LOGISTICS MARKET ANALYSIS

Market Size and Trends

The logistics market is estimated to be valued at US$ 12.35 Billion in 2024 and is expected to reach US$ 21.93 Billion by 2031, exhibiting a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 8.5% from 2024 to 2031.

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The logistics market is witnessing significant growth driven by the rising demand for the safe and timely delivery of goods. Growing e-commerce sales globally have surged the demand for logistics services. Additionally, the need for the reduction of the carbon footprint is pushing companies to optimize logistics operations. Adoption of autonomous vehicles and advanced technologies like artificial intelligence, IoT, and block chain offer significant opportunities to improve efficiency and reduce costs. While automating logistics processes can initially involve large investments, it promises major savings over the long-term through operational efficiencies. If leveraged well through strategic partnerships, emerging technologies can truly transform the logistics sector for a sustainable future.

The rise of e-commerce

The growth of online retail and e-commerce has revolutionized how goods are transported and delivered over the past decade. As more products are purchased online and delivered directly to consumers' doorsteps, there has been a massive increase in parcel and package shipments that must be efficiently handled and routed through complex supply chains. This boom in e-commerce presents both opportunities and challenges for logistics companies. On one hand, there is significantly higher demand for delivery drivers, fulfillment center workers, and transportation of retail shipments. Companies providing logistics services to major online retailers like Amazon see this as a major new revenue stream. However, fulfilling the expectations of customers who now demand free two-day shipping or even same-day delivery has raised the complexity bar for logistics networks. Advanced modeling and route optimization software is being used to dynamically manage surging parcel volumes and keep pace with next-day delivery windows. Warehouse management systems also need to rapidly pick, pack, and route individual online orders, representing a shift from bulk handling of full pallets and containers. While e-commerce has increased the workload for logistics providers, those that make the necessary technology investments and optimize their operations for e-commerce volumes stand to gain substantial market share in the coming years. 

Market Concentration and Competitive Landscape

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Rise of omni-channel retailing

Another significant driver impacting the logistics industry is the growth of omni-channel retailing strategies among consumer brands and retailers. Customers now expect a seamless shopping experience regardless of whether they are browsing online from home or examining products on their mobile phone inside a brick-and-mortar location. To keep pace with these rising consumer demands, many retailers have adopted hybrid business models that seamlessly integrate physical stores, websites, and mobile apps. This convergence of online and offline commerce leads to new complexities for logistics networks, which now must efficiently fulfill orders originating from any sales channel. Products may be purchased online but returned in-store, requiring tight inventory syncing between warehouses and retail locations. Purchase-online-pickup-in-store (POP) options have also surged in popularity, putting pressure on logistics providers to speedily transfer inventor between fulfillment centers and retail outlets to satisfy on-demand in-store pickup within promised timeframes. The rise of omni-channel retail means the flow of goods has become more dynamic, requiring greater logistics agility, end-to-end visibility and channel orchestration capabilities.

For instance, in February 2024, C.H. Robinson introduced a new technology that significantly enhances efficiency in freight shipping. This technology eliminates the need to manually schedule appointments for load pickups and deliveries. It also leverages artificial intelligence to determine the optimal appointment times, utilizing transit-time data from C.H. Robinson's millions of shipments across 300,000 shipping lanes.

Key Takeaways of Analyst:

The global logistics market is experiencing robust growth driven by increasing trade volumes and evolving customer expectations of fast deliveries. Rising e-commerce penetration is a major driver as online purchases require strong logistics networks for order fulfillment and last-mile deliveries. As consumption patterns change, logistic firms need to offer value-added services beyond traditional transportation and warehousing. Spending on logistics infrastructure like roads, railroads and ports will continue to increase across major economies.

However, volatility in shipping costs remains a challenge due to uncertainties over oil prices and trade conflicts. Restrictive regulations and cross-border compliance issues also impede global supply chain capabilities. There is a shortage of skilled workforce which hampers the ability of logistic players to scale up time-critical operations. Adapting to emerging technologies like blockchain, AI and automation is key but requires heavy investments.

