2026 Transportation Management Benchmark Survey
The 10th Annual Descartes Transportation Management Benchmark Survey explores how the industry has evolved over the past decade, and how top performers are adapting to build more connected, resilient transportation networks.
Check out the results!
A Decade of Transformation
Over the past 10 years, three defining shifts have shaped today's industry landscape.
Transportation management became strategic
Technology investment became mainstream
Visibility became the foundation for AI
What's in the eBook?
The Benchmark Survey eBook unpacks perspectives from senior decision-makers on the trends shaping transportation management today, from market outlook and operational performance to AI adoption and long-term strategy. Inside, you'll find:
- Economic trends influencing transportation investment and growth
- Operational gaps across visibility, automation, and connectivity
- Strategic priorities driving transportation performance
- AI adoption, operational maturity, and barriers to scale
- The priorities defining transportation over the next five years
Key Takeaways
The survey reveals an industry balancing growth, operational transformation, and AI adoption. Here are key findings, by the numbers.
| Industry-Wide | For Shippers | For LSP |
|---|---|---|
| Data quality is the biggest barrier to scaling AI. | 82% expect to increase transportation management IT investment. | 67% are using AI for realtime visibility and tracking. |
| Fewer than 1 in 5 organizations are using AI at scale | Truckload leads all transportation modes in demand for real-time visibility. | Real-time visibility ranks as the #1 future TMS value driver. |
| Business growth remains the leading driver for TMS adoption | 79% expect 5%-15%+ annual growth over the next two years. | Automation is reported as the largest operational opportunity. |
Browse the Benchmark
Discover a decade of benchmark research, perspectives from 300 industry leaders, and actionable insights across five research areas.
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