Freight Forwarding Market
By Shipping Type;
Airways, Railways, Roadways and WaterwaysBy Mode Of Transport;
Air Freight Forwarding, Ocean Freight Forwarding, Road Freight Forwarding and Rail Freight ForwardingBy Customer Type;
B2B and B2CBy Forwarding Service;
Transportation & Warehousing, Value-Added Services, Packaging and OthersBy Application;
Industrial & Manufacturing, Retail, Healthcare, Oil & Gas, Food & Beverages and OthersBy Geography;
North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, Middle East & Africa and Latin America - Report Timeline (2021 - 2031)Freight Forwarding Market Overview
Freight Forwarding Market (USD Million)
Freight Forwarding Market was valued at USD 262,113.14 million in the year 2024. The size of this market is expected to increase to USD 373,765.29 million by the year 2031, while growing at a Compounded Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of 5.2%.
Freight Forwarding Market
*Market size in USD million
CAGR 5.2 %
Study Period | 2025 - 2031 |
---|---|
Base Year | 2024 |
CAGR (%) | 5.2 % |
Market Size (2024) | USD 262,113.14 Million |
Market Size (2031) | USD 373,765.29 Million |
Market Concentration | Medium |
Report Pages | 315 |
Major Players
- Kuehne + Nagel International AG
- DB Schenker
- Bollore Logistics
- DHL Global Forwarding
- Nippon Express Co., Ltd.
- Dsv Global Transports and Logistics
- The Maersk Group
- C.H. Robinson
- Panalpina
- United Parcel Service
- FedEx Corp.
- Walmart Group
- MGF (Manitoulin Global Forwarding)
- Hellmann Worldwide Logistics
- Expeditors International
- Dachser
- Imerco
- Sinotrans India Private Limited
- CEVA Logistics
- Uber Freight LLC*
Market Concentration
Consolidated - Market dominated by 1 - 5 major players
Freight Forwarding Market
Fragmented - Highly competitive market without dominant players
The Freight Forwarding Market is rapidly evolving due to rising global trade flows and increasingly interconnected logistics systems. Enhanced digital adoption has led to over 60% of services incorporating real-time tracking features. Businesses are shifting to multimodal strategies to improve efficiency and reduce delays across supply chains.
Technological Advancements
Emerging AI-powered solutions and cloud logistics platforms are revolutionizing freight forwarding. Approximately 55% of operations now rely on integrated systems that improve shipment visibility and streamline operations. This digital evolution is accelerating service speed, accuracy, and supply chain responsiveness.
Growth in E-commerce Logistics
A surge in online retail activity is significantly impacting freight volumes, with e-commerce contributing to over 48% of total shipments. This increase is driving demand for flexible and rapid logistics services, fueling growth in urban delivery networks and time-bound freight forwarding models.
Industry Consolidation and Strategic Collaborations
The market is experiencing a rise in mergers, alliances, and service integrations. Around 30% of freight forwarders are engaging in consolidation to extend their global reach. These collaborations foster resilience, expand network access, and help firms deliver more comprehensive service solutions.
Freight Forwarding Market Recent Developments
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In June 2025, ANA Holdings received conditional approval from Chinese regulators to acquire Nippon Cargo Airlines, ensuring competition at Narita and Kansai airports. Aims to bolster ANA’s international cargo network and maintain balanced market access in the China–Japan corridor.
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In June 2025, CCI Worldwide Logistics rolled out its tech‑driven “Trans Africa” freight service backed by 106 crore investment, designed to streamline cross‑border logistics and boost intra‑African trade efficiency across key corridors.
Freight Forwarding Market Segment Analysis
In this report, the Freight Forwarding Market has been segmented by Shipping Type, Mode of Transport, Customer Type, Forwarding Service, Application, and Geography.
Freight Forwarding Market, Segmentation by Shipping Type
The Freight Forwarding Market has been segmented by Shipping Type into Airways, Railways, Roadways, and Waterways
Airways
Air freight forwarding plays a vital role in transporting high-value and time-sensitive goods. It accounts for approximately 15% of the global freight forwarding revenue, despite representing a smaller volume share. The segment benefits from shorter transit times, making it ideal for sectors like electronics, pharmaceuticals, and fashion.
