The logistics industry is undergoing a massive transformation.
Startups are leading the charge in automation, efficiency, and technology-driven solutions. As global e-commerce sales continue to soar, logistics companies must evolve to meet rising consumer expectations for faster deliveries, real-time tracking, and sustainable shipping solutions.
The demand for logistics innovation is growing at an unprecedented rate—with aspects like the warehouse automation market expecting to reach $30 billion by 2026, and the estimated $1.14 trillion in annual lost value due to out-of-stock inventory issues.
So let’s look to the future. From AI-powered inventory forecasting to blockchain-driven freight management, logistics startups are tackling inefficiencies and redefining supply chain logistics management.
This post is a shout out to that (and also a splash of inspiration). We’ll explore how logistics startups are driving innovation, highlight 10 companies leading the industry, and share three promising startup ideas for entrepreneurs looking to enter this booming space.
What is a logistics startup?
A logistics startup is a company that leverages technology and innovation to improve the movement, storage, and management of goods within supply chains. These startups optimize various aspects of logistics, from freight coordination and warehouse automation to real-time tracking and last-mile delivery solutions. By solving inefficiencies in traditional logistics, they help businesses reduce costs, improve delivery speed, and enhance overall supply chain performance.
How does logistics fit into the broader supply-chain ecosystem?
Logistics is a crucial component of the supply-chain ecosystem, acting as the bridge between production, warehousing, and delivery. While supply chains cover the end-to-end process—including raw material sourcing, manufacturing, and inventory management—logistics focuses on the transportation, storage, and coordination of goods.
How are logistics startups innovating the industry?
Logistics startups are reshaping the industry by introducing technology-driven solutions that optimize efficiency, reduce costs, and enhance flexibility. From warehouse automation to predictive analytics, these innovations are addressing long-standing supply chain challenges and adapting to the growing demands. Here’s a breakdown of some specific areas:
1. Micro-fulfillment and urban logistics hubs
To meet the rising demand for faster deliveries in densely populated areas, logistics startups are implementing micro-fulfillment centers (MFCs)—small, strategically located warehouses that speed up last-mile delivery. This approach helps businesses bypass traditional warehouse constraints and scale their operations in urban markets.
2. AI and predictive analytics
Artificial intelligence is transforming logistics by enabling data-driven decision-making. Startups like AI-powered solutions help businesses forecast demand, prevent inventory shortages, optimize shipping routes, reduce supply chain disruptions, and support efficient returns. These innovations improve operational efficiency, enhance sustainability by minimizing waste, and provide new avenues of solutions we have yet to determine.
3. E-commerce-driven logistics solutions
With global e-commerce sales expected to hit $8.09 trillion by 2028, logistics startups are adapting to the need for faster, more cost-effective shipping. Current solutions are streamlining order fulfillment, reducing cart abandonment, and improving the customer experience.
4. Warehouse automation and smart inventory management
Automation is redefining warehouse operations, making them faster, smarter, and more efficient. Startups are using AI-powered forecasting to help businesses prevent overstocking or stockouts, implementing robotics and IoT tracking to speed up sorting, packaging, and fulfillment, and more. By leveraging automation, logistics startups are helping companies scale their operations without increasing labor costs or warehouse footprint.
5. Blockchain and logistics transparency
Transparency and security in logistics have always been a challenge, particularly in global supply chains. Startups are using blockchain technology to create tamper-proof digital documentation, reducing fraud and improving trust between supply chain partners. Blockchain-based smart contracts also automate payment processes, reducing disputes and inefficiencies in freight transactions.
6. Sustainability in logistics
As businesses face growing pressure to reduce their carbon footprint, logistics startups are also pioneering green solutions such as zero-emission delivery models and cold-chain logistics from battery-powered IoT coolers. These solutions align with corporate sustainability goals and also help companies cut energy and fuel costs.
10 innovative logistics companies worth watching
Here are 10 logistics startups worth keeping an eye on.
1. ClickShip
Year established: 2021
Location: Caledon, Canada
Funds raised: Undisclosed
ClickShip is making e-commerce logistics more accessible by simplifying shipping for online sellers. By integrating directly with major e-commerce platforms, the company provides automated shipping solutions, real-time rates, and order fulfillment tools within a single dashboard. Designed for small and medium-sized businesses, ClickShip helps online retailers streamline their logistics without the complexity of traditional shipping operations.
How they are changing the industry:
Offers seamless integration with platforms like Shopify, WooCommerce, and Wix.
Automates order fulfillment and shipping label generation to save time.
Provides real-time tracking and analytics to improve delivery efficiency.
Enables small and mid-sized businesses to access competitive shipping rates.
Centralizes logistics management with an intuitive, user-friendly platform.
