Abstract
Introduction
Given that the logistics market is highly fragmented, margins low and the
global economy on a knife-edge, this brief offers an essential overview of the
sector and its future. The ' State of the Industry - Logistics' brief contains
a detailed review of the global picture in 2007, its impact on the logistics
industry and the major players, as well as Datamonitor' s forecasts for the
coming year.
Scope of this report
- An overview of the current economic state of the major regions in light of
the recent credit crunch, as well as their outlook.
- Analysis of the impact that the global economic slowdown has had on the
revenues of the top global logistics players.
- Analysis of the major trends that will drive the logistics industry, as
well as the steps companies can take now to help improve future success.
Research and analysis highlights
The logistics industry is a dynamic and rapidly changing industry that is
closely aligned with the global economic cycle due to its high correlation
with trade. Due to the credit crunch, the global economy is on a knife-edge,
with the US set for a potential recession and Europe struggling to juggle both
interest rates and inflation successfully.
However, the slowdown has yet to filter through to logistics company revenues,
as the top players in the market enjoyed a good year in 2007. Nevertheless,
2008 is set to be far tougher for those in the transportation sector.
Aside from the economy, which logistics players can do little about, several
trends will have a significant impact on the logistics industry in the coming
year. The key question though is what logistics companies can do now to help
reap the rewards from these trends as well as improve their chances of
surviving in the future.
Key reasons to read this report
- Understand the current state of the global economy and the two potential
future scenarios it faces.
- Gain an insight into the trends that are set to drive the logistics market
in the coming years.
- Identify how your company can be proactive now in order to take full
advantage of these trends in the future.
Table of Contents
DATAMONITOR VIEW
ANALYSIS
- The global economy is on a knife-edge after the effects of the credit
crunch
- Europe: Jittery economies due to America link
- US: Recession or slowdown?
- APAC: Still going strong, other than Japan
- Middle East: A rising force
- Global economic prospects on a knife-edge
- The full effect of the slowdown has yet to hit the logistics industry,
as 2007 was a good year
- Logistics revenues still strong, with DHL-Exel still number one global
player
- Profitability has also increased for the majority of players, but
operating margins remain slim
- Aside from the economy, several trends will have a significant impact
on the logistics industry in the coming year
- Collaboration would benefit both shippers and clients
- RFID would improve efficiency in the long-run, but who is willing to
risk the short-term financial investment?
- China will still dominate the industry, but other countries will also
enjoy more prominent roles
- Environmental issues have risen up the agenda for both logistics
companies and their clients, requiring the former to take action
- Main transportation modes will also face their own individual challenges
- Although consolidation in the market has continued, it still has a way
to go
ACTIONS
- There are several moves that logistics companies can make to improve
future potential earnings.
APPENDIX
- Methodology
- Further reading
- Ask the analyst
- Datamonitor consulting
- Disclaimer
List of Tables
- Table 1: Company Revenue H1 2007 vs. H1 2006 ($m)
- Table 2: Company Revenue Q1-Q3 2007 vs. Q1-Q3 2006 ($m)
- Table 3: Company Profitability Q1-Q3 2007 vs. Q1-Q3 2006 ($m)
- Table 4: Operating Margin Q1-Q3 2007 vs. Q1-Q3 2006
List of Figures
- Figure 1: Average Oil Price 1995-2007 (USD)
- Figure 2: Company Revenues Q1-Q3 2007 vs. Q1-Q3 2006 ($m)
- Figure 3: Operating Margin Q1-Q3 2007 vs. Q1-Q3 2006
- Figure 4: Consolidation in the Logistics Market