SITL 2026: what the European trade show told us about the new global logistics

The SITL - Salon International du Transport et de la Logistique - has long been one of Europe's leading observatories on the changes in logistics and international trade. The 2026 edition, hosted in Paris, brought together logistics operators, freight forwarders, technology companies, and supply chain specialists to discuss the transformations that are redefining global goods flows.

According to the organizers, the event attracted over 25,000 industry professionals and more than 500 international exhibitors (Source: SITL Paris). These numbers confirm the fair's role as a key reference point for those working in transport, logistics, and services related to international trade.

Among the companies present at the event was Custom Group, which participated to observe closely the sector's evolution and to engage with operators and international partners on the challenges reshaping supply chain management.

From the discussions held during the event, some key trends are now clear: digitalization of processes, growing complexity of global supply chains, and increased focus on regulatory compliance in international goods flows.

Digitalization and Integration of Logistics Processes

One of the recurring themes at SITL 2026 was the digitalization of logistics and administrative operations.

Managing international shipments today requires coordination among numerous stakeholders in the supply chain. Transporters, logistics operators, customs authorities, and exporting companies must share information and documentation more rapidly than ever.

According to the DHL Logistics Trend Radar report, over 75% of logistics companies plan to increase investments in digital technologies by 2026 (Source: DHL). The goal is to enhance the visibility of goods flows and automate the management of documentary processes.

During the fair, there was a noticeable increase in the use of digital platforms capable of integrating shipment tracking, document management, and data exchange between different supply chain actors. This type of solution helps reduce administrative errors, speed up operations, and improve control over international flows.

Ever More Complex Global Supply Chains

In recent years, international supply chains have become increasingly complex and vulnerable to external factors. Geopolitical crises, trade tensions, and market instability have highlighted the importance of accurately managing logistics flows.

According to the World Bank Logistics Performance Index, the efficiency of infrastructure and logistical procedures represents one of the primary factors of competitiveness for companies operating in international trade (Source: World Bank).

During SITL 2026, many speakers emphasized how companies are trying to make their supply chains more resilient, improving shipment control and strengthening customs and document management processes.

In an increasingly complex global context, the ability to ensure smooth and compliant import and export flows is a strategic element for maintaining continuity in commercial activities.

International Transport and Multimodal Integration

Multimodality was another key topic during the fair.

More and more companies are combining different modes of transport to optimize costs, delivery times, and sustainability in logistics flows. Road, rail, and maritime transport are increasingly integrated within complex logistics chains.

According to data from the European Commission, rail transport accounts for about 17% of freight transport within the European Union, but European policies aim to increase this share to favor more sustainable solutions (Source: European Commission - Transport statistics).

This evolution requires increasingly coordinated management of international shipments, especially when goods cross multiple borders and transport modes.

Regulations and Sustainability: A Growing Challenge for Companies

Another important theme that emerged strongly during SITL was the impact of European regulations on logistics and international trade.

The transport sector is responsible for around 24% of global CO2 emissions related to energy (Source: International Energy Agency). For this reason, the European Union is introducing new policies to reduce the environmental impact of freight transport.

The Fit for 55 European plan foresees a reduction of emissions by at least 55% by 2030 compared to 1990 levels (Source: European Commission).

These policies are generating new operational and regulatory implications for companies managing import and export flows. Procedures, controls, and documentary requirements are set to become increasingly complex, making accurate compliance management critical.

 

A Look at the Future of International Logistics

Participation in SITL 2026 gave Custom Group the opportunity to engage with operators and industry professionals on how global logistics dynamics are evolving.

Digitalization of processes, greater integration between transport modes, and growing attention to regulatory compliance are three factors set to increasingly influence the management of international shipments.

For companies operating in international trade, understanding these transformations and adapting their operational processes becomes a key factor in maintaining competitiveness and efficiency in an increasingly complex logistics environment.
 

Custom Solutions for Logistics

In the dynamic and ever-evolving landscape of global logistics, Custom Group stands out for its ability to offer integrated solutions that tackle the most complex operational challenges. A key example of this vision is SCL (Smart Charge Locker), an innovative platform that intelligently manages operational devices within the supply chain. SCL integrates charging, monitoring, and tracking of devices, allowing companies to reduce downtime, improve workflow organization, and ensure operational continuity, especially in complex logistics environments.

Learn more about SCL on this page.