Freight Transport

Global Freight Transport Market to Reach US$67.1 Billion by 2030

The global market for Freight Transport estimated at US$38.3 Billion in the year 2024, is expected to reach US$67.1 Billion by 2030, growing at a CAGR of 9.8% over the analysis period 2024-2030. Freight Transport Solution, one of the segments analyzed in the report, is expected to record a 8.5% CAGR and reach US$41.5 Billion by the end of the analysis period. Growth in the Freight Transport Services segment is estimated at 12.1% CAGR over the analysis period.

The U.S. Market is Estimated at US$10.4 Billion While China is Forecast to Grow at 13.2% CAGR

The Freight Transport market in the U.S. is estimated at US$10.4 Billion in the year 2024. China, the world`s second largest economy, is forecast to reach a projected market size of US$13.5 Billion by the year 2030 trailing a CAGR of 13.2% over the analysis period 2024-2030. Among the other noteworthy geographic markets are Japan and Canada, each forecast to grow at a CAGR of 7.1% and 8.5% respectively over the analysis period. Within Europe, Germany is forecast to grow at approximately 7.6% CAGR.

Global Freight Transport Market – Key Trends & Drivers Summarized

Why Is Freight Transport a Critical Component of Global Trade?

Freight transport is the lifeblood of global commerce, enabling the movement of raw materials, consumer goods, and industrial products across regions and continents. The demand for efficient, cost-effective, and environmentally sustainable logistics solutions has never been higher, particularly as global supply chains become more interconnected and complex. Freight transport encompasses multiple modes, including rail, road, air, maritime, and intermodal logistics, each serving a unique role in optimizing cargo movement and meeting diverse shipping demands.

The rise of e-commerce, industrial automation, and just-in-time inventory strategies has placed increased pressure on freight transport networks to provide fast, reliable, and scalable shipping solutions. Additionally, geopolitical factors, trade agreements, and supply chain disruptions—such as the COVID-19 pandemic and recent energy crises—have underscored the importance of resilient and adaptable freight transport systems. Governments and private logistics companies are increasingly investing in transport infrastructure, digital freight management solutions, and sustainable fuel alternatives to enhance cargo mobility and reduce operational bottlenecks.

How Are Digital Technologies Transforming Freight Transport?

Digitalization is revolutionizing freight transport, making logistics operations more efficient, transparent, and data-driven. AI-powered route optimization, blockchain-based freight tracking, and IoT-enabled fleet management systems are significantly improving supply chain visibility and cargo security. These innovations allow logistics providers to reduce transit delays, minimize fuel consumption, and enhance overall fleet utilization.

The adoption of autonomous freight vehicles and drone deliveries is also shaping the future of cargo transport, offering faster, last-mile delivery solutions for high-demand e-commerce shipments. Additionally, smart container technology—equipped with GPS tracking, temperature monitoring, and real-time condition sensors—ensures safer and more efficient freight movement, particularly for perishable goods and high-value shipments. Cloud-based freight marketplaces are further streamlining logistics operations by connecting shippers with carriers, optimizing capacity utilization, and reducing empty return loads.

What Are the Challenges and Opportunities in Freight Transport?

The freight transport industry faces multiple challenges, including rising fuel costs, regulatory compliance pressures, and carbon emissions reduction mandates. With growing concerns over climate change and environmental sustainability, freight companies must invest in alternative fuels, electric trucks, and energy-efficient rail and shipping solutions to meet net-zero carbon targets. Additionally, supply chain disruptions caused by geopolitical tensions, trade restrictions, and infrastructure limitations continue to pose operational risks for global freight movement.

Despite these challenges, new opportunities are emerging in the industry. The transition to green logistics and carbon-neutral freight transport is driving investments in hydrogen-powered freight trains, electrified trucking fleets, and biofuel-based shipping vessels. Additionally, the rise of smart ports, digital customs clearance, and AI-driven freight forecasting is optimizing global trade routes and enhancing supply chain resilience. The development of high-speed freight corridors, hyperloop cargo transport, and autonomous freight hubs is further shaping the future of ultra-efficient and scalable cargo transportation solutions.

What Is Driving Growth in the Freight Transport Market?

