Couriers & Local Delivery Services in the US: Market Size, Businesses & Forecast 2026

The Couriers and Local Delivery Services industry in the US provides same-day, local, and regional parcel delivery services, with an estimated sector output of $254.2 billion in 2022 (BEA). The industry has experienced significant growth driven by e-commerce expansion and changing consumer expectations for faster delivery times.

Industry snapshot

Key public data points

Historical & forecast

Get in touch and our analysts will be happy to help with custom market sizing, deeper segmentation, supplier detail or a bespoke study built for you.

What does the Couriers & Local Delivery Services in the US industry cover?

The Couriers and Local Delivery Services industry encompasses businesses primarily engaged in providing local, same-day, and regional parcel delivery services. This industry includes both specialized delivery companies and courier services offered by postal administrations, focusing on the transportation of goods within limited geographic areas rather than long-haul transportation.

• •Defined under NAICS code 4921 as establishments primarily engaged in furnishing local and long-distance delivery of goods, such as newspapers, periodicals, and packages
• •Excludes United States Postal Service activities (NAICS 4911), which operate under different regulatory frameworks

Who operates in the industry and how is it structured?

The industry features a mix of large multinational corporations, regional players, and local independent operators. The market is characterized by the dominance of a few major players who control a significant share of the market, alongside numerous smaller operators serving specific niches or geographic areas.

• •An estimated 1.2 million people were employed in the courier and delivery services industry in 2022 (BLS)
• •The industry includes over 400,000 establishments ranging from small local couriers to large national networks

What drives demand in the industry?

The primary driver of industry growth has been the expansion of e-commerce and changing consumer expectations for faster delivery services. The shift toward online shopping has increased demand for local delivery services, while the COVID-19 pandemic accelerated adoption of contactless delivery and home delivery services.

• •E-commerce sales reached $1.03 trillion in 2022 (Census Bureau), driving increased demand for delivery services
• •Same-day delivery services grew by approximately 25% from 2019 to 2022 (US Chamber of Commerce)

Who are the notable companies in the industry?

The competitive landscape features several major players dominating different segments of the market. These companies compete on delivery speed, coverage area, pricing, and technological capabilities. Many operators have invested heavily in last-mile delivery infrastructure and technology to maintain competitive advantages.

• •United Parcel Service (UPS) - one of the world's largest package delivery companies
• •FedEx Corporation - offers express package transportation and logistics services
• •Amazon Logistics - Amazon's delivery network expanding beyond its core retail operations
• •DHL Express - international courier with significant US presence

What are the recent trends and outlook?

Recent trends include increased investment in electric delivery vehicles to reduce carbon emissions, expansion of micro-fulfillment centers to support faster delivery times, and greater use of autonomous delivery technologies in controlled environments. The industry is expected to continue growing as e-commerce penetration increases and consumer expectations for speed continue to rise.

• •Electric delivery vehicle deployments increased by approximately 40% from 2020 to 2022 (Department of Energy)
• •The market for autonomous delivery robots is projected to reach $1.7 billion by 2025 (National Institute of Standards and Technology)

How is the industry regulated?

The industry is subject to various regulations at federal, state, and local levels. Key regulatory considerations include transportation safety standards, vehicle emissions regulations, labor requirements for delivery personnel, and privacy regulations regarding package tracking data.

• •Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) regulates commercial motor vehicles used in delivery
• •Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) emissions standards apply to delivery vehicles
• •Local jurisdictions increasingly regulate delivery drones and autonomous delivery devices

Government, statistical and trade sources used for this Claight analysis.

• Bureau of Economic Analysis (BEA) - Annual Industry Accounts 2022 ·
• Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) - Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics 2022 ·
• U.S. Census Bureau - Emerce Statistics 2022 ·
• NAICS Manual - 2022 Revision ·
• U.S. Chamber of Commerce - Commercial Delivery Services 2023 ·
• Department of Energy - Electric Vehicle Deployment Report 2023