Logistics

Before products are displayed on a supermarket shelf or dispatched from a post office, they must be transported from their point of origin to their destination. Depending on the weight, volume, cargo type, and destination, cargo can be moved by land, air, or water. The logistics industry is an essential part of the global economy, with almost all industries relying on some form of logistical process. Since the dawn of the industrial revolution, companies’ demand for the transportation of manufactured products has increased, acting as a vital stimulus to modern economic growth. The key players in this industry include DHL, UPS, and FedEx. Additionally, online retailers like Amazon have sought to tap into the logistics market and expand their supply chains.

Since 2020, the logistics industry has been facing disruptions due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Evolving consumer behavior and the ease of access to last-mile logistics widen the space for new logistics solutions.

Global logistics market costs
9.092tr USD
Global 3PL market size
1.099tr USD
World's leading 3PL provider
United Parcel Service (UPS)

Market size

How big is the logistics industry?

Logistics industry costs worldwide from 2010 to 2020 (in trillion U.S. dollars)

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The global logistics industry is worth over ten trillion U.S. dollars. The Asia-Pacific region accounts for the largest share of logistics costs, while the United States is the largest 3PL market in the world. If e-commerce continues to boom and the number of packages shipped keeps climbing, the logistics industry will continue to grow.

Logistics industry worldwide
Reverse logistics
Cold chain logistics

Market segments

The 3PL market is becoming more competitive

Revenue of the global third-party logistics (3PL) industry from 2010 to 2020 (in billion U.S. dollars)

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In recent years, more companies have chosen to outsource their secondary operations to third-party logistics (3PL) providers, who already have the expertise and resources to manage and simplify their supply chains. The global and domestic markets for outsourced logistics services are constantly evolving. Consequently, it is becoming fundamental that 3PL providers and users become increasingly efficient in terms of processes, customer relationships, and technology.

3PL industry worldwide
Asia-Pacific is the largest 3PL market
3PL revenue in the U.S.

Industry trends

The fight for the last mile

Biggest challenges for logistics providers in last mile delivery in the United States in 2020

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As a result of COVID-19, last-mile deliveries have become a necessity in retail and e-commerce, as users are switching from traditional stores to ordering from the comfort of their own homes. This shift to e-commerce created opportunities and challenges for the sector, as technological advances forced last-mile firms to adapt to new demands swiftly. The strategic battle for this last mile is set to be an arduous one, played out between online retailers and logistics companies alike.

Last-mile logistics worldwide
CEP market in the U.S.
CEP market in Europe

Industry leaders

A pandemic to be remembered

Global parcel shipping volume between 2013 and 2027 (in billion parcels)*

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Further details: Visit original statistic Global parcel shipping volume between 2013 and 2027 (in billion parcels)*

The coronavirus pandemic highlighted the shortcomings and, in some cases, the strengths of players in the logistics market around the world. Though difficult, 2020 through to 2022 were busy years for courier companies like United Parcel Service (UPS), FedEx, and DHL. Since then, couriers continue to be in high demand despite retail stores re-opening, mainly because consumer behavior has shifted to online commerce and this behavior is expected to continue in future.

Deutsche Post DHL
United Parcel Service
FedEx

Regional overview

The battle of the giants

Third-party logistics (3PL) revenue in 2020, by major country (in billion U.S. dollars)

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Further details: Visit original statistic Third-party logistics (3PL) revenue in 2020, by major country (in billion U.S. dollars)

The United States, China, Japan, and Germany are among the most important third-party logistics (3PL) services markets. After being the largest 3PL market in 2021, China was overtaken by the U.S. market in 2022. The U.S. domestic market is again the world’s largest 3PL market, generating 231.5 billion U.S. dollars in revenue from 3PL services. The largest 3PL companies in the U.S. are C.H. Robinson, XPO Logistics, and United Parcel Service (UPS).

Logistics industry in the U.S.
C.H. Robinson
XPO Logistics

State of the industry

  • Logistics industry worldwide
  • Third-party logistics (3PL) industry worldwide
  • Cold chain logistics worldwide
  • Logistics industry in the U.S.
  • Courier, Express and Parcel (CEP) market in the United States
  • Warehousing & Storage in the U.S. 2022 - Industry Insights & Data Analysis
  • Warehousing & Storage in Europe - Industry Insights and Data Analysis
  • Courier, Express and Parcel (CEP) market in Europe
  • Coronavirus: impact on the transportation and logistics industry worldwide
  • Parcel market in Germany
  • Parcel market in the United Kingdom

Industry definition

In its broadest definition, the logistics industry involves shipping and the integration of information flow through supply chain management software. Within this sector, Statista provides the most relevant and up-to-date facts about third-party logistics (3PLs), postal and parcel services, freight haulers, and related infrastructure. Statista’s insights include global, regional, and country-scale data, essential trends in the sector, and key statistics on the largest players and their rankings.

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