Real Supply Chain Takeaways from the Gartner Supply Chain Symposium/Xpo

Written by: Greg Price–CEO & Co-founder, Jason Traff–President & Co-founder

Between packed sessions, expo hall excitement, and candid hallway conversations, one theme echoed throughout this year’s Gartner Supply Chain Symposium/Xpo™: the pressure is on. Supply chain leaders from every corner of the industry aren’t just trying to keep up—they’re being challenged to anticipate, adapt, and optimize in the face of growing uncertainty.

At the event, we connected with partners like John Galt, Amazon, and DAT, and enjoyed face time with several of our customers. Those interactions gave us sharper insight into the challenges companies are facing—and reinforced how Shipwell is uniquely positioned to help solve them.

What Are Supply Chain Leaders Prioritizing?
According to Gartner, their two biggest priorities right now are:

• Visibility: Companies want clearer insight into their operations from end to end—both inbound from suppliers and outbound to customers.
• Scenario Planning: With disruption as the norm, planning for multiple outcomes has become mission-critical.

These considerations reflect the need for supply chains to stay agile and resilient. Visibility gives leaders the real-time insights they need to address delays and inefficiencies, keeping operations on track and customers happy. Meanwhile, scenario planning helps businesses prepare for disruptions—whether it’s a supplier issue or a market shift—so they can adapt quickly and protect their bottom line. Together, these strategies keep supply chains running smoothly and competitively.

AI, Tariffs, and a Whole Lot of Due Diligence
AI was the most talked-about topic at the event—but not always in a good way. While many exhibiting companies claimed to showcase AI, attendees told us many demos lacked depth. There’s a strong appetite for real, practical AI applications, not just flashy features. That’s where Shipwell’s approach, with embedded AI powering workflows and decision-making, has a real edge.

Tariffs also loomed large. Small & medium-sized businesses are feeling the brunt of current changes, while enterprise businesses are mostly in wait-and-see mode. Across the board, buying cycles are slowing as companies do more due diligence, evaluate more deeply, and scrutinize ROI before signing on.

Inside the Transportation Management System (TMS) Buyer’s Mind
When searching for a TMS platform, supply chain leaders can feel like they’re on an island: wholly unique in situation and need. During one of the sessions, Brock Johns, Director Analyst at Gartner, shared commonalities in why supply chain leaders might make the leap and invest in a TMS:

• 61% are focused on cost optimization
• 60% want to improve efficiency
• 42% are replacing legacy systems like AS400 or Excel
• 40% need better visibility into disruptions

When it comes to how they choose a solution, the top decision factors are:

• 31% pricing and contract flexibility
• 23% user experience
• 20% innovation and product roadmap

These align directly with Shipwell’s strengths—delivering a modern, AI-powered TMS that improves visibility, cuts costs, and evolves with your business.

Final Thought
No one has a crystal ball for what Q2 or Q3 will bring, but what’s clear is that companies are actively preparing. The future of supply chain will be defined by the tools that help teams act with confidence, not just react. And that’s the kind of future Shipwell is built–and continues to build–for.