United Kingdom Third Party Logistics (3PL) Market Size (2024 - 2029)

The market size of the Third Party Logistics (3PL) sector in the United Kingdom is experiencing growth driven by the country's robust trading position and developed infrastructure. The demand for 3PL services is increasing as retailers, particularly in the competitive retail and e-commerce sectors, outsource logistics to enhance delivery efficiency and compete effectively. This trend is further supported by the integration of high-end technology and mobile solutions, which are revolutionizing logistics operations and improving supply chain optimization. The outsourcing of logistics services is a key factor contributing to the expansion of the 3PL market in the UK.

Market Size of United Kingdom Third Party Logistics (3PL) Industry

United Kingdom Third Party Logistics (3PL) Market Summary
Study Period 2020 - 2029
Base Year For Estimation 2023
Forecast Data Period 2024 - 2029
Historical Data Period 2020 - 2022
CAGR 3.36 %
Market Concentration Low

Major Players

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*Disclaimer: Major Players sorted in no particular order

UK Third Party Logistics (3PL) Market Analysis

The United Kingdom Third Party Logistics (3PL) Market size is estimated at USD 31.10 billion in 2023, and is expected to reach USD 36.69 billion by 2028, growing at a CAGR of 3.36% during the forecast period (2023-2028).

  • The United Kingdom is one of the major trading countries globally, which exports most of its products to many European countries. The country's freight and logistics market has gained a strong base due to its developed infrastructure, sophisticated supply chain network, and presence of global players.
  • The large retail and e-commerce sectors are among the country's key third-party logistics users. In highly-competitive markets, such as the United Kingdom, delivery time is a key competitive factor for retailers and online stores. So, retailers outsource their logistics to delivery specialists, and large and small retailers can compete on on-demand, next-day delivery.
  • Shippers are continuing to leverage what 3PLs offer, allowing them to optimize the supply chain, minimize costs, create value, and align expectations to achieve success for both parties. The high-end technology integration by 3PLs, industry expertise, and cost reduction are reasons for an increase in outsourcing services. This outsourcing of services indicates that the demand for 3PLs is rising and driving the market.
  • Mobile technology is revolutionizing 3PL. Many 3PL companies have already begun using mobile devices and apps to improve agility. Devices fitted with radio frequency identification (RFID) chips are not only capable of transmitting their location, but they also have the potential to hold data about themselves so that they can be instantly tracked and identified. Customers can order, process, and track freight shipments anytime using mobile apps installed on their mobile phones.

UK Third Party Logistics (3PL) Industry Segmentation

Third-party logistics (3PL) services help organizations to focus on their core business and generate high revenue by reducing operating costs. These services also offer value addition to companies for the entire supply chain process, resulting in an efficient and effective supply chain. The main survival factors of the third-party logistic market include the cost-efficiency of services, company control, and technological advances. The United Kingdom Third Party Logistics (3PL) Market is segmented by Service (Domestic Transportation Management, International Transportation Management, and Value-added Warehousing and Distribution) and by End Users (Manufacturing and Automotive, Oil and Gas and Chemicals, Distributive Trade (Wholesale and Retail Trade including E-commerce), Pharmaceuticals and Healthcare, Construction, and Other End Users). The report offers the market sizes and forecasts for the United Kingdom Third Party Logistics (3PL) Market in value (USD) for all the above segments.

By Services
Domestic Transportation Management
International Transportation Management
Value-added Warehousing and Distribution
By End User
Manufacturing and Automotive
Oil & Gas and Chemicals
Distributive Trade (Wholesale and Retail Trade Including E-commerce)
Pharmaceuticals and Healthcare
Construction
Other End Users
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United Kingdom Third Party Logistics (3PL) Market Size Summary

The United Kingdom's third-party logistics (3PL) market is experiencing significant growth, driven by the country's robust trading position and advanced infrastructure. The market is characterized by a sophisticated supply chain network and the presence of global logistics players, which have established a strong foundation for growth. The retail and e-commerce sectors are major consumers of 3PL services, as the competitive landscape necessitates quick and efficient delivery solutions. This demand is further fueled by the integration of high-end technologies and mobile solutions, which enhance agility and efficiency in logistics operations. As retailers increasingly outsource logistics to focus on core business activities, the 3PL market is poised for continued expansion.

The rapid growth of e-commerce is a key factor reshaping the 3PL landscape in the UK, as consumer expectations for timely and accurate deliveries rise. This has led to a surge in demand for warehousing and logistics services, with significant investments in warehouse space to accommodate the booming online shopping trend. The market is fragmented, with major players forming strategic alliances to enhance regional capabilities and geographic reach. Innovations in last-mile delivery, such as drone deliveries and autonomous vehicles, are transforming the industry, presenting both opportunities and challenges for 3PL providers. As technology continues to evolve, it plays a crucial role in meeting consumer demands and improving supply chain efficiency.

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United Kingdom Third Party Logistics (3PL) Market Size - Table of Contents

  1. 1. MARKET INSIGHTS AND DYNAMICS

    1. 1.1 Market Overview

    2. 1.2 Market Dynamics

      1. 1.2.1 Drivers

        1. 1.2.1.1 Government Initiatives

        2. 1.2.1.2 Increase of Trade

      2. 1.2.2 Restraints

        1. 1.2.2.1 Shortage of Labor

      3. 1.2.3 Opportunities

        1. 1.2.3.1 Technological Advancements in the Logistic Sector

        2. 1.2.3.2 Reverse Logistics

    3. 1.3 Industry Attractiveness - Porter's Five Forces Analysis

      1. 1.3.1 Threat of New Entrants

      2. 1.3.2 Bargaining Power of Consumers

      3. 1.3.3 Bargaining Power of Suppliers

      4. 1.3.4 Threat of Substitutes Products and Services

      5. 1.3.5 Intensity of Competitive Rivalry

    4. 1.4 Value Chain / Supply Chain Analysis

    5. 1.5 Industry Policies and Regulations

    6. 1.6 General Trends in Warehousing Market

    7. 1.7 Demand From Other Segments, Such as CEP, Last Mile Delivery, Cold Chain Logistics Etc.

    8. 1.8 Technological Developments in the Logistics Sector

    9. 1.9 Insights on Ecommerce Business

    10. 1.10 Impact of COVID-19 on the Market

  2. 2. MARKET SEGMENTATION

    1. 2.1 By Services

      1. 2.1.1 Domestic Transportation Management

      2. 2.1.2 International Transportation Management

      3. 2.1.3 Value-added Warehousing and Distribution

    2. 2.2 By End User

      1. 2.2.1 Manufacturing and Automotive

      2. 2.2.2 Oil & Gas and Chemicals

      3. 2.2.3 Distributive Trade (Wholesale and Retail Trade Including E-commerce)

      4. 2.2.4 Pharmaceuticals and Healthcare

      5. 2.2.5 Construction

      6. 2.2.6 Other End Users

United Kingdom Third Party Logistics (3PL) Market Size FAQs

The United Kingdom Third Party Logistics (3PL) Market is projected to register a CAGR of 3.36% during the forecast period (2024-2029)

DHL International GmbH., Kuehne + Nagel, UPS, Wincanton plc. and XPO Logistics, Inc. are the major companies operating in the United Kingdom Third Party Logistics (3PL) Market.

Third Party Logistics Market in UK Size & Share Analysis - Growth Trends & Forecasts (2024 - 2029)