미국의 역물류 시장 : 반품 유형별, 서비스별, 최종사용자별, 지역별, 기회 및 예측(2018-2032년)

United States reverse logistics market is projected to witness a CAGR of 5.76% during the forecast period 2025-2032, growing from USD 171.23 billion in 2024 to USD 268.01 billion in 2032F, owing to e-commerce growth, environmental regulations, and rising product complexity which are converging to drive adoption of smarter and tech-enabled reverse logistics. Reverse logistics in the United States is no longer a cost center; it is a strategic differentiator. As consumer expectations evolve and sustainability becomes non-negotiable, companies are rethinking how products are returned, repaired, recycled, or resold.

Companies are investing in automation, AI-powered return management, and refurbishment platforms that turn potential losses into circular revenue streams. This shift is reshaping not just the warehouse but the entire post-purchase experience.

For instance, in January 2025, DHL Supply Chain, a major player in the United States logistics market, expanded its reverse logistics capabilities by acquiring Inmar's returns solutions, adding 14 strategic return centers and reaffirming its commitment to circular and value-driven services. DHL expects accelerated growth from key industry sectors, including e-commerce and retail.

Tech-Enabled Returns Management and 3PL Integration Driving the Market

As return volumes scale, businesses are outsourcing reverse logistics to specialized 3PLs and tech platforms that bring visibility, automation, and cost efficiency to the process. Returns are now data-driven. From disposition rules to refund triggers, every step is being optimized to improve both customer experience and unit economics. Tech-enabled returns management and 3PL integration are fundamentally transforming the reverse logistics landscape in the United States. Modern returns management platforms leverage automation, AI, and data analytics to streamline every step of the returns journey, from initiation to final disposition. These systems enable businesses to automate workflows, set complex return rules, and provide real-time visibility into inventory and return status, all while delivering a seamless, branded customer experience.

In April 2024, ShipBob launched a dedicated Returns Management Suite for Shopify sellers, enabling real-time tracking, automated approval workflows, and instant refund syncing. Integrated with its nationwide fulfillment network, this solution helped reduce return processing times by over 25% for participating SMBs.

Sustainability and Value Recovery in Reverse Logistics

Reverse logistics is no longer just a cost center but a critical driver of sustainability and value recovery in modern supply chains. As consumer expectations, regulatory pressures, and environmental concerns intensify, businesses are reimagining reverse logistics as a profitability lever and circular economy enabler. High-value goods including electronics and luxury items are leading the shift toward sustainability-driven reverse logistics. Brands are now recapturing value from returned products through refurbishment, resale, and certified recycling.

In November 2024, Best Buy Co, Inc. advanced its sustainability goals by achieving TRUE zero waste certification at six additional supply chain facilities this year. With each site now diverting over 90% of waste from landfills, the company moves closer to its aim of certifying all supply chain locations as zero waste by 2025.

This example reflects a broader shift; reverse logistics prioritize sustainability and resource recovery. Rather than shipping returns or discarding them, retailers are investing in in-house or JV-based processing centers that refurbish, recycle, and reuse materials, turning environmental responsibility into a core logistics capability.

E-commerce Returns Dominating Volume and Process Innovation, Powering Reverse Logistics

With return rates averaging between 15-30% in online retail, reverse logistics has become a critical pillar of the United States' e-commerce value chain. Consumers now expect seamless, label-free, and instant refunds, and companies are responding. Reverse logistics is no longer reactive, it's personalized, predictive, and deeply integrated into customer retention strategies. Retailers and logistics providers are investing in process innovation. Automation, AI-powered return management systems, and data analytics are being used to predict return patterns, optimize workflows, and reduce turnaround times. Stricter return policies and smarter inventory placement are also emerging as strategies to manage costs and minimize unnecessary returns. At the same time, industry is rethinking packaging, transportation routes, and even product design to make returns less wasteful and more sustainable.

In February 2025, it was reported that Amazon.com, Inc. and Walmart (Wal-Mart Stores, Inc.) decided to offer returnless refunds on some items, usually for low-cost products or items that do not have a strong resale value. The rise of returnless refunds at major retailers, including Amazon and Walmart highlights just how common returns have become in e-commerce.

Impact of U.S. Tariffs on the United States Reverse Logistics Market

U.S. tariffs on electronics, auto parts, and other imported goods have increased the cost of both forward and reverse shipping. As a result, companies now prioritize refurbishing or reselling returned goods domestically rather than sending them back to foreign manufacturers. This has expanded local repair, testing, and resale operations within reverse logistics hubs.

In sectors, including automotive and electronics, shifting compliance requirements due to tariff realignment (especially with China and Mexico) have led to more product withdrawals and recalls. Logistics firms have had to develop faster, more compliant recalling processes, making returns and replacing a larger part of their service mix.

Increased customs scrutiny, documentation requirements, and fluctuating HS codes tied to tariff updates have made cross-border returns more time-consuming and costly, especially for e-commerce brands operating under global fulfillment models. This has driven the adoption of U.S. based liquidation, recommerce, and secondary market processing.

