Global Fourth-party Logistics Market Assessment, By Type [Synergy Plus Operating Model, Industry Innovator Model, Solution Integrator Model], By End-user [Manufacturing and Production, Retail and E-commerce, Healthcare and Pharmaceuticals, Technology and Electronics, Automotive, Food and Beverages, Others], By Mode [Air, Sea, Rail, Road] By Region, and countries Opportunities and Forecast, 2017-2031F

Fourth party logistics market is projected to witness a CAGR of 7.46% during the forecast period 2024-2031, growing from USD 63.17 billion in 2023 to USD 112.36 billion in 2031. The market is expected to grow due to the various interconnected factors, including the increase in complexity in the global supply chain. Due to complicated logistics solutions, companies outsource logistic management and focus on competencies, which allows fourth-party logistics (4PL) to manage the services more effectively. Technological factors play a crucial role in the integration of AI and big data analytics and the Internet of things (IoT), providing enhanced visibility, real-time tracking, and data-driven decision-making, which improve efficiency as the businesses seek customized logistics strategies according to their specific needs, fourth-party logistics can provide flexible solutions that align with individual goals. Cost efficiency is another important factor that consolidates services and optimizes the logistics processes. Fourth-party logistics help in overall costs for businesses and make them an attractive option in competitive markets. Additionally, the growth of e-commerce has increased the demand for agile logistics solutions and pushed companies toward fourth-party logistics providers capable of managing fast delivery and inventory challenges.

Sustainability is becoming a priority, and businesses have started turning to fourth-party logistics for eco-friendly practices that support their environmental goals and, overall, the combination that fuels the growth of the fourth-party logistics market. For instance, in December 2023, XPO, Inc. Logistics obtained 28 locations from the Yellow Corporation Service Center as part of the bankruptcy auction. This strategic decision is to XPO's logistics network through North America by expanding footprints in major markets such as Atlanta, Brooklyn, Columbus, Greens Roll, Houston, Indianapolis, Las Vegas, Nash Police, Nashville, Portland, and Pennsylvania. The purpose is to improve the capacity in the growing freight market and provide customers with effective benefits.

Technological Advancements to Fuel the Fourth-Party Logistics Market Growth

Technology is a substantial factor behind the growth of fourth-party logistics. The adoption of the latest technologies, such as AI, big data, and IoT, makes it possible for 4PL providers to execute logistic operations in real-time. For better understanding, demand forecasting is performed with an AI algorithm that quickly scans through large amounts of data, hence reducing costs and time for inventory management. The IoT technology addresses the issues of shipments and assets by real-time tracking and provides relevant stakeholders with the ability to take sanity necessary actions. Besides, the advent of cloud computing enables 4PL firms to store all their information within one place and communicate with other chain partners in a more efficient manner, breaking the status quo and consequently improving logistics functioning. Also, the usage of increased automation in warehousing and transportation management systems allows companies to react fast to the changing market demands, reducing possible errors arising from human beings. Consequently, all transactions undertaken are recorded through the blockchain, ensuring security and making collaboration relationships with the parties involved easier.

For instance, in June 2024, Kühne + Nagel International AG announced their achievements in the field of digital logistics. They used AI and big data analytics to optimize supply chain management to increase efficiency and reduce costs for their customer's digital logistics. This will help track the shipment using logistics technology, providing a more productive supply chain that is safer and more efficient. IoT tracks temperature and other data in real-time, which assures quality, efficiency, and process.

The growing demand for seamless supply chains causes demand in the 4PL logistics market. Companies are increasingly looking for effective and integrated supply chains to increase their effectiveness and satisfy customer requirements. 4PL providers offer proficiency in designing and managing complex operations involving multiple parties, processes, and technologies. 4PL providers help companies optimize supply chain performance, reduce costs, increase transparency, and mitigate risk. Outsourcing supply chain functions to a 4PL provider allows companies to focus on their main competencies and strategic objectives.

In July 2024, Accenture announced the acquisition of Camelot Management Consultants, a German firm that specializes in technology consulting and SAP-focused management, particularly in the areas of supply chain, data, and analytics. The acquisition aims to expand Accenture’s ability in SAP-powered supply chains and AI, allowing clients to develop flexible supply chains. Camelot's supply chain management and analytics expertise will help organizations modernize their operations and accelerate their adoption of AI.

Road Transport to Dominate the Fourth-party Logistics Market Share

Road transport remains the market leader in the fourth-party logistics (4PL) market due to the sheer convenience of the model. The last mile issue can opportune multiple geographical regions as firms are striving to make their supply chains more efficient. The wide coverage places the network favorably in accessing urban and rural regions for prompt delivery.

In addition, all sorts of transportation can be reconfigured very quickly as logistics are changing. Companies can change the way they perform, and the timeframes must be observed. They must also include emergency deliveries in their plans, which are essential in the modern world. Americans are dealing with computer systems and abundant information, such as real-time tracking software and route planning tools, making the infrastructure more extendable.

Moreover, the rapid development of e-commerce has encouraged demand for rapid-response logistics. With consumers demanding quick turnaround, road transport is a viable solution, customers are looking for. The clients’ demands are outweighed by how well the 4PL road transport responds, thereby facilitating the client’s needs and consequently enhancing client satisfaction, providing cost-effectiveness through load optimization.

