A Glimpse into the Future of Food Logistics

At this year’s Food Shippers of America Conference, the conversations were candid, the challenges were pressing, and the path forward — while uncertain — is starting to take shape. Our team spent time on the ground listening to what shippers, carriers, and distributors are most concerned about in today’s market. Here are some of the biggest insights from the event.

Shippers Are Playing It Safe — But Still Looking for Differentiation

In today’s soft market, most shippers are holding tight to their existing carrier relationships. The bar for bringing on new partners is high — and rightly so. That said, they’re not shutting the door on new partners entirely. What they’re asking for is clear: real differentiation. Name recognition alone won’t open doors anymore. Solutions that drive efficiency, provide visibility, and help mitigate risk will.

Visibility Isn’t a Luxury — It’s a Must-Have

Real-time tracking and visibility solutions were front and center in almost every conversation. Platforms like FourKites, Descartes, and Shippeo are setting the pace, and shippers are seeking partners who can integrate seamlessly with their existing technology and provide deep visibility. 

Market Volatility Has Everyone on Edge

There’s no denying that macroeconomic concerns are weighing on supply chain leaders. We heard some variation on the theme of market uncertainty from everyone we spoke to; tariffs, trade, consumer confidence, and a slowdown in retail spending came up many times.  Most market forecasts suggest freight volumes will stay flat through the end of the year, and many shippers anticipate a shift toward inflation by year-end, adding another layer of complexity to planning. That uncertainty is slowing decision-making — and reinforcing the need for partners who can pivot quickly when the market does move.

Tariffs and Trade Are Top of Mind

Ongoing trade policy changes in particular are driving unease and creating ripple effects — especially in automotive and cross-border freight. Shippers are watching closely as costs rise and operational complexity increases. Having a flexible, experienced partner is becoming essential in navigating this terrain.

Canadian Cross-Border Shipping Is a Big Concern

Canadian cross-border shipping came up frequently as a key friction point. The challenges aren’t new, but the urgency is. Shippers want fewer handoffs, more reliability, and better predictability when navigating customs and capacity issues.

Technology Investment is Accelerating

Discussions around AI, predictive analytics, and TMS upgrades were everywhere; visibility tools, digital freight marketplaces, and smarter analytics are taking shape as key components of tomorrow’s supply chain tech stack. Shippers are actively exploring digital freight marketplaces and looking for partners who can help them evolve without disruption.

Theft and Fraud Remain Persistent Threats

Security is still a concern, with theft and fraud continuing to challenge carriers and shippers alike. Data visibility and trusted relationships are essential in mitigating these risks. The answer isn’t just tighter controls — it’s trusted partnerships, real-time visibility, and a culture that values accountability.

Shippers today don’t need more vendors; in fact, the carrier-to-shipper ratio is growing.

They need partners who bring reliability, adaptability, and results. That’s the Capstone difference.

What we deliver:

• Managing warehouse labor
• Providing freight solutions
• Ensuring last-mile delivery
• Supporting food logistics with precision and care

We do more than move product — we provide expertise, stability, and productivity.

You are our partner, not just our customer.