Logistics Outsourcing Market Size, Share and Trends 2026 to 2035

What is the Logistics Outsourcing Market Size?

The global logistics outsourcing market size is estimated at USD 1.38 trillion in 2025 and is anticipated to reach around USD 2.19 trillion by 2035, growing at at a CAGR of 4.73% from 2026 and 2035. The market is driven by the explosive expansion of e-commerce and omnichannel retail.

Logistics Outsourcing Market Key Takeaways

• Asia Pacific is expected to hold the dominating share of the market throughout the forecast period.
• By Type, the supply chain management segment is expected to dominate the global logistics outsourcing market during the forecast period.
• By Transportation type, the highway transportation segment is expected to hold the largest share of the market during the forecast period.
• By End-user, the e-commerce segment is expected to hold the dominating share of the market during the forecast period.

Market Overview

Outsourcing logistics occurs when a company delegates one or more supply chain tasks to a third party or other external source. Logistics outsourcing includes storing, shipping, packaging and delivering the end product. Outsourcing reduces the logistics industry's total cost as the requirement for infrastructure is reduced with outsourcing logistical operations. The benefits of outsourcing logistics include lowering freight operation risk. The global logistics outsourcing market offers sustainable, accountable and reliable solutions for businesses that are focused on improving specialized services.

Logistics Outsourcing Market Growth Factors

The global logistics outsourcing market is observed to be accelerated with the rising number of e-commerce businesses, especially in urban areas. The increased demand connected services by multiple industries create a significant growth factor for the market to grow. In addition, rising emphasis on consumer satisfaction and adoption of advanced services will promote the market's growth.

Additionally, outsourcing logistics can assist companies in overcoming the difficulties involved with global logistics, such as freight forwarding, transportation coordination, and documentation. Providers of logistics services can handle every step of the logistics process, from freight planning to customs clearance, guaranteeing the quick and efficient transfer of commodities across international boundaries. This enables businesses to concentrate on other important facets of their international expansion plan.

Market Scope

Market Dynamics

Driver

Cost reduction offered by logistics outsourcing

The logistics outsourcing business is mostly driven by the desire to reduce costs. To cut expenses and boost their bottom line, many businesses prefer to outsource their logistical operations to third-party logistics providers (3PLs). Companies can minimize the upfront costs and recurring costs of running an internal logistics department by outsourcing the logistical services to specialized providers. Outsourcing logistics enables companies to do away with or significantly lower infrastructure expenses. It can be expensive to build and operate distribution centres, transportation networks, and warehouses. Companies can minimise the up-front costs of acquiring property, building buildings, and buying equipment by outsourcing these logistics-related tasks. Instead, customers can make use of the 3PLs' already-existing infrastructure, which is furnished with modern, effective, and technologically advanced amenities.

Outsourcing logistics lowers labour costs. A trained logistics crew can be difficult to find and expensive to manage. By outsourcing, businesses may rely on the knowledge and experience of 3PLs, who have specialised staff members trained in a range of logistics tasks, including order fulfilment, inventory management, and transportation. Furthermore, 3PLs can give access to a broader talent pool and use their size to bargain for lower labour costs.

Additionally, by outsourcing logistics, businesses can avoid the expenses related to purchasing and maintaining transportation assets. Being the owner of a fleet of trucks or other transportation vehicles entails large capital expenditures, insurance costs, maintenance costs, and regulatory compliance. Companies can take advantage of the providers' current transportation networks and assets by outsourcing transportation to 3PLs, taking advantage of their economies of scale and specialised knowledge.

Outsourcing logistics lowers costs by enhancing operational effectiveness. 3PLs frequently use cutting-edge technologies, like transportation management systems (TMS) and warehouse management systems (WMS), to optimize inventory levels, expedite procedures, and improve route planning. Through increased inventory accuracy, shortened order cycle times, reduced transportation costs, and enhanced warehouse space utilisation, these technologies can result in cost reductions.

