Global Full Truckload Road Freight Transport Market 2025 – 2034

Reports Description

As per the Full Truckload Road Freight Transport Market analysis conducted by the CMI Team, the global full truckload road freight transport market is expected to record a CAGR of 3.7% from 2025 to 2034. In 2025, the market size is projected to reach a valuation of USD 1.5 Trillion. By 2034, the valuation is anticipated to reach USD 2 Trillion.

Full Truckload Road Freight Transport Market Overview

Full Truckload road freight transport is the transport of products that fill an entire truck load, with each road freight essentially being delivered direct (door-to-door), without any interim stop and handling, referred to as ‘destination’ service. FTL is mostly associated with large-volume shipments or time sensitive products because it is often the safest and most cost-efficient option, while providing the least overall risk of loss or damage. The FTL mode of transport provides a very important part of supply chain optimization; it provides importantly better scheduling control, better transit, and better security for high-value products, bulk deliveries, or multiple agency deliveries than many other shipping options.

The need for streamlined logistics operations to maintain a competitive advantage of efficiency, and the continued growth of e-commerce, industrial manufacturing, and cross-border trade, is driving FTL prevalence in North America, Europe, and Asia-pacific. In addition, the demand for reliable and predictable freight solutions and specific freight solutions, such as for automotive, retail, agriculture, and pharmaceuticals, is changing shipper attitudes towards FTL services.

Fleet modernization trends continue to heavily influence the FTL, where operators are looking for ways to leverage technology such as logistic-oriented telematics systems, automatic routing, and autonomous vehicle technology designs in the name of collaborating fleet efficiencies to reduce overall costs for operations. Additionally, sustainability is evolving as a priority in the industry, as we observe increased emissions regulatory attention on carbon footprints and service offerings such as electric or alternative fuels to lessening overall out motorized transport impact is continually taking shape in the transport industry.

FTL service providers also continuously evolve how they engage customers and one way is through offering value-added services, such as real-time tracking of freight, integrated warehousing solutions, and customer access to supply chain visibility platforms. The continued collaborative arrangements through like-minded logistics firms, technology providers, and original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) reinforce the operational backbone of the FTL, with increased expedition of capacity planning and matching services, and constant improvement of service and technology development and integration.

Full Truckload Road Freight Transport Market Key Growth Drivers

The full truckload road freight transport market Trends has tremendous growth opportunities due to several reasons:

• Rapid expansion of e-commerce raises demand for consistent freight transport: The rapid growth of e-commerce has changed consumer buying habits, studiously creating an urgent need for a new level of credible and trustworthy full truckload freight transport. As more consumers shop online, retailers require the ability to shift bulk quantities of goods moved from warehouses to distribution centres to stores. The rapid influx of orders drives the need for faster shipments at a greater quantity and capacity to satisfy consumers’ immediate expectations for delivery. Freight transport that typically provides shippers with exclusive access to a truckload for high volume and time sensitive services such as FTL is gaining status in freight transportation and growth expectations for e-commerce buyers. The exclusive access to a truckload of freight supports the real time movement of goods, minimizes transit time, mitigates the handling damage risk, and supports just in time inventory management systems from a retailer or manufacturer modality. Because e-commerce is driving procurement demand and growth, the increase in e-commerce buyers will also increase demand for full truckload road freight transport services and as logistics providers will increase fleet sizes, capability, and services to accommodate the needs of a growing e-commerce society.