Railways
Rail freight forwarding is gaining popularity due to its cost-effectiveness and environmental benefits. It represents around 12% of the freight forwarding market, particularly strong in cross-continental trade such as between Europe and Asia. Rail transport provides a balanced solution between cost and speed for bulk commodities and industrial goods.
Roadways
Road freight dominates the freight forwarding landscape, contributing nearly 40% of the market share globally. It offers unmatched last-mile connectivity, flexibility, and accessibility, making it the backbone for domestic and regional logistics. This segment supports industries such as retail, e-commerce, FMCG, and automotive.
Waterways
Water freight forwarding remains essential for bulk and international trade, comprising around 33% of the market. It's the most economical mode for long-distance and heavy cargo transport. Ideal for industries like oil & gas, mining, and agriculture, this mode is crucial for global supply chains and port-to-port shipments.
Freight Forwarding Market, Segmentation by Mode of Transport
The Freight Forwarding Market has been segmented by Mode of Transport into Air Freight Forwarding, Ocean Freight Forwarding, Road Freight Forwarding, and Rail Freight Forwarding
Air Freight Forwarding
Air freight forwarding is crucial for fast, time-sensitive shipments, especially in industries like electronics, fashion, and pharmaceuticals. It contributes about 15% to the global freight forwarding market. Though high in cost, its speed and reliability drive demand across international express and premium cargo sectors.
Ocean Freight Forwarding
Ocean freight forwarding dominates long-haul, bulk transport, accounting for around 33% of the global market. It is the most cost-efficient mode for heavy goods and intercontinental trade. Key industries using this mode include oil & gas, agriculture, and manufacturing.
Road Freight Forwarding
Road freight forwarding is the largest segment, representing nearly 40% of the freight forwarding market. Known for its last-mile delivery, flexibility, and extensive network, it's widely used in retail, FMCG, and e-commerce logistics across domestic and regional routes.
Rail Freight Forwarding
Rail freight forwarding makes up around 12% of the global market. It offers a middle ground between speed and cost, making it effective for inland bulk transportation. It is particularly strong in Eurasian routes and is valued for its sustainability and reliability.
Freight Forwarding Market, Segmentation by Customer Type
The Freight Forwarding Market has been segmented by Customer Type into B2B and B2C.
B2B
The B2B segment dominates the freight forwarding market, contributing to nearly 80% of the total market share. This segment primarily serves manufacturers, exporters, importers, and large-scale distributors. B2B freight forwarding focuses on bulk shipments, long-term contracts, and integrated supply chain solutions, making it a cornerstone of global trade logistics.
B2C
The B2C segment, though smaller at around 20%, is rapidly growing due to the surge in e-commerce and direct-to-consumer retail models. This segment emphasizes smaller, faster deliveries, often requiring last-mile solutions and flexible logistics. As online shopping continues to expand globally, B2C freight forwarding is becoming increasingly significant.
Freight Forwarding Market, Segmentation by Forwarding Service
The Freight Forwarding Market has been segmented by Forwarding Service into Transportation & Warehousing, Value-Added Services, Packaging, and Others
Transportation & Warehousing
Transportation & warehousing form the core of freight forwarding, accounting for approximately 60% of the market. These services ensure efficient cargo movement, inventory management, and storage solutions across global supply chains. Key factors include multimodal transport, real-time tracking, and optimized route planning.
Value-Added Services
Value-added services contribute around 20% of the market, offering enhancements like customs brokerage, freight insurance, documentation, and compliance support. These services are crucial for streamlining international shipments and ensuring regulatory adherence, especially in cross-border logistics.
Packaging
Packaging services represent about 12% of the freight forwarding segment. Specialized protective packaging, labeling, and handling instructions ensure that goods are secure during transit. This is particularly vital for fragile, hazardous, or temperature-sensitive products.
Others
The ‘Others’ category makes up roughly 8% of the market and includes niche services like reverse logistics, freight consolidation, and project cargo handling. These tailored solutions cater to complex logistics scenarios and industry-specific needs.