The Asia Pacific region dominates the logistics landscape currently and is expected to lead growth over the next decade. Rapid economic expansion, rising middle class and developing clusters make Asia an attractive market. North America and Western Europe are more mature regions and witness stable demand driven by well-established supply chains of global companies. The Middle East and Latin America offer lucrative opportunities for logistic providers to participate in infrastructure projects and serve growing regional trade.

Market Challenges: Pressure from Growing E-commerce Volumes

The logistics sector grapples with the challenge of accommodating the surge in e-commerce volumes, placing strain on supply chains, and last-mile delivery networks. This increased demand necessitates efficient operations to meet customer expectations while maintaining profitability amidst rising costs and narrow profit margins.

Market Opportunities: Leveraging Innovation in Technology for Operational Optimization

Innovations in automation, robotics, artificial intelligence, and data analytics present a significant opportunity for the logistics sector to streamline operations, reduce costs, and improve the customer experience. By adopting these technologies, companies can enhance efficiency throughout the supply chain, from warehouse management to last-mile delivery, gaining a competitive edge in the market.

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In terms of transport infrastructure, the road segment dominates the market owing to increased flexibility and cost effectiveness

Road segment is expected to contribute the highest share of 43.4% in 2024. The market continues to be the most preferred mode of transport for logistical needs owing to its inherent flexibility. Goods can be moved directly from the manufacturing or production site to the destination in an efficient manner via trucks and other commercial vehicles. The door-to-door connectivity offered by roads allows transporters to efficiently schedule pickups and drop-offs without requiring additional modal shifts. This seamless connectivity streamlines operational processes and reduces transit time.

Moreover, road transportation is highly cost effective for transporting goods over short and medium distances. The utilization of available truck capacity allows distributing transportation cost over a large volume of goods, bringing down the per-unit cost significantly. This makes road an affordable option for time-sensitive, low-weight and low-volume shipments. As manufacturing and distribution centers proliferate across regions, the flexibility and cost advantages of road transport have increased multifold. Investments in highway infrastructure by governments have further augmented connectivity between cities and industrial areas.

In terms of end use, the trade and transportation segment dominates owing to the diverse transportation needs of these industries

The trade and transportation segment is expected to contribute the highest share of 15.1% in 2024. The trade and transportation sector relies heavily on efficient logistical support for transporting a wide variety of goods both domestically and internationally. As key facilitators of business activity, these industries have diverse and complex transportation needs.

Within the trade segment, the requirements vary significantly depending on the type of goods – from transporting electronics and machinery in temperature-controlled vehicles to transporting agricultural produce in refrigerated trucks. Similarly, transportation companies involved in domestic and international freight movement need customized logistical support for handling different cargo types.

Given the fragmented nature of transportation demands from these sectors, they seek integrated logistics service providers who can efficiently coordinate transport via multiple modes on a large scale. This creates steady demand for customized cold chain, time-critical delivery, and large-scale freight forwarding solutions. As globalization further integrates world economies, the trade and transportation industries will continue spearheading the demand for multi-modal logistical networks.

Regional Insights

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North America has been the dominant player in the global logistics market. The region is expected to account for a market share of 34.4% in 2024. Home to some of the largest logistics companies in the world, North America benefits from high infrastructure investment and connectivity between various nodes. The region acts as the key gateway for imports and exports between Asia and North America. With several megacities and a highly developed road, rail and air network, companies find it efficient to base their logistics operations in North America to cater to both domestic and international trade demands. The just-in-time production philosophy prevalent among manufacturers also favors the sophisticated supply chain infrastructure present across the U.S. and Canada.

The Asia Pacific region has been witnessing phenomenal growth in the logistics sector with a CAGR of 10.7% for the forecast period of 2024-2031. This is due to the rapid industrialization and rise of export-driven economies in major countries like China, India, and Southeast Asia. Favorable government policies promoting trade and manufacturing have complemented private sector investments towards developing modern port facilities, special economic zones, cold storage infrastructure, and transportation fleets. As international companies seek to leverage lower costs and tap the enormous consumer markets of Asia, their dependence on reliable regional logistics networks has surged. Additionally, the growing domestic consumption levels necessitate the efficient movement of goods within countries and across borders to urban centers. The strategic geographical positioning of Asia between major global trade lanes has made it an attractive trans-shipment hub as well.

