Italian logistics is taking on a new look and undergoing transformation. Until a few years ago, this sector was thought of as unlikely to change but it is now showing a great capacity for evolution, which is also partly driven by the challenge of the energy transition which has led to increasing innovation and digitalisation: with 100 billion in turnover recorded in 2021 and more than 1.4 million employees, the sector has taken on an important role for the economy of the entire country and further growth is estimated for the two-year period 2022-2023. (source: Contract Logistics Observatory of the Milan Polytechnic).

If we go into more detail, the final figures (2021) in the balance sheets of logistics service providers showed a surge in the value of logistics and turnover increases in both nominal (+16.8%) and real (+14.9%) terms as a result of volume growth (rebound in demand) and rising input costs. The largest increase was in Freight Forwarders (+42.4%) as a result of the explosion in sea freight rates and air freight rates The performance of Logistics Operators (+16.1%) is also partly related to the growth of international flows. In 2021, the effect of the B2c eCommerce channel on volumes was still significant (+15%).

These figures indicate growth and evolution but also changes in business structures and models. In fact, though the value of the turnover of Italian logistics companies is driven by international shipments and increased operating costs, especially in terms of energy and fuel, there was also a reduction in the number of companies in the sector in 2021, about 82,000, 33,000 fewer than in 2009.

These companies are facing the challenge of sustainable development, both in economic as well as environmental and social terms, and are making significant investments in technological and digital innovation to do so. And this clearly has an impact on the way of working and the type of skills required to work in this sector. 

To understand how the logistics sector is changing, the industry figures, but also what kind of training is needed and what the future holds, come to Transpotec Logitec from 8 to 11 May 2024 at Fiera Milano.