2025 Top 10 Trends and Priorities for Transportation & Logistics

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Top Priorities for 2025

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Define Your Transportation & Logistics Reference Architecture

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Steve
Schmidt

Senior Managing Partner

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Michael
Adams

Research Analyst

 May 13, 2025

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01

Initiate strategic business-IT synergy

The Challenge

Align IT-business strategies in logistics.

Logistics faces some of the most intricate supply chains, making it challenging to align IT strategies to ensure compliance throughout the entire process. These supply chains rely heavily on equipment and information to operate smoothly, reducing delays and minimizing risks.

Why It Matters

Drive efficiency and compliance.

A business-aligned IT strategy that addresses compliance ensures IT initiatives support business objectives, enhancing efficiency and competitiveness. Technologies like real-time information, predictive analytics, and autonomous vehicles help meet demands with faster, flexible, and transparent shipping. Compliance preserves trust and ensures adherence to regulations, driving innovation and growth

The Solution

Develop a business-aligned IT strategy

Prioritize the development of an IT strategy that aligns with the business objectives, ensuring that technology serves as a lever for operational excellence and competitive edge. This involves advocating for IT investments that support the company's financial goals and demonstrate clear ROI.

Ensure robust compliance

Enforce robust data protection and regulatory adherence to safeguard the company's financial and reputational integrity. This includes managing the numerous regulations and permits required throughout the building process.

Research Center - IT Organizational Transformation Research Center

IT Organizational Transformation Research Center

Revolutionize how people are organized and work together to deliver on your enterprise’s vision.
Diagnostic Program - CEO-CIO Alignment Program

CEO-CIO Alignment Program

Decipher business needs by understanding the CEO’s perspective. Automate IT-business alignment so IT can operate effectively and generate tangible value for your business.
Goods Transportation & Logistics Business-Aligned IT Strategy

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Goods Transportation & Logistics Business-Aligned IT Strategy

  • Learn about the ecosystem of factors that impact the Goods Transportation and Logistics (T&L) industry.
  • Explore how your IT team is set to deal with those factors from a PESTLE and SWOT perspective.
  • Leverage expert insights and takeaways and update your IT strategy accordingly.
Deliver an IT Strategy Engagement

Deliver an IT Strategy Engagement
02

Structure IT for operational excellence

The Challenge

Untangle IT complexity in transportation and logistics.

Goods transportation and logistics operations are inherently complex, often leading to decentralized decision-making and strategy development. Integrating various teams to support organizational growth is crucial, but identifying where specialized IT input is needed is not always easy.

Why It Matters

Fuel agility and innovation for strategic advantage.

Craft an IT structure that aligns technology investments with business strategies, ensuring maximum value and support for core objectives. These models help optimize processes, manage complex logistics, and respond swiftly to market changes. They also ensure compliance with regulations and enable the adoption of new technologies, crucial for tracking goods and managing the supply chain effectively.

The Solution

Create a dynamic IT model

Create an agile, scalable IT organization aligned with business strategies. This involves investing in advanced technologies, developing a flexible IT infrastructure, and integrating IT with business processes.

Foster continuous improvement

Encourage employee training and innovation and implement continuous improvement programs to foster a culture of continuous improvement and innovation.

Research Center - IT Strategy Research Center

IT Strategy Research Center

Create an IT strategy based on business needs, not just intuition.

Developing an IT strategy shouldn’t happen in isolation. Business context and business needs must inform any strategic plan. Whether you’re refining an existing strategy or starting from scratch, our comprehensive library of proven resources can help you – wherever you are on the IT strategy journey.

Info-Tech offers various levels of support to best suit your needs. Need help getting started?

Design Your IT Organization for the Future

Design Your IT Organization for the Future
Implement the Next-Generation IT Operating Model

Implement the Next-Generation IT Operating Model
Design Your AI Target Operating Model

Design Your AI Target Operating Model
Agile Enterprise Architecture Operating Model

Agile Enterprise Architecture Operating Model
03

Strategically develop the workforce

The Challenge

Bridge the talent gap in transportation and logistics.

The industry is grappling with a workforce that is resistant to change, making it difficult to train and upskill them. Additionally, there's concern about young professionals being less attracted to careers in the transportation and logistics industry. Training to improve talent can be challenging and costly, further complicating the situation.