Restraint

Reliability concerns

While there are many advantages to outsourcing logistical tasks, relying too much on outside providers can also cause problems and limitations for businesses. The lack of direct control over logistical operations is one of the main issues with relying on outside providers. When logistics activities are outsourced, businesses lose the control they once had over such processes. Because of this lack of control, there may be scepticism related to the effectiveness, dependability, and quality of the logistical processes. If businesses believe they would not have enough monitoring or control over their supply chain, they could be reluctant to outsource.

It is crucial for businesses to have solid connections with their logistics partners in order to handle this difficulty. Service level agreements (SLAs), frequent performance reviews, and open and transparent channels of communication can all help establish expectations and guarantee accountability. Additionally, businesses should work closely with their LSPs or 3PLs, sharing pertinent information and coordinating their aims and objectives.

The risk connected with third-party suppliers' operational and financial stability is another concern. The supply chain may be disrupted, resulting in delays or service interruptions, if a logistics provider experiences financial issues or performs below expectations. Additionally, businesses can think about changing up their logistics partners or creating backup plans in case of disruptions. Maintaining solid connections with a variety of suppliers and having backup plans can offer flexibility and guarantee supply chain continuity. Firms manage this difficulty with the support of effective communication, teamwork, and risk mitigation techniques, even though reliance on third parties is a constraint in logistics outsourcing.

Opportunity

Global expansion of businesses

Multiple businesses in the manufacturing, agriculture and automotive sectors have the potential to grow and expand globally with the rising international trade. A similar element is expected to create a set of opportunities for the global logistics outsourcing market. Outsourcing logistical tasks can give businesses access to established networks, distribution channels, and local knowledge, promoting global trade and assisting in the removal of logistical obstacles in international markets. Businesses have a number of difficulties when entering new markets, including strange legislation, customs procedures, language obstacles, and cultural differences. Global logistics service providers are skilled at handling these obstacles. They have developed connections with local transportation companies and customs authorities, and they can offer insights into regional legislation and advice on customs clearance procedures.

Companies can more effectively enter new regions or areas by working with logistics service providers to take advantage of their current infrastructure and expertise. Businesses may easily and swiftly reach customers in multiple places owing to the networks of warehouses, distribution centres, and transportation routes that these providers have developed. They can help with inventory management as well, making sure the appropriate goods are available at the appropriate times to fulfil client demand.

Additionally, there may be financial benefits to outsourcing logistical operations globally. Local logistics service providers frequently have established connections with transportation companies, allowing them to bargain for lower prices and choose the best routes. Additionally, by combining shipments from various clients, they can achieve economies of scale and reduce shipping costs. Businesses can increase their competitiveness in overseas markets and provide clients with more competitive pricing by taking advantage of these benefits.

Type Insights

Based on type, the global logistics outsourcing market is divided into channel management, shipment packaging, material management, supply chain management and distribution management. The supply chain management segment is expected to hold the largest share of the market during the forecast period. The segment's position is propelled due to multiple factors such as expanding transits in international trade, growing e-commerce business and substantial growth in retail industry. The supply chain management is required to handle mixed shipping, storing, packing and delivering physical goods. As the demand for services that can optimize businesses for retail and e-commerce businesses increases, the segment is expected to grow at a robust pace.

On the other hand, the distribution management segment is expected to grow at a significant rate during the forecast period. During logistics outsourcing, inventory management is required to boost the effectiveness of operations. Distribution management in logistics outsourcing offers cost savings for the company. Distribution management ensures the active movement of the logistics, this brings a reliable solution for the business that is operating businesses with outsourcing methods.

Transportation Insights

Based on transportation, the global logistics outsourcing market carries four major segments that are sea transportation, rail transportation, air transportation and highway transportation. the highway transportation segment is expected to dominate the market during the forecast period. The already established network for highway or road modes for transportation highlights the segment's share in the market. Highway transport is observed to be the most cost-effective and reliable solution for managing logistics services, this element also supplements the development of the segment.

With the rising concerns of environment, multiple e-commerce platforms are shifting their focus on electric vehicles for the overall distribution management. This factor promotes the growth of the market while offering a sustainable solution to the highway transportation method.