• Increase worldwide construction and manufacturing activity: Global industrialization and manufacturing activities are generating significantly increased demand for FTL road freight transport services. Required deliveries of raw material to the factories; production of larger quantities of components as well as finished goods; and the efficiency of moving that production throughout the distribution channels demonstrate that supply chain efficiency, fluidity, and communication, along with transportation of domestic and imported products, are increased on key supply chains throughout the global marketplace. Full truckload shipment of heavy or bulky weight and volume items continues as key mode of transportation in industrialized pockets of Asia-Pacific, parts of Latin America and fragmented areas of Africa, removed or remote from the traditional manufactured goods marketplaces of North America and EEC. Because road freight transport supports and stimulates FTL freight market growth and helps attract investments for upgrading fleets and truck transportation infrastructure, the ever-expanding expectations and areas of industrial production will require more custom and timely freight solutions and freight transport services. Because these industries are looking for faster, custom, and solution-based freight transport services FTL service will be part of a more stay in touch pattern for technological based procurement and moving freight efficient supply chain within their long-term industrial growth strategy. There are complying environments to manage FTL road freight drives their continued reliance on road freight for transporting large amounts of freight in shorter time constraints.

• Advancements in fleet management and telematics technologies: Technological innovations in fleet management and telematics have revolutionized the FTL road freight sector by improving efficiency, safety, and transparency. Real-time GPS tracking, route optimization, and predictive maintenance systems enable fleet operators to monitor vehicle locations, fuel usage, and driver behaviour closely. These advancements reduce operational costs, minimize downtime, and enhance delivery punctuality. Telematics also improves cargo security and compliance with regulatory standards by providing detailed logs and alerts. Additionally, data analytics helps companies forecast demand, plan capacity, and reduce carbon emissions through optimized routing. By embracing digital transformation, full truckload carriers can provide superior service, increase profitability, and remain competitive in an increasingly complex logistics environment.

• Growing infrastructure development in emerging economies: Infrastructure development in emerging markets such as India, Southeast Asia, and parts of Africa is a critical driver for the FTL road freight transport market. Improved highways, expressways, and logistics parks enhance connectivity between production hubs, ports, and consumption centres. Better roads reduce transit times and vehicle wear, allowing freight companies to operate more efficiently and expand service coverage. Investments in modern logistics infrastructure attract multinational corporations seeking reliable supply chains, thereby increasing demand for full truckload shipments. Furthermore, government-led initiatives to upgrade transport networks stimulate economic activity and trade volumes, indirectly boosting freight movement. As infrastructure gaps close, these regions offer significant growth opportunities for FTL road freight operators aiming to capture rising industrial and consumer demand.

Full Truckload Road Freight Transport Market Key Threats

The full truckload The freight transport market for road services has a number of primary threats that will influence its profitability and future development. Some of the threats are:

• High operational costs including fuel, maintenance, and labor: One major hurdle facing FTL road freight is the market’s high operating costs associated with trucking. Fuel costs, in particular, are a large contributor to total operating costs, and truck driver profitability is tied directly to the global oil prices, leading to unequal profitability across trucking companies. Maintenance costs associated with trucks (the costs of routine servicing and repair costs) are substantial as well. Labor costs tied to drivers’ pay is another major contributor to overall operating costs that significantly drive fuel price costs. Given the driver shortage challenges due to a high turnover and low driver availability, many carriers have needed to drastically increase driver wages to attract drivers to their services. Therefore, high trucking costs could increase freight costs, leading shippers to modify their supply chain to find other modes of transportation or skip shipping entirely. As such, the expectations of both truck drivers and shippers must be balanced, especially with the larger FTL world to continue growing.

• Regulatory compliance challenges across different regions: One regulatory obstacle facing FTL operators is the different regulatory frameworks that apply based on the country or region, which makes it difficult to achieve consistent operations. Regulatory compliance can include vehicle safety standards for freight and drivers, working hours for drivers, emission standards for vehicles, tolls on roads or different nations, and customs procedures to follow for cross-border shipments. Each country and region has its own regulations, requirements, and country business processes, which differ in terms of required documentation, certifications, compliance and operational changes in order to operate legally, and this can lead to higher administrative burdens and time delays for the operator. International carriers may have additional barriers to operational practices in the diversity of knowledge, understanding, and flexibility, thus becoming crucial to their operational direction. Failure to comply with regulatory requirements can lead to penalties, fines, and reputational damage to carriers.

