In this Q&A, Colliers’ Mike Spears, Senior Vice President, sits down with Anjee Solanki, National Director, Retail and Practice Groups | U.S., to talk about how logistics is changing and what that means for companies today. They explore the shift toward more integrated transportation planning, the push for faster and more reliable distribution, and how Colliers helps clients access the right expertise across markets.

Anjee Solanki (AS): When you look at today’s logistics landscape, what stands out to you as the defining shift?
Mike Spears (MS): Logistics today is about speed, coordination, and reliability. Companies are balancing freight costs, warehouse design, labor access, last-mile demands, and resiliency planning. Our Logistics & Transportation Practice Group helps them navigate those decisions. We understand how transportation networks, port capacity, highway infrastructure, and distribution patterns influence real estate strategy. When you make decisions in isolation, you increase risk. When you look at your supply chain as a connected system, you create efficiency.

AS: The market has shifted quickly in recent years. What are the biggest forces shaping logistics and transportation today?
MS: Customer expectations are higher than ever. People expect products to arrive fast, consistently, and without increased cost. At the same time, companies are managing supply chain reshoring, tariffs, labor shortages, zoning challenges, and power availability. Industrial vacancy remains tight in many regions, especially near major transportation corridors. This puts pressure on companies to plan further ahead, diversify their footprint, and invest in facilities that can adapt over time.

AS: How does Colliers support clients as they navigate these pressures?
MS: We meet clients where they are. Some organizations need site selection tied to infrastructure. Others need guidance on workforce strategy, incentives, or automation planning. Our advantage is the network of specialists we have across markets. We share knowledge, trends, and lessons learned, so clients do not have to start from scratch. When we operate as a connected team, we accelerate results.

AS: For companies building or expanding logistics networks, where are you seeing opportunity?
MS: Secondary and tertiary markets continue to gain strength. As urban land tightens and costs increase, companies are looking outward to places with available land, workforce pools, and strong highway access. Intermodal hubs and inland ports are becoming more strategic. Many regions that were previously considered peripheral are now central to distribution planning.

AS: Final question. If you could describe the logistics sector in one phrase today, what would it be?
MS: Constant motion. Every decision influences the next link in the chain. Companies that plan holistically and stay flexible will lead the next chapter of logistics growth. Learn more about Colliers’ Logistics and Transportation capabilities here: https://www.colliers.com/en/services/logistics-and-transportation