
U.S. Small & Mid Size Logistics Market, Opportunity, Growth Drivers, Industry Trend Analysis and Forecast, 2025-2034
Description
U.S. Small and Mid-Size Logistics Market was valued at USD 770.58 billion in 2024 and is estimated to grow at a CAGR of 6.2% to reach USD 1.42 trillion by 2034. This growth is fueled by the expanding e-commerce sector, rising demand for last-mile delivery, and the increasing need for agile and cost-effective logistics services across urban and rural areas. Small and mid-size logistics providers are gaining traction due to their flexibility, regional expertise, and personalized service capabilities, which large-scale logistics giants often struggle to match.
Small and mid-size logistics companies play a vital role in ensuring supply chain efficiency for industries such as retail, healthcare, food & beverage, and manufacturing. These enterprises are leveraging digital logistics platforms, route optimization tools, and automated warehousing solutions to boost operational efficiency and reduce costs. The growing preference for outsourced logistics, especially among small and medium enterprises (SMEs), is further accelerating the adoption of third-party logistics (3PL) services offered by these mid-size operators.
By enterprise size, advanced mid-size companies led the market in 2024, generating USD 302.8 billion in revenue. These players are rapidly digitizing their operations, integrating cloud-based transportation management systems (TMS), warehouse automation, and predictive analytics to enhance fleet performance and service delivery. With increased access to venture capital and private equity funding, these firms are scaling their operations, expanding service portfolios, and entering new regional markets to serve high-growth sectors such as healthcare logistics and high-value e-commerce fulfillment.
By service, the trucking and transportation segment dominated the U.S. small and mid-size logistics market, accounting for USD 258.7 billion in 2024. The surge in demand for domestic freight movement, coupled with driver shortages and regulatory compliance requirements, is reshaping the sector. Small and mid-size trucking operators are increasingly adopting telematics, electronic logging devices (ELDs), and fuel management systems to improve route planning, ensure safety compliance, and reduce emissions. These advancements are enabling operators to offer faster, more reliable, and cost-efficient transportation services.
Based on business model, asset-based operators held the largest market share in 2024, contributing USD 242.7 billion in revenue. These firms own fleets, warehouses, and related infrastructure, giving them greater control over pricing, scheduling, and service quality. As supply chain disruptions become more frequent, shippers are prioritizing relationships with asset-based logistics partners who offer end-to-end visibility and improved cargo security. Asset ownership also provides a competitive edge in managing capacity during seasonal demand surges and mitigating delivery delays.
Regionally, California emerged as the leading state in the U.S. small and mid-size logistics market in 2024, generating USD 176.54 billion in revenue. The state’s strategic location, extensive port infrastructure, and high concentration of warehousing and distribution centers make it a critical logistics hub. Small and mid-size logistics providers in California are tapping into cross-border trade opportunities, especially with Mexico, and catering to major metro markets such as Los Angeles, San Diego, and San Francisco. The state's emphasis on sustainable transportation, including electric vehicle adoption and green logistics zones, is further shaping market strategies.
Prominent companies operating in this space include XPO, Inc., Werner Enterprises, Inc., Saia, Inc., ArcBest Corporation, and Estes Express Lines. These players are enhancing their market footprint through fleet expansion, strategic acquisitions, and technology investments. Their focus remains on delivering end-to-end logistics solutions tailored for niche industry segments, improving real-time shipment tracking, and offering scalable delivery models to meet evolving customer expectations. Initiatives such as eco-friendly fleet transition, AI-powered logistics planning, and customized 3PL services are enabling these firms to capture a larger share of the fast-growing U.S. small and mid-size logistics landscape.
Small and mid-size logistics companies play a vital role in ensuring supply chain efficiency for industries such as retail, healthcare, food & beverage, and manufacturing. These enterprises are leveraging digital logistics platforms, route optimization tools, and automated warehousing solutions to boost operational efficiency and reduce costs. The growing preference for outsourced logistics, especially among small and medium enterprises (SMEs), is further accelerating the adoption of third-party logistics (3PL) services offered by these mid-size operators.
