India Freight Forwarding Market Size and Share Outlook - Forecast Trends and Growth Analysis Report (2025-2034)

The India freight forwarding market size reached around USD 128.40 Billion in 2024. The market is projected to grow at a CAGR of 9.40% between 2025 and 2034 to reach nearly USD 315.31 Billion by 2034. The market growth can be attributed to the rising volume of global trade, technological advancements and innovations, favourable government initiatives, and the robust growth of the e-commerce sector.

India Freight Forwarding Market Summary

Description

Value

Base Year

USD Billion

2024

Historical period

USD Billion

2018-2024

Forecast Period

USD Billion

2025-2034

Market Size 2024

USD Billion

128.40

Market Size 2034

USD Billion

315.31

CAGR 2018-2024

Percentage

XX%

CAGR 2025-2034

Percentage

9.40%

CAGR 2025-2034 - Market by Region

West and Central India

10.7%

CAGR 2025-2034 - Market by Region

East India

10.1%

CAGR 2025-2034 - Market by Mode of Transportation

Road

10.9%

CAGR 2025-2034 - Market by End Use

Healthcare

13.2%

Market Share by Region 2024

North India

29.8%

India Freight Forwarding Market Growth

In 2023, India’s e-commerce industry recorded a year-on-year growth of 26.2% in order volume, mainly due to a 23.5% y-o-y surge in annual gross merchandise volume. Based on industry analysis, Tier I cities constituted a major portion of the increase in order volume (31.1%), followed by Tier II (23.3%) and Tier III cities (22.4%). The anticipated growth of the e-commerce industry in rural areas is expected to aid the India freight forwarding market development in the upcoming years.

Rising levels of economic development have further fuelled India’s exports globally. As per the government, India exported USD 84.96 billion worth of petroleum in 2023, which increased its market share to 12.59% and made it the world’s second-largest exporter. Similarly, the export of semi-precious stones has increased to USD 1.52 billion, which has made it the world’s topmost exporter, accounting for 36.53% of the global market share. This is expected to fuel the India freight forwarding market value in the coming years.

Technological advancements are expected to play a significant role in driving market growth. For instance, freight forwarding companies are adopting advanced AI algorithms to anticipate and avoid supply chain disruptions, thereby ensuring the timely delivery of cargo.

Key Trends and Developments

Technological advancements; the emergence of multimodal logistics, improvements in supply chain visibility; and increasing volume of global trade are the major factors favouring the India freight forwarding market growth.

Technological advancements

The growing use of technology in supply chain management aimed at streamlining operational efficiency, reducing turnaround times and costs, and enabling companies to meet the burgeoning demand for high-quality products across state borders is aiding the market.

Emergence of multimodal logistics

As per India freight forwarding market analysis, cargo transported via railways through Dedicated Freight Corridors have 65% lower carbon emissions than items transported via some routes through roadways. With government incentives, the growth of multimodal logistics is expected to play a significant role in driving market growth.

Improvements in supply chain visibility

Global merchandise trade volume is expected to increase at a rate of 2.6% in 2024 and 3.3% in 2025. This is prompting professional freight forwarders develop innovative, reliable and sustainable end-to-end supply chain solutions that offer real-time tracking of shipments, goods, and vehicles, enable supply chain managers to make informed decisions, and facilitate the identification of potential issues to minimise inventory shortages, delays, or customs clearance bottlenecks.

Increasing volume of global trade

The increasing volume of global trade and the establishment of India as a major hub for imports and exports are necessitating the demand for improved freight forwarding services. With surging global trade, growing investments in road and rail infrastructure and warehousing and distribution centres are also aiding the market.

India Freight Forwarding Market Trends

By 2047, freight volumes in India are expected to increase by nearly 500%, thereby resulting in almost 400% growth in carbon emissions. However, the emergence of multimodal logistics companies is expected to strengthen the delivery of freight services in a sustainable manner. The establishment of Gati Shakti Multi-Modal Cargo Terminals and Dedicated Freight Corridors is expected to enable professional freight forwarders to design an optimised transportation mix for enhancing their supply chain’s sustainability and efficiency. This is creating a favourable India freight forwarding market outlook. Freight forwarders are also expected to benefit from obtaining certifications like Authorised Economic Operator (AEO), which expedites the cargo clearance process for their items by reducing the requirements for physical inspection.

India Freight Forwarding Industry Segmentation

The EMR’s report titled “India Freight Forwarding Market Report and Forecast 2025-2034” offers a detailed analysis of the market based on the following segments:

Breakup by Mode of Transportation

• Road
• Maritime
• Rail
• Air

Breakup by Customer Type

• B2B
• B2C

Breakup by End Use

• Industrial and Manufacturing
• Retail
• Healthcare
• Oil and Gas
• Food and Beverages
• Others

Breakup by Region

• East India
• West and Central India
• North India
• South India

India Freight Forwarding Market Share

Based on mode of transportation, the market is segmented into road, maritime, rail, and air. Over the forecast period of 2025-2034, road transportation is expected to grow at a CAGR of 10.9% due to the extensive networks of roads, railways, and rural routes in the country. The flexibility, reliability, and ability to handle smaller and time-sensitive shipments offered by road transportation are boosting the market.

As per the India freight forwarding market analysis, maritime transportation is estimated to grow at a CAGR of 10.3% between 2025 and 2034 as it plays a crucial role in import-export activities. The growing volume of imports and exports, the increasing investments in port modernisation, and the rising global trade of manufactured goods are aiding the segment’s growth.

CAGR 2025-2034 - Market by

Mode of Transportation

Road

10.9%

Maritime

10.3%

Rail

XX%

Air

XX%

Leading Companies in the India Freight Forwarding Market

Major market players are focusing on developing their multimodal logistics capabilities, which is creating a favourable India freight forwarding market outlook. They are also investing in digital solutions that enable real-time tracking of shipments, automated customer care, and route optimisation to reduce operational inefficiencies and improve transparency.

Kuehne+Nagel International AG

Kuehne+Nagel International AG was founded in 1890 and is headquartered in Schwyz, Switzerland. It is engaged in providing logistical services to nearly 400,000 customers worldwide.

Deutsche Post AG

Deutsche Post AG was founded in 1995 and is headquartered in North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany. It specialises in providing postal deliveries, international direct mails, and cross-border packets.

DB Schenker

DB Schenker was founded in 1872 and is headquartered in Essen, Germany. It is a globally renowned company that provides excellent logistical services and freight forwarding solutions.

CEVA Logistics

CEVA Logistics is a subsidiary to the CMA CGM Group, which is headquartered in Marseille, France. CEVA Logistics is a leading third part logistics company that provides integrated transportation services across different continents.

Other players included in the India freight forwarding market report are DSV A/S, FedEx Corp., United Parcel Service of America, Inc., NIPPON EXPRESS HOLDINGS, INC., Delhivery Limited, and A.P. Moller – Maersk, among others.