Asia Pacific's logistics industry continues to develop at a fast rate despite the economic weakness of its two largest trade partners - the EU and the U.S.

The global automotive logistics sector is undergoing a massive transformation. Just a few years ago, it could easily be viewed as a mature industry with modest growth prospects. However, according to Transport Intelligence's report, Global Automotive Logistics 2013, that is no longer the case and the market represents a wealth of opportunities for logistics service providers on a global scale.

The drive by e-retailers to create comprehensive, end-to-end supply chain operations will trigger a new round of acquisitions in the logistics industry in 2013, says Cathy Roberson, senior analyst at research firm Transport Intelligence and author of the North American e-commerce Logistics report.

Logistics service providers and freight forwarders are optimistic that the economy will continue to grow, and provide opportunities for expansion in 2013, according to a survey by Transport Intelligence, a global logistics research firm, and Kewill, a provider of trade and logistics software.

After rising by 20 percent in two years, road freight rates on key international routes in Western Europe have fallen steadily for the past five months.

In terms of logistics, Africa is one of the most exciting investment opportunities anywhere in the world, according to Sub-Saharan Logistics 2012, a report from Transport Intelligence, or Ti. Its untapped natural resources are vast, and foreign direct investment has poured in as Africans' purchasing power grows.

The Stifel Nicolaus Logistics Confidence Index declined for the sixth consecutive month, according to the latest survey undertaken by Transport Intelligence. The index for both the current and expected situation combined registered 47.3 for the month, down from 47.6 in September.