As European businesses navigate an increasingly complex economic and geopolitical environment, supply chains have become a strategic asset. Beyond the traditional priorities of cost and reliability, shippers must now respond to growing sustainability requirements, digital transformation, evolving trade patterns, and regulatory changes.
For more than a decade, the French Shippers’ Council (l’Association des Utilisateurs de Transport de Fret, AUTF), supported by Eurogroup Consulting, has monitored these developments through its annual Shipper Perception Barometers. Covering all major transport modes as well as customs, the studies provide valuable insight into how shippers perceive the challenges and opportunities facing transport and logistics in France. They also reflect broader trends affecting supply chains across Europe.
The findings strongly resonate with the discussions held during the ESC General Assembly, where member organisations from across Europe exchanged views on the key challenges facing shippers.
A common theme was the need to accelerate digitalisation while ensuring greater harmonisation across Europe. Members highlighted concerns about fragmented national initiatives, uneven implementation of the Electronic Freight Transport Information (eFTI) Regulation, and the importance of developing common standards that support both regulatory compliance and business-to-business data exchange.
The transition towards more sustainable transport also featured prominently. While members fully support decarbonisation objectives, many stressed the need for technology-neutral policies, sufficient investment in infrastructure and energy networks, and greater clarity regarding the future availability of alternative fuels. Concerns were also raised about rising transport costs linked to climate policies and the need to preserve European competitiveness throughout the transition.
Trade and geopolitical developments remain another major source of uncertainty. Discussions covered evolving EU trade policy, increasing global trade tensions, supply chain resilience, and the importance of maintaining open and diversified trade relationships. Members also highlighted the need for reliable infrastructure and stronger connections between transport policy, industrial competitiveness, and economic resilience.
Shippers need greater predictability. Businesses require stable regulatory frameworks, coordinated European action, and sufficient time to adapt to new requirements. Practical implementation remains essential to ensuring that new measures strengthen rather than disrupt supply chains.
The AUTF Shipper Perception Barometers provide an important contribution to understanding these developments. Together with the perspectives shared by ESC members, they demonstrate that while many challenges differ across sectors and Member States, European shippers share common priorities: resilient supply chains, efficient and sustainable transport, and a competitive Single Market capable of supporting Europe’s long-term economic growth.