2. Fin Mile Logistics
Year established: 2022
Location: Whitechapel, UK
Funds raised: $22.93 million
With a focus on sustainability, Fin Mile Logistics is redefining urban delivery by utilizing micro-fulfillment hubs and electric cargo bikes. Designed for densely populated city centers, the company's fleet is built to navigate zero-emission zones while maintaining high delivery capacity. Beyond transportation, Fin Mile also provides a warehouse-as-a-service (WaaS) model, allowing businesses to sublease space in its micro-fulfillment centers while offering value-added services such as inventory and returns management.
How they are changing the industry:
Introduces an emission-free fleet of e-cargo bikes and vans for urban delivery.
Reduces congestion and enhances last-mile efficiency with city-center micro-fulfillment hubs.
Provides a warehouse-as-a-service (WaaS) model, allowing businesses to scale logistics on demand.
Offers full-service logistics, including packing, folding, and same-day delivery.
Supports retailers with a greener and more affordable alternative to traditional couriers.
3. G2 Reverse Logistics
Year established: 2020
Location: Pennsylvania, USA
Funds raised: $9.6 million
Returns management is a growing challenge in e-commerce, and G2 Reverse Logistics is tackling it with an AI-powered solution. The company’s Reverse Execution Analytics Platform (REAP) determines the most profitable way to handle customer returns, dynamically analyzing resale opportunities, labor costs, vendor return policies, and demand trends. By using machine learning, G2 helps retailers recover more value from returned goods while reducing waste and inefficiencies.
How they are changing the industry:
Uses AI to automate and optimize reverse logistics for e-commerce.
Increases net recovery value by analyzing resale demand and vendor return rules.
Enhances transparency and traceability in the returns process.
Supports local drop-off options and advanced disposition methods to minimize waste.
4. UniUni
Year established: 2019
Location: Richmond, Canada
Funds raised: $105 million
UniUni is a rapidly growing logistics startup focused on affordable and scalable last-mile delivery. The company partners with e-commerce retailers and marketplaces to provide flexible, cost-effective delivery solutions, leveraging a network of independent drivers. With its data-driven approach, UniUni optimizes delivery routes in real time, helping businesses reduce costs and improve customer satisfaction.
How they are changing the industry:
Expands last-mile delivery capacity with a gig-economy-based driver network.
Optimizes routes dynamically using data and AI for greater efficiency.
Provides low-cost delivery solutions for major e-commerce marketplaces.
Supports same-day and next-day shipping to enhance customer experience.
Scales operations rapidly to meet fluctuating e-commerce demand.
Helps businesses reduce shipping costs while maintaining reliability.
5. Artyc
Year established: 2021
Location: California, USA
Funds raised: $10.7 million
Artyc is transforming temperature-controlled logistics with its battery-powered IoT coolers. Designed for industries like healthcare and specialty foods, Artyc’s solutions maintain precise temperatures during transit, reducing spoilage and improving cargo integrity. Its Medstow Mini is used for life-saving medications and patient samples, while larger models like Terrastow 25L cater to biologics and high-value perishables. The company’s IoT-enabled sensors provide real-time monitoring, giving businesses full visibility into cargo conditions.
How they are changing the industry:
Develops battery-powered IoT coolers for temperature-sensitive shipments.
Maintains precise temperature control for biologics, pharmaceuticals, and food logistics.
Reduces spoilage with real-time monitoring and predictive analytics.
Supports healthcare logistics with specialized medical transport solutions.
Accelerates adoption of sustainable cold-chain technology by reducing reliance on single-use packaging.
6. Camionix
Year established: 2021
Location: Monterrey, Mexico
Funds raised: Undisclosed
Camionix is simplifying cross-border logistics between Mexico and the U.S. with its digital freight platform. By integrating lead matching, shipment tracking, and customs brokerage, the startup streamlines the entire shipping lifecycle. Camionix also connects businesses with trusted in-house customs partners, reducing delays and optimizing the movement of goods across international borders.
How they are changing the industry:
Digitizes cross-border freight management for seamless U.S.-Mexico trade.
Automates lead matching to connect shippers with the best available carriers.
Integrates customs brokerage partners to simplify clearance and reduce delays.
Provides real-time tracking and invoice management in a centralized system.
Coordinates with distribution services to optimize warehouse logistics.
7. Cogsy
Year established: 2020
Location: Texas, USA
Funds raised: $6 million
Inventory inefficiencies can cost businesses millions, and Cogsy is tackling this challenge with an AI-driven inventory optimization platform. Designed for e-commerce and retail brands, Cogsy turns fragmented inventory data into actionable insights, helping businesses predict demand, restock efficiently, and avoid over-purchasing. By integrating with major e-commerce platforms, it simplifies inventory planning and allows brands to scale without unnecessary waste.
How they are changing the industry:
Uses AI-powered analytics to predict demand and prevent stockouts.
Reduces inventory waste by optimizing restocking schedules.
Integrates with major e-commerce systems for real-time visibility.
Helps businesses manage cash flow by eliminating excess inventory.
