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Overview of the 2025 State of Logistics Report

In a landscape marked by continuous shifts in economic and supply chain dynamics, the Council of Supply Chain Management Professionals (CSCMP) has unveiled its latest findings in the annual State of Logistics Report. Released in June 2025 and prepared in collaboration with Kearney, this report presents a comprehensive analysis of the current state of logistics in the U.S., illustrating the complexity businesses face today.

Economic Landscape

The report indicates that U.S. business logistics costs have surged to an astounding $2.58 trillion, which translates to 8.8% of the national GDP. This number shows a slight increase from the previous year, further emphasizing the growing importance of logistics in the American economy. While some sectors are experiencing a rebound to pre-pandemic business volumes, challenges such as flat business activity, surplus truck capacity, and rising operational costs persist.

E-Commerce Growth

A particularly striking observation from the report is the ongoing momentum of e-commerce, with global online retail sales nearing $6.3 trillion. The acceleration of online shopping has prompted logistics companies to enhance efficiency in last-mile delivery, develop more agile warehouse solutions, and increase demand for air freight services. This shift has significantly influenced how goods are transported and delivered, showcasing the need for adaptability within the logistics sector.

Geopolitical and Regulatory Challenges

The logistics industry also faces external pressures, notably from geopolitical tensions and shifting trade regulations, which have led to increased transit times and rate volatility in ocean freight. These challenges underscore a greater reliance on third-party logistics providers, essential for delivering comprehensive support across various channels of supply chains. Notably, in 2024, Mexico surpassed China as the largest trading partner of the United States, solidifying its position with records of $840 billion in transactions—an increase of 6% year-over-year.

Investing in Technology

Technology investment remains integral to developing resilient supply chains. Supply chain leaders are increasingly focusing on advanced tools in data analytics, artificial intelligence, as well as robotics and automation. These technologies can provide companies with a competitive edge, addressing both current needs for resilience and future demands. As Mark Baxa, the CSCMP president, aptly noted, today’s logistics actors must navigate a 'fog of global commerce' where rapid change is the only constant.

Future Directions

The insights from the 2025 State of Logistics Report foreshadow not only challenges but also opportunities for innovation within the industry. As Korhan Acar, Kearney partner and report lead, articulated, true resilience needs to be embedded within corporate decision-making, moving beyond temporary solutions to embrace sustainable strategies.

Logistics leaders are thus urged to adopt a proactive stance against disruption, ensuring their strategies not only respond to current challenges but also anticipate future changes. As affirmed by Andy Moses, senior vice president at Penske Logistics, the report contains invaluable content that guides organizations toward achieving greater resilience in their supply chains through leveraging cutting-edge technologies.

Conclusion

The annual State of Logistics Report not only serves as a critical industry benchmark but also empowers supply chain professionals to navigate a complex landscape. By understanding the current trends and challenges detailed in this report, leaders are better equipped to craft effective strategies that ensure agility and long-term sustainability for their operations. As we forge ahead, adapting to the evolving logistics environment will be essential for any player in the supply chain field.