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Ep.32 - The Real State of Logistics, Looking Beyond the Headlines
Logistics didn't stabilise in 2025 - it adapted. The question now is whether the industry is prepared to survive 2026 or position itself to lead when growth returns.
KEY CONCEPTS COVERED:
The state of logistics volumes, volatility, and resilience
Asset ownership vs flexibility in modern supply chains
The future of 3PL, 4PL, and virtual logistics models
In this episode of Chain Reaction, Michael Ostroumov is joined by Chris Clowes (COO of FLOX) for a grounded discussion on where the logistics industry actually stands heading into 2026.
Rather than focusing on headlines, they examine the operational reality behind depressed volumes, unpredictable demand patterns, and increasing pressure on both shippers and logistics service providers. The conversation explores why traditional optimisation models no longer work, how volatility is reshaping capacity decisions, and why many operators are being forced to rethink ownership, automation, and outsourcing strategies.
This episode is particularly relevant for supply chain leaders, logistics operators, manufacturers, retailers, and anyone navigating planning, cost control, and resilience in an uncertain market.
Watch this episode on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mw63NS39v2s
TIMESTAMPS:
(00:00) - Introduction: The Internal Market View
(1:15) - The Reality of Logistics in 2025
(3:14) - Volatility: Spikes & Poor Predictability
(5:19) - Why "Steady State" Supply Chains are Dead
(7:06) - De-averaging: Why Traditional KPIs Fail
(8:26) - Flex Capacity vs. Asset Ownership
(11:06) - Just-in-Time vs. Just-in-Case Models
(13:17) - Virtual 4PL & Logistics Orchestration
(16:44) - Control vs. Cost: The Tender Illusion
(25:35) - Supply Side: Consolidation & M&A Pressure
(35:50) - How to Win in 2026: Tech & New Models
CONNECT WITH THE HOST & GUEST:
Michael Ostroumov - https://www.linkedin.com/in/michaelostroumov/
Chris Clowes - https://www.linkedin.com/in/chris-clowes-b574a78/
CONNECT WITH FLOX:
Website: https://www.flox.is
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/flox-logistics-services/
Related Service Page: https://www.flox.is/services/marketplace/
ABOUT THIS EPISODE:
In this deep dive into logistics and supply chain management, we explore the future of logistics amidst ongoing market volatility. This discussion covers essential strategies for demand planning, inventory management, and the shift from traditional warehousing to flexible, tech-enabled models. Whether you are navigating supply chain automation or evaluating 3PL vs 4PL strategies, this episode provides actionable insights for logistics leaders looking to build supply chain resilience in 2026.
#ChainReactionPodcast #SupplyChain #Logistics #FutureOfLogistics
View all episodes
By Michael OstroumovLogistics didn't stabilise in 2025 - it adapted. The question now is whether the industry is prepared to survive 2026 or position itself to lead when growth returns.
KEY CONCEPTS COVERED:
The state of logistics volumes, volatility, and resilience
Asset ownership vs flexibility in modern supply chains
The future of 3PL, 4PL, and virtual logistics models
In this episode of Chain Reaction, Michael Ostroumov is joined by Chris Clowes (COO of FLOX) for a grounded discussion on where the logistics industry actually stands heading into 2026.
Rather than focusing on headlines, they examine the operational reality behind depressed volumes, unpredictable demand patterns, and increasing pressure on both shippers and logistics service providers. The conversation explores why traditional optimisation models no longer work, how volatility is reshaping capacity decisions, and why many operators are being forced to rethink ownership, automation, and outsourcing strategies.
This episode is particularly relevant for supply chain leaders, logistics operators, manufacturers, retailers, and anyone navigating planning, cost control, and resilience in an uncertain market.
Watch this episode on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mw63NS39v2s
TIMESTAMPS:
(00:00) - Introduction: The Internal Market View
(1:15) - The Reality of Logistics in 2025
(3:14) - Volatility: Spikes & Poor Predictability
(5:19) - Why "Steady State" Supply Chains are Dead
(7:06) - De-averaging: Why Traditional KPIs Fail
(8:26) - Flex Capacity vs. Asset Ownership
(11:06) - Just-in-Time vs. Just-in-Case Models
(13:17) - Virtual 4PL & Logistics Orchestration
(16:44) - Control vs. Cost: The Tender Illusion
(25:35) - Supply Side: Consolidation & M&A Pressure
(35:50) - How to Win in 2026: Tech & New Models
CONNECT WITH THE HOST & GUEST:
Michael Ostroumov - https://www.linkedin.com/in/michaelostroumov/
Chris Clowes - https://www.linkedin.com/in/chris-clowes-b574a78/
CONNECT WITH FLOX:
Website: https://www.flox.is
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/flox-logistics-services/
Related Service Page: https://www.flox.is/services/marketplace/
ABOUT THIS EPISODE:
In this deep dive into logistics and supply chain management, we explore the future of logistics amidst ongoing market volatility. This discussion covers essential strategies for demand planning, inventory management, and the shift from traditional warehousing to flexible, tech-enabled models. Whether you are navigating supply chain automation or evaluating 3PL vs 4PL strategies, this episode provides actionable insights for logistics leaders looking to build supply chain resilience in 2026.
#ChainReactionPodcast #SupplyChain #Logistics #FutureOfLogistics