UK Ground Cargo Handling Services Market: Insights, Trends, and Forecast (2020-2035)
The UK ground cargo handling services market is witnessing accelerated growth driven by technological advancements and rising logistics demands. Companies are focusing on automating operations and integrating digital solutions, such as RFID and IoT, to streamline cargo movement across airports, seaports, railways, and road terminals. Moreover, investments in infrastructure and security screening, alongside the expansion of express logistics services, are shaping the evolving landscape. The sector spans diverse channels including direct, online, logistics partners, and third-party agents, catering to the needs of small, medium, and large organizations. As the market size is poised for multi-million dollar growth, strategic partnerships and sustainable solutions remain key to competitive advantage.
Latest Market Dynamics
Key Drivers
Rising Demand for E-commerce Logistics: The exponential growth of e-commerce in the UK has intensified the need for efficient ground cargo handling, with companies like DHL Supply Chain
enhancing last-mile delivery and real-time tracking capabilities in 2025.
Automation and Smart Technology Adoption: The quick adoption of automated handling, guided vehicles, and RFID/barcode systems, as seen in Swissport International’s new automated UK cargo terminal, is optimizing operational efficiency.
Key Trends
Sustainable and Green Logistics Initiatives: Leading providers such as Menzies Aviation are investing in electric vehicles and eco-friendly equipment to reduce carbon emissions in cargo handling.
Integration of Digital Platforms: The rise of cloud-based cargo tracking and data analytics, demonstrated by CEVA Logistics UK’s cloud rollout, is enabling smarter decision-making and real-time visibility in 2025.
Key Opportunities
Expansion into Regional Cargo Hubs: Investment in secondary airports and seaports creates avenues for new service offerings, as exemplified by dnata UK’s recent facility openings in regional hubs.
Customized Cargo Solutions for SMEs: Increased focus on SME needs, such as flexible warehousing and tailored distribution, is being led by Agility Logistics UK.
Key Challenges
Labour Shortages and Skills Gap: The sector faces persistent workforce shortages, prompting firms like WFS to ramp up training and automation investments in 2025.
Regulatory Compliance Complexity: Frequent changes in customs and security protocols, especially after Brexit, increase operational compliance challenges for players such as DB Schenker UK.
Key Restraints
High Initial Investment for Automation: Companies face steep capital costs for new automated cargo systems, hindering adoption among smaller providers.
Infrastructure Bottlenecks: Physical constraints and congestion at major UK logistics nodes, especially in London, limit scalability and service speed.
UK Ground Cargo Handling Services Market Share by Type, 2025
In 2025, automated handling methods lead the UK ground cargo handling services market with a significant share, reflecting industry-wide efforts to improve operational efficiency. Manual handling, while still essential for certain cargo types, continues to decline as clients demand faster, scalable, and safer solutions. Palletizing and advanced container handling are on the rise, owing to increased containerized shipments and e-commerce packages. Cargo screening, mandated by security standards, secures a solid foothold, while 'Others' includes specialized, niche services tailored to client-specific needs. The trend towards automation is expected to intensify, with companies prioritizing technology investments to maintain a competitive edge and uphold regulatory standards.
UK Ground Cargo Handling Services Market Share by Applications, 2025
By application, airport cargo services form the largest segment, reflecting the UK's role as an international air freight gateway. Road cargo ranks second driven by robust domestic e-commerce and retail logistics. Courier & express services, bolstered by faster parcel delivery expectations, also capture a major portion. Railway and seaport cargo are crucial for bulk goods and cross-border trade. Others encapsulate internal plant logistics and niche markets. This landscape demonstrates the intertwined nature of multi-modal transportation, highlighting how integrated logistics partners, like DSV UK, deliver efficient movement across different cargo types and customer requirements.
