3PL Market In Colombia Size & Share Analysis - Growth Trends & Forecasts (2025 - 2030)

Third Party Logistics (3PL) in Colombia Market Analysis

The Colombia Third-party Logistics Market size is estimated at USD 4.09 billion in 2025, and is expected to reach USD 5.96 billion by 2030, at a CAGR of 7.85% during the forecast period (2025-2030).

Colombia's strategic position as a logistics hub continues to strengthen, driven by its robust international trade performance and infrastructure development initiatives. The country's trade dynamics showcase significant growth, with total exports reaching USD 57.12 billion and imports touching USD 71.45 billion in 2022, reflecting the increasing demand for sophisticated logistics services. The government's commitment to enhancing logistics infrastructure is evident through multiple initiatives, including the development of free trade zones and strategic investments in port facilities, positioning Colombia as a pivotal logistics center in Latin America.

The manufacturing sector plays a crucial role in shaping the logistics landscape, contributing 11.51% to Colombia's GDP in 2022. The country's logistics infrastructure has evolved to support various industries, with particular emphasis on the energy sector, which maintains production levels of approximately 740,000 barrels per day in 2022. This industrial activity has spurred the development of specialized logistics solutions, including warehousing solutions, transportation networks, and value-added services tailored to specific industry requirements.

Technological advancement is revolutionizing Colombia's logistics sector, with companies increasingly adopting cloud-based solutions, automation, and artificial intelligence to enhance operational efficiency. Major logistics providers are implementing warehouse automation systems, robotics, and advanced tracking solutions to streamline operations and improve service delivery. The integration of digital platforms has particularly benefited e-commerce logistics, with companies like Cubbo utilizing data analytics for optimized warehouse distribution in Bogota city.

The industry is witnessing significant transformation through strategic investments and infrastructure developments. Notable developments include Ceva Logistics' opening of a carbon-neutral warehouse spanning 15,000 square meters in Bogota in December 2022, demonstrating the industry's commitment to sustainable operations. Additionally, Bavaria's announcement in January 2023 to construct a new brewery in Palmar de Varela, with an investment exceeding USD 413 million, exemplifies the growing demand for sophisticated third-party logistics solutions across various sectors. These developments are complemented by Colombia's extensive fiber-optic network, spanning 20,000 kilometers, which facilitates efficient supply chain management and digital connectivity across the country.

Third Party Logistics (3PL) in Colombia Market Trends

Infrastructure Development and Government Initiatives

The Colombian government's ambitious infrastructure development initiatives have emerged as a significant driver for the third-party logistics market. Following the 2016 Peace Agreement, the government established the Intermodal Transportation Master Plan (PMTI), encompassing 101 road projects, 52 highway projects, 5 railway projects, 8 fluvial projects, 31 airport projects, and various dredging projects. This comprehensive initiative, initially valued at COP 10.4 trillion (USD 2.7 billion), represents a substantial commitment to enhancing the country's logistics capabilities through both fourth-generation (4G) and fifth-generation (5G) infrastructure projects. The 4G projects alone aim to construct 4,970 miles of dual carriageways, repair 4,349 miles of roads, and build 141 tunnels and 1,300 viaducts.

The government's continued commitment is evident in the increasing infrastructure budget allocations. According to Colombia's Infrastructure Chamber of Commerce, the transportation budget is expected to reach COP 15 trillion (USD 3.9 billion) in 2023, a significant increase from previous years. Notable developments include the Railway Master Plan launched in 2020, which aims to reduce logistics costs by 26% while improving productivity and reducing environmental impact. Additionally, major urban centers are witnessing substantial infrastructure development, exemplified by Cartagena's new airport initiative, which will handle 8 million passengers annually and manage 35 flight operations per hour once completed. These infrastructure improvements are creating new opportunities and efficiencies for logistics services and supply chain services providers across the country.

E-commerce Growth and Digital Transformation

The rapid evolution of e-commerce in Colombia has become a fundamental driver for the third-party logistics market, creating unprecedented demand for sophisticated logistics solutions. The sector has witnessed remarkable advancement in technological adoption and digital transformation, particularly in payment systems and delivery infrastructure. Major e-commerce platforms like Linio, Mercado Libre, and Dafiti have established strong presences in the market, necessitating robust logistics solutions to support their operations. This growth is further supported by increasing accessibility to web services through smartphones and the expansion of online banking and payment services.

The government's proactive approach to supporting e-commerce development through the National Policy for Electronic Commerce, approved by the National Council for Economic and Social Policy (CONPES), has created a favorable environment for logistics service providers. This policy framework aims to promote e-commerce adoption among companies and the general public, driving increased demand for logistics services. The market's maturity is reflected in the sophisticated logistics networks developed by major providers, with companies like Coordinadora reaching over 1,200 national destinations and offering international shipping capabilities. Similarly, providers such as Servientrega have expanded their operations throughout Latin America and into the United States, while Envía has developed an extensive domestic network covering 1,013 municipalities and 386 populated centers, demonstrating the sector's robust response to growing e-commerce demands.

