Last Mile Delivery for E-commerce of Bulky Item Market Size, Share, Growth, and Industry Analysis, By Type (B2C, B2B) By Application (Home Appliances, Furniture & Mattresses, Building Material, Others) and Regional Forecast to 2033

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LAST MILE DELIVERY FOR E-COMMERCE OF BULKY ITEM MARKET OVERVIEW

The Last Mile Delivery for E-commerce of Bulky Item Market, valued at USD 20.152 billion in 2024, is forecasted to grow consistently, reaching USD 21.935 billion in 2025 and ultimately hitting USD 43.228 billion by 2033, at a steady CAGR of 8.85% from 2025 to 2033.

The Last Mile Delivery for E-commerce of Bulky Items market is rapidly growing because consumer demands for fast, flexible, and reliable delivery are quickly rising. Bulky items such as furniture, appliances, and building materials require specialized mode of logistics to handle them, and last mile delivery can be the service area that differentiates your service from the competition. In addition, the rise of digital commerce, rapid urbanization, and the emergence of omnichannel retail led to delivery service enhancements and increasing expectations for more complex and more efficient white-glove delivery solutions. Furthermore, the customer-centric models that have involved a variety of innovations such as real-time tracking, full-service installation, and reverse logistics had fully adapted delivery models. Companies continue to view leads to more efficient smart technology (intelligent delivery), route optimization, and the increased reliance on third-party logistics providers (3PL) leads to lower cost and a better customer experience. With the continued digital conversion of phase-out traditional retail lanes, this market presents a lot of potential for both logistical suppliers and online retailers for strategic partnerships.

LAST MILE DELIVERY FOR E-COMMERCE OF BULKY ITEM MARKET KEY FINDINGS

• Market Size and Growth: The global last mile delivery market for e-commerce of bulky items was valued at USD 20.15 billion in 2024 and is projected to grow to USD 21.94 billion in 2025. It is expected to continue its robust growth, reaching USD 43.24 billion by 2033, with a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 8.85% from 2024 to 2033.
• Key Market Driver: More than 75% of consumers favor home delivery for bulky items, fueling a 35% rise in last-mile delivery demand within the bulky goods sector.
• Major Market Restraint: Around 40% of last-mile delivery costs in bulky item shipments are due to failed deliveries and returns, significantly affecting overall operational efficiency.
• Emerging Trends: In 2024, the global adoption of electric delivery trucks for bulky goods increased by 22%, leading to a reduction in both emissions and operational expenses.
• Regional Leadership: North America holds approximately 45% of the last-mile delivery market for bulky items, driven by its advanced logistics infrastructure and high consumer adoption rates.
• Market Segmentation: Furniture and home appliances make up over 55% of bulky item deliveries in e-commerce, highlighting strong consumer demand for large, essential products.
• Recent Development: Multiple companies have introduced smart locker solutions for bulky items, enhancing parcel pickup efficiency by 30% in urban regions.

COVID-19 IMPACT

Last Mile Delivery for E-commerce of Bulky Item market Had a Positive Effect Due to Increased Online Shopping During COVID-19 Pandemic

The global COVID-19 pandemic has been unprecedented and staggering, with the market experiencing

higher-than-anticipated demand across all regions compared to pre-pandemic levels. The sudden market growth reflected by the rise in CAGR is attributable to the market’s growth and demand returning to pre-pandemic levels.

The COVID-19 pandemic had an enormous impact on last mile delivery of bulky items sold through e-commerce. With consumers confined to their homes and retail outlets unavailable, consumers flocked to online shopping at astonishing rates - especially for bulky, essential and comfort goods (i.e. home appliances and furniture). This environment force e-commerce businesses to rapidly increase their delivery capability. Also concerning the business was talent shortages, supply chain disruptions and escalating trials to include satisfactory health and safety measures that grossly increased time and cost of important deliveries. E-commerce companies faster than the speed we would think possible had to modify operations. For instance, shifting to contactless delivery, adopting digital delivery scheduling and using a local delivery cooperative. These alterations would expedite e-commerce companies' digital transformation processes alongside escalating the expectations of speed, accuracy and customer service which is just associated with delivery in the bulky item area.

LATEST TRENDS

Integration of Smart Technologies and Value-Added Services to Drive Market Growth

The introduction of smart tools with value-added services is the latest trend changing the last mile delivery for bulky, e-commerce goods. The trend reaches beyond drop-off service, and some companies are offering full-service deliveries that include unpacking, assembly, and removal of old items. These full-service deliveries are supported by tracking specifying the drivers' location/location of the package with updates offered on estimated time of arrival (ETA), automated scheduling, and predictive data analytics (PREA) that determine optimal delivery routes and improve customer satisfaction. In addition to last mile delivery service and supportive technologies, AI is also being supported within the last-mile delivery process for better load planning and resource-sharing decisions, such as determining complexities in deliveries that include stairs or tight urban locations. The last mile delivery players are trying to meet their sustainability goals with green logistics - electric delivery vehicles - with proven positive outcomes. The movement away from drop-off delivery-only service is reflective of increasing consumer demands and a more experience-driven e-commerce experience.