Why It Matters

Build and secure the future with skilled talent.

Investing in talent development means creating a team capable of implementing and leveraging IT solutions that drive efficiency and innovation. This fosters a culture of continuous learning and skilled employees who can handle the evolving technological landscape and complex global supply chains. Not only does this enhance operational efficiency, but it also attracts and retains top talent, which is crucial in a competitive labor market.

The Solution

Create comprehensive training programs

Actively engage in workforce/talent development to ensure teams are proficient with the latest digital tools and data analytics. Creating a comprehensive training program, promoting continuous learning, and providing opportunities for professional growth will create a workforce adept at using IT systems.

Focus on talent acquisition

Target young professionals and provide them with the necessary training and development opportunities to thrive in the industry. This will attract individuals with the right skill set and mind set for a digital-first environment.

Passenger Transportation IT Staffing Benchmarking Report

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Passenger Transportation IT Staffing Benchmarking Report

  • Many IT departments are already running lean, struggling to keep pace with never-ending demands from the business. IT staffing is stretched thin.
  • By taking the IT Staffing Assessment diagnostic and participating in our unique IT Spend benchmarking, you will gain critical information to position your team to be seen as strategic.
Build an Annual IT Talent Strategy

Build an Annual IT Talent Strategy
Tactics to Retain IT Talent

Tactics to Retain IT Talent
Implement an IT Employee Development Plan

Implement an IT Employee Development Plan
04

Optimize supply chains

The Challenge

Streamline complex supply chains.

Customer demands are becoming increasingly complex, with a focus on speed and reliability. Optimizing supply chains helps meet these demands, but it can be challenging due to the numerous moving parts and multiple suppliers involved. Ensuring an undisrupted flow of work requires careful coordination and integration.

Why It Matters

Build a lean and responsive supply chain.

Supply chain optimization is essential as it directly correlates with the strategic use of technology to enhance project outcomes. Creating a lean and responsive supply chain through the integration of digital tools and route optimization strategies can lead to significant cost savings and efficiency gains. This is essential for navigating the complexities of the global market and maintaining a competitive edge.

The Solution

Implement advanced technologies

Champion IT supply chain optimization by implementing advanced technologies like AI and the Internet of Things (IoT) to streamline operations and enhance logistics and overall efficiency. These technologies enable companies to stay competitive and meet demands.

Focus on route optimization

Use data-driven insights and predictive analytics to plan the most efficient routes for deliveries. Balancing cost efficiency with rapid delivery is crucial to meet customer demands and reduce waste.

Goods Transportation & Logistics Extreme Automation Report

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Goods Transportation & Logistics Extreme Automation Report

  • Automation eliminates the trade-off between service levels and essential labor costs when it’s part of a logistics operating model, but IT’s role in automation isn’t always clear.
  • Learn about how the extreme automation trend affects both your organization and IT specifically, including challenges and opportunities, with expert assistance.
Goods Transportation & Logistics Data-Driven Everything Report

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Goods Transportation & Logistics Data-Driven Everything Report

  • Data is the new currency. The massive amount of data being generated through emerging technologies is an ever-increasing challenge for IT.
  • Enabling analytics through big data and machine learning/artificial intelligence can optimize planning and performance analyses, improve response to threats, and provide visibility into execution.
  • Learn about how the data-driven everything trend affects both your organization and IT specifically, including challenges and opportunities, with expert assistance.
Strategically Phase in Technology to Bolster Supply Chain Management

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Strategically Phase in Technology to Bolster Supply Chain Management
Real-Time Transportation Visibility (Logistic Visibility Systems)

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Real-Time Transportation Visibility (Logistic Visibility Systems)
Priorities for Adopting an Exponential IT Mindset in the Transportation & Logistics Industry

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Priorities for Adopting an Exponential IT Mindset in the Transportation & Logistics Industry
Enable the Next-Generation Goods Transportation Management System

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Enable the Next-Generation Goods Transportation Management System
05

Enhance the customer experience

The Challenge

Address the needs of modern customers.

Modern customers have increasingly complex needs and expect reliability, speed, and transparency. Negative experiences can result in costly fees for the company, where effective communication and IT strategies are essential to identify and prevent challenges before they arise.