Freight Forwarding Market, Segmentation by Application
The Freight Forwarding Market has been segmented by Application into Industrial And Manufacturing, Retail, Healthcare, Oil And Gas, Food And Beverages, and Others.
Industrial and Manufacturing
The industrial and manufacturing sector is the largest application in the freight forwarding market, contributing nearly 30% of the global share. It demands bulk shipments, cross-border logistics, and timely delivery of raw materials and finished goods. Freight forwarders serve industries like automotive, machinery, and electronics with complex, multimodal solutions.
Retail
The retail sector accounts for around 20% of the freight forwarding market. With rising global consumer demand and omnichannel retailing, this segment requires fast, cost-efficient, and scalable logistics. Freight services in this domain are optimized for inventory movement, seasonal demand, and last-mile delivery.
Healthcare
Healthcare logistics, comprising about 12% of the market, is highly sensitive and regulated. This segment needs temperature-controlled transport, time-critical delivery, and secure handling for products such as pharmaceuticals, medical devices, and vaccines. Freight forwarding ensures compliance and traceability across global healthcare supply chains.
Oil and Gas
The oil and gas industry makes up roughly 10% of the freight forwarding market. It involves heavy equipment, hazardous materials, and operations in remote locations. Freight forwarders must meet strict safety standards, manage oversized cargo, and coordinate specialized logistics for upstream and downstream projects.
Food and Beverages
Food and beverages contribute about 15% to the freight forwarding market. This sector relies on cold chain logistics, timely deliveries, and regulatory compliance to maintain product quality. Freight forwarders play a crucial role in managing perishable goods across borders while minimizing spoilage and delays.
Others
The 'Others' segment covers emerging and niche sectors such as aerospace, telecommunications, education, and government shipments, collectively forming about 13% of the market. These applications require tailored freight solutions, from project cargo to time-sensitive deliveries and secure transport.
Freight Forwarding Market, Segmentation by Application
The Freight Forwarding Market has been segmented by Application into Industrial And Manufacturing, Retail, Healthcare, Oil And Gas, Food And Beverages, and Others.
Freight Forwarding Market, Segmentation by Geography
In this report, the Freight Forwarding Market has been segmented by Geography into five regions; North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, Middle East and Africa, and Latin America.
Regions and Countries Analyzed in this Report
Freight Forwarding Market Share (%), by Geographical Region
North America
North America holds around 25% of the global freight forwarding market share. The region benefits from advanced infrastructure, high-value trade volumes, and a strong presence of multinational logistics providers. The U.S. and Canada lead the market, driven by sectors such as aerospace, automotive, and pharmaceuticals.
Europe
Europe accounts for approximately 22% of the freight forwarding market. With an established network of rail, road, and maritime infrastructure, the region excels in cross-border trade and multimodal logistics. Key markets include Germany, France, and the UK, supported by strong regulations and technology adoption.
Asia Pacific
Asia Pacific is the largest and fastest-growing region, commanding nearly 35% of the freight forwarding market. Countries like China, India, and Japan are driving demand due to booming manufacturing, e-commerce, and export-import activities. The region is pivotal in global trade corridors.
Middle East and Africa
Middle East and Africa collectively hold about 10% of the market. The segment is growing steadily with increasing investments in logistics hubs, free trade zones, and port modernization. The UAE, Saudi Arabia, and South Africa are key contributors, focusing on energy and infrastructure trade.
Latin America
Latin America makes up roughly 8% of the freight forwarding market. Countries like Brazil, Mexico, and Chile are strengthening their positions through trade reforms, customs digitization, and investments in transport infrastructure. Growth is supported by agriculture, mining, and consumer goods.
Freight Forwarding Market Trends
This report provides an in depth analysis of various factors that impact the dynamics of Freight Forwarding Market. These factors include; Market Drivers, Restraints, and Opportunities Analysis.
Comprehensive Market Impact Matrix
This matrix outlines how core market forces—Drivers, Restraints, and Opportunities—affect key business dimensions including Growth, Competition, Customer Behavior, Regulation, and Innovation.
