United States Contract Logistics Market Assessment, By Service [Transportation, Warehousing, Distribution, Aftermarket Logistics], By Type [Insourcing, Outsourcing], By Industry Vertical [Aerospace, Automotive, Industrial, Technology, Healthcare, Retail,

United States contract logistics market is projected to witness a CAGR of 4.23% during the forecast period 2025-2032, growing from USD 55.23 billion in 2024 to USD 76.93 billion in 2032F, owing to an e-commerce expansion, outsourcing, digital transformation, and rising demand for customized and value-added services. Contract logistics in the United States has grown from a tactical service into a strategic pillar of supply chain management. What was once about trucks and warehouses is now a complex web of real-time inventory tracking, automated distribution, reverse logistics, and aftermarket support. Whether it is next-day delivery for e-commerce, cold storage for pharmaceuticals, or aftermarket parts for automotive, United States businesses are outsourcing logistics more than ever to specialists who can deliver faster, leaner, and smarter.

The sector has matured into a full-service ecosystem with players offering end-to-end control towers, AI-integrated warehouse management, and predictive delivery routing. These capabilities have been turbocharged by pandemic-era supply chain restructuring, e-commerce growth, and the reshoring of critical manufacturing. Today, what differentiates a logistics provider is not just fulfillment speed; it is flexibility, compliance, and resilience in a volatile market.

For instance, in December 2024, Saia Inc. announced that its subsidiary, Saia LTL Freight, partnered with Tesla to introduce two Tesla Semi trucks into its fleet. As one of the early adopters of Tesla’s electric semi-trucks, Saia is taking a significant step toward sustainable transportation. The initiative reinforces Saia’s position as a leader in the future of freight transportation.

Rising Demand for Aftermarket Logistics in Automotive and Industrial Sectors Drives Market Growth

Contract logistics providers in the United States are witnessing strong demand for aftermarket logistics, particularly in automotive and industrial equipment. As vehicles and machinery remain in service longer due to supply chain delays and higher replacement costs, OEMs and suppliers are turning to third-party logistics players to manage complex reverse logistics, spare part distribution, and service center replenishment.

For instance, in April 2024, Ryder System Inc. opened a new multiclient logistics facility near the U.S.-Mexico border to support nearshoring and cross-border trade. While focused on CL distribution and parts handling, it demonstrates expanded aftermarket and supply chain infrastructure.

Similarly, in September 2024, FedEx Corporation expanded its supply chain portfolio by investing in Nimble, an AI-driven robotics firm focused on order fulfillment and inventory automation for SMEs, signaling a strong push into tech-enabled contract logistics.

Growth in Outsourcing of Logistics by E-commerce and Retail Clients to Shape the Market Dynamics

The surge in United States e-commerce has fueled a wave of outsourced logistics contracts, as retailers seek to cut delivery times and reduce fixed costs. Mid-size and enterprise retailers are handing over fulfillment, storage, and last-mile execution to 3PL and 4PL providers with national infrastructure and WMS integration.

In May 2025, DHL (DHL Group) Supply Chain strengthened its capabilities in the United States' ecommerce and retail space by acquiring IDS Fulfillment, adding over 1.3 million sq ft of multi-customer warehousing and distribution space. This move underscores continued growth in outsourced fulfillment services.

DHL Supply Chain also expanded its automated e-commerce campus in Ohio to handle higher peak-season throughput and offer bundled services including pick-pack-ship, returns, and order personalization.

Dominance of Warehousing in the Contract Logistics Service Mix

Among all services, warehousing remains the dominant and most critical component of contract logistics in the United States. As inventory strategies shift from “just-in-time” to “just-in-case,” businesses are investing in distributed, tech-enabled storage solutions.

In February 2024, Americold Realty Trust unveiled plans to build its inaugural facility in partnership with Canadian Pacific Kansas City (CPKC), aiming to co-locate Americold’s warehouse operations within the CPKC rail network. Americold is investing USD 127 million in the 335,000 square foot facility in Kansas City, Missouri. The company plans to create nearly 190 new jobs in the region.

Also, in November 2024, Saia Inc. launched its newest terminal in Warren, Michigan, reinforcing its strategic growth and “Customer First” approach. The facility aims to deliver enhanced service to the Warren market with reduced transit times and improved freight handling efficiency. This expansion bolsters Saia’s presence in Michigan and supports higher service standards for its customers.

Impact of U.S. Tariffs on the United States Contract Logistics Market

• Tariffs on imported goods, especially from China, have driven many United States companies to shift from just-in-time to just-in-case inventory strategies. This has led to a surge in demand for domestic warehousing and contract logistics partners who can manage inventory overflow, bonded storage, and real-time tracking.
• To avoid volatile tariff structures, manufacturers are increasingly relocating production to Mexico and other nearshore markets. This realignment has boosted cross-border logistics and forced United States contract logistics providers to enhance multimodal capabilities and establish stronger Mexico–United States corridor networks.
• Tariff complexity has made compliance a critical service. Contract logistics firms are now expected to offer integrated trade advisory, automated customs filing, and product classification support. Those with embedded compliance tools have become more valuable in mitigating duty exposure and ensuring smooth cargo flow.
• Frequent changes in tariff policy have created unpredictability in landed costs. As a result, shippers are demanding more flexible contracts from logistics providers, with volume-based pricing, duty-adjusted terms, and dynamic warehousing options. Providers that can quickly scale up or down are preferred in tariff-sensitive verticals like electronics, automotive, and apparel.

Key Players Landscape and Outlook

The United States contract logistics market is led by a mix of global integrators and specialized national players. Companies offer end-to-end logistics, including freight forwarding, reverse logistics, and AI-driven fulfillment centers. Whereas Ryder System stands out in aftermarket and industrial logistics, XPO focuses on retail and e-commerce-centric clients. Americold is a dominant force in temperature-controlled storage for the food and pharma industries. Landstar, Burris Logistics, and Saia Inc. round out a market increasingly focused on flexibility, automation, and industry-specific expertise. Today’s competitive edge comes not from lowest-cost delivery, but from service integration, real-time visibility, and the ability to respond to SKU volatility and seasonal surges. Contract logistics in the United States is no longer about being the biggest—it is about being the most adaptive.

For instance, in June 2025, Landstar System, Inc. provided transportation solutions for Duos Technologies (Duostech), delivering a specialized data center from Duostech’s Jacksonville, Florida headquarters. The Edge Data Center is integrated with Duostech’s RIP (railcar inspection portal), using AI and advanced camera equipment to detect safety issues on Amtrak high-speed passenger cars. This technology aims to enhance rail safety for both cargo and, in the future, passengers by identifying potential derailment risks before they occur.