Why It Matters

Enhance customer satisfaction and loyalty.

The customer experience is crucial for the transportation and logistics industry, as it impacts retention, satisfaction, and brand loyalty. In the era of e-commerce, customers expect fast, cost-effective, and transparent delivery. Positive experiences lead to increased loyalty, while negative ones can damage the company's reputation and growth.

The Solution

Integrate advanced technologies

Integrate technologies that provide real-time tracking, seamless processes, and personalized services to enhance the customer experience. This ensures customer have access to accurate and timely information about their shipments.

Develop user-friendly platforms

Prioritize the development of user-friendly platforms to facilitate easy access to shipping information and customer support. These platforms should be intuitive and provide customers with all the necessary tools, significantly boosting customer satisfaction.

06

Master data management

The Challenge

Overcome data silos.

Data is often pooled in different areas, leading to silos. Connecting the organization to make all data accessible can be difficult due to legacy systems and interoperability challenges. Analyzing large amounts of data and leveraging it for practical use is challenging without the right IT programs

Why It Matters

Empower efficiency and strategic decisions.

Collecting, processing, and analyzing data from various sources like transportation management systems (TMS) and warehouse management systems (WMS) provides insights into inventory levels, transportation efficiency, and supply chain processes. Gaining these insights underpins operational efficiency, strategic decision-making, and customer satisfaction. Additionally, effective data management supports risk management by identifying potential disruptions and facilitating proactive measures.

The Solution

Establish a comprehensive data management framework

Invest in a robust TMS and WMS to handle large volumes of data from diverse sources, establishing a comprehensive data management framework that ensures data integrity and accessibility.

Implement advanced analytics

Make informed data-driven decisions with advanced analytics, providing actionable insights into inventory levels, transportation efficiency, and supply chain processes.

Establish Data Governance

Establish Data Governance
Develop an Enterprise Content Management Strategy and Roadmap

Develop an Enterprise Content Management Strategy and Roadmap
Data Management Policy

Data Management Policy

Goods Transportation & Logistics Data-Driven Everything Report

Featured

Goods Transportation & Logistics Data-Driven Everything Report

  • Data is the new currency. The massive amount of data being generated through emerging technologies is an ever-increasing challenge for IT.
  • Enabling analytics through big data and machine learning/artificial intelligence can optimize planning and performance analyses, improve response to threats, and provide visibility into execution.
  • Learn about how the data-driven everything trend affects both your organization and IT specifically, including challenges and opportunities, with expert assistance.
Real-Time Transportation Visibility (Logistic Visibility Systems)

Featured

Real-Time Transportation Visibility (Logistic Visibility Systems)
Enable the Next-Generation Goods Transportation Management System

Featured

Enable the Next-Generation Goods Transportation Management System
07

Unlock the potential of digital transformation

The Challenge

Manage the impact and pressure of the technological revolution.

To shift toward autonomous operations, embracing digital transformation is essential. However, the workforce is often resistant to change, and legacy systems make digital transformation difficult. Additionally, managing and analyzing new data alongside existing data can be complex, and you need to be able to justify the cost of digital transformation.

Why It Matters

Innovate or fall behind.

Digital tools enable the automation of manual processes, enhance operational efficiency, and improve decision-making. Technologies like AI, IoT, and automation optimize supply chain processes, reduce errors, and boost productivity. These tools provide insights that drive cost reductions, improve service delivery, and increase customer satisfaction, giving companies a competitive edge.

The Solution

Modernize legacy systems

Spearhead digital transformation by modernizing legacy systems and integrating AI, IoT, and automation. This will streamline operations and enhance productivity because modern systems can better handle the complexities of today's logistic environment.

Leverage data analytics

Handle complex data sets to gain insights that lead to cost reductions and improved service delivery. Using data analytics helps in accurate forecasting and risk mitigation.

