India Fourth Party Logistics Market Assessment, By Type, By End-user, By Mode, By Region, Opportunities and Forecast, FY2018-FY2032F

India fourth-party logistics market is projected to witness a CAGR of 8.41% during the forecast period FY2025-FY2032, growing from USD 6.22 billion in FY2024 to USD 11.87 billion in FY2032. A fourth-party logistics provider manages the entire business supply chain, often combining and overseeing various third-party logistics providers. While third-party logistics focus on providing one-to-many logistics services within warehousing or transportation, fourth-party logistics (4PL) provides a comprehensive logistics integrator, focusing on designing and optimizing a total supply chain strategy.

India 4PL market has seen a significant rise with decisive factors such as government initiatives and technology advancement. The National Logistics Policy by the Indian government, in combination with Make in India and Digital India, has helped create a foundation for the logistics segment. Also, the entry of AI and the Internet of Things, along with blockchain, has transformed the processes of logistics significantly by making them intricate, efficient, and transparent.

It has been driven significantly by the need for e-commerce, which forces companies to outsource their entire logistics functions to maximize the efficiency of last-mile delivery and warehousing. Growth in cross-border trade and the pressure for efficient international logistics have increased the demand for 4PL service providers. The development of infrastructures, such as highways and freight corridors, adds mileage to the country's logistics network. Rising interest in sustainability results in the adoption of green logistics, which is being met by 4PL service providers, therefore, the industry will continue to expand.

Moreover, the Indian government is hopeful and has been making efforts to grow logistics. For instance, the government has implemented many regulatory reforms, including the adoption of e-way bills, fast tags, e-invoicing, and GPS-based toll collection, which contribute to the evolution of the Indian logistics market. The government is making efforts to reduce the logistics share of the country's GDP from 14% to 9% by introducing a National Logistics Policy that aims to establish a single-window e-logistics market.

E-commerce Boom to Support 4PL Logistics Market

The growth of e-commerce in India has been witnessed due to increased internet access, greater smartphone usage, an increasing and better-income middle class, and the ease of online purchase. Numerous products are available at online stores, including international brands, that gain consumers' attraction. The growth of India 4PL logistics market has risen as the demand for convenient services, such as warehousing, inventory management, and last-mile delivery, has increased. Thus, companies connected with e-commerce are integrating the latest technologies, such as AI and IoT, into their services to bring more efficiency. Since, e-commerce has increased, more warehouses and fulfillment centers are coming into play in the 4PL market to make deliveries in the stipulated time.

In a nutshell, this rapidly growing demand for efficient logistics solutions in India has pushed the growth rate of the 4PL logistics market. Advanced technologies, warehousing infrastructure, and fast delivery services have brought e-commerce platforms and 4PL providers closer to meeting the increasing consumer expectations in terms of online shopping.

For instance, as per TRAI's Indian Telecom Services Performance Indicators from January to March 2024, the internet penetration in India as of March 2024 was over 954 million, and the number of telephone subscribers as of July 2024 was over 1205 million due to factors such as increasing smartphone penetration, increased affluence, and low data prices, providing impetus for e-retail growth. This indicates how e-commerce is growing substantially, leading to the growth of India fourth-party logistics market.

Technological Advancements Fueling Market Growth

Technological integration drives efficiency as cost savings are being harnessed. AI and ML for better supply chain management, IoT for real-time tracking, and better use of assets are some advancements that have transformed the market scenario. Blockchain enhances security and transparency in transactions. Cloud computing enables scalable logistics operations, and advanced analytics optimizes routes and performance. Robotics and automation help streamline warehouse processes, reducing costs in terms of labor and errors. In addition, the use of digital platforms improve coordination between all stakeholders in the supply chain and, therefore, leads to reduced delays. Additionally, technologies allow 4PL providers to provide customers with better and more efficient, cost-effective, and reliable logistics solutions. For instance, in July 2024, CEVA Logistics AG came out with an innovative solution by inserting IoT trackable devices into over 20,000 of their reusable shipping boxes. CEVA integrated the latest tracking technology at its service centers during the assembly process at the bottom of their boxes. It provides every box with four RFID tags, coupled with IoT devices that allow real-time tracking and monitoring capabilities. Customers can lease these boxes, giving access to a comprehensive packaging ecosystem that improves supply chain visibility and efficiency.

