Logistics and freight transport reforms 2025-2026: A new dynamic

The logistics and freight transport sector plays a central role in the French economy. At the heart of the exchange of goods, it is an essential pillar for the supply of companies and the smooth running of supply chains. However, faced with current and future challenges, the French government has unveiled an ambitious roadmap for the period 2025-2026. This initiative aims to redefine priorities and introduce reforms to improve efficiency, sustainability and innovation in the logistics sector. In this article, we analyze the challenges, objectives and key measures of this roadmap, taking into account the results of the government questionnaire on the expectations of industry players.

1. Background and objectives of the 2025-2026 logistics roadmap

The logistics sector is currently facing a number of challenges, particularly in terms of sustainability, competitiveness and adaptability to new technologies. The French government has launched this roadmap to meet these challenges and ensure that France retains its leading position in logistics in Europe and internationally. The main objectives of this strategy include:

• The ecological transition The logistics sector, which is heavily dependent on transport, is a major source of CO2 emissions. The roadmap aims to reduce these emissions by promoting greener alternatives, such as electric vehicles and multimodal transport modes.

• Improving operational efficiency The integration of new technologies, such as the digitization of supply chains and automation, should help optimize processes and improve competitiveness.

Support for innovation In addition to ecological initiatives, we plan to step up support for research and innovation in transport, storage and logistics flow management technologies.

2. Key measures of the logistics roadmap 2025-2026

The roadmap defined by the government for 2025-2026 proposes several concrete actions to meet the above-mentioned challenges. These measures are grouped into different categories, ranging from the energy transition to the modernization of logistics infrastructures.

2.1 Energy transition and emissions reduction

One of the main thrusts of the roadmap is to reduce the carbon footprint of the logistics sector. To achieve this, several measures are planned:

• Development of recharging infrastructures for electric vehicles : The government plans to extend the network of charging points for electric trucks and commercial vehicles.

• Incentives for the purchase of environmentally-friendly vehicles Subsidies and tax credits will be introduced to encourage companies to invest in less-polluting vehicles, such as electric or hydrogen-powered trucks.

• Encouraging alternative modes of transport : The aim is to encourage the use of rail and river freight, which are less polluting than road transport, by developing infrastructures and multimodal connections.

2.2 Digitizing and automating supply chains

Digitization is an essential lever for improving the efficiency of logistics processes. The roadmap proposes measures to support this digital transition, such as :

• Creation of a national logistics platform : This platform will facilitate the exchange of data between the various players in the sector (carriers, shippers, warehouse managers) to improve the fluidity of exchanges.

• Development of the Internet of Things (IoT) The use of connected objects to track goods and vehicles in real time should improve inventory management and delivery planning.

• Promoting automation technologies The government will support the integration of robots and automated systems in warehouses and distribution centers to cut costs and boost productivity.

2.3 Strengthening resilience and competitiveness

The roadmap also emphasizes the sector's resilience in the face of crises (such as the COVID-19 pandemic) and international competition. Proposed measures include:

• Improved supply chain management By encouraging companies to diversify their sources of supply and implement risk management solutions.

Support for infrastructure modernization The French government is planning to invest in the modernization of ports, airports and multimodal hubs to boost the competitiveness of France's logistics infrastructure.

3. The government questionnaire: taking account of needs in the field

Prior to the implementation of this roadmap, the government carried out a questionnaire to gather the expectations and concerns of players in the sector. The results of this questionnaire enabled us to gain a better understanding of the challenges faced by companies in the sector, as well as the levers they consider to be priorities.

3.1 Companies' expectations

The results of the questionnaire reveal several salient points concerning companies' expectations:

• Lower logistics costs The majority of respondents stressed the need to reduce the costs associated with infrastructure and logistics operations. Digitization and automation are seen as potential solutions to this problem.

• Developing environmentally-friendly solutions Energy transition is also a major concern for companies. Respondents expressed the need for greater support for the acquisition of environmentally-friendly vehicles and the installation of recharging infrastructures.

• Improved connectivity Improving connections between different modes of transport (road, rail, river) is considered crucial to facilitating trade and improving the fluidity of logistics chains.

3.2 Shared priorities

The results of the questionnaire confirm the priorities identified by the government, in particular the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions, the optimization of logistics processes through digitalization, and increasing the competitiveness of companies. These elements will be at the heart of the actions to be implemented as part of the roadmap.

4. Conclusion: Towards greener, more efficient logistics

The Logistics and Freight Transport Roadmap 2025-2026 represents a major step in the transformation of the sector. Thanks to ambitious measures focused on energy transition, digitalization and competitiveness, it offers prospects for sustainable development and enhanced performance for French companies. By taking into account the expectations of industry players, this strategy aims to meet current and future challenges, while supporting innovation and improving the resilience of the supply chain.

Companies now need to be ready to integrate these changes and seize the opportunities offered by these reforms to remain competitive in an ever-changing environment.