Rail Freight Transportation Market Report and Forecast 2025-2034

The global rail freight transportation market size reached approximately USD 263.41 Billion in 2024. The market is estimated to grow at a CAGR of 3.10% in the forecast period of 2025-2034, reaching a value of around USD 357.45 Billion by 2034.

Key Trends in the Market

Rail freight transportation or rail cargo transportation refers to the usage of trains and railroads for the transport of goods and commodities. A freight train is an integral part of the supply chain and ensures the seamless transport of goods domestically or across the border.

• The growing shift towards precision scheduled railroading (PSR), which involves the operation of cargo trains on a fixed schedule, is one of the prominent rail freight transportation market trends. PSR improves the efficiency of freight trains by ensuring the timely delivery of goods.
• The increased incorporation of positive train control systems into freight rails for collision avoidance, monitoring speed, and prevention of rail derailments, among others, is another crucial trend supporting the market expansion.
• With the rising trend of decarbonisation, battery-powered freight trains that offer a zero-emission solution are gaining prominence, positively influencing the rail freight transportation market growth.
• The increasing deployment of advanced technologies such as AI, big data, and analytics in rail freight transport to facilitate effective train scheduling, reduce delays, and enable the prediction of failures to enhance efficiency and reliability is driving the market development.

Market segmentation

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

Market Breakup by Type of Cargo:

• Containerised (Includes Intermodal)
• Non-containerised
• Liquid Bulk

Market Breakup by Destination:

• Domestic
• International

Market Breakup by Application:

• Oil and Gas
• Mining
• Chemical
• Transport

Market Breakup by Region:

• North America
• Europe
• Asia Pacific
• Latin America
• Middle East and Africa

Market Share by Type of Cargo

Containerised cargo occupies a significant portion of the rail freight transportation market share as it offers standardisation of containers, which makes the loading and unloading of containers easier, resulting in a cost-efficient and time-saving cargo handling process. These types of cargo offer seamless transfer of goods from one mode of transport to another without any hassle.

Furthermore, these cargos offer the flexibility of transporting a variety of goods such as manufactured and refrigerated commodities.

Market Share by Region

As per the rail freight transportation market analysis, Europe accounts for a substantial share of the global market, due to the growth of the railway sector in the region. This region has a well-established network of railways, which facilitates the transport of goods locally and across the border through railway modes.

Technological advancements by key players for enhancing the operational performance of rail freight also provide a positive outlook to the market. Additionally, the Asia Pacific is also expected to witness sizeable growth in the forecast period, owing to the growing focus on infrastructural development.

Competitive Landscape

The comprehensive EMR report provides an in-depth assessment of the market based on the Porter's five forces model along with giving a SWOT analysis. The report gives a detailed analysis of the following key players in the rail freight transportation market, covering their competitive landscape and latest developments like mergers, acquisitions, investments, and expansion plans.

Deutsche Post AG

Deutsche Post AG is a provider of mail and parcels, established in 1995 and based in Bonn, Germany. It also offers press distribution, digital marketing, and corporate communication services, among others.

United Parcel Service of America, Inc.

United Parcel Service of America, Inc., founded in 1907, is a supply chain management company, headquartered in Georgia, the United States. The company offers innovative solutions in the shipment and delivery of parcels.

Nippon Express Co., Ltd.

Nippon Express Co., Ltd., incorporated in 1937, is a global logistics corporation, with its headquarters in Tokyo, Japan. The corporation is a major provider of ground, air, ocean, railway, and cross-border freight services.

Other rail freight transportation market players include Deutsche Bahn AG, Indian Railways, BNSF Railway Company, Canadian National Railway Company, PKP Cargo International Group, CSX Corporation, and Genesee & Wyoming Inc., among others.