Market Forces ↓ / Impact Areas → | Market Growth Rate | Competitive Landscape | Customer Behavior | Regulatory Influence | Innovation Potential |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Drivers | High impact (e.g., tech adoption, rising demand) | Encourages new entrants and fosters expansion | Increases usage and enhances demand elasticity | Often aligns with progressive policy trends | Fuels R&D initiatives and product development |
Restraints | Slows growth (e.g., high costs, supply chain issues) | Raises entry barriers and may drive market consolidation | Deters consumption due to friction or low awareness | Introduces compliance hurdles and regulatory risks | Limits innovation appetite and risk tolerance |
Opportunities | Unlocks new segments or untapped geographies | Creates white space for innovation and M&A | Opens new use cases and shifts consumer preferences | Policy shifts may offer strategic advantages | Sparks disruptive innovation and strategic alliances |
Drivers, Restraints and Opportunity Analysis
Drivers
- Global e-commerce expansion increasing shipment volumes
- Digitization enhancing freight tracking and visibility
- Rising trade agreements boosting cross-border flow
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Third-party logistics outsourcing by major industries - More manufacturers and retailers are delegating supply-chain responsibilities to specialized freight forwarders. By outsourcing complex air, sea, and road moves, shippers avoid heavy capital outlays on fleets and warehouses while tapping into carrier networks and customs expertise.
Forwarders consolidate loads, handle documentation, and negotiate rates, turning fragmented shipment streams into streamlined, cost-efficient routes. Their integrated platforms provide end-to-end visibility, helping clients monitor milestones and respond quickly to disruptions.
With customer expectations for real-time tracking and rapid delivery at an all-time high, companies increasingly lean on partners that offer scalable capacity and 24/7 service layers. Small and mid-sized businesses, in particular, gain capabilities they could not build in-house.
This deepening reliance on third-party logistics converts forwarders from mere brokers into strategic supply-chain allies, driving steady volume growth and long-term contracts across the sector.
Restraints
- Port congestion delaying cargo movement globally
- Volatile freight rates disrupting profit margins
- Lack of transparency in supply chain activities
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Compliance complexities across multiple trade zones - Freight forwarders must navigate a patchwork of customs rules, safety standards, and sanctions lists that differ by country and commodity. A shipment cleared in one jurisdiction may need new paperwork or product relabeling just a border away.
Missteps in documentation or tariff codes can trigger costly penalties, cargo holds, and reputational damage. Keeping pace with constant rule changes forces forwarders to invest heavily in compliance staff, training, and digital audit trails.
Smaller firms often lack the resources for round-the-clock regulatory monitoring, limiting their global reach, while larger players shoulder rising overhead to maintain multiple region-specific operating procedures.
Until governments harmonize trade protocols or expand single-window digital customs, regulatory fragmentation will continue to slow throughput and constrain scalable growth for the forwarding industry.
Opportunities
- Integration of AI for smart freight routing
- Blockchain adoption for secure documentation
- Emerging markets increasing import-export activities
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Eco-friendly logistics solutions gaining industry traction - Shippers under pressure to meet carbon-reduction and ESG targets are actively searching for forwarders that provide greener options—ranging from biofuel-powered vessels and electric last-mile vans to verified carbon-offset programs.
Leaders in the space now bundle emissions tracking dashboards, route optimization algorithms, and intermodal mode-shifting to cut fuel burn without sacrificing transit speed.
Governments and trade blocs are introducing mandatory emissions reporting and green-corridor incentives, pushing sustainability from a “nice-to-have” to a contractual requirement for many global brands.
Forwarders that invest in transparent, low-carbon services and publicly report climate metrics can differentiate their offerings and capture premium, sustainability-focused accounts as the market pivots toward eco-responsible freight.
Freight Forwarding Market Competitive Landscape Analysis
Key players in Freight Forwarding Market include:
- Kuehne + Nagel International AG
- DB Schenker
- Bollore Logistics
- DHL Global Forwarding
- Nippon Express Co., Ltd.
- Dsv Global Transports and Logistics
- The Maersk Group
- C.H. Robinson
- Panalpina
- United Parcel Service
- FedEx Corp.
