Despite global turbulence, logisticians expect a good year

Despite global uncertainties, major logistics players Kuehne+Nagel and DSV are optimistic about the year ahead, forecasting increased revenues and profits. Kuehne+Nagel anticipates growth, while DSV projects a 3% GDP increase and a similar rise in demand for logistics services, particularly in sea and air freight.

Air freight has seen rising prices, boosting forwarders' margins. DSV reported a 4.9% increase in its air and sea freight division's profit to 8.9 billion Danish kroner in the second quarter of 2026, with EBIT improving by 9.4%. Air freight tonnage rose 10% year-on-year to 558,000 tons, partly due to Schenker's integration. However, sea freight volumes grew 6% to 1,008,000 TEU, but gross profit decreased by 3.8%.

Kuehne+Nagel's air freight segment saw revenues climb 20% year-on-year to 2.2 billion Swiss francs, with gross profit up 14% and EBIT rising 35%. In the first half, air freight handled 1.1 million tons. The company also experienced a decline in its sea freight division, with revenues down 2% to 2.2 billion francs, gross profit shrinking 7%, and EBIT falling 11%. Kuehne+Nagel attributes these weaker sea freight results to sluggish European exports.

In road freight, DSV's division improved revenues by 18.3% and gross profit by 20.3%, with EBIT soaring 90.5% following Schenker's integration. Synergies from the acquisition are estimated at 0.25 billion kroner. However, the operating margin slightly decreased. Kuehne+Nagel's road freight division saw revenues increase 14% year-on-year, with gross profit up 9% and EBIT up 29%. Both companies have recently changed leadership in their road freight divisions.

DSV's contract logistics division reported substantial improvements, with Q2 revenues up 34.8% and EBIT up 111.2%, driven by Schenker's integration. The operating margin increased to 11.3%. Kuehne+Nagel's contract logistics turnover grew 2% year-on-year, with EBIT up 21%. The company expects improved performance from new contracts.