By enterprise size, advanced mid-size companies led the market in 2024, generating USD 302.8 billion in revenue. These players are rapidly digitizing their operations, integrating cloud-based transportation management systems (TMS), warehouse automation, and predictive analytics to enhance fleet performance and service delivery. With increased access to venture capital and private equity funding, these firms are scaling their operations, expanding service portfolios, and entering new regional markets to serve high-growth sectors such as healthcare logistics and high-value e-commerce fulfillment.
By service, the trucking and transportation segment dominated the U.S. small and mid-size logistics market, accounting for USD 258.7 billion in 2024. The surge in demand for domestic freight movement, coupled with driver shortages and regulatory compliance requirements, is reshaping the sector. Small and mid-size trucking operators are increasingly adopting telematics, electronic logging devices (ELDs), and fuel management systems to improve route planning, ensure safety compliance, and reduce emissions. These advancements are enabling operators to offer faster, more reliable, and cost-efficient transportation services.
Based on business model, asset-based operators held the largest market share in 2024, contributing USD 242.7 billion in revenue. These firms own fleets, warehouses, and related infrastructure, giving them greater control over pricing, scheduling, and service quality. As supply chain disruptions become more frequent, shippers are prioritizing relationships with asset-based logistics partners who offer end-to-end visibility and improved cargo security. Asset ownership also provides a competitive edge in managing capacity during seasonal demand surges and mitigating delivery delays.
Regionally, California emerged as the leading state in the U.S. small and mid-size logistics market in 2024, generating USD 176.54 billion in revenue. The state’s strategic location, extensive port infrastructure, and high concentration of warehousing and distribution centers make it a critical logistics hub. Small and mid-size logistics providers in California are tapping into cross-border trade opportunities, especially with Mexico, and catering to major metro markets such as Los Angeles, San Diego, and San Francisco. The state's emphasis on sustainable transportation, including electric vehicle adoption and green logistics zones, is further shaping market strategies.
Prominent companies operating in this space include XPO, Inc., Werner Enterprises, Inc., Saia, Inc., ArcBest Corporation, and Estes Express Lines. These players are enhancing their market footprint through fleet expansion, strategic acquisitions, and technology investments. Their focus remains on delivering end-to-end logistics solutions tailored for niche industry segments, improving real-time shipment tracking, and offering scalable delivery models to meet evolving customer expectations. Initiatives such as eco-friendly fleet transition, AI-powered logistics planning, and customized 3PL services are enabling these firms to capture a larger share of the fast-growing U.S. small and mid-size logistics landscape.
Table of Contents
277 Pages
- Chapter 1 Methodology
- 1.1 Research design
- 1.1.1 Research approach
- 1.1.2 Data collection methods
- 1.2 Base estimates and calculations
- 1.2.1 Base year calculation
- 1.2.2 Key trends for market estimates
- 1.3 Forecast model
- 1.4 Primary research and validation
- 1.4.1 Some of the primary sources
- 1.4.2 Data mining sources
- 1.4.2.1 Paid sources
