Asia-Pacific Third Party Logistics (3PL) Market Outlook, 2028

The Asia Pacific region is characterized by rapid economic growth, and it is a major hub for global trade. This economic dynamism fosters a culture of innovation, adaptability, and a focus on efficient logistics and supply chain operations. The Asia Pacific region covers a vast geographic area, from East Asia to South Asia to Oceania. The diverse geography presents 3PL providers with unique challenges in terms of transportation, warehousing, and distribution, requiring versatile solutions. Given the diverse geography and extensive trade networks, 3PL providers in the Asia Pacific region often employ multiple modes of transportation, including sea, air, road, and rail. Multimodal solutions are essential for efficient supply chain operations. The region is culturally diverse, with varying languages, traditions, and business practices. 3PL providers often emphasize cultural sensitivity and local knowledge to build strong relationships and navigate cultural nuances. Asia Pacific 3PL providers focus on cost-efficient solutions, given the competitive landscape and client expectations for cost savings. Optimization of logistics processes is critical. The region is a hotbed for logistics technology and innovation. 3PL providers often adopt advanced logistics software, IoT devices, artificial intelligence, and blockchain technology to enhance efficiency, visibility, and supply chain transparency. The Asia Pacific region is influenced by various trade agreements and initiatives, such as the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP). 3PL providers align their services with trade agreements to facilitate cross-border trade. The Asia Pacific region has a diverse and skilled workforce, contributing to the industry's culture of adaptability and responsiveness to client needs. The Asia Pacific region has witnessed significant infrastructure development, including the expansion of ports, airports, and transportation networks. 3PL providers leverage these improvements to enhance their logistics operations.

According to the research report, "Asia-Pacific Third-Party Logistics (3PL) Market Outlook, 2028," the Asia Pacific Third-Party Logistics (3PL) market is anticipated to grow at a 6.36% CAGR by 2023-28. Cross-border e-commerce trade has been on the rise. Consumers in the Asia-Pacific region increasingly seek products from other countries. 3PL providers play a crucial role in facilitating cross-border logistics, including customs clearance and international transportation. The adoption of advanced technologies, such as artificial intelligence, IoT (Internet of Things), blockchain, and data analytics, has enhanced the efficiency and visibility of supply chains. These technologies have allowed 3PL providers to offer more sophisticated and data-driven solutions. Sustainability is becoming a top priority in the Asia-Pacific 3PL market. Companies are seeking eco-friendly logistics solutions, which include electric vehicles, energy-efficient warehouses, and carbon footprint reduction initiatives. Governments in the region are also implementing green logistics regulations. The healthcare and pharmaceutical sector has witnessed significant growth in the Asia-Pacific region. 3PL providers have been focusing on temperature-controlled storage and transportation, as well as regulatory compliance to support this industry. 3PL providers are increasingly catering to the needs of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and startups. They offer scalable and flexible logistics solutions that enable these businesses to compete effectively in the global market. The Asia-Pacific 3PL market has seen a surge in last-mile innovation. Providers are experimenting with autonomous delivery vehicles, drone deliveries, and even bicycle couriers in crowded urban areas to ensure timely and efficient last-mile delivery. Artificial intelligence and machine learning are being applied to optimize various aspects of the supply chain, such as demand forecasting, route optimization, and inventory management. These technologies enhance efficiency and reduce costs. Multimodal transport hubs are emerging in key logistics centers across the region. These hubs integrate various modes of transportation, including sea, air, rail, and road, to provide more efficient transportation solutions.

China dominates the Asia-Pacific third-party logistics market owing to the booming e-commerce industry. To build, carry out, and facilitate their outsourced warehousing solution, many businesses in China are outsourcing to a third-party logistics (3PL) provider or global forwarding service. China is one of the world's largest and fastest-growing economies. Its position as a global manufacturing hub means that it produces a vast quantity of goods for both domestic and international markets. This requires extensive logistics and supply chain support, and 3PL providers play a central role in managing the movement of these goods. China is a major player in global trade, exporting a wide range of products to markets around the world. It has a well-developed transportation infrastructure, including extensive seaports and airports, which facilitate the movement of goods internationally. 3PL providers are essential for managing this global trade flow. China's rapid urbanization has led to densely populated cities with unique logistics challenges. 3PL providers are at the forefront of addressing these challenges through innovative last-mile delivery solutions, urban warehousing, and transportation optimization. China has made significant investments in its logistics infrastructure, including high-speed rail networks, modern highways, and state-of-the-art logistics parks. These investments have improved the efficiency of transportation and distribution.

On the basis of transport, the Asia Pacific market has been divided into roadways, railways, waterways, and airways. The roadways segment dominated the market in 2022.

