Austria Logistics and Warehousing Market Outlook to 2029

The report titled “Austria Logistics and Warehousing Market Outlook to 2029 – By Market Structure, By Type of Services, By End-User Industries, By Mode of Transportation, By Type of Warehousing, and By Region” provides a comprehensive analysis of the logistics and warehousing industry in Austria. The report covers an overview and genesis of the industry, overall market size in terms of revenue, market segmentation, key trends and developments, regulatory landscape, customer-level profiling, challenges and constraints, and comparative landscape including competition scenario, cross-segment comparison, opportunities and bottlenecks, and company profiling of major logistics and warehousing service providers. The report concludes with future market projections based on revenue, service offerings, geographic expansion, cause-and-effect relationships, and success case studies highlighting major opportunities and risk factors.

Austria Logistics and Warehousing Market Overview and Size

The Austria logistics and warehousing market reached a valuation of EUR 8.6 Billion in 2023, supported by the country’s strategic location in Central Europe, its advanced infrastructure, and growing demand for integrated supply chain solutions across manufacturing, retail, and e-commerce sectors. The market is characterized by the presence of leading players such as Gebrüder Weiss, DB Schenker, Quehenberger Logistics, Kuehne + Nagel, and Lagermax. These companies are recognized for their strong service capabilities across freight forwarding, contract logistics, last-mile delivery, and temperature-controlled warehousing.

In 2023, Quehenberger Logistics launched a multi-client automated warehouse facility in Upper Austria to cater to rising demand from the FMCG and fashion sectors. Vienna and Linz continue to dominate as key logistics hubs due to their proximity to major road and rail corridors, cross-border connectivity, and industrial concentration.

Market Size for Austria Logistics and Warehousing Industry on the Basis of Revenue in USD Billion, 2018-2024

What Factors are Leading to the Growth of Austria Logistics and Warehousing Market:

• Strategic Location and Trade Integration: Austria's geographic location at the heart of Europe and its membership in the European Union have positioned it as a key transit and distribution hub. Approximately 74% of Austria’s freight volume in 2023 was attributed to cross-border trade with Germany, Italy, and the CEE region, bolstering demand for transit and customs clearance services.

• E-commerce and Consumer Behavior: The rapid growth of e-commerce, with online retail sales crossing EUR 10 billion in 2023, has significantly impacted demand for urban warehousing, last-mile delivery, and fulfillment centers. 3PL providers are investing in automation, digital inventory management, and fleet optimization to meet these evolving consumer needs.

• Infrastructure and Technology Advancement: Austria boasts a high-quality logistics infrastructure with over 2,200 km of highways, modern rail networks, and efficient intermodal terminals. Government incentives to digitalize logistics operations and promote green transport (e.g., low-emission fleets, rail freight subsidies) have encouraged logistics companies to adopt tech-enabled, sustainable practices.

Which Industry Challenges Have Impacted the Growth of Austria Logistics and Warehousing Market

• Labor Shortages and Rising Wages: One of the key challenges facing Austria’s logistics sector is the shortage of skilled labor, particularly in warehousing and long-haul trucking. According to the Austrian Federal Economic Chamber, nearly 18% of logistics firms reported unfilled positions in 2023, impacting service quality and operational capacity. Additionally, rising labor costs — with average logistics wages growing by 4.5% YoY — have squeezed profit margins for SMEs and regional logistics providers.

• Urban Congestion and Delivery Restrictions: In densely populated urban areas such as Vienna, Innsbruck, and Salzburg, increasing traffic congestion and regulatory restrictions on delivery hours have disrupted last-mile logistics. Studies show that average delivery times in urban zones rose by 12% between 2020 and 2023, leading to higher operational costs and lower customer satisfaction in e-commerce and B2B deliveries.

• Infrastructure Bottlenecks: Although Austria has a strong transportation infrastructure, certain bottlenecks — particularly at border crossings and intermodal hubs — have led to capacity constraints. The Brenner corridor, a key north-south trade route, regularly faces truck restrictions and environmental toll regulations, affecting transit reliability. In 2023, over 1,500 hours of freight delay were recorded along this corridor.

What are the Regulations and Initiatives that have Governed the Market

• Green Logistics Subsidies: The Austrian government, in alignment with EU Green Deal goals, offers subsidies and grants for the adoption of low-emission vehicles, sustainable warehouse designs, and digital route optimization. In 2023, EUR 85 million was allocated for green logistics initiatives, which supported over 600 logistics operators in upgrading to electric or hybrid fleets and sustainable building retrofits.

