Report : Contract Logistics Market Report: Size, Share and Outlook by 2031
According to our latest study on "Contract Logistics Market Size and Forecasts (2021 - 2031), Global and Regional Share, Trends, and Growth Opportunity Analysis - by Type, Service Type, Industry Vertical," the contract logistics market size valued at US$ 327.08 billion in 2024 and is projected to reach US$ 525.29 billion by 2031; it is expected to register a CAGR of 7.2% during 2025-2031.
Asia Pacific dominated the contract logistics market in 2024. The Asia Pacific contract logistics market is growing due to rising e-commerce, manufacturing expansion, infrastructure development, and increasing demand for efficient supply chain solutions across fast-developing economies such as India, China, and Southeast Asia. In APAC, the demand is being further amplified by growing cross-border trade, government initiatives promoting infrastructure development (such as China's Belt and Road Initiative and India's Gati Shakti), and the digital transformation of logistics operations. In 2023, under the Ministry of Ports, Shipping & Waterways and MoRTH/NHAI, India accelerated port-led development via Sagarmala (279 port-connectivity projects). It identified 35 MMLP sites (e.g., Bangalore, Chennai, Nagpur), deepening integration of road, rail, cold/storage facilities and value-added logistics services. E-commerce has particularly revolutionized logistics in the region, with rising expectations for faster, last-mile delivery and real-time tracking. This is pushing third-party logistics (3PL) providers to invest in automation, warehouse management systems, and multimodal transportation networks. Furthermore, the surge in demand for cold chain logistics, especially in pharmaceuticals and food sectors, is adding new dimensions to contract logistics services. China remains the dominant player in the region due to its manufacturing scale and infrastructure, but countries such as India, Vietnam, and Indonesia are gaining momentum as alternate manufacturing bases.
With supply chains spanning continents, companies often face difficulties in maintaining consistent quality, timely deliveries, and cost control. Outsourcing logistics to specialized contract providers enables firms to leverage expert knowledge, advanced technology, and established global networks. These providers offer comprehensive services, including warehousing, inventory management, freight forwarding, and last-mile delivery, tailored to the unique needs of global supply chains. Launched in April 2024, this policy focuses on transitioning to net-zero emissions by incentivizing industries such as renewable hydrogen, critical minerals processing, and clean energy manufacturing. The initiative includes a US$ 566 million investment to map Australia's natural resources and aims to establish secure supply chains for battery manufacturing by 2035.
In addition, geopolitical factors and trade policies continue to reshape global supply chains, making agility and resilience more critical than ever. Contract logistics providers help businesses mitigate risks by optimizing routing, managing multimodal transportation, and ensuring compliance with varying regulations worldwide.
Key Findings of Contract Logistics Market Study:
The contract logistics market study primarily focuses on Type, Service Type, Industry Vertical, and geography. Based on by type, is segmented into Outsourcing, Insourcing. The Outsourcing segment held the largest share of the contract logistics market in 2024. Insourcing in contract logistics involves shifting previously outsourced logistics operations back in-house to improve control, efficiency, and service customization. This trend is gaining traction as companies seek greater flexibility amid global supply chain disruptions. By managing logistics internally, businesses can streamline communication, enhance data security, and tailor operations to their specific needs. Several notable instances highlight this shift. For example, in recent years, major retailers and manufacturers have reclaimed warehouse and distribution functions to better manage inventory and last-mile delivery. Automakers have also begun bringing logistics operations back in-house to support just-in-time production amid parts shortages. This movement is particularly prevalent among companies with high-value, time-sensitive goods or customer experience-driven delivery models. Insourcing is being driven by the need for real-time visibility, control over technology systems, and agility in responding to changing market conditions. As logistics complexity increases, insourcing offers strategic advantages in resilience and service quality.
Transportation Management is a core component of contract logistics, ensuring the efficient, timely, and cost-effective movement of goods across supply chains. It involves route planning, carrier selection, freight auditing, shipment tracking, and performance optimization. Contract logistics providers integrate advanced technologies such as TMS platforms, IoT-enabled tracking, and real-time analytics to improve visibility and responsiveness. Companies are increasingly outsourcing transportation management to streamline operations, reduce overheads, and focus on core competencies.
Recent examples highlight the growing demand for integrated solutions: In 2025, several global retailers partnered with logistics providers to consolidate transportation and warehousing under single contracts, improving delivery reliability and lowering carbon footprints. Additionally, rising fuel costs and geopolitical disruptions have pushed businesses to seek more agile, multimodal transport strategies. These shifts underscore the importance of expert transportation management in navigating today's complex logistics landscape while ensuring compliance, sustainability, and customer satisfaction.
The service type, is segmented into warehousing & distribution, transportation management, aftermarket logistics, others. The warehousing & distribution segment held the largest share of the contract logistics market in 2024. Warehousing and distribution a core components of contract logistics, enabling businesses to streamline their supply chains through efficient inventory management and timely product movement. This service involves the storage, handling, and distribution of goods on behalf of clients, tailored to meet specific operational needs. Warehousing ensures inventory accuracy and security, while distribution networks are optimized for speed and cost-efficiency. Recently, companies across retail, automotive, and healthcare sectors have expanded their reliance on third-party providers to manage seasonal fluctuations and e-commerce demands. For example, global players have scaled up urban distribution centers to enable faster last-mile deliveries. In India, several logistics firms have partnered with consumer electronics brands to offer end-to-end warehousing and fulfillment solutions, responding to surges during online sales events. Such developments underscore the strategic importance of warehousing and distribution in enhancing customer satisfaction and supporting just-in-time delivery models in today's competitive market.
Deutsche Post AG, FedEx Corp, GXO Logistics Inc., United Parcel Service Inc., Nippon Express Co Ltd., GEODIS SA, Ryder System Inc., CMA CGM SA, DSV AS, and Kuehne + Nagel International AG are among the key players profiled in the contract logistics market report. Several other major players were studied and analyzed during the contract logistics market analysis to get a holistic view of the market and its ecosystem. The contract logistics market also provides detailed market insights, which help the key players strategize their growth. The report includes growth prospects owing to the current contract logistics market trends and their foreseeable impact during the forecast period.
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