NAICS 541614 Quarterly Industry Report
Process, Physical Distribution, and Logistics Consulting Services
Comprehensive industry research for valuation professionals, business owners, buyers, and lenders
NAICS Code: 541614Sector: Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services (54)Updated: Q1 2026
About This Report
This report provides an overview of NAICS 541614: Process, Physical Distribution, and Logistics Consulting Services based on data from the U.S. Census Bureau[5] and SBA size standards[6]. Information reflects Fair Market Value assessments, industry employment patterns, establishment counts, and official government classification systems. Additional data is drawn from Bureau of Labor Statistics[7].. These data points enable business valuations, market analysis, and federal contracting decisions for logistics consulting firms.
Industry Snapshot
Key metrics for the process, physical distribution, and logistics consulting services industry.
NAICS Sector
54
Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services
Industry Definition & Overview
Process, Physical Distribution, and Logistics Consulting Services (NAICS 541614) encompasses establishments providing operating advice and assistance to businesses in manufacturing operations improvement, productivity gains, production planning and control, quality assurance, inventory management, distribution networks, warehouse operations, transportation and shipment of goods, and materials management. Per Census Bureau[5] data, approximately 19,729 business locations employ an estimated 79,047 workers across the United States. Market size stands at roughly $12.3 billion, growing at a compound annual rate of about 4.5 percent.
Geographic concentration clusters around major trade gateways. California leads due to ports handling Asia-Pacific commerce, while Texas ranks highly for its central distribution hubs serving North America. Professional success demands expertise in systems analysis, operational efficiency, and strategic planning. Firms range from small boutique consultancies to large multinational operations. The workforce brings deep expertise across supply chain management, industrial engineering, and operations research disciplines. Average compensation for logistics consultants exceeds $90,000 annually, reflecting the specialized knowledge required.
Supply chain disruptions experienced globally in recent years have amplified demand for logistics consulting expertise. Organizations increasingly prioritize resilience, near-shoring strategies, and technology integration across their supply networks. Automation technologies, real-time visibility platforms, and end-to-end integration across manufacturing and distribution operations are reshaping how consultants advise clients on building more responsive and efficient supply chains.
What's Included in This Industry
- Manufacturing operations improvement and process advisory
- Productivity improvement consulting and performance analysis
- Production planning and control systems implementation
- Quality assurance and quality control advisory services
- Inventory management and materials planning consulting
- Distribution network design and advisory services
- Warehouse operations and layout consulting
- Transportation management and logistics planning services
- Materials handling and supply chain management consulting
- Freight rate and tariff consulting services
NAICS Classification Hierarchy
| Level | Description | Code |
|---|---|---|
| Sector | Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services | 54 |
| Subsector | Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services | 541 |
| Industry Group | Management, Scientific, and Technical Consulting Services | 5416 |
| NAICS Industry | Management Consulting Services | 54161 |
| National Industry | Process, Physical Distribution, and Logistics Consulting Services | 541614 |
Related NAICS Codes
| Code | Description | Relationship |
|---|---|---|
| 541611 | Administrative Management and General Management Consulting Services | Administrative management consulting provides broader organizational management advice, whereas NAICS 541614 specifically focuses on process, distribution, and logistics operations and supply chain efficiency improvements. |
| 541612 | Human Resources Consulting Services | Human resources consulting addresses personnel management and compensation systems, while 541614 concentrates on operational efficiency, materials management, and physical distribution network design and improvement. |
| 541613 | Marketing Consulting Services | Marketing consulting focuses on customer acquisition and brand strategy, whereas 541614 addresses the operational backend including inventory management, warehouse operations, and transportation logistics advisory. |
| 484110 | General Freight Trucking, Local | General freight trucking provides the physical movement of goods by road, while 541614 consultants advise on transportation strategy, route selection, carrier management, and integration with broader logistics networks. |
| 493110 | General Warehousing and Storage | General warehousing and storage operations handle physical inventory holding, while 541614 consultants design warehouse layouts, systems, operations procedures, and network configurations to maximize efficiency. |
| 541618 | Other Management Consulting Services | Other management consulting services handle broader business advisory that complements logistics consulting, providing organizational transformation support alongside operational efficiency improvements and supply chain work. |
Geographic Concentration
Top states by share of national establishments.
| # | State | % Est. | Total Est. |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | California | 14.0% | 1,216 |
| 2 | Florida | 10.3% | 898 |
| 3 | Texas | 9.9% | 863 |
| 4 | New York | 4.4% | 384 |
| 5 | Illinois | 4.4% | 379 |
| 6 | Georgia | 3.9% | 339 |
| 7 | North Carolina | 3.7% | 319 |
| 8 | New Jersey | 3.4% | 294 |
| 9 | Pennsylvania | 3.3% | 288 |
| 10 | Michigan | 2.9% | 255 |
% Of Establishments
0%
14%
Source: County Business Patterns, U.S. Census Bureau[3]
SBA Lending Summary
640
Total SBA Loans
$268.3M
Total Loan Volume
$419K
Average Loan Size
10 yrs
Average Loan Term
10.44%
Average Interest Rate
7,032
Jobs Supported
Source: SBA 7(a) Program Data, U.S. Small Business Administration — FY 2025[4]
Key Insight: The Small Business Administration[6] sets the size standard for NAICS 541614 at $20.0 million in average annual receipts for the preceding five fiscal years. This threshold determines eligibility for small business contracts and SBA loan programs in the process, physical distribution, and logistics consulting sector. Eligible businesses can access SBA 7(a) loans[8] for working capital, equipment, and acquisition financing, while 504 loans[9] support major fixed-asset purchases including real estate and heavy machinery.