With tariff uncertainty making re-exportation of goods less viable, businesses are doubling down on domestic circular logistics, emphasizing take-back programs, recycling, and end-of-life recovery to extract residual value without triggering additional duties or shipping costs.

Key Players Landscape and Outlook

The United States reverse logistics market is led by a blend of parcel giants, specialized 3PLs, and tech-driven disruptors. Companies continue to provide national-scale return pickup and drop-off solutions, while platforms including ShipBob and Newgistics (Pitney Bowes) are innovating return visibility and automation for e-commerce brands. XPO and DB Schenker offer integrated reverse supply chains for industrial and automotive clients, and DHL is expanding circular logistics for retail and healthcare.

Meanwhile, retailers and manufacturers are investing in partnerships and in-house platforms to regain control of returns and value recovery. Competitive advantage now lies in who can process smarter, resell faster, and minimize waste, while keeping the customer engaged and loyal post-purchase.

For instance, in 2024, United Parcel Service, Inc. acquired Happy Returns from PayPal, integrating a label-free, box-free returns system via return bars such as Staples and Ulta. This strengthens UPS's position in retail and DTC return services. Happy Returns serves over 800 merchant customers and is known for offering hassle-free, no-box returns. Their approach lowers e-commerce costs for everyone involved while building a more efficient and sustainable supply chain.

Table of Contents

1. Project Scope and Definitions

2. Research Methodology

3. Impact of U.S. Tariffs

4. Executive Summary

5. Voice of Customers

• 5.1. Features and Other Value-added Services
• 5.2. Ease of Returns
• 5.3. Speed of Refunds
• 5.4. Customer Support

6. United States Reverse Logistics Market Outlook, 2018-2032F

• 6.1. Market Size Analysis & Forecast
  • 6.1.1. By Value
• 6.2. Market Share Analysis & Forecast
  • 6.2.1. By Return Type
    • 6.2.1.1. Repairable Returns
    • 6.2.1.2. Recall Returns
    • 6.2.1.3. B2B and Commercial Returns
    • 6.2.1.4. End of Life Returns
    • 6.2.1.5. End of Use Returns
  • 6.2.2. By Services
    • 6.2.2.1. Transportation
    • 6.2.2.2. Warehousing
    • 6.2.2.3. Reselling
    • 6.2.2.4. Replacement Management
    • 6.2.2.5. Refund Management Authorization
    • 6.2.2.6. Others
  • 6.2.3. By End-user
    • 6.2.3.1. E-commerce
    • 6.2.3.2. Pharmaceutical
    • 6.2.3.3. Retail
    • 6.2.3.4. Automotive
    • 6.2.3.5. Luxury Goods
    • 6.2.3.6. Consumer Electronics
    • 6.2.3.7. Reusable Packaging
  • 6.2.4. By Region
    • 6.2.4.1. West
    • 6.2.4.2. Midwest
    • 6.2.4.3. South
    • 6.2.4.4. Northeast
  • 6.2.5. By Company Market Share Analysis (Top 5 Companies and Others - By Value, 2024)
• 6.3. Market Map Analysis, 2024
  • 6.3.1. By Return Type
  • 6.3.2. By Services
  • 6.3.3. By End-user
  • 6.3.4. By Region

7. Demand Supply Analysis

8. Value Chain Analysis

9. Porter's Five Forces Analysis

10. PESTLE Analysis

11. Market Dynamics

• 11.1. Market Drivers
• 11.2. Market Challenges

12. Market Trends and Developments

13. Policy and Regulatory Landscape

14. Case Studies

15. Competitive Landscape

• 15.1. Competition Matrix of Top 5 Market Leaders
• 15.2. SWOT Analysis for Top 5 Players
• 15.3. Key Players Landscape for Top 10 Market Players
  • 15.3.1. United Parcel Service, Inc.
    • 15.3.1.1. Company Details
    • 15.3.1.2. Key Management Personnel
    • 15.3.1.3. Products and Services
    • 15.3.1.4. Financials (As Reported)
    • 15.3.1.5. Key Market Focus and Geographical Presence
    • 15.3.1.6. Recent Developments/Collaborations/Partnerships/Mergers and Acquisition
  • 15.3.2. FedEx Corporation
  • 15.3.3. United States Postal Service
  • 15.3.4. Yusen Logistics Co., Ltd.
  • 15.3.5. Newgistics, Inc.
  • 15.3.6. XPO, Inc. (formerly XPO Logistics, Inc.)
  • 15.3.7. Schenker AG (trading as DB Schenker)
  • 15.3.8. Deutsche Post AG (trading as DHL Group)
  • 15.3.9. ShipBob, Inc.
  • 15.3.10. Bowman Logistics, Inc.

Companies mentioned above DO NOT hold any order as per market share and can be changed as per information available during research work.

16. Strategic Recommendations

17. About Us and Disclaimer