Europe continues to fluctuate in and out of recession with ongoing economic austerity which is negatively impacting its output. Based upon its 2012 regional revenue, Armstrong & Associates estimates that 3PLs operating in Europe have penetrated 23 percent of the total potential market, so the trend to outsource logistics functions to 3PLs continues to provide for growth over and above the overall economy. The best European-based 3PLs have made acquisitions to globalize their operations and participate in developing markets with higher rates of growth.

Although tensions are high between the United States and Russia trade has remained consistent. Despite threats of trade sanctions by the United States, U.S. vessel imports from Russia have remained steady. TEUs (twenty-foot container) imports from Russia in March were actually up from February and totaled over 3,000 TEUs. So far in April, imports from Russia have still been consistent to the average volume of the past few months.

The world's leading automotive premium brands are looking to achieve significant growth between now and the end of the decade with the launch of new models, including expansion of their sport utility vehicle and crossover model lines. Some brands, such as Jaguar and Maserati, will be entering these segments for the first time.

Kuehne & Nagel has expanded its offering of less-than-containerload (LCL) services in the Asia-Pacific and Europe-Australia trades.