Rising Logistics Costs Are Becoming a Critical Business Challenge

On July 4, 2026, the 90th HUBA Business Coffee Program, jointly organized by the Ho Chi Minh City Business Association (HUBA) and the Ho Chi Minh City Logistics Association (HLA), was held under the theme:

"Rising Logistics Costs: How Can Businesses Respond?"

Mr. Nguyen Ngoc Hoa, Chairman of the Ho Chi Minh City Business Association (HUBA), delivered a keynote address at the 90th HUBA Business Coffee Program under the theme "Rising Logistics Costs: How Can Businesses Respond?"

The event brought together a large number of businesses operating in manufacturing, import-export, logistics, seaport operations, and supply chain management to discuss the growing challenges facing the industry.

One of the key highlights was the sharing of real-world figures that clearly reflected the increasing pressure of logistics costs on business operations.

One enterprise revealed that its logistics expenses in June alone reached approximately VND 22 billion in freight charges and logistics-related surcharges, accounting for more than 50% of its gross profit for the month.

These figures demonstrate that rising logistics costs are no longer an issue limited to the logistics sector—they have become a critical business challenge directly affecting the operational efficiency and competitiveness of manufacturers and import-export enterprises.

PAN Robotics Joins Businesses at the 90th HUBA Business Coffee Program

As a provider of industrial automation, intralogistics, and industrial cleaning solutions, PAN Robotics participated in the event to gain deeper insights into the real-world challenges facing businesses while sharing the latest trends in robotics applications for logistics, warehousing, and manufacturing.

A representative of PAN Trading introduced the company's automation ecosystem and intelligent solutions for manufacturing, logistics, and smart warehouse applications to participating businesses.

At the exhibition booth, PAN Robotics showcased a comprehensive portfolio of automation solutions, including:

• Autonomous Mobile Robots (AMR)
• Forklift Mobile Robots (FMR)
• Pallet and carton transport robots
• Industrial cleaning robots
• Smart Warehouse solutions
• Fleet Management systems integrated with WMS, MES, and ERP platforms

Many visitors expressed strong interest in the application of robotics to optimize internal material handling, reduce dependence on manual labor, and improve warehouse productivity and operational efficiency.

PAN Trading's leadership team with Mr. Nguyen Ngoc Hoa, Chairman of the Ho Chi Minh City Business Association (HUBA), during the 90th HUBA Business Coffee Program.

Logistics Costs Extend Beyond Transportation

According to discussions at the event, rising logistics costs are driven not only by increasing freight rates and international surcharges.

A significant portion of these costs is generated within day-to-day business operations, including:

• Material transportation between production areas.
• Pallet movement within warehouses.
• Forklift waiting time at transfer points.
• Manual loading and unloading operations.
• Inefficient warehouse management.
• Errors in material handling and order processing.

These "hidden" costs accumulate every day and have a direct impact on operational efficiency and productivity.

Rather than focusing solely on reducing external transportation expenses, many businesses are now turning to automation to optimize their intralogistics processes and improve overall operational performance.

AMRs – A New Standard for Modern Logistics

In recent years, Autonomous Mobile Robots (AMRs) have emerged as one of the most widely adopted automation solutions across manufacturing, warehousing, and logistics operations worldwide.

Unlike traditional Automated Guided Vehicles (AGVs), which operate on predefined routes, AMRs are capable of:

• Autonomously recognizing their surroundings.
• Planning the most efficient travel routes.
• Avoiding obstacles in real time.
• Adapting seamlessly to dynamic operating environments.
• Coordinating with multiple robots within the same fleet.

These capabilities enable businesses to deploy automation quickly without requiring extensive modifications to existing facilities or infrastructure.

PAN Robotics' Automation Solutions Ecosystem

More than just a robotics provider, PAN Robotics delivers a comprehensive automation ecosystem designed for manufacturers, logistics centers, warehouses, and seaport operations.

Forklift Mobile Robots (FMR)

Automated pallet handling solutions that transport pallets between storage areas, production lines, and shipping zones with high precision and operational efficiency.

Autonomous Mobile Robots (AMRs)

Designed for the autonomous transportation of raw materials, work-in-progress, and finished goods throughout factories, warehouses, and distribution centers.

Carton Transfer Unit (CTU)

An intelligent solution for carton handling and replenishment, helping optimize smart warehouse operations and packaging workflows.

Intelligent Fleet Management System

All robots are centrally managed through an advanced Fleet Management System that can be seamlessly integrated with:

• Warehouse Management System (WMS)
• Manufacturing Execution System (MES)
• Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP)

This enables businesses to monitor material flow in real time, improve operational visibility, and maximize overall productivity.

Applications in Logistics and Port Operations

PAN Robotics' automation solutions can be deployed across a wide range of industrial environments, including:

• Manufacturing facilities
• Raw material warehouses
• Finished goods warehouses
• Distribution Centers (DCs)
• Inland Container Depots (ICDs)
• Container Depots
• Container yards
• Logistics centers
• Seaports
• E-commerce fulfillment centers

By automating internal material handling processes, businesses can reduce waiting time, improve operational accuracy, increase productivity, and scale their operations more efficiently as demand grows.

Driving the Future of Smart Logistics

Digital transformation is more than implementing software—it is about fundamentally transforming the way businesses operate.

Autonomous Mobile Robots, Forklift Mobile Robots, and intelligent fleet management systems are becoming the foundation of Smart Warehouse and Smart Logistics strategies, enabling businesses to enhance operational efficiency and strengthen their competitiveness in an increasingly challenging logistics environment.

With extensive experience in industrial automation projects across multiple industries, PAN Robotics is committed to helping businesses build modern, flexible, and highly efficient logistics operations, reducing operating costs while supporting the development of resilient and sustainable supply chains.

Representatives of HUBA, HLA, participating businesses, and guests gathered for a commemorative photo at the PAN Trading exhibition booth during the 90th HUBA Business Coffee Program.