- 1.4.2.2 Sources, by region
- 1.5 Market Definitions
- Chapter 2 Executive Summary
- 2.1 Industry 360 degree synopsis, 2024 - 2034
- 2.2 Business trends
- 2.3 TAM Analysis
- 2.3.1 TAM Trends
- 2.3.2 Total Addressable Market (TAM), 2025-2034
- 2.4 Enterprise size trends
- 2.5 Service trends
- 2.6 Business model trends
- 2.7 Asset ownership trends
- 2.8 Regional trends
- 2.9 CXO Perspectives
- 2.10 Future outlook and strategic recommendations
- Chapter 3 Industry Insights
- 3.1 Industry ecosystem analysis
- 3.1.1 Technology Providers
- 3.1.2 Equipment Suppliers
- 3.1.3 Fuel Suppliers
- 3.1.4 Financial Services Providers
- 3.1.5 Infrastructure Providers
- 3.1.7 Industry Associations
- 3.1.8 Service Providers
- 3.1.9 Customers and Shippers
- 3.1.10 Complementary Logistics Providers
- 3.2 Supplier landscape
- 3.2.1 Profit Margin
- 3.2.2 Value addition at each stage
- 3.2.3 Factor affecting the value chain
- 3.2.4 Disruptions
- 3.3 Industry impact forces
- 3.3.1 Growth drivers
- 3.3.1.1 E-commerce Growth and Fulfilment Demands
- 3.3.1.2 Technology Adoption and Digital Transformation
- 3.3.1.3 Labor Shortages and Workforce Challenges
- 3.3.1.4 Regulatory Compliance Costs and Complexity
- 3.3.1.5 Market Consolidation and M&A Activity
- 3.3.1.6 Infrastructure Investment and Capacity Constraints
- 3.3.2 Industry pitfalls and challenges
- 3.3.2.1 Overcapacity and Freight Rate Pressures
- 3.3.2.2 Technology Investment Burden and Implementation Challenges
- 3.3.2.3 Financial Vulnerability and Cash Flow Constraints
- 3.3.2.4 Cybersecurity Threats and Data Security Risks
- 3.3.3 Opportunities
- 3.3.3.1 Nearshoring and Cross-Border Trade Opportunities
- 3.3.3.2 Specialized Niche Services and Vertical Market Focus
- 3.3.3.3 Last-Mile Delivery and Urban Logistics Expansion
- 3.3.3.4 Sustainability Services and Green Logistics Solutions
- 3.3.3.5 Government Infrastructure Contracts and Public Sector Opportunities
- 3.4 Regulatory landscape
- 3.4.1 FMCSA Hours of Service (HOS) Regulations
- 3.4.2 Electronic Logging Device (ELD) Mandate
- 3.4.3 Commercial Driver's License (CDL) Requirements
- 3.4.4 Drug and Alcohol Testing Programs
- 3.4.5 DOT Vehicle Safety Standards and Inspections
- 3.4.6 EPA Emissions Standards for Commercial Vehicles
- 3.4.7 OSHA Workplace Safety Standards
- 3.4.8 Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) Compliance
- 3.4.9 Hazardous Materials Transportation Regulations
- 3.4.10 Food Safety Modernization Act (FSMA) Requirements
- 3.4.11 Customs-Trade Partnership Against Terrorism (C-TPAT)
- 3.4.12 Transportation Worker Identification Credential (TWIC)
- 3.4.13 Freight Broker Financial Responsibility Requirements
- 3.4.14 State Vehicle Registration and Permitting Requirements
- 3.4.15 California Advanced Clean Trucks Rule
- 3.4.16 Controlled Substances Transportation Regulations
- 3.4.17 International Trade Data System (ITDS) Requirements
- 3.4.18 Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) Compliance
- 3.4.19 Antitrust and Competition Regulations
- 3.4.20 Cybersecurity and Data Protection Requirements
- 3.5 Growth potential analysis
- 3.6 Porter's analysis
- 3.7 PESTEL analysis
- 3.8 Technology and Innovation landscape
- 3.8.1 Current Technologies
- 3.8.1.1 Transportation Management Systems (TMS)
- 3.8.1.2 Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning
- 3.8.1.3 Telematics and Fleet Management Systems
- 3.8.1.4 Warehouse Automation and Robotics
- 3.8.1.5 AI-Powered Dash Cams and Safety Technology
- 3.8.2 Future Technologies
- 3.8.2.1 Autonomous Vehicles and Self-Driving Trucks