End-User Insights

Based on end-user, the global logistics outsourcing market in divided in e-commerce, aerospace and government, automotive, agriculture, chemical, consumer packaging goods and food and beverages. The e-commerce segment is expected to dominate the global logistics outsourcing market during the forecast period. The surge in e-commerce businesses across the globe with the rising use of smartphones and advanced technology support the growth of the segment. E-commerce businesses are focusing on enhancing consumer experience with improved and faster services, this element promises a growth factor for the segment.

Regional Insights

What Made Asia Pacific the Dominant Region in the Logistics Outsourcing Market?

Asia Pacific dominated the logistics outsourcing market with the largest share in 2024. This is due to rapid industrialization, growing e-commerce, and increasing international trade across countries like China, India, and Japan. The region benefits from cost-effective labor, expanding port infrastructure, and advanced supply chain networks that support efficient third-party logistics services. Additionally, rising demand for specialized logistics solutions, including cold chain and last-mile delivery, further strengthens the market's growth and regional leadership.

China Market Trends

The logistics outsourcing market in China is driven by the rapid growth of e-commerce, rising consumer demand for fast and reliable delivery, and increasing government investment in infrastructure. Additionally, companies are adopting digital technologies, automation, and sustainable logistics practices to improve efficiency, reduce costs, and expand services to tier-2 and tier-3 cities.

What Drives the Market in North America?

The logistics outsourcing market in North America is expected to grow at a significant rate in the upcoming period. This is mainly due to the growing e-commerce sector, rising consumer expectations for fast and flexible delivery, and the need for cost-efficient supply chain operations. Additionally, advancements in technology, including automation, AI, and data analytics, are enabling third-party logistics providers to offer optimized, scalable, and highly efficient solutions.

U.S. Market Trends

The U.S. logistics outsourcing market is growing rapidly, fueled by e-commerce expansion, increasing delivery speed demands, and complex supply chains. Key trends include widespread adoption of AI, IoT, automation, and data analytics to enhance efficiency, alongside a focus on sustainability and resilient, technology-driven 3PLs offering end-to-end solutions like control towers and predictive routing.

Why is the Market in Europe Growing?

The logistics outsourcing market in Europe is growing due to rising e-commerce penetration, increasing consumer demand for faster delivery, and the complexity of cross-border supply chains. Companies are increasingly outsourcing logistics to third-party providers to optimize costs, improve efficiency, and gain access to advanced technologies. Additionally, the focus on sustainability, green logistics, and regulatory compliance is driving investment in tech-enabled, eco-friendly logistics solutions across the region.

Top Companies Operating in the Logistics Outsourcing Market

• FedEx Corporation: FedEx Corporation provides an extensive portfolio of third-party logistics (3PL) and supply chain management services via its FedEx Logistics and FedEx Supply Chain segments.
• Deutsche Bahn AG: Deutsche Bahn (DB) provides comprehensive rail-based logistics solutions, aiming for multimodal transport, along with integrated network services (such as its Automotive RailNet for batteries), and even tailored door-to-door solutions via its DB Cargo unit.
• Nippon Express Co., Ltd.: Nippon Express provides comprehensive logistics outsourcing by acting as a Third-Party Logistics (3PL) manufacturer, handling everything from strategic supply chain design to the daily operations, leveraging its global network, advanced technology (such as the DCX app for e-commerce), and even specialized services (such as temperature-controlled pharma logistics) to improve inventory, reduce costs, and handle complex global flows for diverse industries.

Logistics Outsourcing Market Companies

• United Parcel Service of America, Inc.
• XPO Logistics, Inc.
• A.P. Møller - Mærsk A/S
• DHL International GmbH
• Kuehne + Nagel International AG
• FedEx Corporation
• Deutsche Bahn AG
• Nippon Express Co., Ltd.
• DSV A/S
• SNCF Group

Segments Covered in the Report

By Type

• Material Management
• Supply Chain Management
• Distribution Management
• Shipment Packaging
• Channel Management

By Transportation Type

• Air Transportation
• Sea Transportation
• Railway Transportation
• Highway Transportation

By End User

• E-commerce
• Aerospace, and government
• Agribusiness
• Automotive
• Chemical
• Consumer packaged goods
• Food & beverages
• Others

By Geography

• North America
• Europe
• Asia-Pacific
• Latin America
• Middle East and Africa