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Move Logistics Narrows Half-Year Loss Despite Market Weakness

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  Published in Business and Finance on Thursday, February 26th 2026 at 20:04 GMT by The New Zealand Herald
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Auckland, New Zealand - February 27th, 2026 - Move Logistics, a key player in New Zealand's freight and logistics sector, has announced a narrowed half-year loss despite continued challenges within a weakening market. The company reported a loss after tax of $3.6 million for the six months ending December 31st, 2023, a notable improvement from the $5.3 million loss recorded in the same period the previous year. However, the positive move is tempered by a 15.6% decrease in revenue, falling to $131.1 million.

The results paint a picture of a company actively adapting to increasingly difficult economic circumstances. Chairman Trevor Sherson attributes the performance to a confluence of factors - a subdued freight market, persistently high interest rates, and the lingering effects of inflation which have collectively dampened consumer spending and overall demand for logistics services. The downturn echoes broader trends observed across the global logistics industry, with numerous companies reporting reduced volumes and pricing pressures.

Navigating a Complex Landscape

The New Zealand logistics sector is particularly sensitive to fluctuations in global trade and domestic economic conditions. Increased import/export costs due to global instability, coupled with domestic inflation, have squeezed margins for logistics providers. Move Logistics' experience reflects the reality that even cost-cutting measures haven't fully offset the impact of reduced freight volumes. The company has been proactive in implementing these cost reductions, focusing on streamlining operations and improving efficiency. However, the scale of the market downturn has presented a significant hurdle.

Beyond simple cost-cutting, Move Logistics is strategically pivoting towards higher-value services. This indicates a move away from competing purely on price and towards offering specialized solutions tailored to specific client needs. Details on these services remain limited, but industry analysts suggest a focus on areas such as temperature-controlled logistics, time-sensitive deliveries, and complex supply chain management. This represents a crucial strategic shift - attempting to differentiate themselves from competitors and secure more stable revenue streams.

Investment in Future Growth

Despite the short-term challenges, Move Logistics isn't abandoning investment in its future. The company continues to allocate resources to technology and infrastructure upgrades, aiming to bolster efficiency, enhance customer service, and position itself for long-term growth. This is a smart move. The logistics industry is undergoing a rapid digital transformation, driven by technologies such as automation, data analytics, and the Internet of Things (IoT). Companies that fail to embrace these technologies risk falling behind their more agile competitors.

Details regarding these technology investments are still emerging, but observers anticipate a focus on improving warehouse management systems, optimizing transportation routes, and enhancing real-time tracking capabilities. These improvements are not only intended to lower operational costs but also to provide greater transparency and control to customers.

The recent $1.1 million gain from the sale of a property in Auckland provided a temporary boost to the half-year results, highlighting the company's ability to unlock value from its asset base. However, this is a one-off event and cannot be relied upon to sustain future performance. It's likely the proceeds from the sale will be reinvested into the aforementioned technology and infrastructure improvements.

Outlook and Challenges Ahead

Looking forward, Move Logistics anticipates continued challenges in the second half of the year. The company acknowledges that market conditions are likely to remain difficult, influenced by global economic uncertainty and domestic pressures. However, management expresses confidence in the company's long-term prospects, citing its strategic focus on cost management, higher-value services, and technological innovation.

Several key factors will likely determine Move Logistics' success in the coming months. These include the trajectory of interest rates, the strength of consumer spending, and the company's ability to effectively execute its strategic initiatives. Competition within the New Zealand logistics market is fierce, with established players and new entrants vying for market share. Move Logistics must demonstrate its ability to differentiate itself and deliver superior value to customers to maintain its competitive edge. Furthermore, managing the complexities of a rapidly changing technological landscape will be critical. A failure to adapt could jeopardize its long-term sustainability. The coming year will undoubtedly be a test of Move Logistics' resilience and strategic foresight.