New Zealand Logistics and Warehousing Market Outlook to 2029

The report titled “New Zealand Logistics and Warehousing Market Outlook to 2029 – By Market Structure, By Type of Service (Freight Forwarding, Warehousing, Courier Express & Parcel), By End Users, By Domestic vs. International Movement, and By Region” provides a comprehensive analysis of the logistics and warehousing industry in New Zealand. The report includes an overview and genesis of the industry, overall market size in terms of revenue, segmentation by service line and region, trends and developments, regulatory framework, customer behavior insights, challenges faced, and competitive landscape including market share, cross comparison, opportunities and bottlenecks, and company profiles of major players. The report concludes with future market projections based on revenue, service lines, and end-user industries, along with cause-effect relationships and success case studies highlighting major market trends and caution areas.

New Zealand Logistics and Warehousing Market Overview and Size

The New Zealand logistics and warehousing market was valued at NZD 11.4 Billion in 2023, driven by rapid e-commerce growth, increasing cross-border trade, and infrastructure investments in key transport corridors. The market is dominated by key players such as Mainfreight, Toll Group, Fliway Transport, NZ Post, DHL Express, and Move Logistics. These companies are known for their extensive service portfolios, integrated freight solutions, and robust warehousing capabilities.

In 2023, Mainfreight expanded its Auckland distribution center by over 20,000 sqm, improving last-mile delivery timelines and warehouse storage capabilities. Auckland, Wellington, and Christchurch serve as key logistics hubs owing to their population concentration, port access, and industrial infrastructure.

Market Size for New Zealand Logistics and Warehousing Industry on the Basis of Revenue in USD Billion, 2018-2023

What Factors are Leading to the Growth of New Zealand Logistics and Warehousing Market

• Surge in E-commerce and Omnichannel Retail: In 2023, e-commerce accounted for 13.2% of total retail sales in New Zealand, leading to increased demand for third-party logistics (3PL) and warehousing support for faster inventory turnover and last-mile delivery.

• Infrastructure Modernization: Significant investment in inland ports, road-rail intermodal hubs, and airport logistics infrastructure, such as the Ruakura Superhub in Hamilton, has boosted interconnectivity and supply chain efficiencies across the country.

• Government Incentives and Trade Agreements: Trade agreements like the CPTPP and bilateral pacts with China and Australia have eased cross-border logistics, supporting both import-export and transshipment operations.

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

• Workforce Shortages and Labor Constraints: The logistics industry in New Zealand continues to grapple with a shortage of skilled labor, particularly truck drivers and warehouse operators. A 2023 industry survey highlighted that nearly 41% of logistics companies reported difficulty in hiring qualified drivers, especially for long-haul and inter-island routes. This has led to operational delays and increased labor costs, impacting service levels and profitability.

• Rising Fuel and Operating Costs: Fluctuating global oil prices and increased domestic transport fuel taxes have added cost pressures to logistics operators. In 2023, fuel costs accounted for nearly 25% of the total freight forwarding expenditure, up from 18% in 2020. These rising costs are often passed on to consumers, reducing the competitiveness of local logistics providers.

• Supply Chain Disruptions and Port Congestion: Global supply chain disruptions post-pandemic and local congestion issues at key ports like Auckland and Tauranga have delayed shipments and affected throughput. In 2022–2023, average container dwell time increased to 4.2 days, up from 2.7 days in 2019. This affects inventory management and fulfillment reliability for clients relying on just-in-time logistics.

What are the Regulations and Initiatives Which Have Governed the Market

• Heavy Vehicle Regulations and Compliance: The New Zealand Transport Agency (NZTA) mandates strict compliance on load capacity, vehicle safety, driver working hours, and emissions for freight operators. In 2023, over 12,000 compliance audits were conducted across logistics fleets, and 13% were found non-compliant, leading to fines and temporary suspensions.

• Emissions Reduction and Sustainability Policies: Under the Zero Carbon Act and New Zealand’s Emissions Reduction Plan, logistics companies are encouraged to decarbonize their operations. This includes adopting electric fleets, optimizing routes, and reducing warehouse emissions. By end-2023, over 1,100 electric delivery vehicles had been registered nationwide under the Clean Car Discount scheme.

