Automotive supply chains put flexibility and visibility in focus

What the report found

On September 23, 2026, FedEx and Reuters Events published research based on a global survey of 81 automotive professionals. Seventy-three percent expected software-defined vehicles to be very or extremely important to their businesses over the next five years. These vehicles rely increasingly on software, sensors, and electronic components, creating different supply-chain requirements from a traditional mechanical-parts model.

Where investment is heading

The report identifies regionalization or nearshoring (46%), supplier diversification (44%), and end-to-end visibility and tracking (37%) as investment priorities over the next three years. Thirty-seven percent of respondents reported changing inbound or outbound transport modes in the previous year. The findings describe a surveyed group’s priorities; they do not measure every automotive business or establish a forecast for regional delivery demand.

Why a small shipment can matter — NDE analysis

A dealership or repair operation may receive only a few cartons at a time, yet those cartons can be tied to a customer appointment or a vehicle waiting for repair. The planning question is therefore broader than the price of transporting a box. The shipper needs to understand what happens when an item is delayed, the receiver changes, or a replacement part must return. That operational interpretation is NDE’s analysis, not a result measured by the survey.

Visibility starts with useful information

A tracking screen is only useful when the underlying shipment details are complete. Before selecting a logistics workflow, decide what reference connects the shipment to an order, who needs to receive an exception notice, and what confirms a completed handoff. A timestamp without a clear receiver or item count may still leave staff with questions. Ask a prospective carrier what information it can provide and how the team will access it; do not assume every provider’s system offers identical features.

A practical route review for dealerships

Review an ordinary week alongside a busy week. Distinguish recurring replenishment from one-off urgent requests, and separate outbound parts from returns. A route discussion should include the following:

• Which locations ship repeatedly, and on which days?
• What are the typical item dimensions, weights, and stop counts?
• Who can clarify a mismatch between the shipment and the receiving order?
• What happens to refused, damaged, or undeliverable items?
• Which delivery confirmations does the shipper need to retain?

What the evidence cannot tell you

The report is a useful signal about industry priorities, but it does not show that a particular carrier has capacity for your lane. It also does not establish NDE pricing, delivery times, shipment visibility features, or support for sensitive electronic components. Those details require a direct service discussion. Treat industry research as a reason to ask better questions, then evaluate the provider against your actual shipments.

The next decision

If your business is planning a recurring route, bring the pickup locations, destinations, shipment profile, and desired confirmation process to NDE. The useful outcome is a clearly understood scope and handoff process. NDE must confirm coverage, handling requirements, timing, and pricing before the route begins.