7
Inventory levels across warehouses, distribution centers
and physical stores were high in 2022 and 2023 due to
overstocking by retailers a empting to avoid the delays
their customers experienced in 2021. Many shippers have
mostly resolved their inventory surpluses since then, and
a plurality of respondents and shippers — 40% overall and
37% of shippers — expect their inventories to remain the
same in 2024.
Inventory levels are still up for debate among remaining
respondents, though. Almost 32% of all respondents and
34% of shippers see inventory levels growing next year,
whether slightly or significantly. At the same time, just
around 29% of both overall and shipper-only respondents
believe their inventory levels will be reduced. This paints
a picture of a mixed level of confidence for how quickly
shippers will be able to move goods off shelves and out
of warehouses.
It should be noted, however, that it's unclear what a
carrier respondent would consider their inventory levels,
so it makes sense there would be a higher percentage of
neutral responses overall.
Inventory Levels
Up for Debate
Significantly higher inventory levels
About the same inventory levels
Slightly higher inventory levels
Slightly reduced inventory levels
Significantly reduced inventory levels
7%
25%
7%
27%
22%
7%
5%
24%
40%
37%
0% 20% 30% 10% 40%
How do you expect your inventory levels to change in 2024
compared to current levels?
All
Shipper only
Totals may not equal 100% due to rounding.
