FedEx: AI Exposes Logistics Intelligence Gap

During what is a time of fast-changing trade policies and geopolitical tensions, supply chain leaders are fighting to remain resilient amid all the uncertainty.

FedEx has released its first Future of Logistics Intelligence Report to examine how organisations respond to disruptions, as well as how they build competitive advantage.

Among many other things, the report identifies a gap between seeing an issue and being able to act on it.

Mapping the logistics intelligence gap

FedEx is a multinational logistics company connecting people through shipping, ecommerce and digital supply chain solutions.

It delivers integrated business solutions through a global network built for efficiency and flexibility.

In October 2025, FedEx surveyed 700 full-time professionals across operations, logistics, supply chain, ecommerce, IT and customer service.

The participants in the survey at the time worked in healthcare, manufacturing, automotive, aerospace and technology industries and ship physical goods overseas.

The report assesses how organisations respond to disruption across global supply chains.

Geopolitical tensions, shifting trade policies, advances in AI and rising customer demands converge at the same time, prompting supply chains to rethink operations.

The findings by FedEx show organisations face increased demand for faster delivery, greater transparency and stronger resilience.

This environment heightens the need for logistics intelligence, defined as integrating data from shipments, systems and partners to generate predictive insights.

Predictive insights use analytics and AI to anticipate events and support informed decision-making.

“Many organisations can see what’s happening in their supply chains, but leaders in the space can predict and act fast enough when it matters most,” says Jason Brenner, Senior Vice President, Digital Portfolio at FedEx.

“Closing the gap with logistics intelligence, supported by analytics, AI and close partnerships with your carrier, will help organisations move from reacting to disruptions to anticipating them, minimising impact and delivering a leading customer experience.”

Visibility without full access

Despite high levels of confidence, the survey reveals gaps.

While 97% of respondents say they track shipments end-to-end and 94% report unified visibility across shipment modes, only 22% have access to all the logistics and supply chain data they want.

Around 66% use three or more systems to manage shipments, limiting unified data and slowing AI-powered tools.

Disconnected systems create further barriers, including integration challenges at 35%, limited customisation at 33%, reliance on manual processes at 31%, lack of real-time data at 29% and too many separate systems at 26%.

These constraints restrict the move from visibility to action.

Customer pressure and preparedness

Customer expectations also rise as reliable delivery windows at 36% and end-to-end tracking at 34% rank as top priorities.

Limited visibility at 26% and delayed deliveries at 23% have driven complaints.

Returns processes shape trust, with 93% saying returns build loyalty, yet breakdowns raise operational costs for 53% and reduce customer satisfaction for 48%.

Most organisations describe themselves as somewhat prepared rather than very prepared for disruption.

Preparedness is highest for sustainability-related laws at 87% and modernisation at 88%, while trade policies and tariffs remain concerns.

In response, organisations reroute shipments at 45%, absorb higher costs at 43%, increase compliance and documentation at 43% and pass costs to customers at 41%.

The report concludes that AI-driven logistics intelligence bridges the gap between visibility and decisive action in a complex global supply chain environment.