- Walmart Group
- MGF (Manitoulin Global Forwarding)
- Hellmann Worldwide Logistics
- Expeditors International
- Dachser
- Imerco
- Sinotrans India Private Limited
- CEVA Logistics
- Uber Freight LLC*
In this report, the profile of each market player provides following information:
- Company Overview and Product Portfolio
- Market Share Analysis
- Key Developments
- Financial Overview
- Strategies
- Company SWOT Analysis
- Introduction
- Research Objectives and Assumptions
- Research Methodology
- Abbreviations
- Market Definition & Study Scope
- Executive Summary
- Market Snapshot, By Shipping Type
- Market Snapshot, By Mode Of Transport
- Market Snapshot, By Customer Type
- Market Snapshot, By Forwarding Service
- Market Snapshot, By Application
- Market Snapshot, By Region
- Freight Forwarding Market Dynamics
- Drivers, Restraints and Opportunities
- Drivers
-
Global e-commerce expansion increasing shipment volumes
-
Digitization enhancing freight tracking and visibility
-
Rising trade agreements boosting cross-border flow
-
Third-party logistics outsourcing by major industries
-
- Restraints
-
Port congestion delaying cargo movement globally
-
Volatile freight rates disrupting profit margins
-
Lack of transparency in supply chain activities
-
Compliance complexities across multiple trade zones
-
- Opportunities
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Integration of AI for smart freight routing
-
Blockchain adoption for secure documentation
-
Emerging markets increasing import-export activities
-
Eco-friendly logistics solutions gaining industry traction
-
- Drivers
- PEST Analysis
- Political Analysis
- Economic Analysis
- Social Analysis
- Technological Analysis
- Porter's Analysis
- Bargaining Power of Suppliers
- Bargaining Power of Buyers
- Threat of Substitutes
- Threat of New Entrants
- Competitive Rivalry
- Drivers, Restraints and Opportunities
- Market Segmentation
- Freight Forwarding Market, By Shipping Type, 2021 - 2031 (USD Million)
- Airways
- Railways
- Roadways
- Waterways
- Freight Forwarding Market, By Mode of Transport, 2021 - 2031 (USD Million)
- Air Freight Forwarding
- Ocean Freight Forwarding
- Road Freight Forwarding
- Rail Freight Forwarding
- Freight Forwarding Market, By Customer Type, 2021 - 2031 (USD Million)
- B2B
- B2C
- Freight Forwarding Market, By Forwarding Service, 2021 - 2031 (USD Million)
- Transportation & Warehousing
- Value-Added Services
- Packaging
- Others
- Freight Forwarding Market, By Application, 2021 - 2031 (USD Million)
- Industrial & Manufacturing
- Retail
- Healthcare
- Oil & Gas
- Food & Beverages
- Others
- Freight Forwarding Market, By Geography, 2021 - 2031 (USD Million)
- North America
- United States
- Canada
- Europe
- Germany
- United Kingdom
- France
- Italy
- Spain
- Nordic
- Benelux
- Rest of Europe
- Asia Pacific
- Japan
- China
- India
- Australia & New Zealand
- South Korea
- ASEAN (Association of South East Asian Countries)
- Rest of Asia Pacific
- Middle East & Africa
- GCC
- Israel
- South Africa
- Rest of Middle East & Africa
- Latin America
- Brazil
- Mexico
- Argentina
- Rest of Latin America
- North America
- Freight Forwarding Market, By Shipping Type, 2021 - 2031 (USD Million)
- Competitive Landscape
- Company Profiles
- Kuehne + Nagel International AG
- DB Schenker
- Bollore Logistics
- DHL Global Forwarding
- Nippon Express Co., Ltd.
- Dsv Global Transports and Logistics
- The Maersk Group
- C.H. Robinson
- Panalpina
- United Parcel Service
- FedEx Corp.
- Walmart Group
- MGF (Manitoulin Global Forwarding)
- Hellmann Worldwide Logistics
- Expeditors International
- Dachser
- Imerco
- Sinotrans India Private Limited
- CEVA Logistics
- Uber Freight LLC*
- Company Profiles
- Analyst Views
- Future Outlook of the Market