Full Truckload Road Freight Transport Market Opportunities

• Integration of AI and IoT for real-time tracking and predictive maintenance: The use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Internet of Things (IoT) technologies provides a disruptive opportunity for the FTL road freight transport sector. AI driven analytics techniques and IoT based sensors can be utilized to accurately track a truck, the condition the cargo is in and the performance of a driver in real-time, which increases transparency and enhances operational efficacies. Using AI to predict maintenance allows a carrier to predict when a mechanical failure will occur, reducing downtime costs and repair costs. AI and IoT enable flexible planning to create smarter and more informed routing and fuel management decisions that reduce operating costs and lower carbon output. AI and IoT enable carriers to enhance customer satisfaction by delivering accurate, up to date delivery and shipment information, while improving security during freight movements. AI and IoT are key tool for carriers use while undergoing digital transformation, driving competitive advantages and new opportunities for innovation in full truckload transportation.

• Expansion into untapped emerging markets like Africa and Latin America: Emerging markets in regions such as Africa and Latin America is where growth opportunities exist for the FTL road freight transport industry. Economies in these regions are experiencing advanced levels of industrialization, urbanization and consumerism, which will stimulate new demand for the tight and reliable freight infrastructure. Therefore, many markets across Africa and Latin America are still under-penetrated and unexploited due to infrastructure gaps and logistical inefficiencies, the opportunity will be wide open for any, early staged investment. For carriers looking to expand into these emerging markets in the developing world, in order to diversify completion and revenue streams, and take advantage of the rising trade volumes being driven by domestic production and increased importation from overseas. Investment of foreign relations with local companies, help validate the market entry from government representatives, and facilitate and enable future government investments in infrastructure development. Eventually, successful expansion in these developing regions will result in long-term geopolitical and economic benefit for future investments when markets mature.

Full Truckload Road Freight Transport Market Category Wise Insights

By Truck Type

• Dry Van:  Dry vans, or dry truckloads, are the most prevalent full truckload transport truck and are enclosed trailers used for transporting dry or non-perishable goods while protecting cargo from the weather and theft. Dry vans are commonly used in consumer goods, electronics, and packaging because they offer versatility and affordability, as well as being adopted by industries like retail and manufacturing. Dry vans enable standard loading and unloading processes and allow logistics to operate efficiently over long-distance shipping with transitory freight. Unfortunately, dry vans do not accommodate temperature sensitive items (excluding dry products). This limits usage to dry freight only.

• Refrigerated (Reefer) Truck: Refrigerated trucks, or reefers, are trucks with trailer boxes that have cooling units and are used to ship perishables like food and pharmaceuticals, as well as chemicals that require tracking and temperature control, which is common and necessary. Refrigerated trucks are essential in industries like food retail, pharmaceuticals, and agriculture. Products that require refrigerated space benefit by enabling a controlled environment during transit, ensuring product freshness, safety, and integrity. Reefers aid in the continued refrigeration logistics by offering a critical link within cold chain logistics and other aspects that tend to spoil food, while adhering to compliance regulations. Reefers face increasing growth pressures from consumers demanding fresh, frozen, and refrigerated products globally from organizations who willingly pay for the freshness factor and product code compliance.

• Flatbed Truck: Flatbed trucks are trucks with an open trailer design enabling the transport of oversized, heavy, or irregularly shaped cargo when it is impractical to confine a load inside an enclosed trailer. Flatbed use is heavy within construction, machinery, and automotive sectors, delivering steel, timber, and large containers just as much as it can with moving construction equipment. Although this approach allows the operator to use more flexibility when securing loads means that, unlike enclosed trailers and trucks, operators must think about what angles work best to unload, as they are not sheltered from weather and should have additional strapping added or sanitized bags used to keep items securely in place during transit. Flatbed trucks are used frequently for freight in which minimal handling can take place.

