Supply Chain Trends That Will Shape 2026

At IFC, we see these changes up close every day. Because we run our own warehousing facilities in Melbourne and Sydney and operate as a national freight forwarder, we’re continually evolving our processes to align with market expectations.

Below are the trends we believe will matter most for Australian businesses next year.

1. Warehousing needs to work harder, not just hold stock

Warehouse space in Australia remains tight, and the pressure to move faster keeps growing. For many companies, the decision isn’t whether to outsource warehousing, but how much.

Across our purpose built national warehouses and 3PL operations, the strongest demand is coming from businesses that want:

• Shorter pick and turnaround times rather than larger footprints
• Shared or scalable space so they’re not locked into long-term fixed costs
• Operational discipline they can’t maintain in-house during seasonal peaks

We’re seeing a shift away from static storage toward partnered, performance-driven 3PL models. More businesses want a warehouse and distribution centre that operates like an extension of their team, not a silo.

2. Freight forwarding is becoming an exercise in risk reduction

Pricing still matters, but reliability now drives freight decisions. Importers and exporters want a freight forwarder in Australia that they can rely on for honest timelines, prompt communication, and contingency planning.

Global congestion hasn’t disappeared, and the quickest route isn’t always the safest. This is pushing companies to:

• Spread shipments across more carriers
• Use mixed routings to avoid chokepoints
• Work with freight companies that can give them early visibility when something shifts

As a freight forwarder, IFC has invested heavily in real-time tracking and tighter carrier relationships so customers can see issues early rather than after the fact.

3. 3PL partnerships are now part of a workforce strategy

Labour shortages haven’t eased, especially in metro areas. Businesses are turning to 3PL providers that already have stable teams, cross-trained staff, and established processes.

This is changing the nature of 3PL partnerships. Instead of outsourcing only storage or overflow, companies are asking us to handle:

• Entire pick-pack-dispatch operations
• Transport management
• Compliance-heavy or time-critical work

Our own teams are increasingly integrated with our customers’ planning cycles, reporting, and inventory decisions. The line between “in-house” and “outsourced” is getting thinner.

4. Speed and transparency will define service

Customers now expect accurate ETAs, shorter delivery windows, and fewer surprises. That pressure flows directly into warehousing and freight operations.

To meet those expectations, businesses are prioritising:

• Cleaner order data
• More reliable pick accuracy
• Clearer communication at every step

IFC has been adding more live data points across both warehousing and freight forwarding through our CSCHub technology so that customers can see where stock is at all times.

5. Integration is now a basic requirement

Disconnected systems slow everything down. In 2026, data needs to move cleanly between ERPs, warehouse systems, online stores, and transport platforms.

When new customers onboard with IFC, one of the first conversations we have is about integration. The goal is simple: fewer manual tasks, fewer errors, and faster decision-making. That applies whether they’re using us for warehousing, 3PL, or freight forwarding.

If you’re reassessing your warehousing setup, improving your freight strategy, or preparing for new growth, we can help you manage a supply chain that’s flexible, efficient, and ready for peak season demands. Get in touch to discuss your requirements.