While North America retains its incumbent supremacy, Asia Pacific is forecast to see its impact increase multifold on the worldwide logistics landscape. The region enjoys tremendous scale advantages stemming from its massive population base and the agglomeration benefits arising thereof. Vast infrastructure spending underway will help consolidate this momentum farther. Though infrastructure gaps do persist compared to developed markets, the pace of enhancements indicates Asia's preparedness to emerge as a frontrunner in the logistics vertical in the coming period.

Market Report Scope

Key Developments

• In October 2022, DHL identified 40 trends poised to influence the future of businesses, societies, and technologies in global logistics over the next decade. Key trends include decarbonization, robotics, big data, supply chain diversification, and alternative energy solutions. Additionally, DHL launched the GoGreen Plus service to reduce CO2 emissions from road transportation through carbon offsetting and investments in green transportation technologies and fuels. This initiative focuses on decarbonizing road freight with low- and zero-emission technologies such as electric vehicles, biogas, and hydrotreated vegetable oil (HVO).
• In August 2022, FedEx Corp. partnered with Ford Pro to pilot ten Ford E-Transit vans within its FedEx SameDay City network. This pilot is part of FedEx's goal to transition its entire pickup and delivery fleet to zero tailpipe emission vehicles by 2040, supporting the company's broader fleet electrification objectives. FedEx SameDay City provides door-to-door delivery of urgent parcels with real-time notifications.
• In March 2022, FedEx Express, a subsidiary of FedEx Corp., partnered with Elroy Air to test the Chaparral autonomous air cargo system within its middle-mile logistics operations. This collaboration aims to develop an end-to-end autonomous vertical take-off and landing (VTOL) aerial cargo system, marking a first-of-its-kind agreement in the U.S.

*Definition: The logistics market facilitates the end-to-end management of various supply chain operations including transportation, warehousing, material handling, and fulfillment services. It enables companies to outsource their logistics functions to specialized third-party logistics providers who have the expertise, infrastructure, and technology to efficiently receive, store, and distribute products and materials. The logistics market offers a range of customizable logistics solutions tailored to the specific requirements of businesses for effectively managing their distribution and supply chain networks.

Market Segmentation

• Transport Infrastructure Insights (Revenue, US$ Bn, 2019 - 2031)
  • Road
  • Sea
  • Rail
  • Air
•  End Use Insights (Revenue, US$ Bn, 2019 - 2031)
  • Healthcare
  • Manufacturing
  • Aerospace
  • Telecommunication
  • Government and Utilities
  • Banking and Financial Services
  • Retail
  • Media and Entertainment
  • Technology
  • Trade and Transportation
  • Others
• Regional Insights (Revenue, US$ Bn, 2019 - 2031)
  • North America
    • U.S.
    • Canada
  • Latin America
    • Brazil
    • Argentina
    • Mexico
    • Rest of Latin America
  • Europe
    • Germany
    • U.K.
    • Spain
    • France
    • Italy
    • Russia
    • Rest of Europe
  • Asia Pacific
    • China
    • India
    • Japan
    • Australia
    • South Korea
    • ASEAN
    • Rest of Asia Pacific
  • Middle East & Africa
    • South Africa
    • GCC Countries
    • Israel
    • Rest of Middle East & Africa
• Key Players Insights
  • A.P. Moller - Maersk
  • Agility Logistics
  • Bolloré Logistics
  • C.H. Robinson Worldwide Inc.
  • CEVA Logistics (a subsidiary of CMA CGM)
  • DB Schenker
  • DHL (part of Deutsche Post AG)
  • DSV
  • Expeditors International of Washington, Inc.
  • FedEx Corporation
  • GEODIS
  • Hellmann Worldwide Logistics
  • Kerry Logistics Network Limited
  • Kuehne+Nagel Inc.
  • Nippon Express Co., Ltd.
  • Panalpina (part of DSV)
  • Sinotrans Limited
  • United Parcel Service of America, Inc.
  • XPO Logistics, Inc.
  • Yusen Logistics Co., Ltd.