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Base Year: 2024
Companies covered: 20
Tables & Figures: 200
Countries covered: 26
Pages: 180
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Third-Party Logistics (3PL) Market
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Third-Party Logistics Market Size
The third-party logistics market size was valued at USD 1.5 trillion in 2024 and is estimated to register a CAGR of 10.1% between 2025 and 2034. The rapid growth of retail and e-commerce industry is driving market growth. As online retail continues to expand globally, businesses face increased demand for fast, reliable, and efficient logistics services to handle high volumes of orders.
3PL providers are instrumental in managing warehousing, order fulfillment, and last-mile delivery, enabling e-commerce companies to streamline operations and offer better customer experiences. The need for fast, on-demand delivery services, particularly with the rise of same-day and next-day shipping, has also fueled demand for 3PL solutions.
In February 2024, the National Retail Federation reported a significant uptick in e-commerce logistics services to manage inbound flows due to heightened online shopping trends. The rise in e-commerce has increased the need for efficient inbound logistics to handle the high volume of goods. With consumers demanding faster delivery times, companies are optimizing their supply chains to ensure timely restocking and inventory management.
Third-party logistics (3PL) market growth is driven its potential for significant cost savings. By outsourcing logistics functions, companies can avoid the capital expenditures associated with maintaining warehouses, fleets, and other infrastructure. 3PL providers can leverage economies of scale, offering lower per-unit transportation, warehousing, and inventory management costs. Furthermore, they possess specialized expertise, which allows for more efficient supply chain operations, reducing waste, improving route optimization, and ensuring faster delivery times. This operational efficiency enables businesses to focus on core competencies while leaving the complex and resource-intensive logistics operations to external providers.
Third-Party Logistics Market Trends
Technological innovations, such as automation, artificial intelligence (AI), Internet of Things (IoT), and big data analytics, are key drivers for the growth of the third-party logistics (3PL) industry. The adoption of these technologies by 3PL providers allows them to enhance supply chain visibility, optimize route planning, and improve inventory management. Automation in warehouses and distribution centers, along with AI-powered predictive analytics, helps in streamlining operations, reducing human errors, and minimizing operational costs. IoT devices provide real-time tracking of goods, enabling businesses to monitor shipments and improve delivery timelines.
Moreover, data analytics helps 3PL companies predict demand fluctuations and optimize capacity planning. As technology continues to evolve, it enables 3PL providers to offer more efficient, transparent, and scalable logistics services, making them increasingly attractive to businesses looking to enhance their supply chain operations. The integration of cutting-edge technologies is thus a significant factor in the growth of the 3PL market.
A major pitfall for businesses using third-party logistics (3PL) providers is the potential over-reliance on external partners. Outsourcing logistics operations means companies may lose direct control over important aspects of the supply chain, such as inventory management, delivery times, and customer service quality. This lack of oversight can result in service disruptions, delays, or inconsistencies that negatively impact customer satisfaction. Additionally, depending on a single 3PL provider for multiple services can increase risks in case of provider failures, such as financial instability or technological breakdowns.
Third-Party Logistics Market Analysis
Based on mode, the market is divided into air, sea, and rail & road. In 2024, the sea segment held a market share of over 35% and is expected to cross USD 1.5 trillion by 2034. As international trade volumes increase, the demand for cost-effective and scalable transportation solutions, such as shipping, has surged. The sea mode offers several advantages over other transport options, including lower costs for transporting large quantities of goods over long distances. This makes it the preferred mode of transport for bulk commodities, manufactured goods, and raw materials.
Additionally, the development of key trade routes and new maritime corridors, such as the expansion of the Suez Canal, has facilitated more efficient sea-based logistics. Rising global consumer demand and the need for businesses to reach new international markets are pushing companies to leverage sea freight as an integral part of their supply chains.
Based on application, the third-party logistics market is categorized into food & beverages, healthcare, retail, automotive, manufacturing, and others. The retail segment held a market share of around 31% in 2024. Global supply chain expansion is a key driver for the retail sector in the market. As retailers seek to expand their operations and serve international markets, the demand for 3PL services has surged.
Expanding into global markets requires efficient logistics solutions to manage international shipments, customs clearance, and warehousing across multiple regions. 3PL providers offer expertise and infrastructure to manage these complexities, helping retailers navigate the challenges of international logistics. Retailers benefit from leveraging the global networks of 3PL providers, which can offer flexible solutions such as cross-border shipping, localized warehousing, and international fulfillment services.
U.S. third-party logistics market accounted for 80% of the revenue share in 2024, due to the increasing demand for supply chain optimization and cost reduction. Companies are under constant pressure to streamline operations, reduce overhead costs, and improve efficiency. By outsourcing logistics functions to 3PL providers, businesses can focus on their core competencies while leveraging the expertise and infrastructure of third-party providers.
3PLs offer advanced technologies such as real-time tracking, route optimization, and predictive analytics, which help improve operational efficiency, reduce lead times, and minimize transportation costs. Additionally, 3PL providers can consolidate shipments and utilize economies of scale, enabling businesses to lower shipping expenses.
Increasing adoption of digitalization and automation in supply chain operations is anticipated to propel the Europe market growth. As businesses across Europe face rising consumer expectations for faster, more reliable deliveries, they are turning to 3PL providers that leverage advanced technologies to streamline logistics processes. Automation in warehousing, inventory management, and order fulfillment is improving efficiency and reducing operational costs. Real-time tracking and visibility tools further enhance customer satisfaction by offering transparency throughout the supply chain.
A significant growth driver for the Asia-Pacific 3PL market is the rapid expansion of e-commerce, particularly in emerging economies. As disposable incomes rise and digital penetration increases across countries such as China, India, and Southeast Asia, online shopping has become a mainstream activity. This surge in e-commerce has led to a sharp increase in demand for efficient and reliable logistics solutions.
3PL providers are capitalizing on this trend by offering end-to-end supply chain services, including warehousing, transportation, and last-mile delivery. To keep pace with consumer expectations for faster delivery times, 3PL providers are investing in technologies such as artificial intelligence, automation, and real-time tracking systems.
Third-Party Logistics Market Share
DHL and Kuehne + Nagel hold a market share of around 10% in the third-party logistics (3PL) industry. DHL focuses on expanding its global footprint by investing in advanced technologies and automation. It has heavily invested in digital solutions such as real-time tracking, AI-powered logistics management, and autonomous vehicles. Additionally, DHL has strengthened its network by forming strategic partnerships, acquiring local logistics providers, and expanding in high-growth markets such as Asia and e-commerce. DHL also emphasizes sustainability, offering green logistics solutions to attract environmentally-conscious customers.
Kuehne + Nagel leverages its robust presence in sea, air, and road freight to strengthen its position in global trade. The company has prioritized digitalization and sustainability, developing a comprehensive digital platform for seamless supply chain management. Kuehne + Nagel’s focus on end-to-end supply chain solutions, customer-centric services, and expanding operations in emerging markets further enhances its competitive edge in the 3PL space.
Third-Party Logistics Market Companies
Major players operating in the third-party logistics (3PL) industry include:
Third-Party Logistics Industry News
The third-party logistics (3PL) market research report includes in-depth coverage of the industry with estimates & forecast in terms of revenue ($Bn) from 2021 to 2034, for the following segments:
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Market, By Solution
Market, By Mode
Market, By Application
The above information is provided for the following regions and countries: