German logistics major Dachser reported a 12.6% decline in revenue from its air and ocean freight segment, reflecting ongoing volatility in freight rates and a shift in global trade patterns.
The company attributed the drop to softer demand in key markets, normalization of freight rates from pandemic-era highs, and a reconfiguration of supply chains as businesses diversify sourcing and routing strategies. Lower volumes on major east-west trade lanes and increased competition among carriers have also weighed on margins.
Dachser noted that while capacity in both air and ocean freight has improved, pricing pressure remains intense, with spot rates fluctuating and contract rates being renegotiated at lower levels. This has impacted overall revenue despite stable operational performance.
Geopolitical uncertainties, including disruptions in key transit regions and evolving trade policies, have further contributed to uneven demand. Shippers are increasingly adopting flexible logistics strategies, including multimodal transport and regional warehousing, to mitigate risks.
Despite the decline in its air and ocean segment, the company highlighted resilience in its broader logistics network, supported by growth in contract logistics and European road transport operations.
Looking ahead, Dachser expects market conditions to remain challenging in the near term, with recovery dependent on global economic stability, trade volumes, and rate normalization across freight sectors.