The Future of Transport & Logistics: 5 Strategies to Expand Your Export Business in 2025

13 March 2025

International logistics continues to evolve rapidly, and every year new technologies, approaches and challenges emerge that change the transport sector. 2025 will be no exception.

The freight transportation market size has grown rapidly in recent years. It will grow from $34.82 billion in 2024 to $38.96 billion in 2025 at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 11.9%.

In this article we will look at the key transport industry trends that will affect international freight transportation and help companies prepare for new challenges, as well as talk about the importance of B2B connections and smart prospecting for transport & logistics exporters.

1. Digitalization of processes

Digital transformation in logistics has been a major supply chain trend for years, but in 2025, automation, generative artificial intelligence (genAI), machine learning and blockchain will continue to infuse supply chains, making them increasingly transparent, efficient and agile.

How this will change the transport and logistics exports:

• Solutions for international promotion will help maximize the digitalization of marketing and sales processes, building a harmonious and flexible distribution and supply chain system.
• Automation of routine operations. Logistics companies will use AI to optimize routes, track shipments in real time, and automate paperwork. Research by McKinsey found that the successful implementation of AI has helped companies cut logistics costs by 15 percent and achieve a 35 percent improvement in inventory management.
• Blockchain for transparency. Blockchain technology will provide more reliable tracking of every stage of the supply chain. Every action in the supply chain will be recorded and protected from change, strengthening business connections and increasing  customer confidence in the process.

2. Environmental sustainability

Environmental issues are becoming more important every year, and logistics is no exception. In 2025, the demand for eco-friendly solutions in international transportation will only increase.

Logistics companies that adopt sustainable practices and green logistics solutions can expect long-term benefits, including reduced operating costs and increased brand reputation.

Sustainability is also closely tied to other trends in digitalization and predictive analytics, as these technologies allow companies to operate much more efficiently.

Key points here:

• Electric and hybrid vehicles. More and more companies will switch to zero-emission vehicles.
• Route optimization. Through digital technology and analytics, companies will be able to plan routes more precisely to minimize CO₂ emissions.
• Packaging recycling. Businesses will switch to more sustainable materials for product packaging and reduce the amount of packaging.

3. The growth of e-commerce and the impact on logistics. Trends toward customer-centric and flexible supply chains

E-commerce continues to grow rapidly, especially internationally. Companies are increasingly shipping cergoes around the world, which entails increased freight volumes and new demands on logistics companies.

What this means for logistics:

• Faster shipping. Customers expect ever shorter delivery times, which challenges logistics to optimize all stages of transportation. Accelerating delivery times will become a priority for all market players.
• Local warehouses. To reduce delivery times, companies will develop business networking and a chain of local warehouses in different countries to bring goods closer to consumers.
• Multichannel supply chains. Suppliers will start using several logistics channels simultaneously to increase the speed and reliability of deliveries.

4. Warehouse automation and the use of robots

Automation technology in warehouses continues to evolve, and we will see even greater adoption in 2025. Robots and automated systems will help speed up the processes of loading and unloading goods, as well as improve inventory accuracy.

What will change:

• Robots in warehouses. Robotic systems will take care of tasks such as picking orders, sorting and packing goods. This will reduce labor costs and increase the efficiency of warehouse operations.
• Smart management systems. Warehouse management systems (WMS) will be integrated with artificial intelligence and sensors to better control all processes and reduce missteps.

5. Data-driven decision making and predictive analytics

Big data and predictive analytics are becoming essential for logistics and transport companies looking to improve efficiency of global trade.

How this will change the market:

• Big Data Processing. Working with Big Data in logistics is an opportunity to monitor a company’s operational performance. With the help of data, it will be possible to assess supply chain efficiency, warehouse utilization, and identify current and potential problems.
• Predictive analytics. Predictive analytics algorithms will make it possible to assess market dynamics and build models of developments based on extrapolation of incoming data. Thus, it will be possible to predict consumer behavior, demand parameters and load on logistics infrastructure. Take advantage of our data consulting services to develop an effective business intelligence strategy.

Strategies to increase export potential

Strategy 1. Expand customer database with advanced smart prospecting solutions

An up-to-date and constantly enriched customer database is king for the development of transport and logistics companies. The appearance of new exporters and importers means the possibility of attracting another high-value customer.

EasyBusiness by Kompass can help you identify all the players in the market in 70 countries and track new companies worthy of your attention.

Strategy 2. Digitalize all processes related to sales and customer service

Competition in transport & logistics is extremely high. That’s why the time factor plays a key role in customer interactions.

Sales Accelerator is your digital sales and customer communication department, allowing you to not only control all stages of the sales funnel, but also to build a comprehensive system of interactions with customers, including deal statuses and business intelligence.

Strategy 3: Explore the potential of new markets

The ongoing search for opportunities to enter new markets is the key to success for transport and logistics operators. International expansion is not an easy endeavor, and thorough preparation is paramount.

With our cross-country market ranking reports, you will be ready for any challenge on your way to conquering new overseas markets.

Strategy 4. Expand your online presence online

Staying ahead of the competition means, among other things, keeping up with the demands of the times and expanding your digital presence.

Our Booster International solution is designed to maximize the internationalization of your company’s online presence on  the global B2B trade platform, so that any customer from any country can choose you from a list where your company will be at the top.

Strategy 5. Apply a data-driven approach

A comprehensive data-driven approach will allow you to harmonize the entire system of marketing and sales techniques aimed at effectively expanding your business abroad, identifying reliable supply chain partners and export network development, while our data integration solutions will ensure the quality, updating and enrichment of your customer database.

Conclusion

Digitalization, automation, environmental sustainability and new requirements for international transportation are the main factors that will shape the future of international transport & logistics in 2025.

To launch a market expansion successfully in the face of these challenges, companies need to be responsive, adapt quickly to new conditions and implement advanced Export Pro solutions.