72% Of Logistics Leaders To Invest In Document Automation In 2026; Deep Current Report Reveals

Most logistics companies in Europe and the Middle East say digital tools are now critical to their operations but only a small share have implemented them across core workflows, according to a survey published on Thursday by logistics technology firm Deep Current.

Most freight forwarders, 3PLs, and mid-sized carriers across Europe, and the Middle East that Deep Current surveyed in H1 2025 said that they believe technology adoption is ‘mission critical’ for their business. However, only 29% confirmed that they have implemented it across most operational workflows.

“What our data shows is a fundamental shift in how logistics teams want to modernise. Nearly half now favour modular tools that plug into their existing systems, not the large platform overhauls of the past. This ‘integrate, don’t replace’ mindset will define 2026 because it finally bridges ambition with practicality.” Shared Tamim Fannoush, founder and CEO of Deep Current.

When we looked deeper into where technology has and has not been adopted, a clear pattern emerged. Customer-facing functions are leading the way. Today, 55% of companies use digital systems for shipment tracking and visibility, while 41% have invested in document auditing and compliance tools.

But under the surface, the operational backbone of logistics remains largely untouched by digital transformation. Only 24% of companies have digitized internal document handling (such as bills of lading and invoices) end to end. And most strikingly, 61% of logistics teams still depend on emails and spreadsheets to manage communication with overseas partners.

Barriers to adoption

One of the respondents, a logistics professional from Germany shared, “Every vendor tells us AI will solve everything. But when it comes to my actual workflow for example missing HS codes, incorrect consignee addresses, they don’t understand the specifics.”

If the importance of technology adoption is clear, why is progress still so uneven? The survey respondents pointed to several recurring obstacles that keep operations tethered to manual processes. The biggest barrier, cited by 47% of executives, is integration with legacy systems. The older ERPs and TMS platforms that are costly and risky to replace.

Close behind, 39% highlighted cost and unclear ROI, reflecting the hesitation to commit budgets without seeing tangible proof that tools will deliver savings or error reduction. Another 34% said resistance to change among staff slows down implementation, while 31% admitted they lack in-house logistics and technology expertise to drive and sustain digital projects. Finally, 27% pointed to a critical gap: most vendor solutions don’t fully fit the nuances of logistics workflows, making it hard to see them as practical answers.

The real costs of lagging adoption

In our survey, 57% of logistics executives reported shipment delays in the past year directly tied to document errors. These small mistakes, often buried in a bill of lading or customs declaration, create cascading disruptions across the supply chain.

The financial impact is equally serious. 42% said they lost revenue opportunities because manual processes slowed down client onboarding or made it impossible to scale with demand. Another 36% admitted to incurring compliance fines or penalties, a stark reminder that regulatory errors can cost not only money but also trust with shippers and regulators.

Survey Respondent, Operations Director, Freight Forwarder, Netherlands, 40 years in logistics:
“I’ve spent four decades in this industry, and the same mistakes keep repeating. A missing stamp, a mis-typed code, or one wrong invoice format can stop a container worth millions. We know the problems inside out, but without the right tools, my team still spends half the day chasing papers instead of moving cargo. It’s exhausting. and it shouldn’t be this way in 2025.”

Where logistics leaders plan to invest

Despite today’s challenges, logistics executives are not standing still. The majority of respondents see the next 12–18 months as critical for catching up on digitization. 72% said they plan to invest in document automation tools. This is a clear signal that the industry wants to eliminate its biggest pain point: repetitive, error-prone paperwork.

When it comes to advanced technologies, leaders are pragmatic. 61% believe AI will play an important supporting role, but they emphasize that human expertise remains central to how logistics really works. AI may speed up document checks or extract data, but only experienced operators understand the context and consequences of each decision. The industry is choosing flexibility over complexity.

Nearly half (49%) prefer modular tools that can plug into their existing systems rather than large, end-to-end platforms that demand a full overhaul. This “integrate, don’t replace” mindset reflects both the cost pressures and the risk-averse nature of operations teams but it also points to the practical path forward.

“The future of logistics digitization is not about betting everything on a single platform or hoping AI will magically fix inefficiencies. It’s about adopting modular, logistics-first tools that augment human expertise and integrate seamlessly with the systems that teams already trust.” concluded Fannoush.

About Deep Current

Deep Current is a technology company built by logistics professionals who understand the real, everyday challenges faced by freight forwarders around the world. The company develops smart workflow automation tools that replace manual, error-prone processes with reliable, scalable, tech-driven operations.

Designed for the uniquely complex and varied needs of global forwarders, Deep Current builds custom, operations-ready products that eliminate repetitive tasks, reduce delays, and free teams to focus on higher-value work. The result is faster throughput, improved service reliability, and stronger commercial performance, without adding headcount.

As smoother workflows scale across the sector, Deep Current helps strengthen supply chain resilience, cut waste, and support smarter, greener global trade. At its core, Deep Current delivers the technology that makes logistics run the way it should: seamless, predictable, and consistently high-performing.

Press Release

Source: Maritime Shipping News