Though the U.S. logistics industry has recovered unexpectedly well from the last recession, reaching record highs in occupancy and absorption, experts believe the growth in property rents and values will peak sometime this year.

Industrial and supply chain real estate occupiers and investors alike experienced a record-breaking year in 2015 and should expect this trend to continue well into 2016, according to a JLL logistics survey report. Strong demand for logistics facilities is expected to remain consistent globally during 2016. Rental growth is projected to continue across all markets of the world in 2016 and through 2017.

When the Panama Canal expansion finally debuts in Spring of 2016, it will open to a thriving market that remains hungry for new and efficient distribution center space in nearly every major U.S. market. Retailers and e-commerce companies are already investing in new and larger distribution and fulfillment centers as the U.S. supply chain evolves to meet changing consumer demand and service requirements; especially near key ports, transshipment points and large population centers.

E-commerce retailers are starting to add smaller, urban warehouses to their supply chains as the pace of online shopping and delivery transforms distribution demands.

The rise of e-commerce means that companies must re-think where and how they construct distribution facilities, says Bob Silverman of Jones Lang LaSalle. Silverman notes how other market trends also are impacting facility planning.