Global logistics shifts as non-standard shipments and air cargo demand rise

Global logistics is undergoing significant shifts driven by increasing demand for non-standard shipments and evolving environmental challenges. Data from DHL Express indicates a 15 percent year-over-year increase in specialized orders, such as those requiring specific temperature controls or non-standard dimensions.

International trade is seeing longer transit distances, with the average distance traveled by goods reaching a record 5,010 km in 2025. Air cargo demand is also rising, with IATA reporting an 8.5 percent global increase in demand as of June 2026, supported by high-value technological products and urgent shipments.

In the realm of sustainability, industry experts note that fleet electrification alone is insufficient to mitigate the environmental impact of logistics. As the global parcel market is projected to approach 500 billion deliveries by 2028, innovation in last-mile delivery and resource utilization is becoming critical to address issues like traffic congestion and inefficient delivery attempts.