Here’s my beef!
An F&L The European Freight and Logistics Leaders’ Forum series of short personal comments on the global freight logistics market
We should acknowledge two facts of life in the supply chain world. Firstly, we must by necessity be reactive. It doesn’t matter what assets, intellect, crystal ball or AI model a company has, there are still too many unknown or volatile factors rocking today’s market. Not necessarily Black Swan events but nevertheless unpredictable enough to dislodge the market, unless of course you are an anthropologist, meteorologist, geopolitical expert, mind reader and just plain lucky all rolled into one. In other words, we are all to a greater or lesser degree rule takers in global logistics markets. So what? Well, whilst it’s true that any plan often doesn’t survive beyond first contact with the enemy, it’s also a truism that planning, training and teamwork (including non-human support) increases your chances of survival.
Of course, volume and capacity help and much is solvable for the largest shippers or those with the deepest pockets. Pity the smaller players who get bumped off, lost or caught in the bumpy tailwind of global trade.
Secondly, as in life, in times of stress you find out who you really can rely on, who your partners really are and whether you are valued by others. At all other times it just appears to be mayhem but it’s not. When the pressure subsides complacency reigns and key partnerships get forgotten. Nurture those relationships and accept that trust is more than a monetary figure.
So, let’s stop pretending we can predict everything and accept it’s our ability to smoothly adjust to constantly fluctuating market conditions that matters; teamwork internally and externally will define your sustainability, in EVERY sense.
And one last thing, I am reminded that it is the 50th anniversary of the release of Queen’s Bohemian Rhapsody. Some things transcend!
Like or share post on linkedin. What’s your beef? Get in touch with Audrey Macnab or myself with your comment to spark interest, debate and benefit for all. Thank you!
Philip Evans, Secretary General F&L, 19 September 2025