- 3.8.2.2 Drone Technology for Delivery and Inventory Management
- 3.8.2.3 Blockchain Technology for Supply Chain Transparency
- 3.8.2.4 Internet of Things (IoT) and Connected Logistics Ecosystems
- 3.8.2.5 Electric and Alternative Fuel Vehicle Fleets
- 3.9 Cost Breakdown Analysis
- 3.9.1 Transportation/Trucking Cost Structure
- 3.9.2 Third-Party Logistics (3PL) Cost Structure
- 3.9.3 Freight Brokerage Cost Structure
- 3.9.4 Warehousing and Distribution Cost Structure
- 3.9.5 Small vs. Mid-Size Company Cost Comparison
- 3.9.6 Technology Investment Cost Breakdown
- 3.9.7 Cost Trend Analysis
- 3.9.7.1 Inflation Impact on Logistics Costs (2020-2024)
- 3.9.8 Strategic Cost Management Recommendations
- 3.9.8.1 Cost Optimization Strategies by Category
- 3.10 Patent Landscape Analysis
- 3.11 Sustainability and Environmental Aspects
- 3.11.1 Sustainable Practices
- 3.11.2 Waste Reduction Strategies
- 3.11.3 Energy Efficiency in Production
- 3.11.4 Eco-friendly Initiatives
- 3.11.5 Carbon Footprint Considerations
- 3.11.6 Conclusion
- 3.12 Case studies
- 3.12.1 High-Growth Technology Companies
- 3.12.1.1 Samsara: IoT and Fleet Management Revolution
- 3.12.1.2 Flexport: Digital Freight Forwarding Pioneer
- 3.12.1.3 Convoy: Rise and Fall of Digital Freight Matching
- 3.12.1.4 Transfix: Strategic Pivot from Brokerage to Technology
- 3.12.1.5 Shipwell: Comprehensive TMS Platform Growth
- 3.12.1.6 Loadsmart: AI-Powered Freight Optimization
- 3.12.1.7 Uber Freight: Platform Economics in Logistics
- 3.12.1.8 Freightos: Digital Freight Marketplace
- 3.12.1.9 Project44: Supply Chain Visibility Platform
- 3.12.1.10 Shippo: Shipping API and E-commerce Logistics
- 3.12.1.11 Amazon Logistics: E-commerce Logistics Transformation
- 3.12.2 Traditional Logistics Companies Transformation
- 3.12.2.1 Family-Owned Trucking Company Digital Transformation
- 3.12.2.2 Regional 3PL Warehouse Automation Success
- 3.12.2.3 Multi-Modal Transportation Provider Integration
- 3.12.3 Regional Success Stories
- 3.12.3.1 Southeast Regional LTL Carrier Expansion
- 3.12.3.2 Midwest Agricultural Logistics Specialization
- 3.12.3.3 West Coast E-commerce Fulfillment Success
- 3.12.4 Acquisition and Integration Case Studies
- 3.12.4.1 Private Equity Roll-Up Strategy Success
- 3.12.4.2 Strategic Acquisition for Geographic Expansion
- 3.12.4.3 Technology Company Acquisition Integration
- 3.12.5 Failure Analysis and Lessons Learned
- 3.12.5.1 Convoy: Digital Freight Platform Collapse
- 3.12.5.2 Yellow Corporation: Legacy Carrier Bankruptcy
- 3.12.5.3 Regional 3PL Overexpansion Failure
- 3.12.5.4 Technology Startup Market Timing Failure
- 3.13 Financial performance and operational metrics
- 3.13.1 Financial Performance and Operational Metrics Overview
- 3.13.2 Profitability Analysis by Company Size
- 3.13.2.1 Revenue and Profitability Metrics
- 3.13.2.2 Cost Structure Analysis by Company Size
- 3.13.3 Operational Cost Breakdown and Trends
- 3.13.3.1 Historical Cost Trends (2020-2024)
- 3.13.3.2 Cost Per Mile Analysis by Service Type
- 3.13.4 Capital Requirements and Financing Patterns
- 3.13.4.1 Initial Capital Requirements by Business Type
- 3.13.4.2 Financing Patterns and Terms
- 3.13.5 Performance Benchmarking and KPIs
- 3.13.5.1 Operational KPIs by Service Type
- 3.13.5.2 Financial Performance KPIs
- 3.13.6 Financial Risk Assessment
- 3.13.6.1 Risk Indicators and Warning Signs
- 3.13.6.2 Industry-Specific Risk Factors
- 3.13.6.3 Financial Distress Prediction Model
- 3.13.6.4 Technology Investment ROI Analysis
- 3.14 Comparative Analysis: Large vs. Small & Mid-Size Logistics Companies
- 3.14.1 Revenue Comparison