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LAST MILE DELIVERY FOR E-COMMERCE OF BULKY ITEM MARKET SEGMENTATION

BY TYPE

Based on Type, the global market can be categorized into B2C, B2B:

• B2C (Business to Consumer): B2C is the largest portion of the last mile delivery market for bulky e-commerce products, due to growing consumer preferences for purchasing large goods online, such as furniture and appliances. Since customers expect more from B2C logistics providers, they will expect B2C logistics providers to provide value from logistics services, such service levels related to the selection of timeframe for delivery, in-home installation and returns management. In the B2C market, some consumers will pay for convenience, and consumers are increasingly seeking white-glove services. Therefore, many retailers have begun to engage third-party logistics providers that specialize in moving large goods and provide real time updates on deliveries. These trends have drastically shifted focus in logistics towards the operational efficiency dimension and the customer experience and also have spurred the investment in solutions such as automated dispatch, smart warehousing and route optimization.
• B2B (Business to Business): While less prevalent than B2C, B2B is growing quickly as commercial accounts need reliable delivery options for large equipment, construction materials, and bulk inventory. The deliveries during a B2B service often require scheduled logistics destined to warehouses, stores, or job sites with precise unloading capabilities and the ability to provide equipment if required. Businesses rely on last mile service providers to provide predictable timelines and workflow with minimal disruption. Furthermore, with the increase in e-procurement and digital supply chains, B2B is more incorporated with online solutions. Logistics providers servicing B2B types of accounts are also expanding their additional services to provide flexibility in scheduling, volume discounts, and dedicated account management to create lifelong partnerships.

BY APPLICATION

Based on application, the global market can be categorized into Home Appliances, Furniture & Mattresses, Building Material, Others:

• Home appliance: Home appliances are a major segment of bulky item deliveries which have increased with online retail and home enhancement/upgrades. Items such as refrigerators, washing machines, and ovens require more attention, making last mile service capabilities important. Logistics providers are expected to safely deliver these items and install them, as well as remove the original item and packaging. Because customer expectations have changed, companies must invest in training and personalizing service to provide the best experience during delivery. Appointment scheduling and real-time tracking have become is also virtually a requirement since consumers having busy schedules, this creates reliability in what must be urgent in this segment.
• Furniture & Mattresses: The market for online furniture and mattresses has surged, especially in the post pandemic world, dramatically increasing the need for effective last mile delivery. This is a big-ticket category that often is large, heavy, and damage intolerant. The need for white glove deliveries where the product is delivered and assembled in the room of choice is achievable by retailing price points and back-filling logistics providers that can accommodate this complex delivery and coordination to ensure happy customers. Many customers also want convenience more than price value so retailers will offer additional services with flexible scheduling. Returning the bulky items is a complicated effort involving reverse logistics, of which this is probably the most logistically difficult and valuable category.
• Building Material: More building material deliveries for DIY and commercial building projects are being ordered online, and the changing dynamics of this traditionally in-person industry is cultivating a unique set of requirements for logistics and delivery. There are some items, such as plywood, drywall and tiles, that need to be delivered in a safe and timely manner—and often to remote and/or urban locations with access limitations. Timing and coordination are crucial, especially when the deliveries are tied to critical construction schedules. Delivery partners will often be required to support real-time status updates, offloading, and permits delivery. Companies that are already investing in digital ordering capabilities that (ideally) track deliveries will be positioned to win business compared to their competition. Demand is being fueled by residential renovations and professional contractors, which is driving exciting changes in this space.
• Others: The "Others" category includes products such as outdoor furniture, fitness equipment, and large electronics that all have specialized last mile handling requirements. This group of products typically needs additional care during transit and set up upon delivery. Logistics companies need to broaden their service offerings and adapt to different delivery situations as consumers continue to purchase more niche bulky items online. Additional trends within this segment, such as seasonality and lifestyle changes (e.g., home gym equipment or patio), also influence the consumer demand. Being flexible, providing excellent customer service, and providing scalable logistics models are key in properly servicing this application group.

MARKET DYNAMICS

Market dynamics include driving and restraining factors, opportunities and challenges stating the market conditions.                         

