Bulgaria Logistics and Warehousing Market Outlook to 2029

The report titled “Bulgaria Logistics and Warehousing Market Outlook to 2029 – By Market Segments (Freight Forwarding, Warehousing, and Value-Added Services), By End Users (Retail, E-commerce, Automotive, Pharmaceuticals, Others), By Mode of Transport, and By Region” provides a comprehensive analysis of the logistics and warehousing industry in Bulgaria. The report covers the genesis and evolution of the industry, overall market size in terms of revenue, market segmentation, key trends and developments, regulatory landscape, demand-side profiling, key challenges, and competitive landscape including major players, comparative benchmarking, and market share. The report concludes with future market projections through 2029, cause-effect relationships, and strategic success case studies highlighting key growth opportunities and potential risks.

Bulgaria Logistics and Warehousing Market Overview and Size

The Bulgaria logistics and warehousing market reached a valuation of BGN 6.8 Billion in 2023, driven by the country’s strategic location within Europe, rising trade volumes, expansion of the retail and e-commerce sectors, and sustained infrastructure investments. The market is served by both global logistics giants and strong local players such as Speedy, Econt Express, Gebrüder Weiss, DB Schenker, and Transpress. These companies leverage efficient road and rail networks, modern warehousing infrastructure, and value-added logistics capabilities to cater to growing customer demand.

In 2023, Bulgaria’s Trakia Economic Zone and Plovdiv Logistics Hub attracted increased warehousing and logistics investments, driven by demand for just-in-time delivery models and regional distribution efficiencies. Sofia and Plovdiv emerged as key logistics centers due to their proximity to major transportation corridors and strong industrial base.

Market Size for Bulgaria Logistics and Warehousing Industry on the Basis of Revenue (BGN Billion), 2018–2023

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Source: TraceData Research Analysis

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

• Strategic Geographical Location: Bulgaria serves as a gateway between Europe and Asia, located along key trans-European corridors such as Corridor IV and Corridor VIII. This strategic position has made it a preferred destination for regional distribution hubs serving the Balkans, Central Europe, and the Black Sea region.

• Rise of E-Commerce: The Bulgarian e-commerce market has witnessed over 18% annual growth in recent years, boosting demand for last-mile delivery, fulfillment centers, and parcel warehousing. In 2023, e-commerce logistics accounted for nearly 27% of total warehousing demand, with players like Speedy and Econt investing in automation and digital tracking tools.

• Infrastructure Development: With continued EU funding and government support, Bulgaria has improved its logistics infrastructure, including upgrades to roadways (e.g., Hemus and Struma highways), modernization of railway lines, and expansion of cargo terminals at Sofia and Burgas airports. These developments have increased supply chain efficiency and lowered transit times across borders.

Which Industry Challenges Have Impacted the Growth for Bulgaria Logistics and Warehousing Market

• Infrastructure Bottlenecks in Secondary Cities: While major logistics hubs such as Sofia and Plovdiv have seen significant infrastructure development, secondary cities continue to face poor road connectivity and limited warehousing capacity. In 2023, it was reported that nearly 30% of logistics firms experienced delivery delays due to inadequate infrastructure in regional areas. This uneven development restricts the full potential of national supply chain integration.

• Labor Shortages and High Turnover: The logistics industry in Bulgaria faces an acute shortage of skilled labor, particularly in warehousing operations and truck driving. According to the Bulgarian Association for Freight Forwarding, over 22% of logistics companies reported operational disruptions in 2023 due to workforce shortages. High employee turnover also results in increased training costs and reduced service efficiency.

• Rising Energy and Operating Costs: The volatility in fuel and electricity prices has significantly impacted logistics and warehouse operators. In 2023, average warehouse operating costs increased by 11%, with energy expenditures comprising up to 18% of total warehousing expenses. These rising costs challenge profitability and deter small and medium players from expanding operations.

What are the Regulations and Initiatives which have Governed the Market:

• EU Customs and Cross-Border Facilitation: As an EU member, Bulgaria adheres to the Union Customs Code, facilitating seamless movement of goods within the EU. However, stringent documentation and electronic data submission are mandatory. In 2023, over 80% of logistics companies in Bulgaria were fully integrated with the EU’s customs systems, enabling faster clearance but requiring regular compliance audits.

• Warehousing Standards and Safety Regulations: The Bulgarian Ministry of Economy mandates that logistics facilities comply with national and EU-level fire safety, occupational safety, and environmental norms. All warehouses above 500 sqm must conduct annual inspections and submit safety compliance reports. In 2023, approximately 72% of large-scale warehouses were deemed fully compliant, while older facilities faced upgrade challenges.

• National Logistics Strategy 2021–2027: Bulgaria launched a strategic initiative focused on improving intermodal transport, increasing warehouse automation, and reducing logistics costs. Under this plan, over €1.2 billion has been earmarked for logistics infrastructure upgrades, especially in rail freight and cargo terminal modernization. As of 2023, 42% of the planned projects were either underway or completed.

Bulgaria Logistics and Warehousing Market Segmentation

• By Market Structure: Organized players dominate the market due to their investment in modern infrastructure, integration with digital platforms, and established client base across industries such as automotive, e-commerce, and pharmaceuticals. Companies like DB Schenker, Speedy, and Gebrüder Weiss offer end-to-end logistics services, including warehousing, freight forwarding, and last-mile delivery, supported by tracking systems and automation. Unorganized players, mainly consisting of small transporters and regional storage operators, maintain relevance in local supply chains due to their pricing flexibility and personalized service. However, they often lack compliance mechanisms, advanced fleet capabilities, and standardized processes, limiting their scalability.

