The throughline and the outline

The transport and logistics sector is going through a period of great turbulence. Between volatile energy costs, persistent inflation on certain cost items and an uncertain economic climate, companies are facing major challenges. The road haulage sector, in particular, is under intense pressure, with a slowdown in activity, a rise in business failures, recruitment difficulties and unavoidable investments in decarbonization.

Against this backdrop, agility is becoming an essential lever for resilience. By optimizing flows, integrating new technological solutions and exploring alternatives such as rail or river freight, we can limit our exposure to economic and regulatory fluctuations. Some companies have already begun this strategic shift:

• Michelin has reorganized its supply chain by increasing the share of multimodal transport to reduce its dependence on road transport and fluctuations in fuel costs. The result: a 10% drop in transport costs and a significant reduction in its carbon footprint.
• Nestlé Waters has invested massively in rail for its long-distance flows in France, making it possible to avoid more than 12,000 road journeys every year and reduce its CO₂ emissions by 30%.

But this agility must be part of a responsible approach. Energy transition and sustainable logistics are no longer options, but imperatives. How do you reconcile operational efficiency with a reduced carbon footprint?

• Ferrero has rethought the management of its warehouses and flows to reduce empty mileage, thanks to an overhaul of its logistics network and better pooling of transport with other manufacturers.
• L'Oréal has introduced a fleet of biogas-powered trucks for its urban deliveries, reducing its fine-particle emissions by 80% and its CO₂ emissions by 60%.

Another major challenge: securing its partners at a time when transport company failures are reaching record levels. Some shippers have taken the lead.

• Carrefour has strengthened its carrier selection criteria by integrating dynamic financial monitoring and favoring long-term partnerships with solid players committed to the energy transition.
• Renault Group has implemented a policy of scoring its carriers by integrating performance and financial soundness criteria to guarantee the continuity of its flows.

It is by balancing agility and responsibility that the transport industry will be able to meet these challenges, by building resilient and sustainable solutions. Between technological innovations, diversification of transport modes and new management strategies, the intelligence of the transport industry lies in its ability to adapt without compromising its environmental and social commitments. Welcome to the latest edition of Top Transport, a strategic meeting to decipher trends, share best practices and prepare for the future of efficient, sustainable transport.

See you in Marseille, on October 15 and 16, 2025 !