Table of Contents

State of the Industry - Logistics - A review of the global economic situation, its effect on the logistics industry and Datamonitor's analysis of the major future trends.

Product Code: bfau0172

 

Publication Date: 07-Feb-2008


Overview

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

·         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.

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.

Reasons to Purchase

·         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.


DATAMONITOR VIEW

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CATALYST

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SUMMARY

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ANALYSIS

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The global economy is on a knife-edge after the effects of the credit crunch

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Europe: Jittery economies due to America link

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US: Recession or slowdown?

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APAC: Still going strong, other than Japan

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Middle East: A rising force

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Global economic prospects on a knife-edge

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The full effect of the slowdown has yet to hit the logistics industry, as 2007 was a good year

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Logistics revenues still strong, with DHL-Exel still number one global player

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Profitability has also increased for the majority of players, but operating margins remain slim

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Aside from the economy, several trends will have a significant impact on the logistics industry in the coming year

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Collaboration would benefit both shippers and clients

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RFID would improve efficiency in the long-run, but who is willing to risk the short-term financial investment?

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China will still dominate the industry, but other countries will also enjoy more prominent roles

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Environmental issues have risen up the agenda for both logistics companies and their clients, requiring the former to take action

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Main transportation modes will also face their own individual challenges

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Although consolidation in the market has continued, it still has a way to go

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ACTIONS

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There are several moves that logistics companies can make to improve future potential earnings.

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APPENDIX

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Methodology

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Further reading

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Ask the analyst

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Datamonitor consulting

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Disclaimer

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List of Tables

 

Table 1: Company Revenue H1 2007 vs. H1 2006 ($m)

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Table 2: Company Revenue Q1-Q3 2007 vs. Q1-Q3 2006 ($m)

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Table 3: Company Profitability Q1-Q3 2007 vs. Q1-Q3 2006 ($m)

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Table 4: Operating Margin Q1-Q3 2007 vs. Q1-Q3 2006

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List of Figures

 

Figure 1: Average Oil Price 1995-2007 (USD)

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Figure 2: Company Revenues Q1-Q3 2007 vs. Q1-Q3 2006 ($m)

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Figure 3: Operating Margin Q1-Q3 2007 vs. Q1-Q3 2006

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Figure 4: Consolidation in the Logistics Market

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