Global Freight Forwarding Market Growth, Share, Size, Trends and Forecast (2025 - 2031)

• In June 2023, global logistics firm Kuehne+Nagel entered into an agreement to acquire Morgan Cargo, a prominent freight forwarder based in South Africa, the UK, and Kenya that specializes in perishable goods transportation. This acquisition enhances Kuehne+Nagel's service offerings in the perishables logistics sector while strengthening connectivity for customers in and out of South Africa, the UK, and Kenya. The deal includes access to advanced cold chain facilities.

• In April 2023, DHL Global Forwarding signed a Memorandum of Understanding with Turkish Cargo to expand its operations at SMARTIST, Turkish Cargo's cargo facility at Istanbul Airport. This collaboration boosts operational efficiencies for both companies and positions Istanbul as a major global logistics hub.

This report extensively covers different segments of Global Freight Forwarding Market and provides an in depth analysis (including revenue analysis for both historic and forecast periods) for all the market segments. In this report, the analysis for every market segment is substantiated with relevant data points and, insights that are generated from analysis of these data points (data trends and patterns).

This market is segmented based on mode of transport, customer type, application, and geography, providing a comprehensive framework for analyzing the industry's diverse aspects. By mode of transport, the market encompasses air, ocean, road, and rail freight, each offering distinct advantages depending on the type of goods, urgency of delivery, and cost considerations. The customer type segment includes both business-to-business (B2B) and business-to-consumer (B2C) freight forwarding services. Freight forwarders cater to a wide range of clients, from large corporations and manufacturers to small businesses and individual consumers.

In terms of application, freight forwarding services are used across numerous industries such as manufacturing, retail, pharmaceuticals, automotive, electronics, and others. Each industry presents unique logistical challenges and requirements, and freight forwarders tailor their services to meet specific needs, ensuring the smooth flow of goods and materials.

Geographically, the market is segmented into five major regions: North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, the Middle East and Africa, and Latin America. Each region presents distinct market dynamics influenced by economic development, trade volumes, and regulatory frameworks. Emerging economies in Asia Pacific and Latin America offer significant growth opportunities due to increasing industrialization and trade activities, while established markets in North America and Europe continue to be major players in global trade.

Global Freight Forwarding Segment Analysis

In this report, the Global Freight Forwarding Market has been segmented by Mode of Transport, Customer Type, Application, and Geography.

Global Freight Forwarding Market, Segmentation by Mode of Transport

The Global 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 offers the fastest mode of transportation, making it ideal for high-value, time-sensitive, or perishable goods. It is commonly used for industries such as electronics, pharmaceuticals, and fashion, where rapid delivery is critical. The high cost of air freight is offset by the speed and reliability it provides.

Ocean freight forwarding is the most cost-effective mode for transporting large volumes of goods over long distances. It is widely used for international trade, especially for heavy or bulky items such as machinery, automobiles, and raw materials. Despite its slower transit times compared to air freight, ocean freight remains a cornerstone of global trade due to its affordability.

Road freight forwarding is essential for transporting goods within and between regions. It offers flexibility in terms of routes and schedules, making it a preferred choice for short to medium distances and for accessing remote areas. Road freight is commonly used for domestic transportation and last-mile delivery, contributing significantly to efficient supply chains.

Rail freight forwarding provides an efficient and environment friendly option for transporting large volumes of goods, particularly over land. It is a reliable mode for moving commodities such as coal, minerals, and agricultural products across vast distances. Rail freight is known for its cost-effectiveness and ability to handle heavy loads.

Global Freight Forwarding Market, Segmentation by Customer Type

The Global Freight Forwarding Market has been segmented by Customer Type into B2B and B2C.

B2B freight forwarding involves services tailored to businesses that require the movement of goods to other businesses. This includes manufacturers, retailers, wholesalers, and distributors across a range of industries such as automotive, technology, healthcare, and consumer goods. B2B clients typically prioritize efficiency, cost-effectiveness, and reliable delivery schedules to maintain smooth operations and minimize supply chain disruptions. Freight forwarders catering to B2B customers often offer comprehensive solutions such as warehousing, customs clearance, and tracking services.

B2C freight forwarding focuses on services for businesses that need to ship goods to other consumers, often on an individual or small-scale basis. This segment has grown in importance due to the rise of online marketplaces and peer-to-peer platforms where individuals buy and sell goods directly to each other. B2C customers prioritize convenience, ease of use, and affordability in their shipping services. Freight forwarders serving B2C clients offer user-friendly solutions such as flexible pick-up and drop-off options, as well as transparent pricing.

Global Freight Forwarding Market, Segmentation by Application

The Global Freight Forwarding Market has been segmented by Application into Industrial And Manufacturing, Retail, Healthcare, Oil And Gas, Food And Beverages, and Others.

In industrial and manufacturing, freight forwarding services are critical for moving raw materials, components, and finished products efficiently across domestic and international markets. This sector requires careful handling, timely delivery, and cost-effective solutions to maintain production schedules and supply chain continuity. Retail applications encompass the movement of goods from manufacturers and wholesalers to retail stores or directly to consumers. This sector often demands speed, flexibility, and reliability to keep up with changing consumer demands and maintain a seamless shopping experience.

Healthcare applications involve the transport of medical equipment, pharmaceuticals, and other healthcare products. Freight forwarders working in this sector need to adhere to stringent regulatory requirements, including temperature control and specialized handling, to ensure the safe and timely delivery of critical medical supplies. The oil and gas industry requires freight forwarding services for transporting heavy machinery, drilling equipment, and other specialized materials to remote locations. This sector often faces logistical challenges due to the scale and complexity of its operations, requiring freight forwarders to offer tailored solutions and expertise.

