The SITL Transport & Logistics Trade Show for the transport and logistics industry occurred in France between 19-21 March 2024. Held in Paris Nord Villepinte, Hall 7. The venue of this transport and logistics event was excellent and close to the airport. SITL is not the last place among other top transportation events, and this time Transport & Logistics trade show brought visitors a new perspective on startups, middle businesses, and enterprises within a constantly evolving exhibition. The event attracted all logistics companies, including logistics real estate, intralogistics (warehouses), trucking companies, rail companies, etc. This was a great business network time to get new logistics connections, where we could discover solutions to the most recent business problems. Explore the event insights and stay up to date with the latest market developments in the industry by following our review.
Will SITL change your perspective on the transport and logistics industry?
If you had asked me that question before the event, I could have been full of doubts. France, of course, has its great transport and logistics technology developed locally and an amazingly innovative approach. But, if we are talking about the event, then the logistics of the stands, their numbering, and the operation of the mobile application were organized at a very weak. Also, the market in France, whether it is related to logistics or transportation, is famous for its unavailabilities, which often stem from particulars such as language barriers.
I recall my friends working in international logistics for years in Europe, the Netherlands, or the U.S. market in various functions such as business analysts, managers, etc. They have always faced slightly different approaches that can bring both a few barriers from companies outside of France and a lot of advantages.
But even today, during the SITL event, I can say that approximately 60% of people spoke English at the fair, which is pretty nice to see in France. Moreover, taking a step away from the mentioned barrier, you can still gain a lot from such an event. Let's look at the general numbers and takeaways from the event with some short statistics.
SITL France: transport and logistics fair
This edition of the transport and logistics SITL fair in France has attracted over 400 exhibitors and 24,000 professionals. During the three days of the event, we could attend approximately 110 conferences. Across nine sectors, many different companies brought their genuinely innovative solutions. Despite encountering problems with exhibition stand design and finding intersection stands due to poor numeration, we finally managed to locate companies vital to us.
We could meet companies from that sector at the venue:
1. Logistics Real Estate. It was a complete range of companies from logistics services developing, managing, and leasing logistics facilities. Their niche includes warehouses and distribution centers.
2. Intralogistics (warehouses). Businesses that specialize in optimizing and managing warehouse operations, including inventory management and material handling systems.
3. Transportation companies. Companies that represent the entire transport industry in France, provide transportation services using trucks to move goods overland. We can list carriers and freight forwarders or shippers among these.
4. Railroad companies. Companies that operate railroads to transport cargo in intermodal mode.
5. Water transport companies. See freight companies that transport goods by rivers and canals.
6. Biofuel production. Petrochemical companies produce and distribute renewable fuels for vehicles and transportation equipment. This section is dedicated to reducing the environmental impact of logistics operations.
7. Last-mile delivery. Fulfillment companies specialize in the final stage of the delivery process, from distribution centers to the final customer's location. These play a critical role in the supply chain industry.
8. Post offices. National or private postal services that offer mail and parcel delivery services. From larger companies such as La Poste and France's DHL.
9. Transport solutions and transport equipment. Manufacturers and suppliers of equipment used in logistics operations. Companies such as forklifts, pallets, and conveyor systems.
10. Human resources. HR companies that provide staffing solutions, training, and consulting services. Human resource management is very important to the logistics industry because there is a shortage of personnel these days. Human resource managers can meet employees' needs and develop their skills.
11. Packaging innovative services. Companies specializing in packaging solutions for the safe and efficient transportation of goods. They also brought their packaging machines and presented their software solutions in this area.
12. Robotics. Automation companies that develop and implement robotic solutions for various logistics applications, including warehouse automation, order management software, and material handling.
13. Technology companies. High-tech experts that offer technology-based solutions to optimize logistics operations, such as route planning software and supply chain management systems or document management systems (DMS).