Government Initiatives Acting as a Catalyst

The Indian government has launched several initiatives to support the growth of the 4PL market. The National Logistics Policy aims to reduce logistics costs and improve supply chain efficiency. The production-linked incentive (PLI) scheme will be used to promote key sectors, including logistics, to boost domestic manufacturing and supply chain infrastructures. PM Gati Shakti, the National Master Plan will aim to increase multimodal connectivity for better logistics and transportation efficiency. Startup India mainly aims to innovate logistics through funds, mentorship, and regulation for startups. Digital India promotes the building of digital infrastructure, which allows logistics companies to embrace technologies such as AI, IoT, and blockchain for better operational efficiency. Altogether, the above-mentioned initiatives result in improved infrastructure and cost efficiencies, besides offering innovation, thus driving the growth of the 4PL market.

For instance, in September 2022, Prime Minister Narendra Modi launched the National Logistics Policy (NLP) in Vigyan Bhawan, New Delhi. The policy aims to lower the cost of logistics from the existing 13-14% and lead it to par with other developed countries. This will increase the competitiveness of Indian products in local and international markets.

Road Transport to Dominate Market Share

Road transport is most widely used in India 4PL logistics market due to several key reasons. India has one of the largest road networks worldwide, covering more than 6.67 million kilometers, and thus accessible even to the most isolated areas. Also, the cost-effectiveness of road transport, particularly for short to medium distances, and the flexibility of routes and schedules help in reducing costs. Another significant factor is that road transport provides last-mile delivery. It, therefore, becomes very essential in sectors, such as e-commerce, that rely heavily on timely delivery services. Once again, since it is possible to offer diversity in transportation, perishable goods and heavy machinery can be transported easily in different directions and commodity sizes, making the mode a versatile option for quite a significant number of logistics needs.

In January 2024, the government announced that it is working on a plan to build 6000 km of electric vehicle-ready highways on the Golden Quadrilateral in a major effort towards reducing fuel consumption and vehicular emissions through the electrification of intercity public transport. This is planned over the next seven years to accelerate the adoption of e-mobility and support the deployment of e-buses across the country.

North to Dominate India Fourth-party Logistics Market Share

Northern India, especially Delhi NCR, dominates India 4PL logistics market due to its strategic location, offering excellent connectivity across the country. Robust infrastructure, highways, railways, and airports would easily promote the movement of goods, while Delhi NCR is the main economic hub and hosts many industry units, manufacturing hubs, and e-commerce companies, which generate high demand for the services of logistics. These factors make it an important supply chain activity center, thus becoming the leader in India fourth-party logistics market.

For instance, in June 2024, Swedish furniture giant IKEA launched its facility in Delhi-NCR, bolstered by strengthened supply chains and improved demand forecasting techniques. To ensure seamless execution, IKEA partnered with long-term service providers for last-mile delivery and warehousing. This strategy is expected to be surrounded by satellite cities to maximize reach.

Future Market Scenario (FY2025 - FY2032F)

The efficiency and cost-effectiveness of logistics processes would increasingly be driven by the adoption of advanced technologies such as AI, IoT, blockchain, and cloud computing.

Government policies such as the National Logistics Policy, PM Gati Shakti, and Make in India would continue to improve the logistics infrastructure and propel growth.

Increasing emphasis on the development of sustainable logistics practices enhances the adoption of eco-friendly solutions and technologies.

As India builds a more substantial position in global trade, the demand for effective cross-border logistics and supply chain management is expected to increase.

Key Players Landscape and Outlook

Indian 4PL logistics market is competitive and fragmented due to the presence of multinational and local players. Competitions are seen based on technology integration, service quality, cost efficiency, and the overall ability to offer a comprehensive solution for supply chain management. Growth is driven by the complexity of global supply chains and rising demand for advanced logistics. During the process of consolidation, companies encounter challenges that include regulatory compliance, operational costs, and technological advancements. Achieving success is contingent upon effectively navigating challenges and providing value-added services.

In October 2024, The Universal Postal Union declared Deutsche Post AG, together with Swiss Post, as the best postal service provider in the world. These findings are based on the UN specialized agency's annual study analyzing the development and performance of 174 postal service operators around the globe.

In May 2024, United Parcel Service (UPS) Inc. is in discussions with various Indian state governments to produce tracking tags for packages in the country. UPS aims to capitalize on India's semiconductor investments, aligning with the Prime Minister's goal of bolstering the nation's chip manufacturing capabilities.