Australia’s third-party logistics (3PL) sector is forecast to grow from USD 24.03 billion in 2024 to USD 44.32 billion by 2033, according to new research from IMARC Group.
The report projects a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 7.04 per cent, underpinned by rising e-commerce activity, supply chain digitisation, and increasing demand for value-added services.
The report identifies outsourcing trends across industries—including retail, manufacturing, and healthcare—as key drivers of growth, as businesses seek to streamline logistics while focusing on core operations. Technological advancements, particularly in automation and warehouse management systems (WMS), are also playing a central role in improving efficiency and scalability.
According to IMARC Group, 3PL providers are increasingly offering integrated services such as inventory management, transportation, customs brokerage, and last-mile delivery. This has allowed them to cater to shifting customer expectations around faster, more transparent, and cost-effective logistics.
Geographically, the report notes that New South Wales and Victoria remain dominant markets due to higher population density and industrial activity. However, infrastructure investments are accelerating demand in regions such as Queensland and Western Australia.
Other sources, including research by Expert Market Research, echo similar trends and highlight the entrance of global technology providers—such as Softeon’s 2024 launch in Australia and New Zealand—as a signal of increased regional competition and sophistication.
Major players in the Australian 3PL landscape include Toll Holdings, Linfox Australia, DB Schenker, Kuehne + Nagel, and CEVA Logistics, among others. These firms are investing in automation, sustainability, and integrated IT platforms to meet evolving market demands.
As consumer and B2B expectations around logistics continue to shift, analysts suggest the Australian 3PL market is positioned for sustained long-term growth.