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Apr 22, 2026 at 3:44 PM
The Descartes Systems Group has found in its current European Transportation Management Benchmark Study that the transportation sector is increasingly evolving from a mere cost factor to a strategic tool that is crucial for customer benefit, growth, and the competitiveness of companies. According to the study, which is based on surveys of 300 executives from shipper companies and logistics service providers, 49 percent of respondents view transportation as a differentiating feature of their services. The previous year’s figure was only 38 percent.
Transportation as a Strategic Tool
Elmer Spruijt, VP Transportation Management EMEA at Descartes, emphasizes the importance of this development: “Transportation is evolving from an operational process to a strategic component of customer benefit and competitiveness. Companies that modernize their transportation management lay the foundation for greater flexibility and growth.” The study shows that 31 percent of companies consider transportation a competitive advantage, representing an increase from 22 percent in the previous year.
The results highlight that transportation is gaining strategic importance at the executive level. Geopolitical uncertainties, disruptions in international supply chains, and rising customer expectations lead companies to perceive transportation not just as a cost factor but as a crucial instrument for business success and customer service. This trend is particularly evident among financially successful companies: 91 percent of this group view transportation as a competitive advantage or a means of differentiation in customer service.
Optimistic Growth Expectations
Despite existing economic uncertainties, expectations in the industry for the next two years are optimistic. 96 percent of respondents anticipate growth, with 61 percent expecting annual growth rates between five and 15 percent. Shippers are particularly confident: 78 percent expect growth of more than five percent, while 67 percent of logistics service providers share similar expectations.
Increasing Investments in Transportation Management
The growing strategic importance of transportation is also reflected in the investment plans of companies. 76 percent of respondents plan to increase their investments in IT for transportation management in the next two years. Among financially leading companies, this figure is even higher at 84 percent. The reasons for these investments have also changed: While cost reduction was the primary focus in the past, today, 40 percent of respondents cite growth and improved customer service as the main drivers. This confirms that transportation is increasingly being used to support business objectives.
