regulatory and technological changes

The intensity of competition in the respective segment plays a crucial role in deciding the
extent to which it will be possible to pass these costs on to consumers. When it
comes to technology, the logistics sector is facing innovation within the industry
and among transport companies’ customers. Efficient, eco-friendly propulsion
technology will be in high demand in the transport sector. As mentioned,
autonomous driving is no longer an utopian vision in heavy goods traffic.
Entirely new forms of transport (such as drones) could gain significance in
regional and/or product-specific niche markets. Technological improvements
among industrial customers will have knock-on effects on the logistics sector.
The digitalisation of factories (Industry 4.0, internet of things, mass production of
single items) is leading to new requirements and greater use of IT among those
logistics companies involved. Although the changes to production processes are
expected to be evolutionary rather than revolutionary, new production methods
for certain parts of the manufacturing process (such as 3D printing) will change
the material flow. Ultimately, the regulatory and technological changes will
require investments in the logistics sector.

In view of a predominant trend towards flat growth, this will mean challenges for many companies in the
industry.