• Transport Emission Regulations: Austria enforces strict emissions regulations for freight transport, particularly in alpine regions. These include night-time driving bans, sectoral driving prohibitions (e.g., for non-clean trucks), and environmental tolls under the ASFINAG tolling system. In 2023, more than 20% of diesel-heavy trucks were redirected or penalized due to non-compliance.

• Warehouse and Fire Safety Codes: Warehousing operations are governed by a stringent regulatory framework focusing on fire safety, hazardous material storage, and occupational health. Inspections are mandatory for high-capacity warehouses and automated storage facilities. In 2023, approximately 92% of registered warehousing facilities passed their annual safety inspections without any critical violations.

Austria Logistics and Warehousing Market Segmentation

• By Market Structure: The Austrian logistics and warehousing market is primarily driven by organized players, especially in urban and cross-border logistics operations. Large-scale logistics firms, such as DB Schenker, Kuehne + Nagel, and Gebrüder Weiss, dominate the market due to their integrated service offerings, advanced IT infrastructure, and strong B2B relationships. These companies provide end-to-end logistics solutions including freight forwarding, contract logistics, and value-added warehousing services. However, unorganized and regional operators continue to play a vital role in last-mile deliveries and rural freight, leveraging local networks and lower overhead costs to serve niche clients.

• By Type of Services:Freight forwarding remains the dominant service vertical, accounting for a significant share due to Austria’s strategic position as a transit country within Europe. Contract logistics and warehousing have also grown rapidly, driven by increasing demand from e-commerce and FMCG sectors. In particular, temperature-controlled warehousing and fulfillment services are expanding due to rising pharmaceutical and food product demand. Last-mile delivery services are growing faster in urban centers where consumer expectations around delivery speed and flexibility are higher.

• By Mode of Transportation:Road freight dominates the transportation mix in Austria due to its flexibility, network reach, and high-quality road infrastructure. Rail freight holds a notable share, supported by government initiatives promoting modal shift from road to rail, particularly for long-haul and cross-border shipments. Air freight is concentrated around Vienna International Airport, primarily catering to high-value or time-sensitive goods, while inland waterways serve limited but important functions along the Danube for bulk transport.

Competitive Landscape in Austria Logistics and Warehousing Market

The Austria logistics and warehousing market is moderately consolidated, with a mix of long-established players and newer entrants offering innovative, technology-driven services. Large players such as Gebrüder Weiss, DB Schenker, Quehenberger Logistics, Kuehne + Nagel, and Lagermax dominate the market due to their extensive regional presence, multimodal capabilities, and strong infrastructure. Meanwhile, a wave of digital freight platforms and specialized cold chain and urban logistics providers is adding diversity and competition to the ecosystem.

Some of the recent competitor trends and key information about market participants include:

• Gebrüder Weiss: One of Austria’s oldest and most established logistics firms, Gebrüder Weiss reported a revenue of over EUR 3 billion globally in 2023, with Austria accounting for a significant share. The company invested in automated warehousing solutions and green fleet initiatives, aiming to reduce carbon emissions by 10% annually. In 2023, it opened a new logistics terminal in Wels to expand cross-border e-commerce capabilities.

• DB Schenker Austria: Operating as part of the global DB Schenker network, the Austria unit continues to lead in freight forwarding and contract logistics. The company implemented AI-powered route optimization for road freight in 2023, resulting in a 7% reduction in delivery time. It also expanded rail freight operations to Eastern Europe, reinforcing its cross-border logistics capabilities.

• Quehenberger Logistics: Known for its retail and fashion logistics expertise, Quehenberger reported a 15% YoY increase in fulfillment and last-mile services in 2023, largely driven by e-commerce growth. The company also launched a new multi-user warehouse in Upper Austria, featuring real-time inventory tracking and energy-efficient systems.

• Kuehne + Nagel Austria: The Austrian arm of the Swiss global logistics provider has seen increasing demand in pharma logistics and temperature-controlled warehousing. In 2023, it partnered with major healthcare companies to provide GDP-compliant cold chain services, particularly for vaccine and biotech logistics across Central Europe.

• Lagermax: Lagermax specializes in automotive logistics and warehousing and plays a critical role in distribution networks for OEMs across Austria and neighboring countries. The company reported growth in value-added services such as pre-delivery inspections and vehicle customization, and is expanding its warehousing footprint in southern Austria to cater to increased demand from industrial clients.

What Lies Ahead for Austria Logistics and Warehousing Market?

The Austria logistics and warehousing market is projected to grow steadily through 2029, supported by technological advancements, strategic trade positioning, sustainability mandates, and evolving consumer demands. The market is expected to register a moderate to high CAGR during the forecast period, with both traditional logistics providers and tech-driven startups contributing to its transformation.

