The logistics industry has been undergoing a profound transformation over the past decade, and nowhere is this more visible than in the rise of third-party logistics (3PL) warehouses. As e-commerce continues to expand at double-digit rates in Europe, 3PLs have become the backbone of cross-border retail, enabling brands to focus on growth while outsourcing fulfillment, warehousing, and last-mile delivery to specialized partners.
A Growing Market
Recent market studies project that the European 3PL sector will continue to grow by more than 7% annually through 2030, with Germany standing out as the largest logistics hub in Europe. Germany’s central location, strong infrastructure, and proximity to major consumer markets make it an ideal base for companies shipping across the EU. In fact, Germany alone represents more than 20% of the European logistics market, with fulfillment services becoming increasingly important as online retail matures.
3PL warehouses today are more than just storage facilities. They have evolved into highly specialized operations, offering inventory management, pick-and-pack services, returns handling, and technology integrations with platforms like Shopify, Amazon, and WooCommerce. For e-commerce sellers, this model is not only cost-effective, but also essential for scaling into multiple countries without having to build their own logistics infrastructure from scratch.
Key Statistics Driving the Trend
- Over 80% of retailers in Europe now rely on 3PL partners for at least part of their fulfillment chain.
- Germany hosts more than 30,000 logistics companies, employing over 3 million people, making it the largest logistics employer in Europe.
- The demand for warehouse space has been so strong that vacancy rates in Germany’s main logistics regions remain below 3%.
- Industry experts estimate that e-commerce will require an additional 20 million square meters of warehouse space in Europe by 2035, with Germany absorbing a large share of that growth.
These numbers highlight why the market for 3PL services is not just growing, it is accelerating. Companies entering Europe see Germany as a gateway, and with consumer expectations for fast, reliable delivery, the role of warehouses is more strategic than ever.
Lagera’s Continued Expansion
Against this backdrop, Lagera Logistics has been steadily expanding to meet the needs of our clients. Since our founding more than 4 years ago, we have focused on supporting international brands entering the European market with reliable B2C fulfillment, tailored storage solutions, and efficient returns handling.
Now, we are proud to announce the next step in our journey: Lagera will officially open its second location this October. This milestone represents not only our company’s growth, but also our continued commitment to supporting our clients with scalable, flexible solutions. The new warehouse will allow us to handle higher volumes, support more containerized shipments, and provide even greater efficiency for our customers across the EU.
Our expansion is a direct response to the increasing demand from e-commerce brands that require a trusted partner in Germany. By investing in additional capacity, we ensure that we can continue to deliver the service levels our clients expect, fast, reliable, flexible and cost-effective fulfillment that allows them to focus on what they do best: growing their business.
Looking Ahead
As the 3PL market evolves, technology, automation, and sustainability will play increasingly important roles. At Lagera, we are committed to staying ahead of these trends, integrating smart solutions that make fulfillment more transparent, more efficient, and more environmentally responsible.
The future of 3PL in Germany is bright, and we are excited to play our part in shaping it. With our second location opening this October, we are better prepared than ever to support the growth of our partners and to continue our own story of expansion in Europe’s most dynamic logistics market.