United States Medium and Heavy Duty Truck Market Overview, 2030

The U.S. medium and heavy-duty truck market is navigating a period of rapid transformation, shaped by shifting regulations, cleaner propulsion technologies, and innovation in vehicle systems. Once reliant almost entirely on diesel-powered Class 4–8 trucks, the sector has seen a wave of electrification since 2021, with trucks like Freightliner’s eCascadia, Tesla Semi, and Volvo’s VNR Electric now in operation. New systems such as regenerative braking, predictive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, blind-spot detection, and over-the-air diagnostics are no longer optional they’re shaping the way trucks are designed and operated. Policy mandates are playing a defining role. California’s Advanced Clean Trucks (ACT) Rule now adopted or under review in multiple states requires that 55% of new medium-duty and 75% of new heavy-duty trucks sold by 2035 must be zero-emission. The EPA’s Clean Trucks Plan adds pressure by imposing tighter NOx and GHG limits from 2027. To comply, manufacturers spend an average of $20,000 to $30,000 per vehicle on emissions certifications, safety systems, and diagnostic compliance. Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards (FMVSS), DOT testing, and California Air Resources Board (CARB) certifications often demand truck configurations specific to the U.S. market. Tax credits are available up to $40,000 per truck under the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) but only if sourcing and assembly meet domestic thresholds. Regulations aren’t uniform here. Texas follows federal EPA rules, while California requires ZEV reporting and mandates fleet-level compliance. In contrast, Canada applies similar EPA guidelines but adds regional rebates, while Mexico supports CNG use and has looser NOx controls. Trade rules, the Buy America Act, and IRA-linked battery origin policies are also shifting how and where OEMs build trucks, influencing everything from model launches to plant investment strategies.

According to the research report ""United States Medium and Heavy-Duty Truck Market Overview, 2030,"" published by Bonafide Research, the United States Medium and Heavy-Duty Truck market is anticipated to grow at more than 2.89% CAGR from 2025 to 2030. This market is driven by federal climate policies, electrification targets, and the growing need for industrial freight movement across sectors. These forces are reshaping how trucks are designed, built, and delivered nationwide. Raw materials such as high-tensile steel, aluminum, polymers, and lithium-ion cells are sourced from within the U.S. and North American trade partners. Modular assemblies now allow manufacturers to produce both electric and combustion models on shared platforms, improving production efficiency and reducing lead times. Major manufacturing hubs like Texas, Ohio, Michigan, and North Carolina manage large-scale truck production for regional and national demand. Vehicle components including axles, battery packs, braking systems, and electronics are integrated through advanced assembly lines using automation and lean practices. Distribution follows a multi-tier model OEMs supply to fleet operators, municipalities, and authorized dealers across freight-intensive areas like Southern California, Chicago, Dallas, and Atlanta. Sales are further supported through online portals and procurement platforms, especially for public-sector and logistics fleet purchases. Trends such as depot charging, smart diagnostics, connected maintenance systems, and urban electrified fleets are influencing purchase behavior. These developments create opportunities in last-mile delivery, construction transport, utility services, and regional distribution. Industries like construction, agriculture, retail, energy, and waste management rely heavily on these vehicles for daily operations, from raw material transport to site servicing. The shift to clean trucks is also encouraging investment in local battery supply chains, parts standardization, and regional manufacturing expansion.

Medium-duty trucks (3.5 to 16 tonnes) are commonly used for urban logistics, utility services, last-mile freight, and municipal applications, are seeing faster adoption of electric and alternative propulsion systems. This class includes box trucks, delivery vans, flatbeds, and refuse collection vehicles. Manufacturers such as Freightliner, Ford, Isuzu, and Hino dominate this segment, with models like the Freightliner eM2 and Ford F-750 frequently marketed for commercial fleets and government agencies. These trucks are often promoted through trade shows, digital procurement platforms, and regional dealer networks targeting fleet managers, municipal buyers, and contractors. On the other hand, Heavy-duty trucks are primarily used for long-haul transport, construction equipment movement, and cross-country freight, represent the largest share of the market by volume and utility. These include tractor-trailers, dump trucks, and tankers. Market leaders like Daimler Trucks North America (Freightliner Cascadia), Volvo Trucks, and PACCAR (Kenworth, Peterbilt) dominate with robust diesel models while steadily expanding their zero-emission offerings such as the Volvo VNR Electric and Kenworth T680E. Marketing strategies in this segment focus on trade publications, logistics fleet expos, and direct B2B promotions. Sales cycles tend to be longer due to higher vehicle costs, extended leasing models, and customization needs. Medium-duty trucks benefit from easier urban access, lower operating costs, and growing demand for emission-compliant vehicles, especially in regulated states like California and New York. Heavy-duty trucks deliver unmatched load capacity, longer driving ranges, and durable performance for interstate and industrial use. While medium trucks are ideal for electrification pilots and municipal transitions, heavy trucks continue to anchor national freight infrastructure.

