Ryder System Inc. Unveils Insights from 2025 E-commerce Study: Cost Savings and Flexibility Take Center Stage

In a year marked by economic uncertainties, the findings of Ryder’s study underscore the critical need for robust omnichannel integration. Jeff Wolpov, Senior Vice President of Ryder E-commerce, noted, “In today’s economic climate, robust omnichannel integration is indispensable... This year’s study findings reinforce the value of cost-conscious, seamless shopping experiences.” The study aims to equip businesses with actionable insights to optimize their sales and supply chain strategies.

The research is informed by three surveys conducted in early 2025, which reflect consumer sentiments from various perspectives:

Cost savings reign supreme among holiday shopping motivators in 2025. A striking 94% of respondents identified at least one primary factor influencing their purchasing decisions. The most significant motivators include:

Notably, 33% of shoppers opted for in-store purchases in 2024 to evade shipping fees, and 44% expressed intentions to cut back on holiday spending for 2025.

Free shipping continues to be the linchpin in purchase decisions throughout the year, with 76% of consumers prioritizing it—an increase of 5% from 2024 and 12% from 2023. Conversely, the demand for rapid shipping (within two days) declined to 15%, down 5% from both previous years. Furthermore, 71% of consumers who picked up online orders in-store did so to avoid shipping costs, marking an 8% increase from 2024.

Reflecting the impact of inflation, 48% of consumers reported engaging in more comparison shopping, surpassing the 43% who indicated they were purchasing less. This transition represents a notable shift from 2024 when buying less was the more prominent trend. For holiday purchases specifically, 75% of consumers engaged in comparison shopping in 2024.

The study reveals a growing preference for flexible fulfillment options. Scheduled delivery—allowing consumers to choose a specific date—has nearly doubled in importance since 2023, rising by 15%. In contrast, the appeal of fast shipping has declined by 15%. Interestingly, urgency still drives behavior; 29% of shoppers utilized in-store pickup during the 2024 holiday season because it was faster than standard delivery. Additionally, 54% of consumers expressed a preference for in-store returns year-round, a trend unveiled in Ryder’s 2024 study.

The report highlights the increasingly essential role of omnichannel shopping. While 45% of consumers reported shopping more online during the 2024 holiday season compared to 2023, 25% noted a decrease. For the upcoming 2025 holiday season, shopping intentions are diverse:

Wolpov emphasized the importance of a seamless shopping experience, stating, “This year’s findings reinforce the value of cost-conscious, seamless shopping experiences.”

As Ryder System Inc. continues to lead the logistics and transportation sector, its latest study provides critical insights into the evolving landscape of consumer behavior. In an era where cost savings and flexibility dominate the decision-making process, brands and retailers must adapt to meet the expectations of a discerning consumer base. For more in-depth insights into the study, businesses can access the full report on Ryder's website.

With a comprehensive portfolio of logistics solutions, Ryder remains committed to helping brands navigate the complexities of e-commerce and supply chain optimization, ensuring they are well-equipped to thrive amid challenges.