The contract logistics industry is growing sharply in emerging nations, a new study by research organisation Transport Intelligence has suggested.

According to its latest report - entitled Global Contract Logistics 2013 - the global market expanded by 3.4 per cent in 2012 and was said to be worth €159.35 billion (£136.12 billion) in total.

However, there was a stark difference in regional performances, with western Europe reporting meagre growth of 0.9 per cent, while the Middle East saw a 5.7 per cent upturn in activity.

The last few years have been difficult for European hauliers, as the economic problems in the eurozone have had a negative impact on imports and exports. On the other hand, places like Dubai have really started to find their feet in the last 12 months and these figures reflect this.

Lead author of the report Cathy Roberson said: "Trade lanes are shifting away from the US and Europe in favour of emerging markets such as Brazil, Russia, South Africa and the Middle East."