Transport and logistics: creating innovative logistics solutions, mastering risks in the supply chain and sustainably promoting digital change

Due to increasing environmental and sustainability regulations, transport and logistics companies need to invest quickly in low-emission technologies and actively promote transparent supply chain solutions.

Thorsten Lorenzen
Partner

The development of freight costs from 2024 to 2030 will be influenced by several factors that affect both regional and global trends:

1. General cost pressure: Rising operating costs due to higher fuel prices, emissions certificates, tolls, regulatory requirements and staff shortages are driving up freight costs, particularly in road freight transport. At the same time, it is expected that competition could lead to price negotiations that partially slow down the increase in costs.  
2. Sustainability and electrification: In Europe in particular, logistics companies are striving to reduce their CO₂ emissions. Investments in alternative drive systems, such as electric and hydrogen trucks, are supposed to reduce operating costs in the long term, although these technologies will only have a significant impact towards the end of the decade.
3. Sea freight: After the enormous price increases during the pandemic, the Middle East conflict and the associated avoidance of the Suez Canal, sea freight rates are expected to remain stable.
4. Rail freight transport: In Europe, the share of rail transport will be further promoted in order to reduce dependence on road transport. This could lead to long-term savings, as the European Union is investing heavily in this area in order to significantly modernize the infrastructure by 2030.

Cybersecurity is becoming increasingly important in the logistics sector, as the digitalization and networking of business processes have increased significantly. The complete networking of the supply chain and its vulnerability result in new exposure that poses an increased risk of cyber-attacks. Central areas such as supply chain management, warehouse management systems and automated transport processes are particularly at risk.

Companies in the logistics sector should therefore increasingly rely on the use of AI-based security solutions and comprehensive risk management strategies. These solutions serve to identify potential threats at an early stage and prevent attacks before they can cause major damage. The networking of supply chains also requires closer cooperation and the exchange of security-relevant data between partners in order to secure the entire chain.

In addition to technological measures, employee training is also becoming increasingly important in order to minimize phishing attacks and other threats caused by human error. The challenge for companies is to meet the growing security requirements while maintaining their efficiency.

Increasing digitalization in the logistics industry makes cybersecurity a key issue. Higher security standards are required in order to protect digital systems and supply chains from cyberattacks, particularly through the use of AI-based solutions.

Oliver Pegelow
Partner, Germsn CPA, Tax Advisor

The “transport and traffic” sector is essential for the modern economy based on the division of labor, as it ensures the mobility of goods and people. It comprises passenger and freight transportation by road, rail, air, inland waterway and sea, including the logistics sector. Globalization has led to a significant increase in international passenger and freight transport, which further increases the importance of this sector. 

In Germany, extensive transportation infrastructures, including 830,000 km of roads, 38,600 km of railways, 7,300 km of inland waterways and 24 main airports, ensure the supply of goods and services to the population and the economy. Disruptions in this area can have far-reaching effects on almost all areas of life, including the economy as well as the rescue and healthcare services. Furthermore, the sector is dependent on the functioning of other areas such as energy supply and information technology, which underlines its importance and need for protection.

Due to the increasing demand in e-commerce and growing requirements for faster delivery times, the warehousing and logistics industry is facing considerable challenges. At the same time, factors such as a shortage of skilled workers and increased operating costs are creating additional pressure. Digital technologies such as automated warehouse systems and AI-based inventory management software offer solutions to improve efficiency and transparency. These innovations enable companies to optimally manage inventories, minimize errors and maximize resource utilization, thus creating a decisive competitive edge in an increasingly globalized market.

Logistics in Germany: technological innovations and infrastructure as success factors

The logistics industry in Germany is under pressure to secure its competitiveness, while costs for energy, personnel and infrastructure are rising. Despite these challenges, Germany remains an important logistics hub in Europe. The key to securing this position lies in the modernization of infrastructure and the consistent use of new technologies. In particular, the integration of digital platforms and cloud-based systems enables companies to manage their supply chains more efficiently and react quickly to changing market conditions. Automated warehouse management systems and technologies to optimize the flow of traffic also help to increase efficiency and reduce costs.