U.S. logistics industry navigating “fog of uncertainty,” says annual CSCMP report

Supply chain professionals are continuing to face a fog of economic and logistical uncertainty, according to the Council of Supply Chain Management Professionals’ (CSCMP) newly released State of Logistics Report.

Produced annually by consulting firm Kearney and presented by Penske Logistics, the report provides a snapshot of the U.S. economy through the lens of logistics.

U.S. business logistics costs reached US$2.58 trillion in 2024, amounting to 8.8 per cent of GDP—up from US$2.45 trillion the previous year, while the GDP ratio remained unchanged.

The report highlights flat business volumes, surplus trucking capacity and rising operational costs, even as e-commerce continues to grow and reshape last-mile delivery, warehousing and air freight demand.

Geopolitical tensions, new tariffs and shifting trade rules have also increased ocean freight delays and heightened the need for third-party logistics services. Notably, Mexico surpassed China as the United States’ largest trading partner, with bilateral trade reaching a record US$840 billion.

“Today’s logistics leaders are operating in a world of rapid shifts and persistent uncertainty—a true fog of global commerce,” said Mark Baxa, CSCMP president and CEO. “This year’s State of Logistics Report helps supply chain professionals cut through that fog with insight, data and direction.”

Korhan Acar, Kearney partner and lead author of the report, emphasized that resilience must be a strategic imperative. “In a world defined by disruption, resilience is what ensures continuity, enabling agility and long-term durability,” he said.

Andy Moses, senior vice-president of solutions and sales strategy at Penske Logistics, added: “Each day, we are helping our customers find resiliency in their supply chains, as we leverage best-in-class technology and amass capacity on a flexible basis as needed.”