8. Nuvocargo
Year established: 2019
Location: New York, USA
Funds raised: $74.4 million
Managing cross-border logistics between the U.S. and Mexico is often complicated by customs regulations, fragmented carriers, and inconsistent tracking. Nuvocargo brings all these elements under one digital platform, providing an end-to-end solution for freight forwarding, customs clearance, and financing. Unlike traditional freight brokers, Nuvocargo simplifies cross-border shipping with a tech-first approach, making international trade more efficient and transparent.
How they are changing the industry:
Consolidates freight, customs, and financing in one digital ecosystem.
Helps businesses navigate U.S.-Mexico trade regulations with ease.
Provides real-time tracking and analytics to improve shipment visibility.
Offers supply chain financing solutions to help shippers manage cash flow.
Reduces delays by streamlining communication between all stakeholders.
9. Horizon
Year established: 2021
Location: Fremantle, Australia
Funds raised: Undisclosed
Horizon is bringing greater connectivity to logistics by building an integrated platform that links businesses with warehouses, trucking companies, and freight services across ocean, air, and land transport. Through its Transportation Management System (TMS), Horizon allows businesses to customize shipments, optimize fleet performance, and manage invoices—all within a single platform. Its Delivery Marketplace further simplifies courier selection, allowing shippers to compare prices in real-time and find the best-fit carrier for each job.
How they are changing the industry:
Connects warehouses, trucking companies, and freight providers on one platform.
Enables detailed order customization, from packaging to destination routing.
Offers real-time fleet tracking and performance analysis tools.
Simplifies bill management for seamless invoice tracking.
Builds a Delivery Marketplace, allowing shippers to book couriers instantly.
10. Bigger Picture
Year established: 2019
Location: California, USA
Funds raised: Undisclosed
Scheduling inefficiencies plague the logistics industry, often leading to wasted time, unnecessary costs, and shipment delays. Bigger Picture addresses this challenge by automating shipment scheduling for trucking companies and warehouses. Rather than relying on outdated methods like phone calls and emails, the platform digitizes scheduling, connects all supply chain stakeholders, and optimizes freight flow. By integrating AI and automation, Bigger Picture helps businesses cut down on scheduling errors and labor inefficiencies, making freight management smoother and more predictable.
How they are changing the industry:
Automates scheduling for shippers, carriers, and warehouse operators.
Replaces manual phone calls and emails with an integrated digital solution.
Uses AI to minimize disruptions and reduce labor inefficiencies.
Helps warehouses reduce scheduling errors and improve load margins.
Standardizes scheduling processes to enhance operational efficiency.
3 logistics startup business ideas
The logistics industry continues to evolve, but there are still gaps where new startups can bring fresh innovation. Below are three logistics startup ideas that address unmet needs or areas with room for further optimization.
1. Autonomous warehouse auditing and compliance platform
Warehouses and fulfillment centers struggle with compliance, audits, and safety regulations. Manual auditing is time-consuming, error-prone, and disrupts operations. Many logistics startups focus on warehouse automation, but few address regulatory compliance and real-time auditing.
The solution: Develop an AI-powered warehouse auditing platform that uses computer vision and IoT sensors to monitor safety, operational efficiency, and compliance with labor and storage regulations. The system would automatically generate compliance reports, alert managers to violations, and help businesses avoid costly fines and inefficiencies. A win for both the business and probably their insurance bills as well.
2. On-demand refrigerated micro-warehousing for perishable goods
Cold-chain logistics for small businesses is costly and inefficient. Most temperature-controlled storage solutions cater to large enterprises, leaving small and mid-sized businesses with limited access to refrigerated storage and last-mile delivery solutions.
The solution: Build a network of micro-warehouses offering on-demand refrigerated storage for small businesses needing short-term or flexible cold storage. This network could integrate with last-mile delivery services, allowing food businesses, pharmacies, and small retailers to store and transport perishables efficiently without investing in expensive long-term cold storage facilities.
3. AI-powered load optimization for freight carriers
Empty truck miles account for around 30% of freight movement in some regions, leading to fuel waste, higher costs, and environmental impact. While freight-matching startups exist, many fail to dynamically optimize load efficiency in real time.
The solution: Create an AI-driven freight load optimization platform that matches shipments with available truck space in real time, considering factors like weight distribution, cargo type, route optimization, and fuel efficiency. This system would integrate predictive analytics to anticipate upcoming freight availability and help carriers reduce empty miles.
Thinking about building a logistics startup?
Building a successful logistics SaaS startup requires a great idea—and more. It demands the right team to bring your vision to life. That means you focus on market research, customer acquisition, and scaling your business, while a seasoned and proficient development partner simultaneously turns your concept into a high-performing product.
That’s what DevSquad does. We specialize in building SaaS products, handling everything from MVP development to scalable enterprise solutions. We worry about the engineering team. You concentrate on growing your startup while we handle the technical execution.
Building a SaaS product? Learn more about our SaaS development process.
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