• Warehouse Fire Safety and Hazardous Goods Licensing: Warehouses storing chemicals, pharmaceuticals, or flammable materials must secure certifications under the Hazardous Substances and New Organisms (HSNO) Act. This adds compliance requirements in terms of layout, ventilation, safety systems, and operational protocols.

New Zealand Logistics and Warehousing Market Segmentation

• By Market Structure: The market is dominated by organized players, which include large logistics companies and integrated third-party logistics providers. These firms offer end-to-end services including warehousing, freight forwarding, customs clearance, and distribution. Their structured operations, digital tracking systems, and regulatory compliance make them the preferred choice among large-scale manufacturers, retailers, and e-commerce platforms. The unorganized segment, comprising small-scale freight brokers, independent truckers, and informal storage providers, continues to serve niche and regional clients, particularly in rural and inter-island logistics. However, lack of digital integration and scalability remains a limitation.

• By Type of Service:Freight Forwarding accounts for the largest share due to the high volume of domestic and international cargo handled via road, sea, and air. Major players like Mainfreight and Toll operate integrated multimodal transport solutions. Warehousing Services are the second-largest segment, with growth driven by rising e-commerce inventory needs and demand for temperature-controlled storage, especially for food and pharma. Courier, Express & Parcel (CEP) services are witnessing rapid expansion due to B2C e-commerce penetration, with players like NZ Post and Aramex leading last-mile innovations.
  Cold Chain Logistics is emerging as a vital sub-segment, especially for dairy, seafood, and healthcare industries.

• By End-User Industry:Retail and E-commerce are major contributors, driven by demand for just-in-time deliveries, returns management, and last-mile fulfillment.
  FMCG and Food Processing companies rely heavily on integrated warehousing and cold chain logistics. Healthcare and Pharmaceuticals require temperature-sensitive logistics, real-time tracking, and regulatory compliance. Automotive, Construction, and Agriculture industries also form significant end-user clusters, especially in freight forwarding and parts warehousing.

Competitive Landscape in New Zealand Logistics and Warehousing Market

The New Zealand logistics and warehousing market is moderately concentrated, with a few large players leading the market across freight forwarding, warehousing, and parcel delivery. However, increasing digitization and demand for specialized services have paved the way for newer entrants and tech-driven platforms, especially in last-mile delivery and e-commerce fulfillment. Major companies include Mainfreight, Toll Group, NZ Post, Move Logistics, Fliway Transport, Aramex, DHL Express, and PBT Group.

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

• Mainfreight: New Zealand’s largest integrated logistics provider, Mainfreight recorded a revenue of over NZD 3.5 billion globally in 2023, with strong growth in domestic warehousing and trans-Tasman freight. The company expanded its Auckland and Christchurch distribution centers and invested heavily in automation and sustainability, including EV fleet rollouts.

• Toll Group: A key player in both domestic and international logistics, Toll enhanced its North Island freight capabilities with new intermodal terminals. In 2023, the company prioritized pharma-grade warehousing and implemented AI-based route optimization software to improve delivery accuracy.

• NZ Post: As the national postal service provider, NZ Post handled over 100 million parcels in 2023, driven by e-commerce growth. The firm announced NZD 170 million in investments over five years to upgrade its parcel sorting systems and expand regional logistics hubs.

• Move Logistics: Formerly known as TIL Logistics, Move is focusing on supply chain integration and end-to-end solutions for manufacturing and construction sectors. In 2023, it opened a new logistics center in Hamilton and launched specialized warehousing for bulk goods and hazardous materials.

• Fliway Transport: Fliway specializes in freight forwarding and 3PL services. The company has partnered with global firms for seamless cross-border freight management and expanded its temperature-controlled warehouse footprint in South Auckland in 2023.

• Aramex NZ (formerly Fastway): Operating a franchise model, Aramex has rapidly scaled its urban delivery services, recording a 19% YoY increase in B2C parcel volumes in 2023. The company is piloting carbon-neutral delivery zones in parts of Wellington and Christchurch.

• DHL Express NZ: Known for its global reach, DHL continues to lead in international courier and express logistics. In 2023, the company launched a green logistics initiative targeting full electrification of its New Zealand last-mile fleet by 2030.

• PBT Group: PBT focuses on national freight and courier services. In 2023, the company invested in warehouse management system upgrades and added 10 new regional distribution points to enhance rural reach.

What Lies Ahead for New Zealand Logistics and Warehousing Market?

