IDS Fiscal Year 2025

Volume decline in the tense market – network structurally restructured

• 14.35 million shipments in 2025 (-5.2%)
• 3.73 million tonnes (-3.2%)
• B2C share drops to 15.4%
• Grid restructuring successfully completed after DSV exit
• 10% of HUB lines will be electric by the end of 2026

Kleinostheim, March 17, 2026 – The 2025 financial year was once again characterized by a difficult economic environment for IDS Logistik GmbH. Germany's largest general cargo network recorded a total volume of 14.35 million shipments, a minus of 5.2 percent compared to 2024. At the same time, personnel costs continue to rise. This puts a considerable strain on profitability in the general cargo business," explains Dr. Michael Bargl, Managing Director of IDS Logistik GmbH.

National and international development

A total of 11.33 million shipments (-5.9 percent) and a good 3 million tons of goods (-4.2 percent) were moved in the IDS network throughout Germany. Internationally, IDS transported a good 3 million shipments, 2.6 percent less than in 2024. Tonnage here developed slightly positively at +1.5 percent to 0.69 million tons – an indication of structural shifts towards higher-weight shipments.

The B2C business, which is proportional to the consumption behaviour of private households, fell slightly again compared to the previous year with a share of 15.4 percent of the national volume. Procurement logistics also remains a stable but limited market area, accounting for 8.5 percent of the shipment volume.

At EUR 2.72 billion, total revenue across all 53 IDS locations was 6.5 percent below the previous year's figure. This reflects in particular the departure of DSV from the IDS network and the entry of new partners.

Grid restructuring after DSV withdrawal

A key development in 2025 was the restructuring of the IDS network as a result of DSV's departure after the Schenker takeover. The vacant locations could be filled completely and qualified. The integration of the new partners went smoothly operationally.

This means that the IDS network now comprises 5 shareholders and 8 strategy partners nationally and 8 international partners.

Costs, prices and competition

Rising costs for personnel, energy and CO₂ tolls continue to shape the market environment. Passing on the cost increases to customers is "inevitable," Bargl said. At the same time, competitive pressure intensifies with declining volumes. Although sustainability is addressed in tenders, the willingness to pay for corresponding additional costs remains low overall.

Digitization and AI as efficiency levers

To ensure competitiveness, IDS consistently focuses on productivity increases through digitization and AI applications. The focus is primarily on the further development of ETA processes and AI-supported optimization along the value chain.

Green Logistics: Expansion of e-mobility

The transformation path towards lower-emission main runs will be continued. By the end of 2026, 10 percent of the HUB lines are to be converted to battery-electric transport (BEV). At the same time, IDS is investing in charging infrastructure at the depot locations, its own power generation (photovoltaics), stationary battery storage systems and heat pump solutions. Corresponding measures have already been implemented at the IDS central hub in Neuenstein.

Market Outlook 2026

For 2026, IDS expects a further decline in volumes in the low single-digit percentage range in both national and international business, especially due to the restructuring of the network. The market remains characterized by cost pressure, a shortage of skilled workers and structural uncertainties. There is a lack of economic stimulus, geopolitical uncertainties and regulatory burdens are shaping the environment. "Our strategic focus is clearly on efficiency, network strength and sustainable infrastructure. We are making targeted investments in order to emerge from this market phase in a substantially consolidated position," said Bargl. "We are strengthening our partner companies structurally and technologically – this is the basis for sustainable growth as soon as the market picks up again."

The IDS network: Facts and figures of the 2025 financial year*

*Figures on revenue, handling area, employees and vehicles incl. new IDS partners, excluding DSV

IDS Logistik GmbH – The general cargo network in Germany:
With 53 locations, 14.35 million shipments (2025) and around 6,600 employees, IDS Logistik GmbH is the largest general cargo cooperation in Germany. IDS carries out transports to other European countries with national subsidiaries of its franchisees as well as with selected European partners. The full-service offering ranges from procurement to warehousing and distribution to returns management. The company serves clients from the B2B and B2C shipping sectors.

IDS Press Contact

MAIN WORD

Susanne Crecelius

Heidigweg 69

63743 Aschaffenburg

Phone 06028 400 304

Fax 06028 400 305

info@main-wort.de