UK Logistics Service Market Size, Share & Growth Forecast (2025-2035)
The UK logistics service market integrates freight forwarding, warehousing, transportation, value-added services, inventory management, and courier & parcel delivery to support diverse sectors including retail, manufacturing, healthcare, automotive, e-commerce, and food & beverage. Driven by technological advancements like IoT and automation, alongside evolving distribution channels and organization sizes, the market is adapting to post-Brexit regulations, sustainability imperatives, and digital transformation. As supply chain resilience and customer-centric delivery solutions become priorities, key players are innovating to capture opportunities amidst emerging challenges.
Latest Market Dynamics
Key Drivers
Rising e-commerce volumes fuel demand for swift and reliable last-mile delivery solutions, with Royal Mail and Hermes expanding fleet and parcel automation in 2025.
Adoption of digital technologies such as IoT-driven fleet tracking and warehouse management, as seen with DHL and GXO Logistics introducing smart logistics platforms.
Key Trends
Sustainability initiatives, with UPS and DSV transitioning to alternative fuel fleets and carbon-neutral warehousing.
Growing reliance on third-party logistics (3PL) providers, as demonstrated by Wincanton’s partnership expansions in retail and e-commerce sectors.
Key Opportunities
Investment in automated warehouses and robotics, with Amazon and Maersk enhancing fulfillment efficiency and scalability.
Deployment of blockchain for transparent and secure supply chain management, led by CEVA Logistics’ pilot projects in 2025.
Key Challenges
Port congestion and driver shortages causing capacity constraints, highlighted by XPO Logistics’ operational adjustments in major UK ports.
Complexity of complying with changing customs requirements post-Brexit, impacting operations for Kuehne + Nagel and DB Schenker.
Key Restraints
Rising fuel and transportation costs restricting profitability, as FedEx and DHL report higher operating expenses.
Cybersecurity threats targeting digital logistics platforms, with recent UPS data breach incidents underscoring digital risk vulnerabilities.
In 2025, transportation dominates the UK logistics service market, accounting for 38% of the total share. Freight forwarding (22%) and warehousing (18%) follow closely, as value-added services, inventory management, and courier & parcel delivery comprise the remainder. The dominance of transportation is driven by the surging need for efficient, nationwide movement of goods, particularly in response to rising online retail demand. Freight forwarding supports international trade flows, while warehousing benefits from automation and real-time inventory management. Market leaders continually invest in digital transformation and sustainability to maintain competitiveness, aligning operations with customer preferences and regulatory changes.
UK Logistics Service Market Share by Application, 2025
The retail sector commands the largest application share at 29% in the UK logistics service market for 2025, underscored by robust growth in e-commerce and omni-channel supply chain requirements. Manufacturing holds a 21% share, reflecting its dependence on integrated logistics for timely production and delivery. Healthcare, automotive, e-commerce, and food & beverage sectors make up the balance, with each leveraging specialized logistics solutions for compliance, temperature control, and rapid fulfillment. Market participants cater to evolving sector needs through dedicated services, flexible distribution models, and investments in digital platforms, enabling agility and reducing lead times.
UK Logistics Service Market Revenue (USD Million), 2020-2035
The UK logistics service market is projected to expand from $79,500 million in 2020 to $102,400 million in 2025, reaching $152,700 million by 2035. This steady growth is propelled by digitalization, last-mile delivery innovations, and rising demand from e-commerce and manufacturing. Structural shifts post-Brexit and ongoing supply chain investments by leading firms foster resilience, further amplifying market revenues. The strong CAGR over the period is also shaped by regulatory compliance, sustainability initiatives, and increased reliance on third-party logistics (3PL) partners, positioning the market as a critical enabler of the UK’s economic activities across industries.
UK Logistics Service Market YOY Growth (%), 2020-2035
Year-on-year growth in the UK logistics service market hovered between 5.2% and 7.8% from 2020 to 2025, peaking at 8.1% during the post-pandemic e-commerce surge in 2022. Growth moderates slightly after 2025, stabilizing at around 4.5% by 2035 as the industry matures and automation efficiencies are realized. The YOY trajectory reflects robust recovery from COVID-19 disruptions, ongoing infrastructure investments, and deepening logistics integration across value chains. Ongoing industry innovations and enhanced digital logistics solutions are expected to sustain mid-term growth while balancing macroeconomic headwinds and competitive pressures.
UK Logistics Service Market Share by Regions, 2025
England leads the UK's logistics service market with a commanding 64% share in 2025, owing to dense consumer populations and major commercial hubs such as London and the Midlands. Scotland and Wales capture 18% and 11%, respectively, supported by comprehensive infrastructure networks and manufacturing clusters. Northern Ireland contributes 7%, with evolving cross-border logistics and growing investments in distribution. Regional market differences are shaped by industry concentration, export-import activities, and transport infrastructure, with logistics providers optimizing operations and route planning to cater to distinct local and cross-country requirements.
The UK logistics service market in 2025 is led by DHL (14%), Royal Mail (11%), and Kuehne + Nagel (9%), reflecting their wide-ranging service portfolios and established networks. FedEx, DSV, and UPS collectively hold a further 25%, while the remainder is distributed among specialist logistics providers such as XPO Logistics, CEVA Logistics, Wincanton, Hermes, Agility Logistics, and others. Market concentration results from continuous investments in automation, digital platforms, and service diversification, with leaders responding swiftly to customer demands and industry trends.
Retailers form the largest logistics buyer segment in the UK, accounting for 33% of the market in 2025, reflecting a surge in omni-channel fulfillment. Manufacturers follow with 24%, leveraging specialized logistics solutions for raw material and finished goods movement. E-commerce platforms (18%), healthcare providers (13%), automotive firms (7%), and food & beverage companies (5%) complete the buyer landscape, each requiring tailored logistics strategies to ensure compliance, punctuality, and sustainability.
July 2024: DHL launched its fully automated distribution centre in Birmingham, increasing order processing capacity by 30%.
June 2024: Wincanton secured a multi-year retail contract with a major UK supermarket chain, expanding its grocery logistics operations.
August 2024: Maersk announced a UK market pilot for blockchain-enabled customs clearance, improving cross-border transaction speed.
July 2024: UPS expanded its UK electric delivery fleet, targeting zero-emissions in key city centres by 2030.
June 2024: CEVA Logistics opened a new pharma-grade cold chain warehouse near Manchester to strengthen healthcare logistics.
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About the Author
Abhishek
Senior Market Research Analyst
Abhishek is a Senior Market Research Analyst specializing in market research, industry analysis, and business consulting across Logistics. Abhishek 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, Abhishek has helped organizations translate data into actionable growth strategies.