In the food and beverages sector, freight forwarders handle perishable goods and beverages, requiring precise temperature control and efficient transportation to maintain product quality and freshness. Compliance with food safety regulations is also essential in this segment. The others category encompasses a range of additional application areas, such as technology, automotive, and aerospace. Freight forwarders serving these industries must offer adaptable and specialized solutions to address unique logistical challenges and requirements.

Global Freight Forwarding Market, Segmentation by Geography

In this report, the Global Freight Forwarding Market has been segmented by Geography into five regions; North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, Middle East and Africa, and Latin America.

Global Freight Forwarding Market Share (%), by Geographical Region, 2024

In North America, the freight forwarding market benefits from well-developed infrastructure and strong economic activity, particularly in the United States and Canada. Cross-border trade between these countries and Mexico is significant, creating a demand for efficient logistics solutions to manage the movement of goods. Europe is a major market for freight forwarding due to its dense network of trade routes and well-integrated transportation systems. The European Union's single market facilitates trade across member states, while countries like Germany and the Netherlands act as major logistics hubs for international trade.

The Asia Pacific region is a fast-growing market for freight forwarding, fueled by rapid economic development, increased manufacturing activity, and a rising middle class. China, Japan, and South Korea are key players in the region, with major seaports and logistics centers driving global trade. The Middle East and Africa region offers growing opportunities for freight forwarding, particularly in the Gulf countries with their strategic geographic locations and substantial investments in logistics infrastructure. In Africa, there is potential for significant growth in freight forwarding as economies continue to develop and trade expands.

Latin America is another emerging market for freight forwarding, with countries like Brazil and Mexico driving regional trade. The region faces logistical challenges due to varying levels of infrastructure development, but it also offers opportunities for growth as trade within the region and with other parts of the world increases.

This report provides an in depth analysis of various factors that impact the dynamics of Global Freight Forwarding Market. These factors include; Market Drivers, Restraints, and Opportunities.

Drivers:

• Globalization and International Trade
• Rising Middle Class and Consumer Demand
• Government Initiatives and Trade Agreements
• Increasing Demand for Specialized Services

• Growing Manufacturing Sector - The growing manufacturing sector serves as a significant driver for the global freight forwarding market. As manufacturing activities expand across various industries, including automotive, electronics, and consumer goods, the demand for efficient transportation and logistics solutions increases. Manufacturers rely on freight forwarders to manage the movement of raw materials, components, and finished products within complex supply chains, both domestically and internationally.

  One of the key factors driving the growth of the manufacturing sector is globalization. With companies increasingly sourcing materials and components from different parts of the world to optimize costs and access specialized expertise, the need for reliable freight forwarding services becomes paramount. Freight forwarders play a crucial role in coordinating the transportation of goods across borders, ensuring timely delivery and supply chain efficiency.

  The rise of industrialization in emerging markets fuels the expansion of the manufacturing sector. Countries such as China, India, and Vietnam have witnessed rapid industrial growth, attracting investment from multinational corporations seeking to capitalize on the availability of skilled labor and favorable business environments. Freight forwarders support this growth by providing tailored logistics solutions to meet the unique needs of manufacturers operating in these regions.

Restraints:

• Labor Shortages
• Geopolitical Uncertainty
• Infrastructure Constraints
• Cybersecurity Risks

• Complex Customs Procedures - Complex customs procedures pose a significant restraint to the global freight forwarding market. Navigating customs regulations can be a challenging and time-consuming process, especially for freight forwarders operating across international borders. Each country has its own set of customs laws and requirements, including documentation, tariffs, taxes, and other import/export restrictions. These variations add complexity to freight forwarding operations and can lead to delays in the movement of goods.

  Freight forwarders must stay updated with the ever-changing customs regulations in each market they operate in. This requires substantial expertise and resources to ensure compliance with all legal requirements, as any oversight can result in fines, penalties, or the confiscation of goods. This complexity can hinder efficient and timely transportation of goods, impacting the overall supply chain.

  Customs procedures often involve multiple steps and interactions with various authorities, which can slow down the customs clearance process. Delays at customs can cause disruptions in the supply chain, affecting delivery schedules and potentially increasing costs due to storage and demurrage fees. The complexity of customs procedures can also increase the risk of errors in documentation or classification, leading to further delays and additional costs for freight forwarders and their clients. For instance, incorrect product classification can result in higher duties or the shipment being held at customs for further inspection.

Opportunities:

• Digitalization and Automation
• Value-added Services
• Cross-border E-commerce
• Flexible Business Models

• Last-mile Delivery Solutions - Last-mile delivery solutions present a significant opportunity for the global freight forwarding market. The last mile of delivery, which involves transporting goods from a distribution hub to their final destination, is often the most challenging and expensive part of the logistics process. It is also a critical touchpoint where customer satisfaction can be significantly influenced. As e-commerce continues to grow and consumer expectations for faster and more convenient delivery options rise, last-mile delivery solutions have become increasingly important.

  One opportunity lies in the development of innovative technologies and strategies to optimize last-mile delivery processes. This includes route optimization algorithms, real-time tracking systems, and alternative delivery methods such as drones and autonomous vehicles. By leveraging these technologies, freight forwarders can improve delivery efficiency, reduce costs, and enhance customer satisfaction.

  Another opportunity lies in partnerships and collaborations with local delivery providers and logistics startups specializing in last-mile delivery. By partnering with these companies, freight forwarders can extend their reach and offer comprehensive end-to-end logistics solutions to their customers. This not only enhances the value proposition but also enables freight forwarders to tap into new markets and customer segments.

Key players in Global 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
• Key Developments
• Financial Overview
• Strategies
• Company SWOT Analysis