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Freight Forwarding Market Size - By Mode of Transportation, By Customer, By Services, By End Use, Growth Forecast, 2025 – 2034

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Freight Forwarding Market Size

The global freight forwarding market size was valued at USD 156.4 billion in 2024 and is estimated to register a CAGR of 5% between 2025 and 2034. Globalization and the unprecedented growth in international trade are foundational pillars driving the freight forwarding industry's robust expansion.

For example, in April 2023, the World Trade Organization reported a 4% increase in global trade volumes compared to the previous year. This surge was due to the easing of pandemic-related restrictions and subsequent rebounds in manufacturing and consumer spending. As businesses extend their reach across borders to access new markets and optimize supply chains, the demand for efficient, reliable, and cost-effective logistics solutions becomes indispensable. Freight forwarders play a central role in this ecosystem by acting as intermediaries who bridge the gap between manufacturers, suppliers, and consumers across continents.
 

Their expertise in navigating the complexities of global customs regulations, ensuring compliance with international trade laws, and managing documentation requirements is vital for smooth operations. Additionally, freight forwarders leverage advanced logistics technology to optimize supply chain routes, reduce transit times, and minimize costs. This efficiency ensures timely deliveries, mitigates risks of disruptions, and maintains the integrity of goods throughout their journey. With increasing consumer expectations for rapid and reliable delivery services, freight forwarding companies are instrumental in enabling the seamless flow of goods across global markets.
 

The proliferation of free trade agreements, coupled with the growing interdependence of regional and global economies, further accelerates demand. Industries such as e-commerce, manufacturing, and retail are particularly reliant on freight forwarders to handle the logistical challenges of cross-border trade, allowing businesses to focus on their core operations while ensuring their products reach customers efficiently.
 

Freight forwarding Market Trends

The surge in e-commerce logistics has become a transformative force, reshaping the freight forwarding industry and driving its growth. As consumers increasingly turn to online platforms for shopping, businesses face mounting pressure to deliver goods quickly, efficiently, and seamlessly across borders. This shift has elevated the importance of freight forwarders, who serve as the backbone of global supply chains, offering expertise and specialized solutions to meet the dynamic needs of e-commerce businesses.
 

Freight forwarders are addressing the complex challenges associated with e-commerce logistics, such as fluctuating demand, diverse shipping requirements, and tight delivery timelines. Their ability to provide tailored solutions, including last-mile delivery optimization, customs clearance, and multi-modal transportation, is critical for enabling businesses to maintain competitiveness in a fast-paced retail environment.
 

Volatility in fuel prices can impede market growth by introducing uncertainty and unpredictability into the cost structures. Fluctuating fuel costs directly impact on transportation expenses, affecting the profit margins of both freight forwarders and their clients. This can lead to challenges in pricing, budgeting, and overall financial planning. Moreover, frequent price shifts can deter businesses from committing to long-term shipping contracts, disrupt operational efficiency, and compel companies to seek alternatives, thereby slowing down the market's growth trajectory.
 

Freight forwarding Market Analysis

Freight Forwarding Market, By Mode of Transportation, 2022 – 2034, (USD Billion)

Based on mode of transportation, the market is divided into ocean, air, road, and rail. The ocean freight mode of transportation segment held over 44% market share in 2024. The ocean freight forwarding segment growth is notably driven by the transportation of bulky & voluminous goods. The capacity of ocean freight to efficiently accommodate substantial loads and larger volumes makes it a preferred choice for industries dealing with oversized commodities.
 

Sectors including mining, construction, and manufacturing benefit from the cost-effectiveness & logistical convenience of ocean freight for the transportation of heavy machinery, raw materials, and other sizable cargo, thereby bolstering its prominence in the global supply chain.
 

Freight Forwarding Market Share, By Customer, 2024

Based on customer, the freight forwarding market is categorized into B2B and B2C. The B2B customer segment held over 59% market share in 2024. B2B customers exert their dominance in the market through their involvement in intricate supply chain networks. In B2B transactions, the goods often go through a complex journey involving multiple stages, i.e., from the sourcing of raw materials to manufacturing & distribution.
 

Freight forwarders play a pivotal role in coordinating these multifaceted processes, which helps in ensuring the seamless movement of goods across various regions and modes of transportation. Their expertise in optimizing these convoluted supply chains solidifies the influence of B2B customers in the market.
 

U.S. Freight Forwarding Market Size, 2022 -2034, (USD Billion)

North America freight forwarding market accounted for 30% of the research report in 2024. The dynamic North American manufacturing and industrial sectors form the cornerstone of the region's economy. These industries demand a seamless flow of raw materials, components, and finished goods across U.S. Freight forwarding plays a pivotal role by offering efficient transportation solutions to connect production centers with distribution networks. The diverse range of products & industries, encompassed by manufacturing & industrial activities, fuels the constant need for reliable logistics, thereby making freight forwarding an indispensable driver of economic growth and competitiveness in the region.
 