Segment Analysis: By Service

Domestic Transportation Management Segment in Colombia 3PL Market

Domestic transportation management continues to dominate the Colombia third-party logistics market, holding approximately 52% of the market share in 2024. This segment's prominence is supported by Colombia's extensive road network spanning over 206,102 kilometers, comprising primary, secondary, and tertiary roads. The segment's strength is further reinforced by significant infrastructure developments, including the completion of multiple fourth-generation (4G) road projects and the initiation of fifth-generation (5G) infrastructure projects. The Colombian government's commitment to investing more than USD 3.2 billion in infrastructure development has particularly benefited this segment, with over 70% of the budget allocated to fourth and fifth-generation road projects. The segment's robust performance is also attributed to the increasing demand for efficient domestic logistics services across various industries and the growing emphasis on improving connectivity between industrial regions and port areas.

International Transportation Management Segment in Colombia 3PL Market

The international transportation management segment is emerging as the fastest-growing segment in Colombia's 3PL market, projected to grow at approximately 6% during 2024-2029. This accelerated growth is driven by Colombia's strategic geographical advantage, being situated at the crossroads of major trade routes and offering connectivity through more than 5,900 maritime and air routes. The segment's expansion is further supported by Colombia's position as the gateway to Pacific Alliance countries, with more than 110 routes offered by 13 airlines and over 210 maritime routes operated by 18 shipping lines. The growth is also bolstered by significant developments in port infrastructure, particularly at key locations like El Dorado International Airport, which ranks as the best in South America, and the Port of Cartagena, recognized as the best connected in maritime trade in Latin America and the Caribbean.

Remaining Segments in Service Segmentation

The value-added warehousing services and distribution services segment plays a crucial role in completing Colombia's 3PL market service portfolio. This segment encompasses comprehensive warehousing services, inventory management, and distribution services across the country. The segment's significance is enhanced by Colombia's growing multi-client and multi-modal logistics services capabilities, alongside the country's strategic investment in free trade zones. With more than 100 zones, surpassing other Latin American countries, this segment continues to attract foreign investment and supports various industries including e-commerce, manufacturing, and retail sectors. The segment's evolution is particularly notable in the development of specialized warehousing facilities and the integration of advanced technologies for improved operational efficiency.

Segment Analysis: By End User

Technology Segment in Colombia Third-party Logistics Market

The technology segment, which includes consumer electronics and home appliances, dominates the Colombia third-party logistics market with approximately 30% market share in 2024. This significant market position is driven by Colombia's emergence as one of the main technology-based service providers in the region, currently ranking as the fourth-biggest IT market in Latin America. The segment's strength is supported by Colombia's vast tech talent pool of more than 150,000 IT professionals nationwide, with major hubs in Medellin, Bogota, Barranquilla, Cali, and Cartagena. The country's strategic position in technology is further reinforced by its solid network of accelerators, incubators, investment funds, and technology parks, which strengthens the innovation ecosystem and drives demand for specialized logistics services.

Retail Segment in Colombia Third-party Logistics Market

The retail segment is experiencing the fastest growth in the Colombia third-party logistics market, with an expected growth rate of approximately 7% during 2024-2029. This robust growth is primarily driven by the rapid expansion of e-commerce and changing consumer shopping habits. The segment's growth is supported by the increasing adoption of last-mile delivery apps such as Rappi, Merqueo, and Uber Eats, which play a crucial role in driving e-commerce sales growth. Additionally, retailers are increasingly moving toward marketing their products through social media platforms and developing mobile-optimized web pages and portals to accommodate the growing number of consumers engaging with online retailing through smartphones. The trend of producers and manufacturers getting closer to final consumers through e-commerce platforms and apps has also accelerated, contributing to the segment's rapid growth.

Remaining Segments in Colombia Third-party Logistics Market End User Segmentation

The remaining segments in the market include FMCG, Automotive, Reefer, Fashion and Lifestyle, and Other End Users, each contributing significantly to the market's diversity. The FMCG segment benefits from Colombia's strong position in producing and exporting cosmetics and personal care products, while the automotive segment leverages the country's strategic location for export-oriented businesses. The reefer segment serves the growing cold chain logistics needs for fruits, vegetables, pharmaceuticals, and seafood products. The fashion and lifestyle segment capitalizes on Colombia's position as South America's leading destination for textile exports, particularly in products like bras, jeans, and shapewear. The other end users segment encompasses various industries including manufacturing, mining, and construction, contributing to the market's comprehensive coverage of diverse logistics needs.