The fourth party logistics market involves outsourcing of the entire logistics functions including warehousing, transportation of goods, and supply chain management by manufacturers to specialist providers. Fourth party logistics providers help companies to optimize their supply chain with value-added services and focus on their core business activities. This helps improving overall operational efficiency while reducing costs. Fourth party logistics assists companies across functions like procurement, inventory management, order processing, transport management, and reverse logistics.
The Global fourth party logistics market is estimated to be valued at US$ 67.6 Bn in 2024 and is expected to exhibit a CAGR of 7.8% over the forecast period 2024-2031.
Key Takeaways
Key players operating in the fourth party logistics market are XPO Logistics, DHL Supply Chain, C.H. Robinson, GEODIS, and DB Schenker. XPO Logistics is one of the largest players with services in supply chain consulting, vendor management inventory and transportation management.
The growing demand for outsourcing of supply chain activities from industries such as automotive, healthcare, consumer goods among others is driving the fourth party logistics market. Companies are increasingly focusing on their core competencies and outsourcing non-core logistics functions to specialized fourth party logistics providers for improved efficiency.
Global expansion of fourth party logistics providers to emerging markets is another factor augmenting market growth. Providers are investing in new facilities and partnering with local players in Asia Pacific and Middle East regions to leverage low-cost advantages and cater to the growing logistics demand.
Market Drivers
The increasing adoption of e-commerce and online shopping is a key driver for the fourth party logistics market. E-commerce companies require efficient warehousing, distribution and reverse logistics operations which are fulfilled by fourth party logistics providers. Their value-added services ensure seamless delivery of products to customers. This is expected to augment demand over the forecast period.
The growth of the fourth party logistics market is facing headwinds due to geopolitical tensions and uncertainties in various parts of the world. With the ongoing Russia-Ukraine war, supply chains in Eastern Europe and parts of Central Asia have been severely disrupted. This has ripple effects on sourcing, manufacturing and distribution networks across multiple industries that rely on logistics and transportation services. Constant fluctuations in fuel prices and currency exchange rates add further complexity and costs. Meanwhile, the US-China trade tensions and technology conflicts contribute to geopolitical risks in Asia as well. Logistics providers must carefully evaluate supply chain vulnerabilities and diversify their transportation and warehousing networks to build resilience against potential bottlenecks or blockages.
While North America currently accounts for the largest share of the fourth party logistics market in terms of value, Asia Pacific is witnessing the fastest growth on account of expanding industrial and consumer bases in major economies like China, India and Southeast Asian countries. With rising domestic consumption and investment in logistics infrastructure, the region is poised to surpass North America over the medium term. Within Asia Pacific, India stands out as an emerging hotspot. Favorable government policies coupled with the 'Make in India' initiative are attracting greater investments into manufacturing, thereby boosting demand for advanced logistics services.
Europe holds the second largest market share globally, led by countries such as Germany, UK, France and Italy. However, growth prospects in Europe may be dampened in the short run due to the conflict in Ukraine.
Going forward, global fourth party logistics providers will need to monitor changing trade policies and territorial disputes closely to preempt risks. Adopting a multi-local or conglomerate business structure instead of centralized decision-making can impart more flexibility. Expanding into new high-growth markets of Asia Pacific and Latin America is also important for balancing geographical exposure amid an uncertain macroeconomic environment.
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What Are The Key Data Covered In This Fourth Party Logistics Market Report?
:- Market CAGR throughout the predicted period
:- Comprehensive information on the aspects that will drive the Fourth Party Logistics 's growth between 2024 and 2031.
:- Accurate calculation of the size of the Fourth Party Logistics and its contribution to the market, with emphasis on the parent market
:- Realistic forecasts of future trends and changes in consumer behaviour
:- Fourth Party Logistics Industry Growth in North America, APAC, Europe, South America, the Middle East, and Africa
:- A complete examination of the market's competitive landscape, as well as extensive information on vendors
:- Detailed examination of the factors that will impede the expansion of Fourth Party Logistics vendors
About Author:
Ravina Pandya, Content Writer, has a strong foothold in the market research industry. She specializes in writing well-researched articles from different industries, including food and beverages, information and technology, healthcare, chemical and materials, etc. (https://www.linkedin.com/in/ravina-pandya-1a3984191)
*Note:
1. Source: Coherent Market Insights, Public sources, Desk research
2. We have leveraged AI tools to mine information and compile it