DRIVING FACTORS

Rising Consumer Expectations for Seamless Delivery Experiences to Boost the Market

The pressure for fast, seamless, and service-rich deliveries is one of the main catalysts for the Last Mile Delivery for E-commerce of Bulky Item market growth to cater for bulky items purchased from e-commerce. Traditionally, delivery of larger items has been a single job in transit from the retailer or shipper. Now, consumers are demanding not just that large purchases are delivered quickly, but that the item is unboxed, installed, assembled and even placed respectfully. The industry has shifted from a basic delivery function (logistics) to a customer experience differentiating function, that has critical importance for retailers and logistics providers. Both retailers and logistics providers are heavily investing in trained personnel, digital scheduling tools, and tracking applications to improve consumers experiences and overall trust. With the heightened level of service levels afforded by providers through additional delivery options that include, but are not limited to, white glove service, removal of old items, flexible rescheduling options and more, they have become competitive characteristics for companies. This heightened level of service or speed has created an increased confidence in consumers purchasing large bulky items online and increased overall market growth.

Expansion of E-commerce and Omnichannel Retailing to Expand the Market

The rapid expansion of e-commerce, especially non-traditional items such as furniture and appliances, plays a major role in driving demand in the last mile delivery space. Retailers are developing omnichannel, hybrid shopping experiences that encompass traditional brick-and-mortar stores and online sales channels, with options for consumers that allow flexibility to mix and match fulfillment/delivery experiences including click-and-collect, in-store, or home delivery of products. Different types of fulfillment options require different last mile networks to be established. The ability to pull all inventory and delivery information together across channels provides retailers faster fulfillment capabilities and gives customers more transparency. Companies are also using data and data analytics applications to help them better understand how demand trends in the last mile delivery space operate, leading to more streamlined operations and scalable opportunities. The emergence of more retailers and players in the bulky e-commerce space has led last mile logistics to be a central part of the overall competitive strategy.

RESTRAINING FACTOR

High Operational Costs and Logistical Complexities to Potentially Impede Market Growth

A major challenge that inhibits demand side actors in the last mile, delivery space for bulky e-commerce items is the high cost and complexity of operations. Unlike small parcel delivery, bulky items necessitate a much greater labor force, specialized vehicles, and careful manipulation which make deliveries more expensive. Further exacerbating the challenge are delivery windows that are difficult to comply with, failed delivery attempts, reverse logistics for returns, and installation services. Lastly, bulking up urban deliveries with parking constraints, traffic concerns, and congestion create delivery cost rises. The delivery options for courier and delivery service providers member seem to question whether the service or options, be it in price or service, is worth the providers logistics. For many logistics providers, an endless problem is finding the balance between service and cost control. Poor profitability or liability can have the cost of delivery higher for smaller logistics providers, potentially putting them out of business threatening the industry, or rising direct fees for consumers putting a strain on the overall growth of the market.

Growth in Smart Home and Lifestyle Upgrades to Create Opportunity for The Product in The Market

Opportunity

The developing opportunity in last mile delivery for bulky e-commerce items is the increased acknowledgment of consumer buying trends with regards to smart home upgrades and lifestyle purchases.  As households purchase more smart appliances, furniture ergonomics and fitness equipment, we see a push for specialty delivery and setup services for consumers.  This trend is a steppingstone for logistics companies to offer specialty bundles that include installation, technical setup/instructions, and product demonstrations. Retailers realize their value in partnering with last mile providers that can provide value-added experiences related to bulky-item deliveries and setup services. The ability to merge convenience, service integration, and personalization are very strong opportunities to build customer satisfaction, improve customer loyalty, and really growing market share, penetration into the bulky item delivery market.

Managing Returns and Reverse Logistics Could Be a Potential Challenge for Consumers

Challenge

Returns and reverse logistics can be the most frustrating and challenging part of the last mile delivery experience when bulky items, such as furniture, appliances, and building materials are involved. Because of the complexity and risk of damage to bulky e-commerce items the costs for returning an e-commerce item are more complicated and riskier than returning a small parcel. The entire process from pick-up, testing the returned item, disassembling and repackaging, deciding if the returned item can be resold, may be recycled, and finally disposition, takes time and therefore resources (and money). In many cases, to ensure that the customer had a good experience with their return process (especially with bulky returns), the entire return process must be made to be as easy and seamless as possible for the customer. This will create a burden on the retailer's reverse logistics partner to effectively manage their return process. Companies, in is seen that many customers want to utilize reverse logistics to return e-commerce orders regardless of the costs or the challenges, may find that managing this process effectively is difficult to achieve efficiencies and meaningfully controlling costs in the reverse logistics process. The reverse logistics process may become a bottleneck and thus impacting profit margin, affecting customers service reputation.

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LAST MILE DELIVERY FOR E-COMMERCE OF BULKY ITEM MARKET REGIONAL INSIGHTS

NORTH AMERICA

North America especially United States Last Mile Delivery for E-commerce of Bulky Item market share has strong healthcare infrastructure, advanced research ecosystem, and early adopters of advanced technologies. As a home to premier pharmaceutical companies, biotech firms and clinical laboratories, this region actively fuels and invests in automation related to laboratory productivity and compliance regulations.  Additionally, federal support for research and development encourages and supports the growth of automated processes in research and education in healthcare institutions. Furthermore, this region can support additional automation with the amount of leading automation vendors in the region which adds accessibility and service. The demand for precision medicine and mass level testing has solidified the region's dominant position in the market.