• By End User Industry: Retail and e-commerce dominate due to growing consumer demand, faster delivery expectations, and the expansion of omnichannel distribution models. The automotive sector holds a major share, with OEMs and tier suppliers depending on Bulgaria for regional warehousing and component logistics. The pharmaceutical and healthcare sectors have increased their logistics footprint due to the need for cold chain, compliance, and time-sensitive deliveries. Manufacturing and FMCG also contribute substantially, driven by just-in-time models and warehouse outsourcing.

• By Mode of Transport: Road transport remains the most widely used mode due to Bulgaria’s strategic geographic location, cross-border road connectivity, and cost effectiveness. Rail freight is growing as a cost-effective and sustainable mode, especially for heavy and bulk cargo over long distances, backed by EU funding and intermodal initiatives. Air freight is preferred for high-value or time-sensitive cargo such as electronics and pharmaceuticals, while sea freight plays a crucial role in international trade through ports like Varna and Burgas.

Competitive Landscape in Bulgaria Logistics and Warehousing Market

The Bulgaria logistics and warehousing market is moderately fragmented, with a mix of global logistics providers, regional players, and tech-enabled delivery firms. While multinational operators such as DB Schenker, DHL, and Gebrüder Weiss dominate large-scale, integrated logistics contracts, domestic companies like Speedy, Econt Express, and Transpress continue to hold strong market positions due to their established distribution networks and localized expertise.

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

• Speedy: One of Bulgaria’s largest courier and logistics companies, Speedy handled over 75 million shipments in 2023. It continues to invest in automation, fleet expansion, and the development of new fulfillment centers, particularly targeting e-commerce and last-mile delivery segments.

• Econt Express: Known for its extensive nationwide coverage and parcel shop network, Econt handled more than 60 million parcels in 2023. The company introduced a real-time shipment tracking system and expanded its warehousing footprint in Plovdiv and Varna to cater to rising B2C volumes.

• DB Schenker: The global logistics giant continues to strengthen its position in Bulgaria through investments in multimodal transport solutions and specialized warehousing for the pharmaceutical and industrial sectors. In 2023, it expanded its intermodal terminal near Sofia to support cross-border EU freight.

• Gebrüder Weiss: With a strategic focus on sustainable logistics, Gebrüder Weiss launched electric delivery vehicles in Sofia and invested in solar-powered warehouse infrastructure in 2023. It also saw strong demand from automotive and heavy machinery clients.

• Transpress: A key domestic 3PL provider, Transpress reported a 12% year-on-year revenue growth in 2023. The company focused on expanding value-added services such as inventory management, bonded warehousing, and cold chain logistics, especially for retail and pharma sectors.

What Lies Ahead for Bulgaria Logistics and Warehousing Market?

The Bulgaria logistics and warehousing market is projected to grow steadily by 2029, driven by expanding trade corridors, rising e-commerce penetration, and government-backed infrastructure investments. The market is expected to register a healthy CAGR over the forecast period as Bulgaria strengthens its role as a regional logistics hub for Southeast Europe.

• Expansion of Intermodal and Rail Freight Solutions: With continued EU funding under the National Transport and Logistics Strategy, Bulgaria is set to improve its rail and intermodal logistics capacity. This includes modernization of freight terminals, development of intermodal hubs near Sofia and Plovdiv, and upgrades to the Pan-European Corridor VIII. These developments will enhance cross-border logistics and reduce transit times, particularly for heavy and bulk cargo.

• Rise in E-commerce Fulfillment and Last-Mile Logistics: As e-commerce continues to grow, there will be increased demand for fulfillment centers and last-mile delivery solutions. Companies are expected to invest in automated sorting centers, regional warehouses, and AI-driven delivery optimization. Urban warehousing near Sofia, Varna, and Burgas will become increasingly important to meet same-day and next-day delivery expectations.

• Adoption of Green Logistics and Automation: Sustainability will become a key priority. Logistics providers are expected to invest in electric vehicles, solar-powered warehouses, and carbon-neutral logistics models. Automation in warehousing through robotics, IoT sensors, and warehouse management systems will also rise, improving operational efficiency and reducing dependency on manual labor.

• Development of Cold Chain Infrastructure: With growing demand from pharmaceuticals, food, and agriculture sectors, Bulgaria will see significant investments in cold storage and temperature-controlled logistics. Modern cold chain facilities will be essential to meet EU standards and support exports across the region.

Bulgaria Logistics and Warehousing Market Segmentation

• By Market Structure:
o 3PL (Third Party Logistics Providers)
o 4PL (Fourth Party Logistics Providers)
o Integrated Global Logistics Firms
o Local Courier & Delivery Operators
o Warehousing & Storage Providers
o Freight Forwarders
o Organized Sector
o Unorganized Sector

• By End User Industry:
o Retail
o E-commerce
o Automotive
o Pharmaceuticals
o FMCG
o Industrial & Manufacturing
o Agriculture & Food Products

• By Mode of Transport:
o Road
o Rail
o Air
o Sea
o Multimodal (Intermodal Logistics)

• By Type of Warehousing Facility:
o Ambient Storage
o Cold Storage
o Bonded Warehousing
o E-commerce Fulfillment Centers
o Industrial Warehousing

• By Region:
o Sofia
o Plovdiv
o Varna
o Burgas
o Ruse
o Stara Zagora
o Other Regions

Players Mentioned in the Report:

• Speedy
• Econt Express
• DB Schenker
• Gebrüder Weiss
• Transpress
• DHL
• ACS Courier
• Ekont Logistics

Key Target Audience:

• 3PL and 4PL Logistics Providers
• Warehousing Operators
• E-commerce and Retail Companies
• Automotive and Pharma Manufacturers
• Government Transport and Trade Ministries
• Real Estate and Industrial Park Developers
• Investors and Private Equity Firms
• Research and Consulting Firms

Time Period:

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