With thanks to Connect Corporate Finance for sharing their latest Freight View insights
Recent activity across the freight and logistics sector highlights a market that is becoming more focused and strategic. While overall deal volume has been quieter, the transactions taking place are centred around high-value areas such as healthcare logistics, cold chain, and international freight forwarding.
At the same time, wider industry factors, including tariff changes, supply chain disruption, and increasing investment in technology, continue to shape how logistics businesses operate and hire.
Here is a breakdown of what we are seeing across the market and what it means for recruitment in freight, logistics, and supply chain.
Cross-Border Expansion Continues Across Global Freight Networks
Japanese and global logistics groups continue to strengthen their presence across Europe.
- Nippon Express acquired Simon Hegele Group
- MOL Logistics acquired LBC Tank Terminals
- NYK Group and Yusen Logistics acquired Walden Group’s healthcare logistics operations
- DHL added SDS Rx to grow its healthcare capability
As international freight forwarding networks continue expanding, businesses are placing greater emphasis on operational expertise across customs, cross-border freight movement, and regulated logistics sectors such as healthcare.
This is continuing to increase pressure on specialist talent across freight forwarding operations, import/export processes, and internationally focused logistics teams.
Cold Chain and Healthcare Logistics Remain Key Growth Sectors
Cold storage and temperature-controlled logistics continue to attract investment as supply chains place greater focus on healthcare, food logistics, and regulated distribution environments.
- Mutares acquired Fuentes from Lineage
- CubeCold acquired SG in Italy
- Lineage expanded in Canada with new Entrepôt Congelé facilities
As these specialist logistics sectors continue expanding, businesses are placing increasing focus on operational expertise within temperature-controlled environments, warehouse leadership, and compliance-led supply chain operations.
Areas seeing continued hiring pressure include:
- Temperature-controlled operations
- Warehouse leadership and site management
- Compliance, quality, and regulatory roles
Cold chain and healthcare logistics continue to remain some of the most candidate-short areas across the wider freight and logistics market.
Europe and the UK Continue to Lead Logistics Activity
The UK and wider European market remain central to global freight activity.
- JAS acquired Pentagon Freight Services
- Swissport acquired ASC to expand cargo handling capacity
With continued disruption across ocean freight and ongoing shifts in global trade routes, businesses are placing greater emphasis on air freight expertise, customs capability, and operational resilience across logistics networks.
Areas continuing to see strong hiring activity include:
- Air freight and time-critical logistics specialists
- Customs clearance and documentation roles
- Cargo handling and operational positions
Technology and Supply Chain Resilience are Shaping Operations
Across the freight and logistics sector, technology is becoming a core investment area. Businesses are adopting transport management systems, real-time tracking, and data-driven tools to improve efficiency and visibility. As logistics operations become more technology-led, businesses are placing greater emphasis on professionals who can work across digital platforms, operational optimisation, and data-driven supply chain environments.
Areas continuing to see increased hiring activity include:
- Logistics professionals with experience using digital platforms
- Candidates who can support operational optimization
- Talent who can adapt to more data-driven supply chain environments
At the same time, infrastructure constraints, port congestion, and wider geopolitical disruption continue to influence operational planning and workforce requirements across global logistics networks.
E-Commerce and Last-Mile Logistics Continue to Drive Market Activity
E-commerce and last-mile logistics continue to remain key growth areas across global supply chains, with businesses investing in fulfillment capability, delivery infrastructure, and network optimisation.
- Handled Commerce acquired Hook Logistics
- Keistone Partners acquired GoodsFlow and integrated it with Pimz
As distribution networks continue evolving, businesses are placing increasing focus on operational efficiency, fulfillment capability, and scalable last-mile logistics operations.
Areas continuing to see strong hiring activity include:
- Warehouse operations and fulfillment
- Transport planning and network optimization
- Last mile and distribution management
Freight Forwarding Consolidation is Creating New Opportunities
Freight forwarders across all regions continue to build scale through consolidation.
- Fuze Logistics acquired Fastlane Americas
- Neolink acquired RIF Logistics’ forwarding division
- Fischer and Rechsteiner agreed to acquire BCUBE’s forwarding unit
- Fr. Meyer’s Sohn acquired GAC Laser
While consolidation can bring change, it also creates demand for:
- Operations and integration roles
- Commercial and account management professionals
- Talent to support network expansion and growth
Where Specialist Logistics Expertise Is Increasingly Important
The freight and logistics market continues shifting toward greater efficiency, operational resilience, and sector specialisation as businesses adapt to changing global supply chain demands.
Across the market, businesses are placing increasing emphasis on:
- Freight forwarding professionals
- Supply chain and logistics specialists
- Candidates with sector-specific expertise
- Talent who can support complex and evolving global operations
Need Support with Freight and Logistics Recruitment?
Freight Appointments specializes in freight forwarding recruitment, logistics recruitment, and supply chain hiring across the UK, Europe, and international markets.
We support businesses with:
- Freight forwarding recruitment
- Logistics and supply chain recruitment
- Time-Critical Recruitment
- Executive search for freight and logistics
If you are hiring or want to understand the market in more detail, speak to our team.
