The U.S. pharmaceutical third-party logistics services market size is expected to reach USD 75.41 billion by 2030 and it is anticipated to grow at a CAGR of 8.90% from 2025 to 2030, according to a new report by Grand View Research, Inc. The market is driven due to the growing demand for efficient and secure supply chain solutions, increasing complexity in pharmaceutical distribution, and the need for compliance with stringent regulatory standards. Moreover, the rise in demand for temperature-sensitive and specialty drugs, such as biologics and vaccines, has heightened the importance of cold chain logistics, prompting pharmaceutical companies to rely on 3PL providers for advanced storage and transportation solutions.
Furthermore, is the development of advanced technologies to improve the efficiency and security of drug distribution is also contributing to the market growth. As pharmaceutical logistics operations become more complex, there is a growing reliance on automated data reporting systems to streamline compliance and performance monitoring. Automated reporting solutions help pharmaceutical 3PL providers generate real-time, accurate reports on key performance indicators (KPIs) such as on-time delivery rates, product condition, and regulatory compliance. These systems also automate the generation of reports required by regulatory bodies, reducing manual effort and ensuring that all necessary documentation is submitted on time.
In addition, the growing demand for temperature-sensitive pharmaceuticals and biopharmaceuticals is significantly fueling the expansion of the cold chain logistics market. Growing demand for the safe storage and transportation of these delicate products has led the companies to innovative cold chain solutions that safeguard product quality and efficacy. Moreover, increasing technological advancements by integrating artificial intelligence is further boosting the demand for cold chain logistics in the pharmaceutical sector. According to an article published by Pharmaceutical Commerce in October 2024, artificial intelligence (AI) has the potential to revolutionize the logistics of temperature-sensitive pharmaceuticals shipped through the cold chain in several transformative ways. AI can enhance the supply chain's efficiency and reliability through predictive analytics, real-time monitoring, and optimization of routes and resources.
Some of the key players in the market are Cencora Corporation, Kuehne+Nagel, Kerry Logistics Network Limited, Cardinal Health, McKesson Corporation, Thermo Fisher Scientific, among others. Market players are adopting key strategic initiatives to boost their market presence and expand their business. For instance, in April 2023, Kuehne+Nagel announced a 400,000 sq. ft. contract logistics fulfillment center near Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport. Positioned three miles from the terminals, the facility highlighted the company's strategic investment in healthcare logistics, designed to serve multiple clients with state-of-the-art capabilities.
Request a free sample copy or view report summary: U.S. Pharmaceutical Third-party Logistics Services Market Report
Based on product, the branded drugs segment dominated the market in 2024 due to growing incidence of chronic diseases such as diabetes, hypertension, and cardiovascular conditions. The increasing cases of these condition have led to the rising demand for branded drugs in the U.S.
Based on the temperature, ambient held the largest revenue share in 2024. Ambient storage is essential for products that do not require refrigeration or freezing, such as certain oral medications, over-the-counter drugs, among others.
Based on the therapeutic area, oncology held the largest revenue share in 2024. The market for the segment is likely to expand with an increasing number of cancer cases across the country. Furthermore, recent trends have shown a shifting focus towards pharmaceutical products with significant advancements made in the treatment of cancer.
Based on the manufacturer size, large held the largest revenue share in 2024. The large manufacturers have extensive resources and established supply chains. These companies typically have significant production capacities and a broad portfolio of products, which allows them to negotiate favorable terms with logistics providers.
Based on the service, storage and shipping held the largest revenue share in 2024. With the increasingly competitive business landscape and complex process, several pharmaceutical companies are constantly seeking new ways to optimize their supply chain productivity and ensure compliance with industry regulations, further adopting the 3PL storage and shipping services.
Grand View Research has segmented the U.S. pharmaceutical third-party logistics services market based on product type, temperature, therapeutic area, manufacturer size, and service:
U.S. Pharmaceutical Third-party Logistics Services Product Type Outlook (Revenue, USD Million, 2018 - 2030)
Branded
Generic
Biosimilar
Vaccine
Cell Therapy
Gene Therapy
Others
U.S. Pharmaceutical Third-party Logistics Services Temperature Outlook (Revenue, USD Million, 2018 - 2030)
Ambient
Refrigerated
Frozen
Ultra-frozen/Deep-Frozen
Cryogenic
U.S. Pharmaceutical Third-party Logistics Services Therapeutic Area Outlook (Revenue, USD Million, 2018 - 2030)
Oncology
Cardiovascular Diseases
Infectious Diseases
Neurology
Diabetes
Nephrology
Rheumatology
Allergy/Asthma
Gastroenterology
Ophthalmology
Others
U.S. Pharmaceutical Third-party Logistics Services Manufacturer Size Outlook (Revenue, USD Million, 2018 - 2030)
Large
Medium
Small
U.S. Pharmaceutical Third-party Logistics Services Service Outlook (Revenue, USD Million, 2018 - 2030)
Storage and Shipping
Order-to-cash
Title Model
DSCSA and Serialization Services
Pharmaceutical Sampling
Others
List of Key Players in the U.S. Pharmaceutical Third-party Logistics Services market
CEVA Logistics
Cencora Corporation (ICS)
DB SCHENKER
Kuehne+Nagel
Kerry Logistics Network Limited
Cardinal Health
McKesson Corporation
EVERSANA
Thermo Fisher Scientific
Knipper Health
"The quality of research they have done for us has been excellent..."