The global contract logistics market is forecast to reach US$ 282.27 billion in 2023. The sales of contract logistics are expected to surpass US$ 544.98 billion by 2033. Future Market Insights forecasts the demand for contract logistics to grow by 6.8% CAGR between 2023 and 2033.
Factors Driving the Contract Logistics Industry
The growing initiatives by the government towards economic diversification have led to the development of infrastructure, digitization, and industrialization, which are expected to create a significant impact on the demand for contract logistics and e-commerce. This is likely to result in a huge demand for contract logistics services. The increased foreign direct investments, rapid growth in the e-commerce sector, and emphasis on risk management in supply chains have attracted new players, including non-asset entrants, to the market.
The Role of Technology in the Contract Logistics Industry
The manufacturing sector’s rapid expansion, focus on core competencies and demand for cost-efficient and technology-integrated supply chains are contributing factors that are driving the growth of the contract logistics industry. Technology continues to play a transformative role in logistics and supply chain systems, and the increasing adoption of IoT and innovative technologies across industries is set to accelerate the market’s development. The adoption of logistics management software has improved operations, processes, delivery, and procedures, and has contributed to the expansion of the contract logistics market share.
Increasing Adoption of Artificial Intelligence in Contract Logistics Operations
The integration of artificial intelligence in logistics operations, such as route optimization, intelligent transportation, demand forecasting, and budget planning, is expected to bring cost savings and drive growth in contract logistics sales. Industry experts anticipate that AI is likely to have a significant impact on logistics and transportation operations, providing insights through pattern recognition and behavioral coaching. The projected incremental value of AI in the logistics and transportation business is expected to be higher than that of other industries.
Rising Demand for Cloud-based Logistics Management Software
The adoption of cloud-integrated logistics management software is rising, as it enables real-time tracking, pricing, and inventory updates, and accurate monitoring of product life cycles, providing cost savings and total system control. This software makes it possible for all trade network participants to share data in real-time and make informed decisions, allowing for scalability to meet the demands of the contract logistics market players. The use of cloud-based logistics software offers significant benefits, such as real-time accuracy, the ability to track a single shipment at any point in its journey, and the capacity to reroute misplaced consignments.
2023 to 2033 Contract Logistics Market Outlook Compared to 2017 to 2022
Factors that contribute to market expansion include the manufacturing sector’s quick expansion and focus on core competencies, the rising demand for work optimization, achieving cost efficiency, and technological supply chain integrations. The contract logistics industry is likely to witness growth barriers too due to some constraints and challenges. For instance, managing logistical databases is difficult due to factors including potential misconceptions that lead to inaccurate interpretations of facts, data, and information.
During the forecast period, the market is projected to experience substantial growth compared to the period of 2017 to 2022. The contract logistics industry is likely to record a 6.8% CAGR from 2023 to 2033, in comparison to the 5.9% CAGR registered from 2017 to 2022.
- Short term (2022 to 2025): The rise in foreign direct investments has attracted new players to the market, including non-asset entrants, fueling the growth of the contract logistics industry.
- Medium-term (2025 to 2028): The emphasis on risk management in supply chains is anticipated to increase the demand for contract logistics services, contributing to the growth of the market.
- Long term (2028 to 2032): The increasing adoption of IoT and innovative technologies across industries is anticipated to drive the development of the contract logistics market and transform logistics and supply chain systems.
Country-wise Insights
Why is the United States Contract Logistics Market Considered Lucrative?
The United States is expected to hold a 20.5% share in the North American contract logistics industry in 2022, with a projected worth of US$ 832.5 billion through 2033. This growth can be attributed to the country’s strong economy and thriving e-commerce industry, which is driving the demand for efficient and reliable contract logistics services, particularly for same-day and next-day deliveries. North America remains a key market for these services, and the United States continues to be the largest contributor to its growth.
In addition, the increasing demand for cross-border trade is expected to drive the demand for specialized contract logistics services, such as customs brokerage and international freight management. The rise of new business models, such as omnichannel retail and direct-to-consumer deliveries, is likely to create new opportunities for contract logistics providers.
Leading the Charge: The Thriving Contract Logistics Industry in Germany
In 2022, Germany accounted for a 4.1% share of the global contract logistics industry. The German contract logistics industry is now estimated to be worth US$ 142.9 billion in 2022.
Germany is a significant player in the global contract logistics industry, with a strong presence in key industries such as automotive, pharmaceuticals, and e-commerce. The country’s robust infrastructure and highly skilled workforce make it a desirable location for contract logistics operations.
The German economy is expected to remain stable, providing a favorable environment for the continued growth of the contract logistics industry. The increasing demand for efficient and reliable logistics solutions, particularly in the e-commerce sector, is expected to drive further growth in the German contract logistics industry. The government’s support for the logistics sector, including investment in infrastructure and promotion of sustainable supply chain practices, is also expected to positively impact the industry’s growth.
China’s Contract Logistics Industry on the Rise: Key Trends and Insights
The China contract logistics industry is expected to be worth US$ 456.3 billion in 2022, and is expected to rise at a CAGR of 8.12% during the forecast period.
China’s growing economy and expanding middle class are driving the demand for contract logistics services in the country. The e-commerce industry in China is also expected to play a key role in driving growth in the contract logistics sector, as consumers increasingly turn to online shopping for their purchases. The development of modern transportation infrastructure and the increasing availability of logistics technologies are expected to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of contract logistics operations in China.
The Chinese government is also actively supporting the growth of the contract logistics sector through investment in infrastructure and the development of new technologies. The increasing demand for cross-border trade is expected to create new opportunities for contract logistics providers in China, particularly for services related to customs brokerage and international freight management.
