Logistics Industry News: Risks, Returns, and Resilience in 2025

Happy New Year and welcome back to "What's the Big Deal?". New year, new supply chain drama? In case you forgot over the holidays, this is where we break down supply chain stories of the week, and what they mean for you.

Today, we’re talking 2025’s top risks, DHL diving into the returns game, LTL carriers going high-tech with spot pricing, and Costco’s delivery upgrade. Let’s dive in!

The big deal this week:

• Brace Yourself: Top Supply Chain Risks for 2025

• DHL Goes Shopping: Buys Into the Returns Game

• LTL Carriers Are Getting Fancy with Spot Pricing

• Costco’s Big-and-Bulky Delivery Is Crushing It

1.Brace Yourself: Top Supply Chain Risks for 2025

Everstream Analytics just dropped their crystal ball report for 2025, and spoiler alert—it’s a bit of a doozy. From geopolitical drama to wild weather and cyberattacks, the list of risks is long. The good news? The report ranks them so businesses can prep for the big ones and dodge some serious headaches.

What’s the Big Deal?

If supply chains were people, they’d definitely need a therapist. But seriously, this report is like a survival guide for 2025. For shippers, it’s a chance to get ahead of the chaos (because nobody likes a delayed shipment). For the rest of us, it means fewer panic-inducing “out of stock” signs at the store. Big picture? This reminds us how connected everything is—a hiccup in one corner of the world can send ripples everywhere. So buckle up, it’s gonna be a ride!

Get the full report: Forbes

2. DHL Goes Shopping: Buys Into the Returns Game

DHL Supply Chain just snagged Inmar Supply Chain Solutions, a company that basically has a PhD in handling returns. Why? Because Americans sent back $890 billion worth of stuff in 2024. With 14 new warehouses dedicated to returns, DHL’s saying, “Bring it on.”

What’s the Big Deal?

Returns are the dark side of online shopping, but DHL’s move makes them less scary. For shippers, this could mean smoother reverse logistics (a fancy way of saying “getting stuff back”). For shoppers, it’s faster refunds and less hassle. And for the world? It’s proof that even the messiest parts of e-commerce can be tackled with the right strategy. Plus, it’s kind of nice to see returns go from being a problem child to a potential MVP.

3. LTL Carriers Are Getting Fancy with Spot Pricing

Less-than-truckload (LTL) carriers are joining the cool kids’ table by adopting spot pricing tech. This lets them offer real-time, dynamic rates—perfect for smaller or occasional shippers. It’s a win-win: carriers expand their market, and shippers get more options.

What’s the Big Deal?

Think of this as the logistics version of “Let’s Make a Deal.” For shippers, it’s like having a buffet of pricing options—you only pay for what you need. For consumers, it means quicker deliveries and fewer “sorry, we don’t ship there” moments. And for the industry? It’s another step toward modernizing an old-school system. About time, right?

Learn more: Journal of Commerce 

4. Costco’s Big-and-Bulky Delivery Is Crushing It

Costco’s big-and-bulky delivery game just got a major upgrade. According to CEO Ron Vachris, faster deliveries and happier customers are driving up sales. Translation: they figured out how to get your oversized purchases to you without breaking a sweat.

What’s the Big Deal?

Big-and-bulky items are the boss level of logistics, so Costco’s win is a big deal. For shippers, it’s a reminder that nailing last-mile delivery can boost your bottom line. For consumers, it means getting your new treadmill before you lose motivation to use it. And for the rest of us? It’s proof that efficiency isn’t just a buzzword—it’s a business strategy that works. Way to go, Costco!

Get your free sample: Supply Chain Dive

5. California Wildfires: Impact on Freight

Devastating wildfires in California have forced the closure of major interstates, wreaking havoc on freight movement across the Los Angeles area. Tragically, lives have been lost, communities evacuated, and the fires show no signs of slowing. The logistics impacts are severe, with ripple effects across supply chains.

What’s the Big Deal?

This is more than a logistics story—it’s a human tragedy. Lives and homes have been lost, and our hearts go out to everyone affected. For shippers, the freight disruptions mean delays and higher costs, but the real challenge is working around the impacted routes to get goods where they’re needed. For consumers, expect potential shortages and delays, especially for goods moving through the LA area. This disaster underscores the urgent need to consider climate resilience in supply chain planning—because when nature strikes, the consequences are far-reaching.

Get the latest updates: Freightwaves

That’s it for the first edition of "What’s the Big Deal?" in 2025! We’ve got an exciting year ahead, filled with challenges, innovations, and (hopefully) fewer supply chain headaches. Whether it’s prepping for risks, tackling returns, embracing tech, or crushing deliveries, there’s always something new happening in the logistics world. 

Thanks for kicking off the year with us—see you next week!

About Cartage

Cartage delivers AI-managed transportation services to small and medium sized shippers across North America. Explore a future of logistics you don't have to manage at www.cartage.ai.