The report below gives a good overview of the Winter 2026 M&A activity in the Transport, Logistics and Supply Chain Industry Sector. In Q4 2025, the global transport, logistics, and supply chain sectors experienced moderated growth as tariff uncertainty, ocean freight overcapacity, and steady air cargo demand shaped market dynamics. The contract logistics market expanded 3.3% for the year. Freight indicators were mixed: air cargo demand rose 5.5% YoY in November—driven by an 11.7% surge on APAC-Europe lanes and strong e commerce volumes—while ocean container rates fell 15-20% QoQ amid a 6.9% capacity increase outpacing 3% demand growth. U.S. imports were projected at 24.7 million TEU, down 3.4% YoY.
Truckload and LTL pricing strengthened, with LTL rates 67.9% above 2018 levels due to disciplined capacity management despite muted demand, and early signs of truckload recovery emerging as excess capacity tightened. Rail and water transport reflected broader softness: global container throughput reached 126.75 million TEU from January to August (+4.4% YoY), but Q4 port activity declined 12%.
Warehousing continued its steady expansion, reaching a $559 billion market supported by automation and e commerce peaks, though holiday spending tempered inventory accumulation. Technology adoption—including AI driven route optimization and digital platforms—helped offset labor shortages and rising operating costs. Geopolitical realignments continued to redirect trade flows toward APAC and emerging markets.
Overall, the quarter underscored the sector's need for adaptability in a volatile environment, with full year air cargo growth landing at 3-4% and ocean rates stabilizing below breakeven levels.
Posted by Peter Heydenrych.
Read the Entire Winter 2026 Transport, Logistics and Supply Chain Report Here