GoBolt, a leading third-party logistics (3PL) and last-mile provider, has unveiled its 2025 State of Logistics Report — a comprehensive look into the evolving logistics landscape. The report is based on a wide-reaching survey of logistics and supply chain leaders from top-tier retail and direct-to-consumer (DTC) brands, focusing on fulfillment reliability, cost efficiency, and strategies to tackle rising industry challenges in the year ahead.
As global logistics continues to navigate increased costs, regulatory shifts, and surging consumer expectations, brands are doubling down on operational efficiency through smarter technology adoption and robust last-mile strategies.
“Logistics is undergoing rapid transformation, particularly this year, as shifting regulations, evolving policies, and rising costs continue to disrupt the industry,” said Mark Ang, CEO and Co-Founder of GoBolt. “Our 2025 report offers actionable insights and practical strategies to help brands optimize their fulfillment and last mile delivery operations to navigate the complexities of the coming years.”
Key Findings from the 2025 State of Logistics Report:
Cost Efficiency Is Driving 3PL Adoption
With cost pressures mounting, the report identifies cost as the number one reason brands are partnering with 3PL providers. Many brands are reassessing their logistics models to stay competitive amid economic uncertainty.
Carrier Diversification Emerges as a Strategic Imperative
According to the report, 65% of logistics leaders believe that diversifying their carrier networks will lead to significant cost reductions. This highlights a major shift toward strategic flexibility in fulfillment planning heading into 2025.
Last-Mile Visibility Is a Top Priority
Last-mile delivery remains the most complex — and costly — segment of the supply chain. Notably, 77% of survey respondents agree that measuring last-mile performance and associated costs will be vital in the coming years.
Returns Management Still a Major Challenge
The issue of product returns continues to weigh heavily on retail operations. The report reveals that 52% of brands see returns management as a top value-added service they require from 3PL partners to cut costs and enhance customer loyalty.
The report also touches on how brands are adjusting to new tariff regulations and Section 321 policy changes. While 34% of respondents are still evaluating their options, others are shifting inventory approaches or exploring new 3PL partnerships. Though this specific data is not included in the full report, GoBolt notes that further insights are available on the official report landing page.
Retail and DTC brands can download the full 2025 Logistics Report: Trends, Challenges & Opportunities at gobolt.com/the-2025-logistics-report. The report includes detailed findings and expert strategies to help brands build stronger, more resilient logistics operations.
About GoBolt
Founded in 2017, GoBolt is building the largest sustainable supply chain network in North America. The company provides reliable warehousing, pick and pack, shipping, and last-mile delivery services. With a growing warehouse footprint and proprietary software developed in-house, GoBolt gives merchants greater transparency and control. GoBolt is also committed to carbon-neutral deliveries — leveraging electric vehicles where possible and sequestering emissions when not.
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Thanks for sharing these insights from GoBolt’s 2025 State of Logistics Report. It’s clear that cost efficiency and last-mile visibility are becoming top priorities for retail and DTC brands. I especially found the point about carrier diversification interesting — having multiple options really seems like a smart way to manage costs and risks. Returns management is also a challenge that can’t be overlooked, so it’s good to see brands focusing on improving that with their 3PL partners. Looking forward to seeing how these strategies shape the logistics landscape this year!