Letter from the Managing Director
The January 2025 logistics review gives us important clues about how to approach the months ahead. I want to share a clear vision: acknowledge the difficulties, learn from them and chart the path that will lead us to position Logistics Express with leadership and solidity.
Review of the Previous Month
January was a month marked by structural adjustments in supply chains, challenges at the customs offices in Ceuta and Melilla, and a global environment that remains under strain. According to a sector analysis, supply chains are adapting to a new geopolitical conjuncture in which trading blocs are redefining routes and markets. Supply Chain – January 2025 summary notes that the year-end campaign showed resilience, but the start of 2025 carries the typical adjustments of the cycle.
From a labour perspective, the year opened with a fall of more than 12,500 jobs in logistics — a trend typically seen in January following the end of the Christmas campaign. Logística CdeComunicación reports this contraction, which affects suppliers, operators and the subcontracting chain.
On the property and logistics expansion front, signs of stabilisation are already emerging: development of 5.5 million m² of warehouse space has been postponed in some areas due to rising land costs and financing difficulties. Idealista – logistics report
Additionally, January saw the logistics projects announced for 2025 unveiled: new automated platforms, technological features, regional expansion. Logística CdeComunicación highlights these initiatives, which signal the sector’s drive towards modernisation.
Impact on Logistics Express
These developments are not abstract: they resonate in every operation we carry out. In logistics, real-time visibility is becoming critical; our investment in IoT systems and traceability has allowed us to mitigate delays and anticipate bottlenecks. Novocargo – 2025 logistics trends highlights this need.
We have reinforced internal protocols in response to labour fluctuations: temporary staffing adjustments, operational flexibility and ongoing training to ensure continuity during peak periods. We have also optimised fleet routes, prioritised critical shipments and activated contingency plans in high-tension areas.
Ceuta
Ceuta continues to navigate an uncertain customs environment. Although the official commitment indicated that commercial customs would open on 8 January, technical problems once again prevented this. El Independiente – Ceuta and Melilla reports the frustration within the local business community over this delay.
At the Moroccan border, political trust is being tested: the reopening was reduced to promises and statements, without firm operational steps. The Objective – customs frustration covers the episode.
For our local operations, this requires managing greater documentary uncertainty, prioritising alternative maritime routes and providing support to clients who depend on the Ceuta–Morocco crossing. We will maintain political and operational vigilance to anticipate every possible opening.
Melilla
Melilla did see progress: the customs post recorded the first crossing of goods in an initial phase towards Morocco. Europa Press – Melilla customs
That symbolic step represents a technical move towards commercial normalisation. But expectations must be managed: volumes remain low and the customs system needs robustness to operate smoothly.
For Logistics Express, Melilla represents an opportunity to lead regional operations. We will prepare consolidated routes, advance document coordination and local logistics support to capture this new commercial flow.
Gibraltar
Gibraltar did not make major headlines in January, but the border agreements between Spain, the United Kingdom and the EU continue to be reviewed. Pending customs adjustments and border controls could affect operators and the transit of goods between the Spanish mainland and the Rock.
We remain alert: any regulatory change could affect our routes and customs procedures in the border area. We will assess rapid adaptation scenarios.
Balearic Islands and Canary Islands
One of the most notable developments already visible in January is the announced operation between Baleària and Naviera Armas. Although the full operational effects had not yet materialised in January, this shipping reorganisation opens a new competitive phase on island routes.
For our routes to the Balearic Islands and Canary Islands, the change represents an opportunity — optimised combined routes, new ports of call and alliances — but also a risk of tariff concentration or competition from a strong market power. We will keep a close watch to negotiate favourable terms.
Personal and Business Vision
This start of the year reaffirms my conviction that logistics companies cannot survive by simply reacting: we need to anticipate, structure and execute with determination. External fluctuations may shake us, but they also create opportunity zones for those who are better prepared.
As Managing Director, I want you to feel that you are speaking with someone who understands the on-the-ground challenges, who does not conceal difficulties and who has a practical, concrete and demanding vision for every decision. Together we will build not just routes, but certainties.
Looking Ahead to the Near Future (2025)
Our priorities for the coming months will be:
- Regional operational consolidation: strengthen Ceuta and Melilla with local resources, document flexibility and alternative routes.
- Digitalisation and traceability: enhance IoT, predictive systems and real-time visibility for every shipment.
- Strategic expansion: support the new logistics projects emerging in 2025 and assess their compatibility with our network. See 2025 logistics projects
- Capacity for adaptation to maritime adjustments: closely monitor the Baleària–Armas operation and changes to island routes.
- Strengthening of human capital: retain key talent, expand technical training and incentivise commitment in the most vulnerable parts of the chain.
- Transparent communication: we will maintain a fluid channel with clients, partners and authorities to explain decisions and adjustments clearly.
I am confident that 2025 will be a year of consolidation, not mere reaction. The structures we build now will define our resilience in the face of major changes. Logistics Express aims to be a benchmark in national logistics, with special attention to Ceuta, Melilla and the areas where we operate with complexity.
I am attentive to your concerns, proposals or route and service requirements. I invite you to contact us here if you would like to speak directly.
MJ
Managing Director – Logistics Express