EUROPE

The bulky goods last mile delivery market in Europe comprises dense urban areas and regulatory regimes which are both unique and varied. Countries such as Germany, France and the UK have seen consistent growth in e-commerce sales for furniture and appliances leading to increases in specialized delivery services. European consumers also pay attention to sustainable practices which has impacted the services by provider's investing in electric last mile vehicles and carbon neutral operations. Moreover, the space in which goods are being delivered is constraining and creating needs for smaller and maneuverable delivery fleets and trained staff that could perform home set-ups. Providers are also recognizing that customer service needs to be multilingual and that business is often localized and expectational differences are cultural. Providers will need to account for what seems like the regulatory push for sustainable and accountable delivery strategies while compelling transparency of data across the marketplace for the clear and accountable strategies while compelling itself to a regional marketplace and a global economy.

ASIA

The market in Asia is improving in exponential growth patterns due to increased urbanization and middle-class population growth, along with the increased adoption of e-commerce. Countries such as China, India and Southeast Asia are experiencing rapid online purchasing of bulky goods, such as home electronics and furniture; and logistics players are building great last mile delivery networks that cover both city centers and rural areas. Innovations in delivery are also noted in the region, including app-based coordination, order tracking with up-to-the-minute delivery window notices. However, the infrastructure gaps and significant traffic congestion are challenges. Nonetheless, startups at any level and large players too continue to invest in technology and partnerships to help further develop their competitive advantages and enable the rapid up-scaling of their operations.

KEY INDUSTRY PLAYERS

Key Industry Players Shaping the Market Through Innovation and Market Expansion

The global leaders in last mile bulky e-commerce delivery are focusing on service innovation and geographical coverage to set themselves apart from competitors. For example, Fidelitone Last Mile Inc and XPO are increasing their 'white glove' delivery capabilities in response to consumer expectations for a full-service delivery experience. Companies such as JD.com and Ryder have deployed AI and automated technologies to improve route efficiencies and real time tracking. E-commerce companies such as Wayfair and Geek Squad Inc. are utilizing logistics capabilities with their e-commerce sites to increase operational efficiencies and simplify the consumer experience. In addition, companies such as SEKO and United Parcel Service are embracing globalization through collaborative alliances and service differentiation networks with the intent to address the multiple complexities of bulky delivery in different geographies.

LIST OF TOP LAST MILE DELIVERY FOR E-COMMERCE OF BULKY ITEM MARKET COMPANIES

• Fidelitone Last Mile Inc (U.S.)
• Schneider Electric (France)
• MondoConvenienza (Italy)
• Ryder (U.S.)
• Wayfair (U.S.)
• United Parcel Service (U.S.)
• JD.com, Inc (China)
• J.B. Hunt Transport (U.S.)
• Werner Global Logistics (U.S.)
• EuroAGD (Poland)
• Geek Squad Inc. (U.S.)
• XPO (U.S.)
• SEKO (U.S.)

KEY INDUSTRY DEVELOPMENT

June 2025: There has been a significant transformation in the last mile delivery landscape of large e-commerce items with the rapid expansion of hyper-local warehousing options within urban and semi-urban settings. Many of the top Q-commerce and e-commerce platforms began rapidly developing decentralized micro-fulfillment centers in urban centers. The goal is to bring bulky items and high-demand products closer to customers for faster, easier last mile delivery. These locations and micro-fulfillment centers provide less distance for delivery with minimal time and money associated with shipping costs. Ultimately, these changes are reshaping last mile logistics as pressure is put on service providers to offer more localized, responsive, and scalable delivery solutions for larger format item delivery.

REPORT COVERAGE       

The study encompasses a comprehensive SWOT analysis and provides insights into future developments within the market. It examines various factors that contribute to the growth of the market, exploring a wide range of market categories and potential applications that may impact its trajectory in the coming years. The analysis considers both current trends and historical turning points, providing a holistic understanding of the market's components and identifying potential areas for growth. The research report delves into market segmentation, utilizing both qualitative and quantitative research methods to provide a thorough analysis. It also evaluates the impact of financial and strategic perspectives on the market. Furthermore, the report presents national and regional assessments, considering the dominant forces of supply and demand that influence market growth. The competitive landscape is meticulously detailed, including market shares of significant competitors. The report incorporates novel research methodologies and player strategies tailored for the anticipated timeframe. Overall, it offers valuable and comprehensive insights into the market dynamics in a formal and easily understandable manner.