Europe’s third-party logistics (3PL) sector sits at the heart of the continent’s supply chain modernization drive, providing shippers with rapid access to transport capacity, fulfillment infrastructure, and data-driven optimization tools. The market was valued at approximately €186.7 billion in 2024 and is forecast to expand at a healthy 5.6 % CAGR through 2030, underscoring the need for logistics managers to understand who does what in an increasingly specialised provider ecosystem.
Rising cross-border e-commerce, stricter sustainability rules, and a chronic driver shortage are prompting shippers to outsource more execution and analytics to external partners. Contract logistics already represents 34 % of total European logistics spend, and its share is still on the rise. In parallel, peak-season parcel volumes are expected to reach 6.2 billion shipments between October and December 2024, 9 % more than in 2023, adding pressure to last-mile networks.
Transportation-based 3PLs – Road, Rail, Sea & Air
Transportation-centred providers focus on physically moving freight and often own sizable truck, trailer or container fleets. One major asset-heavy operator in Europe recently reinforced its groupage network by acquiring a regional road specialist, widening next-day pallet coverage in Southern Europe. The same company is piloting battery-electric long-haul routes in collaboration with an infrastructure partner, demonstrating that 40-ton zero-emission trucks can achieve daily ranges of up to 600 km under European conditions. Other large players in this segment use their own vehicle fleets and chartered aircraft to ensure capacity during high-demand periods.
Warehouse / Distribution-based 3PLs – Fulfilment & Contract Logistics
Warehouse-based 3PLs centre on storage, value-added services, and order fulfilment. One leading contract logistics provider plans to bring a 65,000 m² multi-user campus online in Eastern Germany to support high-tech and e-commerce clients. In the UK, a logistics group recently invested approximately €269 million in a new hub capable of processing 1 million parcels per day, while generating 10 MW of solar energy. Market consolidation is also intensifying: a large domestic parcel carrier merged with the e-commerce logistics arm of a multinational provider to form a platform with annual capacity exceeding 1 billion parcels.
Forwarder-based 3PLs – Orchestrating Global Freight
Forwarder-led 3PLs act as non-asset brokers, stitching together carrier space across modes. A Berlin-based digital freight broker recently acquired the European operations of a global transport firm, doubling its revenue and expanding access to its proprietary logistics platform. Another start-up in the same market segment is exploring a potential merger after facing difficulties during recent investment rounds. These developments reflect both the growth opportunities and volatility of asset-light, tech-driven models.
Financial- & Information-based 3PLs – Data, Audit & Control Towers
Financial-oriented 3PLs specialise in freight bill audit, payment, and analytics. A Netherlands-based provider of freight audit solutions supports over 250 global clients by validating invoice data and delivering real-time cost insights. Meanwhile, information-centric providers offer cloud-based transport management systems (TMS), predictive analytics, and API integration tools to improve supply-chain visibility and control. Many of these tools are now bundled with broader logistics services as part of long-term managed transport contracts.
Specialist & Niche 3PLs – The Cold-Chain Boom
Cold-chain logistics is Europe’s fastest-growing 3PL niche, projected to grow from approximately €98.1 billion in 2024 to €331.7 billion by 2033 at a 14.1 % CAGR. This is largely driven by rising demand from the pharmaceutical, grocery, and perishable goods sectors. One global cold-storage operator expanded its footprint through acquisitions in Belgium and Italy, adding substantial port-side freezer space and thousands of pallet positions. In May 2025, the company further expanded into the Nordic region, enhancing its meat storage infrastructure and deploying energy-efficient CO₂ refrigeration systems. For shippers in life sciences, food, and floral supply chains, partnering with specialised cold-chain providers is increasingly necessary to meet regulatory and quality standards.
By matching each shipment profile to the appropriate provider archetype – transportation, warehouse, forwarder, financial, or niche – European logistics managers can secure the mix of capacity, visibility, and compliance their networks now demand.