UK Ground Cargo Handling Services Market Revenue (USD Million, 2020-2035)
The UK ground cargo handling services market demonstrated strong revenue growth from 2020 to 2025, rising from 3,950 Million USD in 2020 to 6,850 Million USD in 2025. The forecast period from 2025 to 2035 anticipates continued growth, fueled by technology modernization, rising e-commerce freight, and regulatory compliance needs. Increasing demand for automated and cloud-based solutions also contributes to the market’s upward trajectory, with a projected revenue reaching 14,290 Million USD by 2035. The acceleration post-2025 mirrors sustained investments across transport nodes and increased trade facilitation.
UK Ground Cargo Handling Services Market YOY (%) Growth (2020-2035)
Year-on-year growth rates for the UK ground cargo handling services market indicate robust expansion, with the highest surge observed during 2021–2023, driven by post-pandemic recovery and booming e-commerce. Growth moderates but remains stable through 2025 and beyond, reflecting maturation and steady digitization. The adoption of automation and logistics digitalization contributes to consistent mid-single-digit percentage YOY growth. This momentum is sustained into the forecast period, despite periodic challenges such as labour shortages and economic uncertainty.
UK Ground Cargo Handling Services Market by Regions Share (%), 2025
The distribution of the UK ground cargo handling services market by region in 2025 is led by Greater London and the South East, attributed to major transport hubs like Heathrow and the Port of Southampton. The Midlands follows, acting as a vital logistics corridor for manufacturing and warehousing. The North of England, including Manchester and Liverpool, sees substantive activity rooted in multi-modal infrastructure. Other regions include Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland, serving as strategic access points for cross-border and offshore trade. The regional diversity signifies the geographical breadth and logistical complexity of the market.
UK Ground Cargo Handling Services Market Players Share (%), 2025
In 2025, the competitive landscape is moderately consolidated, with top players holding significant market shares. Swissport International leads with a broad portfolio and expansive network. Menzies Aviation and dnata UK also command large shares owing to strategic investments and technology deployments. DHL Supply Chain and CEVA Logistics increasingly capitalize on growing e-commerce logistics. Smaller challengers, like CargoLogicAir, maintain influence in specialized verticals. This distribution indicates healthy competition and ongoing innovation within the upper echelons of the market.
UK Ground Cargo Handling Services Market Buyers Share (%), 2025
Buyers in the UK ground cargo handling services market in 2025 are dominated by large enterprises and multinational retailers, a consequence of extensive supply chain requirements. SMEs constitute a smaller share but are seeing growth as bespoke handling and logistics services become more accessible. Third-party logistics providers and courier aggregators make up the rest, leveraging integrated solutions from major players and regional specialists. The buyer profile reflects the dynamic needs and evolving procurement strategies of businesses operating in the UK's competitive logistics ecosystem.
Study Coverage
Metrics
Details
Years
2020-2035
Base Year
2025
Market Size
6850
Regions
Greater London & South East, Midlands, North England, Scotland, Wales, Northern Ireland
June 2024: Swissport International inaugurates a fully automated cargo handling facility at London Heathrow, increasing throughput by 30%.
July 2024: Menzies Aviation announces partnership with EV fleet provider to deploy electric cargo vehicles at UK airports.
August 2024: DB Schenker UK launches a new digital customs clearance portal to streamline compliance for importers and exporters.
September 2024: DHL Supply Chain opens an advanced regional e-commerce fulfilment hub supporting rapid delivery in the Midlands.
October 2024: dnata UK expands its cargo operations with a new state-of-the-art terminal in Manchester.
Frequently Asked Questions
About the Author
Clara
Senior Market Research Analyst
Clara is a Senior Market Research Analyst specializing in market research, industry analysis, and business consulting across Logistics. Clara brings a commercially grounded perspective to sectors shaped by changing demand, innovation, and competitive dynamics, helping turn complex market trends into clear strategic insights for business decision-makers. With 10+ years of experience across research, analytics, and strategic advisory roles, Clara has helped organizations translate data into actionable growth strategies.
