Supply chain execs expect parcel volume growth
A new survey reveals that supply chain executives see robust parcel shipping activity even though they often lack visibility into parcel operations.
The "2025 Parcel Shipping Intelligence Market Survey Report" from shipping intelligence platform Reveel indicates that 100% of surveyed North American supply chain and logistics executives expect their parcel shipping volumes to increase or stay the same this year, with none predicting a decrease.
This figure includes 87% of respondents who foresee an increase in parcel shipping volume. Meanwhile, more than four-in-10 (44%) respondents reported a lack of information about shipping expenses and what could help them improve. Nine-in-10 (91%) respondents expect to expand the number of carriers they are utilizing in response.
According to the survey, logistics expenses average 22% of responding organizations' overall operating expenses. Within their overall logistics budgets, respondents also reported that the amount spent on parcel shipping breaks down as follows:
- 37% allocate between $2 million and $10 million;
- 42% allocate between $10 million and $50 million; and
- 21% allocate more than $50 million.
Other key findings include:
- Half or more of respondents lack insight into demand forecasting (59%), vendor performance (57%) and inventory levels (50%) - all of which are key drivers of operational efficiency and improvement;
- Close to half (48%) of respondents believed embracing automation was the strongest path to reducing parcel shipping expenses.
Survey reveals shoppers' shipping priorities
A substantial 84% majority of consumers recently surveyed by UPS Capital said they are more likely to shop with retailers offering personalized parcel shipping options.
When asked about their top shipping priorities, half or more of respondents emphasized real-time tracking (65%), the ability to select delivery dates (55%), and guaranteed shipping insurance (50%).
In addition, 43% of respondents said that package safety is more important. Three-in-four respondents said their biggest frustration with last-mile delivery experiences is late, missed, or packages left in unsafe locations, and one-in-three respondents expect retailers to provide a premium last-mile delivery experience at no additional cost.
[READ MORE: Survey reveals package theft is a growing problem]
"Carriers are getting very creative with pricing; we've observed them leaning into definitional changes and incremental rate and fee increases without warning, applied at various times across the calendar year,” said Jack McCrum, director of optimization and analytics at Reveel. “It's clear shippers are frustrated, and are hoping to address these issues by expanding their carrier networks."
Reveel surveyed more than 150 supply chain and logistics leaders across North America who participated in a double blind survey.