Top SBA Lenders
| # | Lender | Loans | Volume | Avg Loan |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Meridian Bank | 8 | $40.0M | $5.0M |
| 2 | Bank of America, National Association | 24 | $36.3M | $1.5M |
| 3 | Newtek Bank, National Association | 32 | $35.6M | $1.1M |
| 4 | KeyBank National Association | 40 | $29.3M | $733K |
| 5 | U.S. Bank, National Association | 48 | $28.0M | $583K |
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about this industry.
What services do logistics and process consulting firms provide?
Logistics and process consulting firms provide advisory services across manufacturing operations, production planning, quality assurance, inventory management, distribution network design, warehouse operations, transportation planning, and materials handling. Services include freight rate consulting, productivity improvement, and supply chain management strategy. Census Bureau NAICS 541614[10]
What is the SBA size standard for NAICS 541614?
The SBA[11] established a size standard of $20.0 million in average annual receipts for NAICS 541614. Businesses with annual revenues at or below this threshold qualify as small businesses for federal contracting, SBA loan programs, and government procurement opportunities.
How large is the logistics consulting industry in the United States?
The industry includes approximately 19,729 establishments with estimated employment of 79,047 people. Total addressable market is valued at roughly $12.3 billion with steady growth of about 4.5 percent annually, reflecting sustained demand for supply chain and process improvement advisory services.
Which states have the highest concentration of logistics consulting firms?
Major logistics consulting hubs concentrate in states with port infrastructure, distribution networks, and manufacturing bases. California leads due to ports in Los Angeles and Long Beach handling Asia-Pacific trade, while Texas ranks highly for its central geographic position serving North America. States with large manufacturing sectors also show strong consulting demand. BLS Employment Data[12]
What are the main trends in supply chain consulting?
Current trends include digitization of supply chain operations, integration of advanced analytics and artificial intelligence, increased focus on supply chain resilience and risk management, sustainability and carbon reduction initiatives, and adoption of multimodal transportation strategies. Growing demand for near-shoring consulting and supply chain diversification followed recent global disruptions.
What is the difference between NAICS 541614 and other management consulting codes?
NAICS 541614 specifically focuses on process, physical distribution, and logistics operations. NAICS 541611 covers general administrative management consulting, 541612 addresses human resources, 541613 focuses on marketing, and 541618 captures other management consulting. Logistics consultants bring specialized expertise in manufacturing, warehousing, transportation, and materials handling.
How do logistics consultants measure ROI for clients?
Consultants measure success through cost reductions in transportation and warehousing, inventory accuracy improvements, cycle time reductions, service level gains, network improvements, and operational efficiency metrics. Typical engagements deliver measurable improvements of 6 to 15 percent in overall supply chain spend, with return on investment exceeding 5 percent in most engagements.
What professional organizations serve the logistics consulting industry?
The Council of Supply Chain Management Professionals (CSCMP)[13] is the leading association serving supply chain professionals. Additionally, the Association for Supply Chain Management (ASCM)[14] provides education, certifications, and research. Additional organizations include the Material Handling Institute and the Institute for Supply Management, all offering networking, certification, and benchmarking resources.
Sources & References
Government datasets and editorial sources used in this report.
- [1]U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Quarterly Census of Employment and Wages bls.gov
- [2]U.S. Census Bureau, Economic Census census.gov
- [3]U.S. Census Bureau, County Business Patterns census.gov
- [4]U.S. Small Business Administration, SBA 7(a) Loan Program Data data.sba.gov
- [5]Census Bureau data.census.gov
- [6]SBA size standards sba.gov
- [7]Bureau of Labor Statistics bls.gov
- [8]SBA 7(a) loans sba.gov
- [9]504 loans sba.gov
- [10]Census Bureau NAICS 541614 census.gov
- [11]SBA sba.gov
- [12]BLS Employment Data bls.gov
- [13]Council of Supply Chain Management Professionals (CSCMP) cscmp.org
- [14]Association for Supply Chain Management (ASCM) ascm.org
Disclaimer
This publication has been prepared by Fair Market Value (“Fair Market Value”) for informational purposes only. It is provided on an “as-is” and “as available” basis. Fair Market Value makes no representations or warranties, express or implied, regarding the merchantability, fitness for a particular purpose, completeness, or accuracy of the data or information contained herein. This publication is not intended to be, and should not be construed as, professional financial, legal, tax, or investment advice. Users should consult with qualified professionals before making any financial or business decisions based on the information presented.
To the extent permitted by law, Fair Market Value disclaims all liability for loss or damage, direct and indirect, suffered or incurred by any person resulting from the use of, or reliance upon, the data in this publication.
Copyright © 2026 Fair Market Value. All rights reserved. All data, information, articles, graphs, and content contained in this publication are copyrighted works and Fair Market Value hereby reserves all rights. No part of this publication may be copied, reproduced, republished, uploaded to a third party, or distributed without the prior written permission of Fair Market Value.