Freight Forwarding Market Outlook 2025–2034: Trends, Growth Drivers, and Key Players

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The global freight forwarding market is poised for significant expansion, growing from USD 232.37 billion in 2025 to USD 358.32 billion by 2034, at a CAGR of 4.93%. This growth is largely driven by the rapid rise of e-commerce and extensive government initiatives aimed at enhancing road infrastructure worldwide.

Partnerships between logistics providers and manufacturing brands, along with increased investments in storage facilities, are propelling industry growth. Emerging technologies like drones and autonomous vehicles for last-mile delivery are expected to open new opportunities for market players.

Key Market Highlights

  • Asia Pacific dominates with ~45% market share.

  • Middle East & Africa projected to grow at the highest CAGR.

  • Sea freight forwarding leads transport modes with ~40% share.

  • Air freight forwarding set to grow fastest among transport modes.

  • Full container load (FCL) shipping dominates service type (~35% share).

  • E-commerce fulfillment & value-added services to grow fastest by service type.

  • Manufacturing & industrial goods lead end-use (~30% share).

  • E-commerce end-use to grow fastest.

  • B2B customers dominate (~75% share).

  • B2C to expand fastest.

  • Large enterprises lead organization size (~60% share).

  • SMEs to grow fastest.

  • Direct contracts with freight forwarders lead distribution (~55% share).

  • Online freight booking platforms to expand fastest.

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Major Market Trends (2025)

1. Strategic Partnerships

E-commerce brands are increasingly partnering with logistics companies to optimize delivery efficiency. For example, in April 2025, DHL partnered with Temu to enhance delivery services across China.

2. Expansion of Warehousing Facilities

Players are investing in new warehouses to support sectors like automotive. In June 2025, Mahindra Logistics opened a warehouse in Maharashtra, India, to store automotive parts for Cummins.

3. Government Infrastructure Initiatives

Governments across Germany, India, France, China, and others are investing heavily in infrastructure. India alone committed USD 24.79 billion to national highway construction in FY 2023–24.

Segmental Insights

Mode of Transport

  • Sea Freight Forwarding: Leads with ~40% market share due to waterway infrastructure investments and shipping partnerships.

  • Air Freight Forwarding: Fastest-growing mode, supported by e-commerce demand for international air shipments and logistics investments in aircraft fleets.

Service Type

  • Full Container Load (FCL) Shipping: Dominates with ~35% share, offering cost-effective and secure transportation for global trade.

  • E-commerce Fulfillment & Value-Added Services: Fastest-growing, fueled by packaging, tracking, and insurance services.

End-Use Industry

  • Manufacturing & Industrial Goods: Leads with ~30% share, driven by industrial development and manufacturer–logistics collaborations.

  • E-commerce: Expected to grow fastest due to rising online shopping trends.

Customer Type

  • B2B: Dominates with ~75% share, primarily from manufacturing sector demands.

  • B2C: Growing fastest due to consumer adoption of online retail.

Organization Size

  • Large Enterprises: Lead with ~60% share through adoption of advanced logistics solutions.

  • SMEs: Growing rapidly through localized delivery networks and road freight.

Distribution Channel

  • Direct Contracts: Hold ~55% share, favored by e-commerce brands for faster delivery.

  • Online Booking Platforms: Fastest growth, enabling flexible freight arrangements.

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Geographical Insights

Asia Pacific

  • Leads with ~45% market share, driven by e-commerce growth, government investments, and logistics company expansions.

  • Key players include Nippon Express, Sinotrans, and CJ Logistics.

  • In February 2025, Nippon Express launched the NX-GREEN Ocean Program to reduce maritime emissions.

Middle East & Africa

  • Fastest-growing region with rising e-commerce activity, especially in UAE, Saudi Arabia, and South Africa.

  • Aramex partnered with Sprinklr in May 2025 to enhance customer experience.

Key Companies in the Freight Forwarding Market

Expeditors International of Washington, Inc.

  • About: US-based global logistics and freight forwarding company offering air, ocean, and customs brokerage services.

  • Products/Services: Air freight, ocean freight, customs clearance, distribution.

  • Market Cap: Approx. USD 18 billion.

CEVA Logistics

  • About: Switzerland-based logistics firm specializing in supply chain management and freight forwarding.

  • Products/Services: Ocean freight, air freight, contract logistics, road transport.

  • Market Cap: Part of CMA CGM Group (privately held).

Kuehne+Nagel

  • About: Switzerland-based multinational transport and logistics company.

  • Products/Services: Sea freight, air freight, contract logistics, road/rail logistics.

  • Market Cap: Approx. USD 33 billion.

Deutsche Post AG (DHL Group)

  • About: German multinational logistics company and the world’s largest courier company.

  • Products/Services: Parcel delivery, express mail, freight forwarding, e-commerce logistics.

  • Market Cap: Approx. USD 52 billion.

DB Schenker

  • About: German logistics provider specializing in land, air, and ocean freight.

  • Products/Services: Freight forwarding, contract logistics, supply chain solutions.

  • Market Cap: Subsidiary of Deutsche Bahn AG (state-owned).

DSV A/S

  • About: Danish transport and logistics company offering global freight services.

  • Products/Services: Road, air, sea, and logistics solutions.

  • Market Cap: Approx. USD 50 billion.

FedEx Corporation

  • About: US multinational delivery services company.

  • Products/Services: Express shipping, freight forwarding, supply chain solutions.

  • Market Cap: Approx. USD 63 billion.

Uber Technologies, Inc.

  • About: US-based mobility company expanding into freight services.

  • Products/Services: Uber Freight, connecting shippers with truck drivers.

  • Market Cap: Approx. USD 165 billion.

United Parcel Service of America, Inc. (UPS)

  • About: US multinational package delivery and supply chain management company.

  • Products/Services: Parcel delivery, freight forwarding, contract logistics.

  • Market Cap: Approx. USD 115 billion.

Nippon Express Holdings

  • About: Japanese logistics services provider with a strong global presence.

  • Products/Services: Air freight, ocean freight, moving services, warehousing.

  • Market Cap: Approx. USD 6 billion.

Recent Industry Developments

  • May 2025: DP World opened a freight forwarding office in Brazil to strengthen Latin American logistics networks.

  • April 2025: Jet Freight Logistics launched Jet Express cargo airline in UAE.

  • January 2025: DB Schenker launched a new air cargo route between Ezhou and Frankfurt.

FAQs

Q1. What is the projected size of the freight forwarding market by 2034
The market is expected to reach USD 358.32 billion by 2034.

Q2. Which region leads the global freight forwarding market
Asia Pacific leads with around 45% market share in 2025.

Q3. What factors are driving the market growth
Key drivers include e-commerce expansion, infrastructure investments, and technological innovations in delivery.

Q4. Which segment holds the largest share by mode of transport
Sea freight forwarding leads with approximately 40% share.

Q5. Who are some of the leading companies in the market
Major players include DHL, Kuehne+Nagel, DB Schenker, FedEx, UPS, and CEVA Logistics.

Source : https://www.towardsautomotive.com/insights/freight-forwarding-market-sizing

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