, especially when you consider that most of the carriers in the European market are small and mid-sized companies that don’t always have the means to get contracted business but still have to operate their business [profitably]?'

Tom Fisher, Senior Manager, Carrier Ecosystem at C.H. Robinson

What can you do today to improve all of your tomorrows in transportation management?

It's time to add some more context to these sentiments.

Read on to access further expert commentary on the demand and supply sides of the market, both in the US and the European Union, and discover the top five takeaways from our latest findings.

Unlock and use these insights to inform your strategic objectives for 2025 and beyond. Taking action today to achieve quick wins and grow digital maturity will most likely signal long-term success for your company.

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