Express and Small Parcel

Global Express and Small Parcel Market to Reach US$504.5 Billion by 2030

The global market for Express and Small Parcel estimated at US$404.6 Billion in the year 2024, is expected to reach US$504.5 Billion by 2030, growing at a CAGR of 3.7% over the analysis period 2024-2030. Air Express Delivery, one of the segments analyzed in the report, is expected to record a 4.6% CAGR and reach US$293.2 Billion by the end of the analysis period. Growth in the Road Express Delivery segment is estimated at 2.5% CAGR over the analysis period.

The U.S. Market is Estimated at US$110.2 Billion While China is Forecast to Grow at 7.1% CAGR

The Express and Small Parcel market in the U.S. is estimated at US$110.2 Billion in the year 2024. China, the world`s second largest economy, is forecast to reach a projected market size of US$102.5 Billion by the year 2030 trailing a CAGR of 7.1% over the analysis period 2024-2030. Among the other noteworthy geographic markets are Japan and Canada, each forecast to grow at a CAGR of 1.4% and 2.9% respectively over the analysis period. Within Europe, Germany is forecast to grow at approximately 2.2% CAGR.

Global Express and Small Parcel Market - Key Trends & Drivers Summarized

What Defines the Express and Small Parcel Sector?

The express and small parcel sector is a critical component of the global logistics market, specializing in the rapid delivery of packages and documents. This sector has become increasingly significant with the rise of e-commerce, as businesses and consumers alike demand faster, more reliable delivery services. Express and small parcel services typically involve the transportation of items weighing less than 150 pounds, and these services distinguish themselves from standard shipping options through faster delivery times, frequent updates, and premium service quality. The evolution of this market segment has been driven by technological advancements that enable better tracking, route optimization, and efficient handling systems, all of which contribute to reducing delivery times and enhancing customer satisfaction.

The express and small parcel industry is highly dynamic, influenced by changes in consumer behavior, the global economic climate, and technological innovations. As online shopping continues to grow, so does the volume of parcels being shipped daily, which challenges existing logistics networks and demands continuous improvement. Companies within this sector are increasingly investing in automated sorting and delivery processes, advanced logistics software, and environmentally friendly transportation solutions to keep pace with the increasing demand and expectations for sustainability. Moreover, the integration of Internet of Things (IoT) devices and artificial intelligence (AI) has revolutionized how parcels are tracked and managed throughout the delivery process, increasing transparency and efficiency.

How Are Consumer Expectations Reshaping the Industry?

Consumer expectations are reshaping the express and small parcel sector in profound ways. Today’s consumers not only expect fast delivery but also demand flexibility and high visibility throughout the delivery process. This shift has led to several innovations in the industry, such as predictive delivery systems that inform customers of their parcel`s expected arrival time and real-time tracking that provides updates at every stage of the delivery process. Moreover, options for last-mile delivery services, including lockers and pick-up points, offer consumers the convenience of collecting their parcels at a time and place that suits them best.

The demand for same-day and next-day delivery options has particularly influenced the strategic operations of express delivery companies. To meet these demands, companies are optimizing their logistics networks, utilizing local fulfillment centers, and investing in advanced transportation management systems that reduce travel times and enhance route efficiency. Furthermore, the expectation of seamless returns has spurred the development of integrated return-management solutions, making it easier for consumers to send back unwanted items. This focus on customer satisfaction not only enhances the consumer experience but also builds brand loyalty, which is crucial in a highly competitive market.

What Role Does Technology Play in Modern Express Deliveries?

Technology plays a pivotal role in the express and small parcel sector, driving efficiencies and creating new capabilities that were once thought impossible. The deployment of advanced technologies such as AI, machine learning, and blockchain is transforming the landscape of express deliveries. AI and machine learning are used for dynamic routing of deliveries, predictive analytics for anticipating delays, and even in customer service operations to handle inquiries and resolve issues proactively. Blockchain technology offers a leap in transparency and security, providing a tamper-proof ledger for transactions and the movement of goods, which is particularly valuable in high-value or sensitive shipments.

Moreover, autonomous vehicles and drones are beginning to make their mark in the industry, promising to revolutionize last-mile delivery by reducing dependency on human labor and increasing delivery speeds. While still in the early stages of deployment, pilot programs for drone deliveries in rural and urban settings have shown promising results, indicating a future where these technologies could become commonplace. Additionally, the use of robotics in warehousing and parcel sorting centers has significantly boosted the processing speed and accuracy, enabling quicker turnarounds and reducing human error.

