Descartes Systems Group released its Ninth Annual Global Transportation Management Benchmark Survey. The survey, with over 600 participants, found that 81% of shippers and logistics service providers (LSPs) now view transportation management as a competitive asset. This marks the highest percentage in the survey’s nine-year history.
Automation and Digital Maturity
While recognition of transportation management systems is increasing, adoption of automation remains limited. Only 17% of respondents reported being fully automated. In contrast, more than one-third still rely heavily on manual processes.
Companies with stronger financial performance reported higher automation rates, with 51% fully automated, compared to just 5% among those with below-average performance.
Adoption of Generative AI
Generative AI adoption was widespread, with 96% of respondents integrating it into operations. Applications included data entry (41%), route and load optimization (39%), and freight forecasting (35%).
Descartes said the 4% not using generative AI were more likely to view transportation management as only necessary and forecast limited growth.
Key Findings from the Transportation Management 2025 Survey
- TMS Investment:
- 80% plan to increase spending on TMS IT, with a focus on performance management, visibility and routing.
- Fraud and Theft Prevention:
- Carrier monitoring ranked highly, with North American respondents prioritizing it 7% more than Europeans.
- Growth Expectations:
- 72% anticipate at least 5% annual revenue growth over the next two years.
“This year’s survey shows a sector making meaningful progress in elevating transportation from a cost center to a strategic driver of customer value and business growth,” said Mike Hane, director of product marketing and transportation management at Descartes.
Survey Methodology
The survey, conducted by Descartes and SAPIO Research, included 616 participants evenly split between LSPs and shippers. Respondents were based in the U.S., Canada and Western Europe. The study assessed the role of transportation management, the impact of technology adoption and investment priorities.