- 3.14.2 Profit Margin Analysis
- 3.14.3 Cost Structure Comparison
- 3.14.4 Geographic Reach Analysis
- 3.14.5 Forecast Growth Rate Comparison
- 3.14.6 Fleet Ownership Patterns
- 3.14.7 Customer Base Analysis
- Chapter 4 Competitive Landscape
- 4.1 Introduction
- 4.2 Company market share analysis
- 4.2.1.1 ITS Logistics
- 4.2.1.2 AIT Truckload Solutions
- 4.2.1.3 USA Truck (now DB Schenker)
- 4.2.1.4 Dupré Logistics
- 4.2.1.5 NTG (Nolan Transportation Group)
- 4.2.1.6 Hirschbach Motor Lines
- 4.2.1.7 Marten Transport
- 4.3 Competitive analysis of major market players
- 4.4 Competitive positioning matrix
- 4.5 Strategy dashboard
- 4.6 Key developments
- 4.6.1 Product launches
- 4.6.2 Partnerships
- 4.6.3 Launches
- 4.6.4 Expansions
- 4.6.5 Investment funding
- Chapter 5 U.S. Small and Mid-Size Logistics Market, By Enterprise Size
- 5.1 Key trends
- 5.2 Micro operators
- 5.3 Small companies
- 5.4 Mid-small companies
- 5.5 Mid-size companies
- 5.6 Large companies
- Chapter 6 U.S. Small and Mid-Size Logistics Market, By Service
- 6.1 Key trends
- 6.2 Third-party logistics (3PL) services
- 6.3 Trucking and transportation services
- 6.4 Warehousing and distribution services
- 6.5 Freight brokerage and management
- 6.6 Value-added logistics services
- Chapter 7 U.S. Small and Mid-Size Logistics Market, By Business Model
- 7.1 Key trends
- 7.2 Asset-based operators
- 7.3 Asset-light providers
- 7.4 Hybrid models
- 7.5 Technology-enabled platforms
- 7.6 Specialized service providers
- Chapter 8 U.S. Small and Mid-Size Logistics Market, By Asset Ownership
- 8.1 Key trends
- 8.2 Fleet ownership patterns
- 8.3 Warehouse and facility ownership
- 8.4 Leasing and rental models
- 8.5 Equipment financing
- 8.6 Technology asset investment
- Chapter 9 U.S. Small and Mid-Size Logistics Market, By States
- 9.1 Key trends
- 9.2 Alabama
- 9.3 California
- 9.4 Florida
- 9.5 Georgia
- 9.6 Illinois
- 9.7 Indiana
- 9.8 North Carolina
- 9.9 Ohio
- 9.10 Pennsylvania
- 9.11 South Carolina
- 9.12 Tennessee
- 9.13 Texas
- Chapter 10 Company Profiles
- 10.1 Armstrong Transport Group
- 10.1.1 Company overview
- 10.1.2 Operating segment overview
- 10.1.3 Financial data
- 10.1.4 Product landscape
- 10.1.5 Strategic outlook
- 10.1.6 SWOT analysis
- 10.2 Bay & Bay Transportation
- 10.2.1 Company overview
- 10.2.2 Operating segment overview
- 10.2.3 Financial data
- 10.2.4 Product landscape
- 10.2.5 Strategic outlook
- 10.2.6 SWOT analysis
- 10.3 Cargo Transport, Inc.
- 10.3.1 Company overview
- 10.3.2 Operating segment overview
- 10.3.3 Financial data
- 10.3.4 Product landscape
- 10.3.5 Strategic outlook
- 10.3.6 SWOT analysis
- 10.4 Ceva Logistics
- 10.4.1 Company overview
- 10.4.2 Operating segment overview
- 10.4.3 Financial data
- 10.4.4 Product landscape
- 10.4.5 Strategic outlook
- 10.4.6 SWOT Analysis
- 10.5 Choptank Transport (Hub Group)
- 10.5.1 Company overview
- 10.5.2 Operating segment overview
- 10.5.3 Financial data
- 10.5.4 Product landscape
- 10.5.5 Strategic outlook
- 10.5.6 SWOT Analysis
- 10.6 Cowan Systems (Schneider National)
- 10.6.1 Company overview
- 10.6.2 Operating segment overview
- 10.6.3 Financial data
- 10.6.4 Product landscape
- 10.6.5 Strategic outlook
- 10.6.6 SWOT Analysis
- 10.7 DSV
- 10.7.1 Company overview
- 10.7.2 Operating segment overview
- 10.7.3 Financial data
- 10.7.4 Product landscape
- 10.7.5 Strategic outlook
- 10.7.6 SWOT analysis
- 10.8 Dupré Logistics
- 10.8.1 Company overview
- 10.8.2 Operating segment overview
- 10.8.3 Financial data
- 10.8.4 Product landscape
- 10.8.5 Strategic outlook
- 10.8.6 SWOT analysis
- 10.9 Freymiller Inc.
