What to expect in 2025 – 3 visibility trends we will see for logistics

Visibility is highly requested and needed in all life processes, but there’s nothing like feeling the need to have a complete view of an arriving package or something we have chosen to send across the globe. This is why visibility across logistics and supply chains has gained increasing popularity over the years.

To follow up on what was predicted for 2024 regarding visibility for logistics, let’s consider and explore what innovations will be prevalent then in the coming months.

What will be the upcoming visibility trends in 2025?

1. Aggregators: Last year, the rise of data aggregators was the first highlighted trend within logistics visibility. This trend will continue to be relevant in 2025, becoming more and more powerful. Over the last 12 months, many businesses have partnered with data aggregators to add layers of data to their solutions coming from different sources. “Through the use of machine learning (ML) and artificial intelligence (AI), data captured across many different sources, including multiple data aggregators, ports, vessels, GPS, and carriers, can be triangulated into the most accurate, reliable and predictive dataset to drive the optimal intelligent decision making” says Jacco Weterings, Global Head of Integrated Supply Chain Engine at Maersk. 2025 will also see more aggregators that are specialised in certain markets (air freight aggregators, trucking ones, etc.) gathering quality data on specific lanes.
2. Predictability and actionability: In 2025, the focus will not merely be on visibility. Instead, visibility will be seen as the enabler for predictability and actionability. Having a plethora of data sources inserted into a process flow will determine what is the actionability (the next step to take) and the predictability (what can be seen before and avoided) using machine learning and artificial intelligence. Due to the incessant increase of black swan events, next year a particular growth will be observed in the area of visibility solutions dedicated to disruptions. Sophisticated prediction data on geopolitical issues, climate-related crises, seasonal patterns, etc. will provide advanced insights fuelling new opportunities for actionability and predictability. For instance, if a delay is observed, the tasked team can act and change the production schedules in factories, adjust the warehousing and distribution schedules, etc. With predictability and better alerts, dynamic transit times will be also beneficial, allowing for different transit times, adding options for speeding up and slowing down a container while it's en route, etc. To be able to do that effectively, visibility on what is happening in the wider supply chain will be essential. In summary, having better visibility, that allows for predictability and actionability, will allow understanding not only of what is happening in logistics but also of the product supply and demand for an overall better planning experience.
3. Tactical and strategical visibility: On top of logistic visibility that is operational, 2025 will present more interest in tactical and strategical visibility. Connected to the above-mentioned point on disruption data and predictability, visibility on longer-term events will be very important to make the right decisions to optimise a brand’s logistics. This type of view will give a better understanding of products within supply chains, moving away from optimising only the logistics. Essentially, visibility will not only be about “tracking containers” but also about making the right tactical and strategic decisions for one’s whole cargo journey.

What is in sight for the future of logistics visibility?

2025 will see companies striving for higher quality data and visibility that allows them to gain resilience and that helps predict future actions in case of need. Connecting all the data available will be key through the help of integrated providers that know what good visibility means for shipments and how data can be used as a service, so it's not just a control tower but a fully managed smart service.

Stay ready! Discover more 2025 trends that will affect logistics with Maersk Logistics Insights and learn about logistics visibility solutions available at Maersk.