For instance, in December 2023, XPO, Inc. launched a new multi-model transport corridor between Antwerp, Istanbul, Belgium, and Turkey to enhance supply chain efficiency. The 2600 km route combines road and rail transportation, which helps in reducing the transit time from ten days to eight days. XPO has leveraged its extensive road transportation network to enhance its 4PL offerings, particularly for e-commerce businesses.

North America to Dominate Fourth-Party Logistics Share

A great deal of investment by the United States administration has gone into capacity enhancement for port facilities and enhancing supply chain reliability. These investments provide North America with a competitive edge in terms of logistics by providing effective transport and warehousing services. The rapid development of the e-commerce market in the region has raised the need for proper logistics strategies.

Furthermore, with the Atlantic on one side and the Pacific on the other, North America is situated for international commerce. There are continued efforts to make use of advanced technology in the country’s logistics industry.

For instance, in February 2024, C.H. Robinson Worldwide. Inc. implemented a new technology letting freight appointments and eliminating the need for manual scheduling, which involves 1 billion appointments annually in the United States market, which helps the much easier process of making appointments for freight pick up, increasing the level of logistics processes.

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Future Market Scenario (2024 – 2031F)

• As global supply chains become more intricate, businesses are increasingly seeking the services of fourth-party logistics providers to achieve better integration in their logistics management.
• Advancements in artificial intelligence, the Internet of Things, and data analytics will empower 4PLs to improve visibility and operational efficiency, giving them a competitive edge.
• The rise of e-commerce is creating a demand for flexible logistics solutions, leading more companies to partner with 4PLs.
• Improved collaboration among logistics providers and stakeholders will facilitate resources and information sharing, which is a key feature of 4PL operations.

Report Scope

“Fourth-party Logistics Assessment, Opportunities and Forecast, 2017-2031F”, is a comprehensive report by Markets and Data, providing in-depth analysis and qualitative and quantitative assessment of the current state of global fourth-party logistics market, industry dynamics, and challenges. The report includes market size, segmental shares, growth trends, opportunities, and forecast between 2024 and 2031. Additionally, the report profiles the leading players in the industry, mentioning their respective market share, business models, competitive intelligence, etc.

Report Attribute	Details
Base Year of the Analysis	2023
Historical Period	2017-2022
Forecast Period	2024-2031
Projected Growth Rate	CAGR of 7.46% between 2024 and 2031
Revenue Forecast in 2031	USD 112.36 billion
Segments Covered	Type, End-user, Mode
Regions Covered	North America, Europe, South America, Asia-Pacific, Middle East and Africa
Key Companies Profile	·         Deutsche Post AG, United Parcel Service of America, Inc., Deutsche Bahn Schenker AG, ·         Kühne + Nagel International AG, CEVA Logistics, ·         XPO, Inc., DSV Group, GEODIS S.A., C.H. Robinson Worldwide. Inc., Accenture Solutions Private Limited
Customization Scope	15% free report customization with purchase
Pricing and Purchase Options	Avail the customized purchase options to fulfill your precise research needs
Delivery Format	PDF and Excel through email (subject to the license purchased)

In the report, fourth-party logistics market has been segmented into the following categories: 

• By Type
  • Synergy Plus Operating Model
  • Industry Innovator Model
  • Solution Integrator Model
• By End-user
  • Manufacturing and Production
  • Retail and E-commerce
  • Healthcare and Pharmaceuticals
  • Technology and Electronics
  • Automotive
  • Food and Beverages
  • Consumer Goods
  • Others
• By Mode
  • Air
  • Sea
  • Rail
  • Road
• By Region
  • North America
  • Europe
  • Asia-Pacific
  • South America
  • Middle East and Africa

Key Players Landscape and Outlook

Continuous innovation characterizes the landscape of fourth-party logistics globally, as companies compete to outperform one another in terms of advanced technologies, such as AI and machine learning, to enhance supply chain visibility and improve decision-making processes. Enhanced collaboration with clients and logistics partners, along with a focus on workforce development, ensures that fourth-party logistics providers (4PLs) maintain skilled teams capable of managing complex logistics challenges. Additionally, by expanding their service offerings and forming strategic partnerships, they can tap into new markets and mitigate risks associated with supply chain disruptions, positioning themselves for long-term success.

On March 19, 2024, Accenture Solutions Private Limited acquired Flo Group, a leading European consultancy and Oracle business mate specializing in global force chain logistics. This acquisition will strengthen Oracle’s capabilities in Europe and help clients gain supply chain resilience, enhancing the ability to support supply chain transformation for industry clients.

Key Players Operating in Global Fourth-party Logistics Market are:

• Deutsche Post AG
• United Parcel Service of America, Inc.
• Deutsche Bahn Schenker AG
• Kühne + Nagel International AG
• CEVA Logistics
• XPO, Inc.
• DSV Group
• GEODIS S.A.
• H. Robinson Worldwide. Inc.
• Accenture Solutions Private Limited

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• How are the markets divided into different product/service segments and the market size and growth of each segment?
• What is the market potential of different product segments and their investment case?
• How are the markets predicted to develop in the future and what factors will drive or inhibit growth?
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