- 10.9.1 Company overview
- 10.9.2 Operating segment overview
- 10.9.3 Financial data
- 10.9.4 Product landscape
- 10.9.5 Strategic outlook
- 10.9.6 SWOT analysis
- 10.10 Hirschbach Motor Lines
- 10.10.1 Company overview
- 10.10.2 Operating segment overview
- 10.10.3 Financial data
- 10.10.4 Product landscape
- 10.10.5 Strategic outlook
- 10.10.6 SWOT analysis
- 10.11 ITS Logistics
- 10.11.1 Company overview
- 10.11.2 Operating segment overview
- 10.11.3 Financial data
- 10.11.4 Product landscape
- 10.11.5 Strategic outlook
- 10.11.6 SWOT Analysis
- 10.12 JRayl Transport
- 10.12.1 Company overview
- 10.12.2 Operating segment overview
- 10.12.3 Financial data
- 10.12.4 Product landscape
- 10.12.5 Strategic outlook
- 10.12.6 SWOT Analysis
- 10.13 Marten Transport
- 10.13.1 Company overview
- 10.13.2 Operating segment overview
- 10.13.3 Financial data
- 10.13.4 Product landscape
- 10.13.5 Strategic outlook
- 10.13.6 SWOT Analysis
- 10.14 Midwest Express, Inc.
- 10.14.1 Company overview
- 10.14.2 Operating segment overview
- 10.14.3 Financial data
- 10.14.4 Product landscape
- 10.14.5 Strategic outlook
- 10.14.6 SWOT Analysis
- 10.15 Nolan Transportation Group (NTG)
- 10.15.1 Company overview
- 10.15.2 Operating segment overview
- 10.15.3 Financial data
- 10.15.4 Product landscape
- 10.15.5 Strategic outlook
- 10.15.6 SWOT Analysis
- 10.16 RFXâ¯Inc.
- 10.16.1 Company overview
- 10.16.2 Operating segment overview
- 10.16.3 Financial data
- 10.16.4 Product landscape
- 10.16.5 Strategic outlook
- 10.16.6 SWOT Analysis
- 10.17 Summit Expedited Logistics
- 10.17.1 Company overview
- 10.17.2 Operating segment overview
- 10.17.3 Financial data
- 10.17.4 Product landscape
- 10.17.5 Strategic outlook
- 10.17.6 SWOT Analysis
- 10.18 Syfan Logistics, Inc.
- 10.18.1 Company overview
- 10.18.2 Operating segment overview
- 10.18.3 Financial data
- 10.18.4 Product landscape
- 10.18.5 Strategic outlook
- 10.18.6 SWOT Analysis
- 10.19 USA Truck, Inc.
- 10.19.1 Company overview
- 10.19.2 Operating segment overview
- 10.19.3 Financial data
- 10.19.4 Product landscape
- 10.19.5 Strategic outlook
- 10.19.6 SWOT Analysis
- 10.20 Veriha Trucking
- 10.20.1 Company overview
- 10.20.2 Operating segment overview
- 10.20.3 Financial data
- 10.20.4 Product landscape
- 10.20.5 Strategic outlook
- 10.20.6 SWOT Analysis
- 10.21 Research practices
Search Inside Report
Pricing
Currency Rates
Questions or Comments?
Our team has the ability to search within reports to verify it suits your needs. We can also help maximize your budget by finding sections of reports you can purchase.