Establish Your Digital Transformation Governance

Establish Your Digital Transformation Governance
Exponential IT: Gauge Your Exponential IT Readiness

Exponential IT: Gauge Your Exponential IT Readiness
Goods Transportation & Logistics Data-Driven Everything Report

Featured

Goods Transportation & Logistics Data-Driven Everything Report

  • Data is the new currency. The massive amount of data being generated through emerging technologies is an ever-increasing challenge for IT.
  • Enabling analytics through big data and machine learning/artificial intelligence can optimize planning and performance analyses, improve response to threats, and provide visibility into execution.
  • Learn about how the data-driven everything trend affects both your organization and IT specifically, including challenges and opportunities, with expert assistance.
Define a Data Practice Strategy to Power an Autonomous Enterprise

Define a Data Practice Strategy to Power an Autonomous Enterprise
Identify and Build the Data & Analytics Skills Your Organization Needs

Identify and Build the Data & Analytics Skills Your Organization Needs
Promote Data Literacy in Your Organization

Promote Data Literacy in Your Organization
08

Strengthen cybersecurity practices

The Challenge

Navigate the ever-evolving and complex cyber threat landscape.

Cybersecurity is an ongoing mission, not a static checkbox. AI advancements are fueling an evolving threat landscape that poses significant risks, including financial losses, regulatory fines, and damage to organizational reputation. Additionally, the numerous data sources within transportation and logistics present potential areas for threats to leak in.

Why It Matters

Safeguard information and organizational resilience.

A resilient cybersecurity strategy not only prevents financial loss and reputational damage but also ensures regulatory compliance. It's crucial for maintaining business continuity, as any downtime caused by a cyber incident can lead to significant delays and damage customer trust. Ensure the organization is prepared to respond to and recover from cyber incidents, minimizing impact and maintaining customer trust.

The Solution

Implement comprehensive security protocols

Approach cybersecurity resilience proactively, recognizing that it is a cornerstone of the industry's digital health. Implement comprehensive security protocols to shield project data, financials, and client information. The rise of IoT and cloud technologies requires robust cybersecurity strategies to handle the increased risk of breaches.

Conduct regular risk assessments and training

Business continuity is paramount. CIOs must develop incident response plans that enable quick recovery from cyber events to prevent costly project delays. This involves conducting regular risk assessments, training employees on security best practices, and adopting cutting-edge security technologies.

09

Effectively integrate AI and ML

The Challenge

Overcome the complexities of AI and machine learning (ML).

The potential for AI in transportation and logistics is vast. As businesses generate more data than ever, AI is becoming crucial in enhancing operational efficiency. However, the implementation of these technologies is difficult due to their cost and the lack of data quality, technical expertise, and interoperability with existing systems. Additionally, managing ethical and regulatory compliance and cultural shifts to foster this type of innovation is challenging.

Why It Matters

Revolutionize efficiency and innovation in logistics.

The practical application of AI and ML drives significant advancements in operational efficiency and strategic decision-making. AI and ML algorithms analyze vast data sets to uncover patterns and insights that human analysis could miss, leading to more informed decisions, cost reductions, and a competitive edge.

The Solution

Invest in talent and technologies

Prioritize integrating AI and ML into strategic initiatives by investing in the right talent and technologies. This ensures that AI and ML capabilities align with business goals and drive operational excellence.

Focus on data quality and collaboration

Ensure AI and ML systems have accurate inputs for reliable outputs by focusing on data quality and infrastructure. Collaborate with operational teams to identify areas where AI and ML can have the most impact.

10

Harmonize innovation and operations

The Challenge

Balance daily operations with innovation.

The transportation and logistics industry has daily duties that cannot be paused for innovation. Allocating time and resources for innovation while fulfilling daily tasks is challenging, and companies often lose focus when innovating. Concentrate on operational improvements to drive organizational innovation.

Why It Matters

Avoid operational disruptions and foster continuous improvement.

The seamless integration of new technologies while maintaining system reliability allows for adopting advancements like AI and IoT without disrupting daily operations. A well-balanced approach prevents operational disruptions, fosters continuous improvement, and meets customer demands for faster, more transparent, and cost-effective services.

The Solution

Iteratively integrate technologies

Approach innovation as an iterative process, integrating new technologies in a controlled manner that complements existing operations. This ensures scalability and flexibility without overhauling the entire infrastructure.

Engage in pilot programs

Participate in pilot programs and proofs of concept for new technologies to assess their impact and refine their integration into daily operations. This approach allows for careful evaluation and adjustment.

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