Global logistics sector shows signs of normalisation after post-pandemic boom

This year, the logistics industry is witnessing signs of normalisation following the unprecedented post-pandemic boom – according to a new report by Brand Finance.

Leading logistics brands such as UPS and FedEx have both reported lower shipment volumes and reduced consumer spending compared to the high-demand periods immediately following the pandemic.

This is even as none of the indigenous logistics firm in the country makes top 10 in the world most valuable logistics outfits

Aside from the normalisation trend observed in the sector, the Brand Finance Logistics 25 2024 ranking continues to be led by UPS which retains its pole position as the most valuable logistics brand ranked (brand value down 2 per cent  to $34.6 billion) for the 10th consecutive year.

Fellow American logistics brand, FedEx (brand value down 1 per cent  to $28.6 billion), follows as the world’s second-most valuable brand ranked and Germany’s DHL (brand value down 3 per cent to $12.2 billion) is placed third.

Meanwhile, Japan-based JR remains the strongest global logistics brand ranked despite a 14 per cent  drop in brand value to $11.9 billion, earning a AAA rating and a Brand Strength Index (BSI) score of 86.9 of 100.

China’s JINGDONG Logistics (JD Logistics or JDL) is the second strongest, with a 1 per cent rise in brand value to $3.5 billion, growing its brand strength rating from AA+ to AAA and scoring 85.2 of 100 in terms of its BSI. MTR ranks third, with a 3 per cent decline in brand value to $3.5 billion, retaining its AAA- rating and obtaining a BSI score of 83.1 of 100.

Notably, CPKC (brand value up 28 per cent to $2.7 billion) is this year’s global logistics brand with the largest brand value growth by percentage, paving the way for the Canadian brand to be included into Brand Finance’s global logistics ranking.

The US’ DoorDash (brand value up 14 per cent  to $4.3 billion), meanwhile, holds the second place in terms of largest brand value growth as the brand climbed six ranks from 2023 to emerge as the 12th most valuable logistics brand ranked in 2024 while France’s dpd (brand value up 10 per cent to $D3 billion), is placed third.

“Despite the cooling demand and inflationary pressures we’re seeing this year, the logistics industry is showing remarkable resilience and strategic adaptation.

”As the market transitions in the post pandemic era, shaped by overcapacity, shifting consumer demands and geopolitical tensions, industry titans epitomise excellence and visionary leadership to remain competitive,” Richard Haigh, Managing Director of Brand Finance.

The 2024 Sustainability Perceptions Index finds that in the logistics sector, UPS has the highest Sustainability Perceptions Value of $3 billion and the highest positive gap value of $224 million among brands in the rankings.