In 2025, international freight transport is a complex and constantly evolving ecosystem. Between geopolitical tensions, the massive customs duties imposed by President Trump, accelerated digitalization, and growing sustainability requirements, companies must navigate an environment that is both demanding and full of opportunities. The United States has gone from an average customs duty of 2.2% to 9.14% in June 2025.Steel and aluminum are the most heavily taxed, at 37.3%, followed by the automotive sector at 18.8%.
The challenges are multiple: rising costs (including oil), regulatory complexity, economic fluctuations, instability, and high customer expectations for speed and transparency. As a result, consumer demand remains weak, and the trade war is weakening confidence.
In this context, choosing a single carrier is no longer enough. A strategic logistics partner is needed that combines technical expertise, global vision, and customs expertise. With nearly 40 years of experience, STAR Logistique has positioned itself as a leading player in international supply chain management, particularly for trade with Switzerland..
Choosing the Right International Transport Mode
Selecting the ideal transport mode is a balance between cost, speed, capacity, and environmental impact. Each solution offers distinct advantages depending on the nature of the goods and the shipper's priorities.
Maritime and road transport together account for 92.7% of freight transport in Europe; 67.5% of maritime transport (two-thirds of maritime transport) and 25.3% of road transport (one-third). Rail transport represents only 5.5%, inland waterway traffic 1.6%, and air transport only 0.2%.
STAR Logistique stands out in particular for its proportionally low prices for large-volume shipments, regardless of the mode of transport.
Road
Cost: Moderate
Speed: High
Capacity: Medium
Flexibility: Very High
Ideal for: Door-to-door deliveries, groupage, last mile
Rail
Cost: Low
Speed: Slow
Capacity: High
Flexibility: Low
Ideal for: Bulk goods, long-distance overland shipments
Air
Cost: High
Speed: Very High
Capacity: Low
Flexibility: Medium
Ideal for: High-value products, emergencies, perishable goods
Maritime
Cost: Very Low
Speed: Very Slow
Capacity: Very High
Flexibility: Low
Ideal for: Large volumes, non-urgent intercontinental transport
Road Transport
With 1,869 billion tonne-kilometers in 2024, road transport is one of the pillars of European trade, led by Poland, followed by Germany, thanks to its flexibility and extensive coverage. It enables door-to-door deliveries, whether full or partial loads. In 2025, despite relative market stability, volatile fuel prices and regional regulations require precise planning.
It is also the preferred mode for the crucial last-mile phase, where speed and precision are essential.
Rail Transport
From 2013 to 2018, rail freight traffic continued to increase, peaking at 410 billion tonne-kilometers in 2018. Freight transport performance in Europe declined by 2.2% in 2019 and again by 8.9% in 2020 compared to the previous year, partly due to restrictions during the COVID pandemic. Rail traffic in Germany now accounts for one-third of the EU total, ahead of Poland and France.
In 2023, ores and other mining products were the main category of goods transported by rail. The share of domestic transport is 51% in 2023, 18.3% for international unloading and 18.1% for international loading, and 12.1% for transit goods. Some strategically located countries, such as the Netherlands, have a higher share of international transport.
Air Freight
Air transport is essential for urgent shipments, sensitive, or high-value goods—such as pharmaceuticals, watches, or electronics.
Its speed is unbeatable, but its cost and weight constraints limit its use to specific needs. In 2025, demand remains strong, and freight capacity often requires advance booking. In 2023, Paris Charles-de-Gaulle was the EU's leading airport for freight and mail, with 1.9 million tons.
Sea Freight
With more than one billion tons of imported goods in 2024, sea transport remains the most economical mode for intercontinental trade and large volumes. Costs remain competitive, but transit times are long and the risk of port congestion is real.
This mode of transport is ideal for non-urgent goods and for supply chains capable of anticipating their flows.
Source: eurostat
Customs management: a key issue for Switzerland
Outside the European Union, Switzerland applies specific customs procedures that can be complex for foreign companies. Each shipment must be declared via the e-dec system, and the slightest error can lead to delays or even the blocking of goods.
Since January 2025, the VAT exemption threshold for imports has been lowered, directly impacting cross-border e-commerce. In this context, local customs expertise has become essential.
STAR Logistique manages all administrative, tax, and customs formalities for its clients, guaranteeing fast, compliant, and seamless customs clearance. This expertise in the Swiss framework is a real asset for streamlining your international trade.
Optimizing your international supply chain
Efficient international transport relies on an integrated infrastructure, connected technologies, and a network of reliable partners.
Consolidation and Cross-Docking Platforms
STAR Logistique operates strategic platforms in Geneva and France to consolidate goods from different European suppliers before export.
This consolidation reduces costs, provides greater flexibility (for example, during holidays or peak periods), simplifies customs formalities, and improves traceability.
Cross-docking services also accelerate deliveries: products move directly from the receiving docks to the shipping dock without intermediate storage, an advantage for time-sensitive flows and temperature-sensitive goods.
Digitization and real-time visibility
Digitization is at the heart of efficient logistics strategies. Integrated management systems (WMS, TMS, ERP) provide complete visibility into goods flows and enable real-time tracking.
At STAR Logistique, these tools interface with your own systems to ensure transparency, reliability, and proactivity in shipment management.
A digital approach that allows you to anticipate unforeseen events and optimize the overall performance of your supply chain by improving information transfer and enabling better communication.
A global network, Swiss precision
While STAR Logistique expertise is rooted in Switzerland, its network is international. Thanks to carefully selected partners, the company handles shipments worldwide, including those of luxury watches, while maintaining a consistent quality standard.
This combination of Swiss precision and global reach results in seamless, controlled logistics adapted to the requirements of each market.
The advantages of STAR Logistique
Choosing STAR Logistique for your international shipments means opting for comprehensive expertise and tailored support:
- Recognized customs expertise: complete management of Swiss and international formalities. Planned warehousing facilities at the Swiss and French borders further facilitate imports/exports.
- Integrated approach: handling transport, warehousing, cross-docking, and order preparation. A solution for all logistics stages.
- Advanced technology: connected WMS/TMS solutions for total flow control; order tracking, receipt notification, inventory management, etc.
- Flexibility and specialization: ADR, refrigerated, secure, scheduled, or e-commerce transport.
- Trusted partnership: Swiss family business with values based on transparency and reliability.
In a context where global supply chains are undergoing rapid change, success depends on your ability to surround yourself with strong and agile partners.
STAR Logistique embodies this alliance of Swiss rigor, technological innovation, and human support.
Conclusion
International transport in 2025 requires a comprehensive approach, integrating strategy, compliance, and technology.
Relying on an experienced partner like STAR Logistique guarantees you controlled, compliant, and sustainable logistics—an essential condition for remaining competitive in global markets.
Ready to optimize your international flows? Contact our experts for a personalized analysis of your needs.
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