• Expansion of E-commerce and Urban Warehousing: With e-commerce sales in Austria expected to exceed EUR 13 billion by 2029, there will be increasing demand for urban and micro-fulfillment centers, particularly in cities like Vienna and Graz. These compact, tech-enabled warehouses will enable faster last-mile delivery, meeting rising consumer expectations for same-day or next-day fulfillment.

• Rise of Green Logistics and Fleet Electrification: Environmental regulations and EU Green Deal targets will push logistics providers toward greener operations. By 2029, a significant share of fleets is expected to transition to electric or low-emission vehicles, supported by government subsidies and expanding charging infrastructure. Warehousing facilities will also move towards net-zero energy models with solar rooftops, energy-efficient designs, and green certifications.

• Technological Integration and Automation: The adoption of IoT, AI, and robotics in warehousing and transport management is set to increase. Technologies such as automated guided vehicles (AGVs), predictive inventory systems, and digital freight platforms will enhance efficiency, reduce errors, and lower operating costs. By 2029, over 40% of Austrian warehouses are expected to use some form of automation or AI-driven inventory control.

• Growth of Cold Chain Logistics: Austria’s pharmaceutical, food, and high-value perishables sectors are driving demand for cold chain solutions. With the rise in biologics, precision medicines, and export-oriented food production, investments in GDP-compliant and temperature-monitored warehousing and transport infrastructure are expected to surge.

Future Outlook and Projections for Austria Logistics and Warehousing Market on the Basis of Revenues in USD Billion, 2024-2029

Austria Logistics and Warehousing Market Segmentation

• By Market Structure:
o Organized Sector
o Unorganized Sector
o Multinational 3PL Companies
o Local Regional Logistics Players
o Asset-Light Operators
o Value-Added Warehousing Providers
o State-Owned and Public Sector Logistics Entities

• By Type of Services:
o Freight Forwarding (Road, Rail, Air, Water)
o Contract Logistics
o Last-Mile Delivery
o Cold Chain Logistics
o Warehousing and Storage
o Customs Brokerage
o Inventory Management & Fulfillment

• By Mode of Transportation:
o Road Freight
o Rail Freight
o Air Freight
o Inland Waterways
o Multimodal/Intermodal Logistics

• By Type of Warehousing:
o General Purpose Warehouses
o Cold Storage Facilities
o Dry and Bonded Warehouses
o E-commerce Fulfillment Centers
o Automated Warehouses
o Distribution Hubs

• By End-User Industry:
o E-commerce and Retail
o Automotive and Machinery
o Pharmaceuticals and Healthcare
o Food and Beverage
o FMCG and Consumer Goods
o Construction and Industrial
o Textile and Fashion

• By Region:
o Eastern Austria (Vienna, Lower Austria, Burgenland)
o Central Austria (Styria, Upper Austria)
o Western Austria (Tyrol, Salzburg, Vorarlberg, Carinthia)
o Cross-border Corridors (Brenner, Vienna-Bratislava, Alpine Passes)

Players Mentioned in the Report:

Freight Forwarding Companies

• JAS Worldwide
• ACS Logistics GmbH & Co KG
• CARGOMIND Austria GmbH
• Danube Shipping Management Service GmbH
• IBC Internationale Spedition GmbH
• JCL Logistics Austria GmbH
• Lagermax Speditions AG
• Fernfracht
• FERCAM Austria
• Daco Logistics GmbH
• Jet Trans Speditions GmbH
• Zenit Spedition GmbH & Co KG
• Gebrüder Weiss 

Warehousing Companies

• Spedman Group
• Gartner KG
• Nothegger Transport Logistik GmbH
• Walter Lager-Betriebe
• Lagermax Logistics Austria GmbH
• Rhenus Austria
• DB Schenker
• Kuehne + Nagel 

E‑Commerce Logistics Companies

• byrd (Austrian branch)
• MH direkt e‑commerce & fulfillment GmbH
• TGW Logistics Group
• LogPOINT Logistics Services
• Fulfillment-Box
• Asendia
• DHL eCommerce Austria
• WeShip
• Packservice
• Swiss mail solutions 

Express Logistics Companies

• DHL Express
• FedEx
• UPS
• DPDgroup
• TNT (under FedEx)
• Royal Mail / GLS through Asendia partnerships

Key Target Audience:

• Logistics and Warehousing Companies
• E-commerce and Retail Chains
• Manufacturing and Automotive Firms
• Pharma and Cold Chain Operators
• Government Agencies (e.g., BMK - Federal Ministry for Climate Action, Mobility)
• Investors and Infrastructure Funds
• Customs and Trade Facilitation Bodies
• Research and Academic Institutions

Time Period:

• Historical Period: 2018–2023
• Base Year: 2024
• Forecast Period: 2024–2029