The Asia-Pacific region is characterized by a high level of intra-regional trade, with countries in close geographical proximity trading extensively with each other. Road transportation is well-suited for managing the movement of goods within regions, as it provides flexibility, accessibility, and cost-efficiency for short to medium-distance deliveries. The roadways segment is crucial for last-mile delivery, especially in urban areas with densely populated cities. With the rapid growth of e-commerce and online retail in the Asia-Pacific region, the demand for efficient last-mile delivery has surged. 3PL providers specializing in road transportation are vital for ensuring timely and reliable deliveries to consumers' doorsteps. The Asia-Pacific region comprises a diverse geographical landscape, including developed urban areas, remote rural regions, and mountainous terrain. Road transport is adaptable to these diverse landscapes, making it a preferred mode of transport for reaching all types of locations. Road transport allows for door-to-door delivery services, which are essential for meeting the expectations of e-commerce customers who demand convenience and accessibility. The roadways segment is well-suited for time-sensitive deliveries, such as perishable goods, medical supplies, and critical spare parts. 3PL providers specializing in road transport can ensure prompt and reliable deliveries.

The Warehousing & Distribution (W&D) segment in the Asia-Pacific Third-Party Logistics (3PL) market is expected to have the highest CAGR during the forecast period.

In the Asia-Pacific region, cross-border e-commerce and trade are booming. 3PL providers in the W&D segment manage cross-border logistics and customs clearance, facilitating the movement of goods between countries and regions. The last-mile delivery segment is closely related to warehousing and distribution. Warehouses serve as hubs for sorting, packaging, and dispatching products for last-mile delivery. With the growth of online retail, optimizing last-mile delivery is crucial, and 3PL providers in the W&D segment play a pivotal role in ensuring timely and cost-effective delivery to end consumers. The rapid urbanization in the Asia-Pacific region has resulted in densely populated cities, making efficient warehousing and distribution a necessity. 3PL providers in this segment adapt to urban logistics challenges, ensuring that products are stored and distributed in congested urban areas effectively. Businesses increasingly adopt multi-channel retailing, which involves selling products through various channels, including physical stores, e-commerce websites, and mobile apps. The W&D segment offers integrated solutions for managing inventory across these channels. Warehousing and distribution providers strategically locate warehouses in key regions, optimizing supply chains by reducing shipping distances and costs. This approach enhances the efficiency of delivering goods to end consumers and retail outlets. The adoption of technology, including Warehouse Management Systems (WMS) and Transportation Management Systems (TMS), is becoming standard in the W&D segment. These systems optimize warehouse operations and enhance supply chain visibility.

In terms of end user the market is segmented into Manufacturing, Healthcare, Retailing, E-commerce, Automotive, Food & Groceries, Technological and Others.

The Asia-Pacific region is experiencing exponential growth in e-commerce, with countries like China and India being global leaders in online retail. As more consumers shop online, e-commerce companies require robust logistics and supply chain solutions to meet the surge in demand. E-commerce often experiences significant fluctuations in demand, especially during peak shopping seasons, sales events, and holidays. 3PL providers can scale their operations to handle these fluctuations, offering flexible and cost-effective solutions. E-commerce businesses require extensive warehousing and fulfillment solutions to store, pick, pack, and ship products efficiently. 3PL providers offer warehousing services and advanced inventory management to support e-commerce clients. E-commerce clients often need value-added services, such as kitting, labeling, gift wrapping, and returns management. 3PL providers offer these services, enhancing the customer experience and optimizing the supply chain. E-commerce encompasses a wide range of products, from consumer electronics to clothing, groceries, and industrial goods. This diversity requires specialized handling and storage solutions, which 3PL providers in the e-commerce segment are well-equipped to offer.

Companies Covered in this report:

DHL, FedEx Corporation, CH Robinson, Nippon Express , kerry logistics network limited, Maersk Logistics, DB Schenker, UPS Supply Chain Solutions, Kuehne + Nagel, DSV, Sinotrans Logistics company, GXO Logistics, Inc. , Geodis, Gati Express & Supply Chain Private Limited, Mahindra Logistics

Considered in this report

• Geography: Asia Pacific
• Historic year: 2017
• Base year: 2022
• Estimated year: 2023
• Forecast year: 2028

Aspects covered in this report

• Asia Pacific Third-Party Logistics (3PL) market Outlook with its value and forecast along with its segments
• Country-wise Third-Party Logistics (3PL) market analysis
• Various drivers and challenges
• On-going trends and developments
• Top profiled companies
• Strategic recommendation

Country covered in the report:

• China
• Japan
• India
• Australia
• South Korea

By Mode of Transport

• Roadways
• Railways
• Waterways
• Airways

By Services

• Domestic Transportation Management (DTM)
• International transportation management (ITM)
• Dedicated contract carriage (DCC)
• Warehousing & Distribution (W&D)
• Value-Added Logistics By Services (VALs)

By End User

• Manufacturing
• Healthcare
• Retailing
• E-commerce
• Automotive
• Food & Groceries
• Technological
• Others

Intended audience

This report can be useful to industry consultants, manufacturers, suppliers, associations, and organisations related to the Third-Party Logistics (3PL) industry, government bodies, and other stakeholders to align their market-centric strategies. In addition to marketing and presentations, it will also increase competitive knowledge about the industry.