14. Service and solutions providers with SaaS. Software as a Service (SaaS) companies provide cloud-based solutions for the logistics industry.
The SITL Transport & Logistics trade show highlighted a general trend towards sustainability. Fortunately, this topic is increasingly visible in European and American markets, and the signs are promising. It is pushing companies to accelerate their adoption of green solutions, whether sustainable transportation solutions like a fleet management system or other customized software solutions. Additionally, there's a focus on automotive equipment, such as electric vehicles, which can potentially eliminate fossil fuels from the industrial market.
This trend is also evident among supply chain and logistics companies operating in France. We received this quote from our friend, a logistics supervisor in France.
“Business around Europe has changed over the past 4 years. We have had two crises in a row, and the biggest one on the eastern side of Europe is still ongoing. This shows that companies should be highly focused on investments into the resilience of supply chains. By observing how the market is developing in France over more than a decade of working in one of the biggest logistics companies in the world, I see that companies that can provide more diverse logistics services are more agile and better adaptable to outside circumstances. Leading contract logistics operations in our locations in St. Witz in France, near Paris, I have often seen that the diversity of service is the future of today's logistics ecosystem.”
Anil Mendonca, UPS Logistics Supervisor
The increasing use of intermodal transport for moving goods by rail is even more encouraging. Rail transportation emits less CO2, as mentioned at a conference in Antwerp, Belgium, last year by the Port of Antwerp, where we were also present.
During the event, we had the opportunity to meet representatives from companies such as IKEA, Auchan, Danone, PEPSICO, and, of course, Amazon or Alibaba Group. These companies are effectively oriented toward their sustainable solutions and are great examples of shaping the future of logistics and transportation.
Need help with custom software development for your logistics business?
Learn how we can help you
Explore moreTopics of the conference SITL: semaine internationale du transport
The themes of conferences were evolving into several subjects that are crucial in today's logistics and transportation. As we already mentioned, there is a significant Focus on sustainability. At the fair, conferences and exhibitors were mainly spinning around these topics:
Carbon reduction in transportation and logistics: Efforts to reduce carbon emissions in transportation and logistics require the adoption of CSR and closed-loop economy policies. So, while promoting multimodality, companies need to ensure efficiency and sustainability.
Digital transformation, innovation: Digital transformation and innovation through technologies such as information systems IoT, and AI are revolutionizing logistics. Here, during the event, we could learn about increasing efficiency, opening the door to new business models, and custom software development.
Regional planning, city logistics: Effective regional and urban logistics strategies include development regulations and infrastructure investment. These are essential factors for sustainable urbanization and efficient last-mile delivery.
Supply chain restructuring and automation: Supply chain restructuring and automation use technologies such as robotics and warehouse management systems. Companies can optimize operations and reduce costs while increasing flexibility to meet customer demands.
Attraction, HR training: Many companies must invest in HR strategies to attract and keep talented people in logistics. These strategies involve offering competitive salaries, comprehensive benefits, and training and advancement opportunities.
5 spaces to get inspired at the SITL trade fair
Visitors of the SITL event could also get into 5 spaces to get inspired, learn, and meet the community. Here they are.
Are you in search of a reliable tech partner?
Adexin can help with advanced logistics solutions
Contact usThe final takeaway from SITL fairs
This event was very important, mainly because it is highly concentrated on local autonomy in France, a concept that the French market has always emphasized. We shouldn't forget that many international companies operating in France must contend with local particular requirements, not only mandated by the law but also in the business approach.
The French approach differs from English-speaking markets, and foreign companies view this as challenging. However, thanks to France's involvement in logistics and transportation, we can gain more advantages and a new perspective on further market development. The SITL event brought many examples like this to light during the event that deserve logistics innovation awards.
Adexin is a custom software development company focused on development tailored to logistics, transportation, and supply chains. We assist companies worldwide in better coping with business challenges stemming from sustainable solutions and expected ROI. Contact us today and discover how we can support your business.