US Retail 3PL Market to Reach USD 65.79 Billion by 2031 Driven by Same-Day Delivery Expansion, Cold-Chain Investments, and Reverse Logistics Specialization

Mordor Intelligence has published a new report on the US retail 3PL market, offering a comprehensive analysis of trends, growth drivers, and future projections.

US Retail 3PL Market Outlook

The US retail 3PL market size is estimated at USD 57.17 billion in 2026, growing from USD 55.59 billion in 2025 and projected to reach USD 65.79 billion by 2031, registering a CAGR of 2.84%. The market growth reflects steady expansion supported by increasing outsourcing of logistics operations, growth in e-commerce fulfillment requirements, and the need for flexible distribution models. Retailers across the country are increasingly relying on third-party logistics providers to manage inventory, transportation, and order fulfillment while maintaining cost efficiency and delivery performance.

The US retail 3PL industry is experiencing structural shifts as retailers prioritize speed, accuracy, and scalability in supply chain operations. Rising customer expectations for same-day delivery, improved inventory visibility, and seamless returns management are encouraging retailers to partner with logistics providers offering integrated solutions. As omnichannel retail continues to expand, the market forecast remains influenced by investments in micro-fulfillment facilities, automation, and hybrid logistics models designed to support both online and store-based retail distribution.

Report overview: https://www.mordorintelligence.com/industry-reports/united-states-retail-3pl-market?utm_source=openpr

Key Trends in the US Retail 3PL Market

Same-Day Delivery Expansion Reshaping Last-Mile Logistics

One of the most important US retail 3PL market trends is the growing focus on hyper-local fulfillment and same-day delivery. Retailers are expanding their presence closer to urban centers to reduce delivery times and improve customer satisfaction. Third-party logistics providers are developing micro-fulfillment facilities and strategically located warehouses that enable faster processing and delivery of retail orders. Retailers benefit from faster fulfillment while logistics providers strengthen their position within the US retail 3PL industry by offering differentiated services that support high-speed delivery expectations.

Cold-Chain Logistics Expansion Supporting Food and Grocery Retail Distribution

Cold-chain logistics is another major contributor to US retail 3PL market growth, particularly with the increase in online grocery and fresh food purchases. Retailers require temperature-controlled storage and transportation services to maintain product quality and safety.Third-party logistics providers are expanding cold-storage facilities, improving temperature monitoring capabilities, and enhancing distribution networks that support perishable goods. These investments improve operational efficiency and allow providers to serve food retailers, grocery chains, and meal-kit companies effectively.

Reverse Logistics Specialization Supporting Apparel and E-Commerce Retailers

Reverse logistics is becoming a central component of the market, especially as apparel and e-commerce returns continue to increase. Logistics providers are developing dedicated reverse logistics systems that handle returns processing, inspection, repackaging, and inventory restocking. Logistics providers offering advanced returns management services are strengthening their position in the US retail 3PL industry, particularly among apparel, footwear, and lifestyle brands that experience high return volumes.

Store-Based Fulfillment Supporting Omnichannel Retail Logistics

Store-based fulfillment models such as buy-online-pickup-in-store and ship-from-store are changing how logistics networks operate. Retailers are transforming stores into fulfillment centers to improve delivery efficiency and reduce distribution costs. This shift increases demand for logistics providers capable of supporting store replenishment, inventory coordination, and order fulfillment across multiple retail channels. These operational adjustments reflect evolving US retail 3PL market trends as logistics providers adapt to omnichannel retail strategies.

Check out more details and stay updated with the latest industry trends, including the Japanese version for localized insights: https://www.mordorintelligence.com/ja/industry-reports/united-states-retail-3pl-market?utm_source=openpr

US Retail 3PL Market Segmentation

By Service

Domestic Transportation Management

Roadways

Railways

Airways

Waterways

International Transportation Management

Roadways

Railways

Airways

Waterways

Value-Added Warehousing and Distribution (VAWD)

By Product

Foods and Beverages

Personal and Household Care

Fashion and Lifestyle (accessories, apparel, footwear)

Furniture

Electronics and Household Appliances

Other Products

By Distribution Channel

Super/Hyper/Convenience and Department Stores

Specialty Stores

Online

Other Channels

By Logistics Model

Asset-Light (Management-Based)

Asset-Heavy (Own Fleet and Warehouses)

Hybrid

By Geography

Northeast

Midwest

Southwest

Southeast

West

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Key Players in the US Retail 3PL Market

DHL Supply Chain

CEVA Logistics

AIT Worldwide Logistics

United Parcel Service, Inc.

C.H. Robinson Worldwide, Inc.

Explore more insights on US retail 3PL competitive landscape: https://www.mordorintelligence.com/industry-reports/united-states-retail-3pl-market/companies?utm_source=openpr

Conclusion

The US retail 3PL market forecast indicates steady expansion supported by continued growth in e-commerce, omnichannel retail, and outsourced logistics services. The market size will continue to grow as retailers seek logistics partners capable of managing complex distribution networks, supporting online retail fulfillment, and improving customer satisfaction. Logistics providers offering flexible, efficient, and integrated logistics solutions are expected to maintain strong market positions.

The future of the US retail 3PL industry will be shaped by continued investment in logistics infrastructure, fulfillment services, and transportation management solutions. As retailers continue to optimize supply chains and improve service quality, market growth will remain supported by outsourcing trends and evolving retail distribution models. Overall, the market trends highlight the growing importance of third-party logistics providers in supporting modern retail operations.

For more insights on the US retail 3PL market, please visit the Mordor Intelligence page:
https://www.mordorintelligence.com/industry-reports/united-states-retail-3pl-market?utm_source=openpr

Industry related reports:

Retail 3PL Market

The Retail 3PL Market was valued at USD 183.08 billion in 2025 and is projected to grow from USD 193.38 billion in 2026 to reach USD 254.24 billion by 2031, registering a CAGR of 5.63% during the forecast period. Growth is driven by the rapid expansion of e-commerce, increasing demand for last-mile delivery efficiency, and retailers' growing reliance on outsourced logistics to enhance supply chain agility and reduce operational costs.
Get more insights: https://www.mordorintelligence.com/industry-reports/global-retail-3pl-market?utm_source=openpr

Europe Contract Logistics Market size

The Europe Contract Logistics Market is estimated at USD 94.72 billion in 2026, up from USD 91.87 billion in 2025, and is expected to reach USD 110.25 billion by 2031, growing at a CAGR of 3.10%. Market growth is supported by the region's strong retail and manufacturing sectors, increasing automation in warehouses, and rising demand for integrated logistics solutions to optimize inventory management and distribution efficiency.
Get more insights: https://www.mordorintelligence.com/industry-reports/europe-contract-logistics-market?utm_source=openpr

Mexico 3PL Market share

The Mexico 3PL Market size is estimated at USD 25.51 billion in 2026, growing from USD 24.14 billion in 2025 to reach USD 33.58 billion by 2031, at a CAGR of 5.66%. Expansion is fueled by nearshoring trends, growth in cross-border trade with the United States and increasing investment in transportation infrastructure and warehousing to support manufacturing and retail supply chains.
Get more insights: https://www.mordorintelligence.com/industry-reports/mexico-3pl-market?utm_source=openpr

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This release was published on openPR.