The growth in the freight transport market is driven by several factors, including advancements in digital logistics platforms, increasing demand for sustainable transportation solutions, and rising global trade volumes. The integration of AI-powered freight analytics, smart warehousing, and autonomous cargo-handling technologies is improving operational efficiency and reducing logistics costs. Additionally, government investments in multimodal freight networks, intercontinental trade routes, and high-speed logistics infrastructure are expanding global connectivity and cargo movement capabilities.

With the rapid adoption of blockchain for supply chain transparency, electric freight vehicles, and real-time tracking solutions, the freight transport industry is set for continued growth, ensuring faster, safer, and more environmentally sustainable logistics operations worldwide.

SCOPE OF STUDY:

The report analyzes the Freight Transport market in terms of units by the following Segments, and Geographic Regions/Countries:

Segments:
Offering (Freight Transport Solution, Freight Transport Services); Transport (Railways Transport, Roadways Transport, Seaways Transport, Airways Transport); Vertical (Retail & E-Commerce Vertical, Automotive Vertical, Aerospace & Defense Vertical, Pharmaceuticals Vertical, Energy Vertical, Other Verticals)

Geographic Regions/Countries:
World; United States; Canada; Japan; China; Europe (France; Germany; Italy; United Kingdom; Spain; Russia; and Rest of Europe); Asia-Pacific (Australia; India; South Korea; and Rest of Asia-Pacific); Latin America (Argentina; Brazil; Mexico; and Rest of Latin America); Middle East (Iran; Israel; Saudi Arabia; United Arab Emirates; and Rest of Middle East); and Africa.

Select Competitors (Total 34 Featured) -

• A.P. Møller – Mærsk A/S
• Bolloré Logistics
• CEVA Logistics
• CH Robinson Worldwide
• CMA CGM Group
• DB Schenker
• Deutsche Post DHL Group
• DSV A/S
• DSV Panalpina
• Expeditors International of Washington
• FedEx Logistics
• Geodis
• Hellmann Worldwide Logistics
• Kuehne + Nagel International AG
• Nippon Express
• Panalpina Welttransport Holding AG
• Sinotrans Limited
• UPS Supply Chain Solutions
• XPO Logistics
• Yusen Logistics

TARIFF IMPACT FACTOR

Our new release incorporates impact of tariffs on geographical markets as we predict a shift in competitiveness of companies based on HQ country, manufacturing base, exports and imports (finished goods and OEM). This intricate and multifaceted market reality will impact competitors by artificially increasing the COGS, reducing profitability, reconfiguring supply chains, amongst other micro and macro market dynamics.

We are diligently following expert opinions of leading Chief Economists (14,949), Think Tanks (62), Trade & Industry bodies (171) worldwide, as they assess impact and address new market realities for their ecosystems. Experts and economists from every major country are tracked for their opinions on tariffs and how they will impact their countries.

We expect this chaos to play out over the next 2-3 months and a new world order is established with more clarity. We are tracking these developments on a real time basis.

As we release this report, U.S. Trade Representatives are pushing their counterparts in 183 countries for an early closure to bilateral tariff negotiations. Most of the major trading partners also have initiated trade agreements with other key trading nations, outside of those in the works with the United States. We are tracking such secondary fallouts as supply chains shift.

To our valued clients, we say, we have your back. We will present a simplified market reassessment by incorporating these changes!

APRIL 2025: NEGOTIATION PHASE

Our April release addresses the impact of tariffs on the overall global market and presents market adjustments by geography. Our trajectories are based on historic data and evolving market impacting factors.

JULY 2025 FINAL TARIFF RESET

Complimentary Update: Our clients will also receive a complimentary update in July after a final reset is announced between nations. The final updated version incorporates clearly defined Tariff Impact Analyses.

Reciprocal and Bilateral Trade & Tariff Impact Analyses:

USA
CHINA
MEXICO
CANADA
EU
JAPAN
INDIA
176 OTHER COUNTRIES.

Leading Economists - Our knowledge base tracks 14,949 economists including a select group of most influential Chief Economists of nations, think tanks, trade and industry bodies, big enterprises, and domain experts who are sharing views on the fallout of this unprecedented paradigm shift in the global econometric landscape. Most of our 16,491+ reports have incorporated this two-stage release schedule based on milestones.

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