The New Zealand logistics and warehousing market is projected to grow steadily through 2029, supported by sustained e-commerce expansion, government infrastructure investments, and a national push toward green and digital supply chains. The industry is expected to record a CAGR of around 5.4% during the forecast period, with warehousing, last-mile delivery, and cold chain logistics being the key growth segments.

• Expansion of E-commerce and Fulfillment Infrastructure: As online shopping continues to grow, logistics providers will increasingly invest in urban micro-fulfillment centers, smart warehouses, and automation technologies to meet rising delivery expectations. Retailers are also expected to partner with 3PLs to optimize inventory placement and reduce delivery times.

• Acceleration of Green Logistics Initiatives: The shift toward low-emission transportation and carbon-neutral warehousing will gain momentum, in line with New Zealand’s net-zero targets. Logistics providers are anticipated to adopt EV fleets, solar-powered warehouses, and carbon tracking tools to align with regulatory and consumer sustainability demands.

• Integration of Supply Chain Technology: Logistics firms will increasingly integrate IoT, AI, and blockchain into their operations to enable predictive maintenance, route optimization, and real-time visibility across the supply chain. These technologies will help reduce delivery delays, improve inventory accuracy, and enhance customer satisfaction.

• Growth in Cold Chain and Healthcare Logistics: The demand for cold chain logistics is expected to rise, particularly in sectors such as pharmaceuticals, biotechnology, and premium food exports. This will drive investments in temperature-controlled warehousing and real-time monitoring solutions.

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

New Zealand Logistics and Warehousing Market Segmentation

• By Market Structure:

  • Organized Sector

  • Unorganized Sector

  • Asset-Light Third-Party Logistics (3PL) Providers

  • In-House Logistics Operators

  • Freight Brokers

  • Regional and Local Warehousing Operators

• By Type of Service:

  • Freight Forwarding

  • Warehousing and Distribution

  • Courier, Express & Parcel (CEP) Services

  • Cold Chain Logistics

  • Inventory Management Services

  • Reverse Logistics

  • Value-Added Logistics Services (kitting, labeling, assembly)

• By End-User Industry:

  • E-commerce & Retail

  • FMCG & Food Processing

  • Automotive & Industrial

  • Pharmaceuticals & Healthcare

  • Agriculture & Dairy

  • Electronics & Consumer Durables

  • Construction & Mining

• By Domestic vs. International Movement:

  • Domestic Logistics

  • International Freight & Transshipment

  • Cross-Border Supply Chain Services

• By Region:

  • Auckland

  • Wellington

  • Canterbury (Christchurch)

  • Waikato (Hamilton)

  • Bay of Plenty (Tauranga)

  • Otago (Dunedin)

  • Other Regional Zones (Manawatu, Taranaki, Southland)

Players Mentioned in the Report:

Freight Forwarding Companies

• Rocket Freight
• Champion Freight
• Gateway Cargo
• Burnard International
• Sneddens
• Navigate Freight
• Matchbox Freight Services
• Freightstar
• Davies International
• Orbit International

Warehousing Companies

• NZ Distribution Group
• Flow Logistics
• Contract Warehousing
• Booth's Logistics
• Maxwell Logistics
• Rhenus Logistics NZ
• Challenge Logistics
• Sorted Logistics
• Mackleys
• Hobbs Global

E-Commerce Logistics Companies

• Parcelport
• StarShipIt
• Shippit
• eRetail Distribution
• New Zealand Couriers
• Rhenus Logistics NZ
• HGL
• ShipTop
• Ontempo
• GoTrack

Express Logistics Companies

• PBT Express
• Team Global Express
• Express Cargo
• Express Freight
• Crescent Express Logistics
• Shuttle Express
• Freightways Global
• New Zealand Couriers
• Aramex New Zealand
• DHL Express New Zealand

Key Target Audience:

• Logistics and Freight Forwarding Companies

• E-commerce and Retail Fulfillment Companies

• Cold Chain Operators

• Warehousing Infrastructure Developers

• Government and Regulatory Authorities (e.g., NZTA, MPI)

• Technology Solution Providers (WMS, TMS vendors)

• Industry Associations (e.g., National Road Carriers, Logistics NZ)

• Investment and Infrastructure Funds

Time Period:

• Historical Period: 2018–2023

• Base Year: 2024

• Forecast Period: 2024–2029