Logistics Giants Make Strategic Blockchain Plays, Driving M&A and Redefining Supply Chain Infrastructure

The global logistics industry is undergoing a seismic shift as major players move beyond pilot projects to embed blockchain technology at the core of their strategic operations. In a significant corporate endorsement for distributed ledger technology, logistics giant FedEx has officially joined the Hedera Council, the governing body for the Hedera Network, Forbes reported on February 14, 2026. By operating a network node, FedEx aims to help build a trusted digital infrastructure for real-time tracking and the automation of customs documentation, tackling inefficiencies in the $10 trillion global logistics sector. ‘The digital transformation of global supply chains is inevitable,’ a FedEx executive stated, highlighting the need to replace outdated, siloed systems.

This move is mirrored in the M&A space, where blockchain capability is now a key factor in corporate valuations. German shipping giant Hapag-Lloyd’s recent $4.2 billion acquisition of Israeli carrier ZIM Integrated Shipping Services was driven not just by fleet size, but by technological prowess, according to market analysts. Hapag-Lloyd’s CEO, Rolf Habben Jansen, noted that integrating ZIM’s ‘digital-first customer interface,’ which includes its advanced blockchain-based electronic bill of lading (eBL) systems, was a critical part of the deal’s value.

As these systems become integral to trade, the need for verifiable identity and trust is paramount. Addressing this, the Global Legal Entity Identifier Foundation (GLEIF) and AEOTrade Technology announced a collaboration on February 12, 2026, to integrate verifiable Legal Entity Identifiers (vLEIs) into AEOTrade’s blockchain platform, according to FinanceX Magazine. This partnership aims to ensure the authenticity of every electronic bill of lading by verifying the identities of all participants, strengthening security across the supply chain.

This wave of private sector innovation is being met with supportive regulatory frameworks. The EU-Singapore Digital Trade Agreement, which entered force on February 1, 2026, establishes a formal framework for regulatory dialogue on emerging technologies, specifically including ‘blockchain-based supply chain tracking’. The agreement promotes cross-border data flows and digital systems, creating a more favorable environment for the large-scale adoption of the technologies being implemented by companies like FedEx and Hapag-Lloyd.