Biopharmaceutical third-party logistics (3PL) has emerged as a critical pillar for the life sciences sector, empowering companies to tackle the rapidly evolving challenges of global drug delivery. As biologics, personalized medicines, and vaccines become more prevalent, logistics experts play an increasingly vital role—ensuring temperature-sensitive products reach patients safely, securely, and on time across continents.

According to Straits Research, the global biopharmaceutical third-party logistics sector was valued at USD139.09 billion in 2024 and is projected to expand from USD147.24 billion in 2025 to USD232.22 billion by 2033, at a notable CAGR of 5.86% between 2025 and 2033. This upward trend signals not only greater demand for efficient distribution but also rising investments in advanced cold chain and digital solutions to support clinical trial shipments, biologic therapies, and global vaccination drives.

Leading Players and Regional Activities

A select group of multinational companies and innovative regional providers drive progress within biopharmaceutical third-party logistics:

• DHL International GmbH (Germany): Renowned for its worldwide network and cutting-edge cold chain infrastructure, DHL has invested in real-time sensor technology and automated warehousing, responding to Europe’s growing biopharma needs and supporting innovative biologic launches in Germany, Switzerland, and the Benelux countries.

• FedEx Express (USA): FedEx has introduced AI-augmented route optimization and real-time monitoring for temperature-controlled shipments. Notably, in August 2023, FedEx Express teamed up with Gyeongsangbuk-do to support South Korean biopharma SMEs entering the logistics sector. These advances are vital for ensuring safe delivery and compliance across North America and Asia-Pacific.

• United Parcel Service (UPS) (USA): UPS continues to expand its healthcare logistics capabilities, emphasizing robust regulatory compliance and supporting new vaccine and biosimilar launches throughout North America and Latin America.

• Cencora/ AmerisourceBergen (USA): With significant investment in automation and GMP-compliant facilities, Cencora has scaled capacity for drug storage, importation, and QA in North America and Europe. In November 2023, its Canadian subsidiary, Innomar Strategies, launched a new logistics center designed for advanced biologic handling.

• SF Express (China): SF Express is building out state-of-the-art cold chain networks and partnering with local authorities to facilitate biologic and vaccine shipments within China’s fast-growing life sciences sector.

• DB Schenker (Germany), Kuehne + Nagel (Switzerland), Kerry Logistics Network (Hong Kong), Agility Public Warehousing (Kuwait): These providers anchor the logistics infrastructure supporting global clinical trials, specialty drugs, and supply chain resilience from Europe to Asia-Pacific and the Middle East.

Regional Growth and Country-wise Developments

North America

The United States remains a global leader in biopharmaceutical logistics, with providers like FedEx, Cencora, and UPS expanding AI-driven tracking, warehouse automation, and GMP-compliant facilities. Canada is rapidly growing, fueled by pharmaceutical innovation and investment in cold chain storage and quality assurance—Innomar Strategies’ new logistics hub is a prominent example.

Asia-Pacific

Asia-Pacific is projected for the highest expansion, driven by China and India’s surging pharmaceutical production and South Korea’s increasing partnership with international 3PL experts. These countries invest heavily in cold chain infrastructure, regulatory upgrades, and global distribution partnerships to facilitate vaccine and biologics exports, as well as clinical trial logistics. South Korea’s collaboration with FedEx highlights the region’s commitment to improving export readiness for its biotech companies.

Europe

The continent’s growth is anchored in strong regulatory environments and the trend toward outsourcing among pharmaceutical companies. Germany, Switzerland, and the UK are leading the adoption of high-tech logistics, digital compliance, and efficient chilled transport for biosimilars, vaccines, and gene therapies. DHL and DB Schenker are central to supporting drug launches and sustained clinical research activities.

Middle East and Latin America

Kuwait’s Agility and other regional firms are investing in cold chain expansion and compliance, supporting vaccine campaigns and biologic distribution across emerging markets. Latin America sees growing demand for temperature-sensitive logistics as the region boosts drug manufacturing and healthcare initiatives.

Technology Trends Transforming the Sector

Several trends are reshaping biopharmaceutical third-party logistics in 2025:

• AI, Automation, and Data Analytics: Advanced analytics for demand forecasting, automated storage/retrieval systems, and AI-powered route planning are now mainstays, dramatically improving inventory accuracy and reducing transportation delays.

• Real-time Monitoring and Blockchain Traceability: Sensor-driven temperature and humidity monitoring, as well as blockchain-enabled provenance, ensure quality control and regulatory compliance for high-value shipments.

• Sustainability Initiatives: Logistics leaders are investing in green supply chains, electric vehicles, and eco-friendly packaging to limit carbon footprint and enhance sustainability, especially for European clients.

• Personalized and On-demand Delivery: The shift toward gene therapies and personalized medicine has increased demand for small-batch, rapid-response delivery models, prompting the growth of flexible and agile distribution services.

• Regulatory Compliance: Providers continue to refine protocols and invest in training to meet GMP and GxP standards, essential for client trust in the supply of life-saving drugs worldwide.

• Expansion of Clinical Trial Logistics: With the outsourcing of clinical research across regions, 3PL firms provide specialized services for sample handling, data integrity, and regulatory coordination.

Latest News and Milestones

• In August 2023, FedEx Express partnered with Gyeongsangbuk-do, aiding South Korean biopharma SMEs in international logistics operations.

• November 2023 saw Innomar Strategies (Cencora) open a new GMP-compliant logistics center in Canada, featuring cutting-edge storage and QA services.

• DHL and UPS launched new AI-powered diagnostic tracking and automated warehouses in Germany and the USA, boosting speed, security, and flexibility for biologic shipments.

• Asia-Pacific governments have accelerated funding for cold chain infrastructure, supporting clinical trial expansion and global vaccine distribution partnerships.

Article Summary

The biopharmaceutical third-party logistics sector is redefining global drug distribution through innovation, partnerships, and technology. AI, automation, and advanced cold chain solutions are powering safe, cost-effective platforms for biologic, vaccine, and personalized therapy delivery worldwide.