The APAC region has emerged as a significant growth hub for the freight forwarding market, driven by its position as a global manufacturing and trade powerhouse. Countries like China, India, Japan, and the ASEAN nations play pivotal roles in global supply chains, thanks to their robust industrial output and growing consumer markets. The region's e-commerce sector, fueled by rising internet penetration and a tech-savvy population, has intensified the demand for efficient logistics solutions.
 

Europe represents a mature yet dynamic market for freight forwarding, characterized by well-established trade networks and advanced logistics infrastructure. The region's diverse economies, including Germany, France, and the UK, rely heavily on freight forwarders to ensure the smooth movement of goods within the EU and beyond. In recent years, the growth of e-commerce and cross-border online retail has driven demand for flexible and efficient logistics solutions.
 

Freight forwarding Market Share

Freight Forwarding Company Market Share, 2024

DHL Global Forwarding, Kuehne + Nagel, DSV Global Transports and Logistics, DB Schenker, Bollore Logistics, Nippon Express, CEVA Logistics hold a significant market share of over 30% in the freight forwarding industry. DHL Global Forwarding, a division of Deutsche Post DHL Group, commands a significant share in the freight forwarding market due to its extensive global network, technological innovation, and diversified service portfolio. The company's reach spans over 220 countries and territories, making it one of the most geographically comprehensive logistics providers.
 

DSV Global Transport and Logistics has established itself as a key player in the freight forwarding industry, driven by strategic acquisitions, operational efficiency, and a customer-centric approach. With operations in over 90 countries, DSV has a robust presence in global trade, offering air, sea, and road freight solutions that cater to businesses of all sizes.
 

Freight Forwarding Market Companies

Major players operating in the freight forwarding industry include:

  • Bollore Logistics
  • CEVA Logistics
  • DB Schenker
  • DHL Global Forwarding
  • DSV Global Transports and Logistics
  • Expeditors International
  • FedEx Corp.
  • Hellmann Worldwide Logistics
  • Kuehne + Nagel International AG
  • Nippon Express Co., Ltd.
     

Freight forwarding Industry News

  • In March 2024, DP World has significantly expanded its global freight forwarding capabilities by inaugurating over 100 offices worldwide. This strategic move aims to support customers in navigating the complexities of global trade, which are increasingly affected by factors such as climate change, geopolitical tensions, and macroeconomic challenges.
     
  • In August 2023, OnBoard Logistics, a company headquartered in the U.S., collaborated with the logistics platform, Raft. By leveraging Raft's technology, OnBoard Logistics implemented a fully automated warehouse pre-check process. This innovative approach optimizes the receipt & processing of cargo prior to its physical arrival, mitigating potential errors and bolstering operational streamlining & cost savings.
     

The freight forwarding market research report includes in-depth coverage of the industry with estimates & forecast in terms of revenue ($Bn) and volume (000’tons) from 2021 to 2034, for the following segments:

Market, By Mode of Transportation

  • Ocean freight forwarding
  • Air freight forwarding
  • Road freight forwarding
  • Rail freight forwarding

Market, By Customer

  • B2B
  • B2C

Market, By Service

  • Transportation & warehousing
  • Value-added services
  • Packaging
  • Others

Market, By End Use

  • Manufacturing
  • Retail
  • Healthcare
  • Oil and Gas
  • Food and beverages
  • Others

The above information is provided for the following regions and countries:

  • North America
    • U.S.
    • Canada
  • Europe
    • UK
    • Germany
    • France
    • Italy
    • Spain
    • Russia
    • Nordics
  • Asia Pacific
    • China
    • India
    • Japan
    • Australia
    • South Korea
    • Southeast Asia 
  • Latin America
    • Brazil
    • Mexico
    • Argentina
  • MEA
    • UAE
    • South Africa
    • Saudi Arabia

 

Authors: Preeti Wadhwani, Aishwarya Ambekar
Frequently Asked Question(FAQ) :
Who are the major players in the freight forwarding industry?
The key players in the industry include Bollore Logistics, CEVA Logistics, DB Schenker, DHL Global Forwarding, DSV Global Transports and Logistics, Expeditors International, FedEx Corp., Hellmann Worldwide Logistics, Kuehne + Nagel International AG, and Nippon Express Co., Ltd.
How much is the North America freight forwarding market worth?
How big is the freight forwarding market?
What is the market share of the B2B customer segment in the freight forwarding industry?
Freight Forwarding Market Scope
  • Freight Forwarding Market Size
  • Freight Forwarding Market Trends
  • Freight Forwarding Market Analysis
  • Freight Forwarding Market Share
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    Premium Report Details

    Base Year: 2024

    Companies covered: 20

    Tables & Figures: 300

    Countries covered: 22

    Pages: 175

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