Market of Logistics Services During the Covid-19 Pandemic
Purpose: The purpose of the paper is to check, verify, and evaluate the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic on the logistics services market in Poland in March–June 2020. Design/Methodology/Approach: The paper was prepared using a diagnostic interview survey (secondary research), statistical data analysis method, critical analysis of the research literature. The general research problem is defined as an attempt to explain the state of lack of knowledge regarding the following question: How did the epidemic affect the logistics services market? Findings: The research results are characterized by the topicality and novelty of the issues and the fact that they have been conducted from this perspective to a limited extent so far. This is particularly important from the point of view of national security, as the logistics services market directly impacts the economic security of the state, and its functioning in pandemic conditions also affects citizens' security. Due to the very dynamic market situation, the research contains the most important changes from the normal state. It uses a measurement tool that shows the scale and trend of changes in the logistics services market. Practical Implications: The article makes it possible to assess the pandemic's real impact on the development of the logistics services market and to take measures to stimulate the development of individual sectors of the Polish economy in the pandemic. It may also provide a basis for planning and making appropriate interventions in the state's sectoral policies. Originality/Value: The situation of logistics companies, due to the degree of dependence of the market on the orders from specific industries during the pandemic, has clearly been varied. Companies specializing in the supply of food products and consumer chemistry, as well as e-commerce support, have benefited from increased purchases by retail customers, which has given them a particular advantage over logistics companies serving industries where the sale of goods has practically ceased, such as cars and automotive accessories (a significant decrease in purchasing activity was recorded by as much as 72% of logistics companies in this respect).