LOGISTICS & DISTRIBUTION
“ Companies need to focus on strategic planning”
CHETAN SAMPAT, ASSOCIATE PARTNER, MCKINSEY & COMPANY
“ Solutions that offer end-to-end shipment visibility allow companies to monitor container statuses, transit times and alert of potential delays across global routes,” Sangster adds.
Meanwhile, Sampat highlights how these technologies are shaping modern supply chains:“ Technology has brought about significant improvements in efficiency, visibility and coordination for supply chains.”
However, he points out that“ disconnects still exist, particularly between logistics systems and customs systems.
“ Customs processes often lag behind the rapid adoption of modern logistics technologies, which can impact data integrity, information flows and overall efficiency.” These gaps can lead to penalties, longer clearance times and inaccurate shipment records.
To counter this, companies are increasingly investing in shared platforms that allow customs brokers, shippers and transport providers to work off the same data.“ These platforms ensure that everyone has access to the same up-todate information, enhancing coordination and reducing delays,” Sampat explains.
The goal is to create logistics systems that are not only faster but also more resilient.
Shipping costs for logistics and retail firms in 2025 remain high – and inconsistent. According to Freightos, rates vary by region, mode and shipment size, but a few benchmarks offer a snapshot.
Ocean freight from Asia to North America hovers between US $ 2,300 and US $ 3,500 per 40-foot container. The West Coast of the US sees prices near US $ 2,340, while the East Coast approaches US $ 3,400.
124 September 2025