What Drives the Growth in the Express and Small Parcel Market?

The growth in the express and small parcel market is driven by several factors, chiefly the exponential growth of global e-commerce. As online shopping becomes more entrenched in consumer habits worldwide, the demand for reliable and fast parcel delivery services continues to escalate. This surge in parcel volume compels service providers to expand their capacity and enhance their service offerings to maintain competitiveness. Technological advancements are also key drivers, as they enable service providers to improve operational efficiency and customer satisfaction through enhanced tracking systems, faster processing, and more effective management of logistics networks.

Furthermore, globalization of trade and the increase in cross-border e-commerce have expanded the market for express and small parcel deliveries, as businesses and consumers frequently ship and receive goods internationally. Regulatory changes and trade agreements can also significantly impact this sector, as they alter the dynamics of cross-border shipping and logistics. Finally, sustainability initiatives are becoming increasingly important growth drivers, as consumers and businesses alike seek greener options in their shipping solutions. Service providers that innovate to offer more sustainable shipping methods, such as electric delivery vehicles and optimized route planning to reduce carbon footprints, are likely to gain a competitive edge in the evolving market landscape.

SCOPE OF STUDY:

The report analyzes the Express and Small Parcel market in terms of units by the following Segments, and Geographic Regions/Countries:

Segments:
Express Delivery (Air Express Delivery, Road Express Delivery, Sea Express Delivery); Standard Delivery (Air Standard Delivery, Road Standard Delivery, Sea Standard Delivery); Same-Day Delivery (Air Same-Day Delivery, Road Same-Day Delivery, Sea Same-Day Delivery); Delivery Mode (Air Delivery Mode, Road Delivery Mode, Sea Delivery Mode); End-Use (E-Commerce End-Use, Retail End-Use, Healthcare End-Use, Consumer Goods End-Use)

Geographic Regions/Countries:
World; United States; Canada; Japan; China; Europe (France; Germany; Italy; United Kingdom; Spain; Russia; and Rest of Europe); Asia-Pacific (Australia; India; South Korea; and Rest of Asia-Pacific); Latin America (Argentina; Brazil; Mexico; and Rest of Latin America); Middle East (Iran; Israel; Saudi Arabia; United Arab Emirates; and Rest of Middle East); and Africa.

Select Competitors (Total 41 Featured) -

• Amazon Logistics
• Aramex
• Australia Post
• Blue Dart Express
• Canada Post
• China Post
• Chronopost
• CitySprint
• Correos
• Deutsche Post DHL Group
• DPDgroup
• FedEx Corporation
• GLS Group
• Hermes Europe
• India Post
• Japan Post
• La Poste
• LaserShip
• OnTrac
• Parcelforce Worldwide

TARIFF IMPACT FACTOR

Our new release incorporates impact of tariffs on geographical markets as we predict a shift in competitiveness of companies based on HQ country, manufacturing base, exports and imports (finished goods and OEM). This intricate and multifaceted market reality will impact competitors by artificially increasing the COGS, reducing profitability, reconfiguring supply chains, amongst other micro and macro market dynamics.

We are diligently following expert opinions of leading Chief Economists (14,949), Think Tanks (62), Trade & Industry bodies (171) worldwide, as they assess impact and address new market realities for their ecosystems. Experts and economists from every major country are tracked for their opinions on tariffs and how they will impact their countries.

We expect this chaos to play out over the next 2-3 months and a new world order is established with more clarity. We are tracking these developments on a real time basis.

As we release this report, U.S. Trade Representatives are pushing their counterparts in 183 countries for an early closure to bilateral tariff negotiations. Most of the major trading partners also have initiated trade agreements with other key trading nations, outside of those in the works with the United States. We are tracking such secondary fallouts as supply chains shift.

To our valued clients, we say, we have your back. We will present a simplified market reassessment by incorporating these changes!

APRIL 2025: NEGOTIATION PHASE

Our April release addresses the impact of tariffs on the overall global market and presents market adjustments by geography. Our trajectories are based on historic data and evolving market impacting factors.

JULY 2025 FINAL TARIFF RESET

Complimentary Update: Our clients will also receive a complimentary update in July after a final reset is announced between nations. The final updated version incorporates clearly defined Tariff Impact Analyses.

Reciprocal and Bilateral Trade & Tariff Impact Analyses:

USA
CHINA
MEXICO
CANADA
EU
JAPAN
INDIA
176 OTHER COUNTRIES.

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