The Internal combustion engine trucks are primarily powered by diesel, remain the dominant segment due to their established infrastructure, fuel availability, and proven performance in long-haul and heavy-load applications. Major players like Freightliner, Peterbilt, Kenworth, and Mack Trucks continue to develop advanced diesel models with improved fuel efficiency and lower NOx emissions. These vehicles are widely used across logistics, construction, agriculture, and mining industries where range, payload, and durability are critical. Electric trucks are the fastest-growing propulsion segment, gaining momentum due to regulatory mandates, tax credits, and advancements in battery technology. Medium-duty models such as the Ford E-Transit, Freightliner eM2, and Isuzu EV series are designed for urban delivery, utility services, and municipal fleets. Heavy-duty electric trucks like the Volvo VNR Electric, Kenworth T680E, and Tesla Semi are being adopted by regional haulers, retailers, and logistics firms seeking emission reductions. These vehicles offer lower operating costs, zero tailpipe emissions, and access to clean fleet incentive programs like those in California and New York. Companies use digital platforms, sustainability campaigns, and trade expos to promote electric fleets to commercial buyers and public sector clients. Other propulsion types such as hydrogen fuel cell, CNG, hybrid, and propane represent a smaller portion of the market but are being tested for niche applications. Nikola Motors and Toyota are piloting hydrogen trucks for freight corridors, while CNG remains active in refuse and transit fleets.

Rigid trucks featuring a single chassis with fixed cargo or service bodies dominate in urban and short-haul operations. They are widely used by municipal corporations, utility service providers, local delivery companies, and waste management fleets. These trucks include box trucks, tankers, flatbeds, and service vehicles. Manufacturers like Freightliner, International, Ford, and Hino offer multiple rigid models configured for construction, maintenance, and urban logistics, supported by large dealership networks and fleet-focused marketing. Rigid trucks are especially popular for their maneuverability in city environments, lower operating costs, and ease of maintenance, making them ideal for electrification. Tractor-trailers or articulated trucks are the fastest-growing body type due to rising demand for interstate freight movement, e-commerce logistics, and port-to-warehouse transport. These trucks consist of a detachable trailer and a powered tractor unit, offering flexibility in cargo handling and optimized weight distribution. Companies such as Volvo, Peterbilt, Kenworth, and Daimler dominate this segment, offering diesel and electric versions capable of high payload capacities and extended range. The Tesla Semi and Freightliner eCascadia represent emerging electric options in this space. Logistics firms and large retailers prefer articulated trucks for their scalability and compatibility with long-haul operations. Promotional efforts target fleet operators through trade shows, performance trials, and sustainability partnerships. Tipper or dump trucks are essential in the construction, mining, and waste sectors, used for hauling loose materials like gravel, soil, or debris. Offered by Mack, Western Star, and Caterpillar, these trucks operate in off-road and infrastructure-heavy environments. Other body types include mixer trucks, fire trucks, tow vehicles, and refrigerated units, each serving niche demands.

The U.S. medium and heavy-duty truck market serves a wide array of end users, with logistics and transportation emerging as the leading segment due to the country’s dependence on road freight for interstate commerce, retail distribution, and e-commerce fulfillment. Logistics fleets use both rigid trucks and tractor-trailers to manage hub-to-hub and last-mile delivery, especially across key corridors like the I-5, I-10, and I-95 routes. Construction and mining represent the fastest-growing segment, driven by federal infrastructure investments and rising demand for material transport in roadworks, pipelines, and renewable energy projects. This segment relies heavily on tipper trucks, heavy-duty rigs, and rigid vocational models for off-road performance and high-load applications. Agriculture and forestry users, particularly in the Midwest and Southeast, deploy medium-duty flatbeds, tankers, and dump trucks for grain, livestock feed, timber, and equipment haulage. These trucks support seasonal operations and rural distribution, with preferences for durable, fuel-efficient models. The utility and municipal segment includes waste collection, street maintenance, public works, and emergency services. Local governments and contractors procure medium-duty electric and diesel trucks for compliance with state mandates and low-emission targets, especially in California, New York, and Oregon. Procurement here is driven by clean fleet initiatives, grant programs, and public bidding platforms. Other end users include the oil and gas sector, food and beverage distributors, rental equipment providers, and military agencies each with specific requirements around payload, safety, and environmental compliance.  

Considered in this report
• Historic Year: 2019
• Base year: 2024
• Estimated year: 2025
• Forecast year: 2030

Aspects covered in this report
• Medium and Heavy Duty Truck Market with its value and forecast along with its segments
• Various drivers and challenges
• On-going trends and developments
• Top profiled companies
• Strategic recommendation

By Vehicle Class
• Medium (3.5 to 16 Tonnes)
• Heavy (16 Tonnes and Above)

By Propulsion
• ICE
• Electric
• Other

By Body Type
• Rigid Trucks
• Tractor-Trailers / Articulated Truck
• Tipper / Dump Trucks
• Other

By end users
• Logistic transportation
• Construction and Mining
• Agriculture and Forestry
• Utility And Municipal
• Other Show more