Japan’s Contract Logistics Industry Soars to New Heights
The Japan contract logistics industry is likely to be worth US$ 325 billion in 2022, and is expected to rise at a strong CAGR of 7.56% during the forecast period.
The Japanese economy, which is heavily dependent on exports, is expected to drive the demand for contract logistics services, particularly for international trade. The adoption of new technologies, such as automation and data analytics, is expected to play a significant role in the growth of the contract logistics industry, improving efficiency and cost savings.
The increasing focus on sustainability and eco-friendliness is also expected to drive growth in the contract logistics industry, as companies seek to reduce their environmental impact. Competition in the market is expected to remain intense, with established players seeking to expand their offerings and new players entering the market.
Category-wise Insights
Streamlining Operations, Maximizing Profits: The Phenomenal Growth of Outsourced Contract Logistics
The contract logistics industry is divided into outsourcing and insourcing segments, with outsourcing expected to dominate the market throughout the forecast period and account for over 60% of revenue share in 2022. The dominance of outsourcing can be attributed to several factors, including its low-cost strategy for expanding a business’s international footprint and profitability. By outsourcing logistics operations to a reputable partner, companies can save time and money, focus on their core business functions, and enter new markets.
The contract logistics sector also provides significant flexibility advantages, allowing businesses to easily alter their standards to accommodate customer needs and improve projections for inventory optimization and cost savings. The use of outsourcing also allows companies to create additional channels for distribution and transition from a B2B-focused strategy to an omnichannel that includes B2C clients. The contract logistics industry provides a cost-effective solution to expanding businesses while allowing them to focus on their core competencies and reach new markets.
The Dominance of Distribution Management in Contract Logistics: Cost-Savings and Sustainability Drive Market Share
Distribution management also offers a competitive advantage over other contract logistics services, allowing it to achieve a market share of over 59.5% in 2022.
Distribution management has become the dominant player in the contract logistics market due to its cost-saving capabilities, mode network optimization, network analysis, warehousing, and vendor compliance monitoring. These features allow for cost savings throughout the entire supply chain process, providing customers with a value-added service. This is due to its ability to provide customers with an efficient and cost-effective way to manage their supply chain, allowing them to save money while still providing quality services. Additionally, the increasing focus on sustainability has led to the development of more efficient distribution processes, further driving the market share of distribution management.
Retail and E-commerce Dominating the Market: The Rise of Urbanization and Digital Payments
Currently, retail and e-commerce have the leading market share, with retail having a slightly larger share than e-commerce. The retail industry is expected to continue to grow due to the rise of urbanization, while e-commerce is still in its infancy, but is expected to show an increase in the coming years. The growth of e-commerce is mainly attributed to the availability of affordable internet access and the convenience that it provides to consumers. In addition, with the rise of digital payment options such as debit cards, mobile wallets, and other electronic payment methods, the growth of e-commerce is expected to accelerate. As a result, it is projected that retail and e-commerce are anticipated to dominate the market with a combined market share of around 70% during the forecast period.
Key Players Unlocking New Opportunities in the Contract Logistics Industry
The contract logistics industry is an ever-evolving sector of the logistics industry, with increased competition and a wide range of product innovations driving the market forward. As contract logistics providers strive to meet the demands of their customers, they are constantly innovating and introducing new solutions, products, and services. The competitive landscape of the contract logistics industry is characterized by several large, global providers and a growing number of regional and niche providers. The key players are often focused on providing end-to-end solutions, while the smaller players are typically focused on specific services, such as warehousing or transportation.
The contract logistics industry is currently undergoing significant change and innovation, with technological advancements driving the market forward. Automation, the Internet of Things (IoT), and big data analytics are among the most important trends in the industry, enabling providers to increase efficiency, reduce costs, and create more value for customers.
The transportation and warehousing segments of the contract logistics industry are particularly active, with many providers offering innovative solutions to help customers manage their supply chains more effectively. For example, providers are now offering automated warehouse solutions that use robots and AI-driven software to optimize warehouse operations. Other unique trends in the contract logistics industry include the emergence of e-commerce and the growth of on-demand delivery.
Providers are increasingly taking advantage of technology to offer customers end-to-end logistics solutions, from order fulfillment to last-mile delivery. Finally, the emergence of blockchain technology is creating new opportunities for contract logistics providers. Blockchain-based solutions can help providers track and trace cargo more efficiently, as well as enable customers to access real-time data on their shipments.
Overall, the contract logistics industry is an ever-evolving sector, with a wide range of product innovations and unique trends driving the market forward. With new technologies and solutions emerging, contract logistics providers are well-positioned to meet the needs of their customers and create more value for their businesses.
Key Players in the Contract Logistics Industry
SNCF Logistics/GEODIS, UPS Supply Chain, Kuehne + Nagel, Yusen Logistics, Penske, XPO Logistics, Inc., Hitachi Transport System, DHL Supply Chain, DB Schenker, Ryder System, Inc., Agility, GEODIS, DSV, Neovia Logistics Services, CEVA
Recent Developments in the Market:
- In January 2022, Penske collaborated with Röhlig Logistics to form a new joint venture company, Rohlig Penske Logistics GmbH. The joint venture incorporated 55,000 sqm of additional warehousing, transport management operations, and e-commerce logistics, with plans to accelerate additional growth across Europe.
- In September 2020, Mercado Libre, the e-commerce giant, bought a minority stake in Kangu, a Brazilian logistics startup. This was done to boost e-commerce and enable small retailers to collect and withdraw products purchased via e-commerce.