• Tanker Truck: Tanker trucks are specialized vehicles designed to transport liquids or gases, including fuel, chemicals, food-grade liquids, and industrial liquids. These trucks feature cylindrical tanks built to maintain the integrity and safety of hazardous or sensitive materials during transport. The oil & gas industry, chemical manufacturers, and food processing companies are primary users of tanker trucks. They must comply with strict safety and environmental regulations due to the nature of their cargo. Tanker trucks play a critical role in supply chains requiring safe, efficient liquid transportation.

By End use Industry

• Retail & E-commerce: The retail and e-commerce sector relies heavily on full truckload road freight to ensure goods from apparel to electronics are delivered timely. The increase in demand for online shopping has expanded the busier lifestyle of consumers, meaning more reliance on FTL services to deliver bulk shipments from manufacturers to distribution centres and retail outlets. In conjunction, efficient freight solutions and practices aid in just-in-time inventory management, which can help reduce freight and storage costs. Holidays, seasonal sales, and other peripheral events can magnify the reliance on timely and reliable FTL services, just as sectors like automotive and industrial rely on specialty vehicles and trucks. Ontario’s retail and e-commerce sector expects FTL freight services to provide the flexibility and speed to handle the volume associated with time-sensitive delivery as it matures.

• Industrial & Manufacturing: Industrial and manufacturing sectors rely on FTL services to transport raw materials, machinery, and production–ready goods between factories, warehouses, and customers. FTL services must be relied upon by sectors that rely on competently managing their supply chain in order to avoid breaks in the supply chain. In many instances, heavy equipment, large machinery, and bulky goods require specific piggyback vehicles like flatbeds, step-decks, etc. The reliance on timed freight transport as a result of automating their production process, lean manufacturing practices, etc., creates an increased need for FTL services to meet production schedules, global trade, and supply chain imperatives. Continued growth of industrial output, along with the globalization of manufacturing, underwrites the increased demand associated with this sector.

• Automotive: The automotive sector relies on FTL road freight for transporting vehicles, auto parts, and components between manufacturers, suppliers, and dealerships. The automotive sector requires various truck types to transport their freight, e.g. flatbeds to transport larger vehicle-sized parts and dry vans for packaged components. Timeliness governs the logistics in the automotive sector to maintain scheduled production, equipment availability, and minimize production downtime. New requirements along with heightened production rates for electric vehicles (e.g. batteries, etc.) and aftermarket parts also drive the need for FTL services. The freight in this sector has time-and-tender specifications owing to its value and related standards.

• Oil & Gas: The oil and gas industry utilizes FTL freight, particularly tanker trucks, to transport crude oil, refined petroleum products, and chemicals to refineries, storage sites, and distribution centers. The sector requires adherence to stringent safety and environmental regulations due to the hazardous nature of cargo. Remote locations and large volumes of fuel demand reliable, long-haul transport solutions. Fluctuations in oil prices and exploration activities influence freight demand. FTL services also support maintenance and operational supply chains in this capital-intensive industry.

• Others: This category includes sectors such as agriculture, pharmaceuticals, construction, and consumer goods that rely on FTL freight for various transportation needs. Agriculture depends on transporting produce and farming equipment, while pharmaceuticals require secure, sometimes temperature-controlled freight. Construction materials and equipment also heavily use full truckload services for timely project completion. The diversity of cargo types and requirements in this segment necessitates adaptable and specialized trucking solutions. Growth in this category is closely tied to overall economic activity and sector-specific demands.

Full Truckload Road Freight Transport Market Impact of Latest Tariff Policies

Recent tariff policies have dramatically influenced the global Full Truckload road freight transport market. In the United States, truckload carriers and logistics companies are experiencing increased operational costs due to the 25% steel and aluminium tariff restrictions and tariffs imposed on various goods imported from China. The tariffs have increased prices on equipment and materials, consequently affecting the affordability of purchasing new trucks and components.

The tariffs and uncertainty of tariffs have also impacted established trade routes, and companies are considering whether to utilize logistics differently as they continue to evolve. Some companies have moved to nearshoring in order to reduce costs, and others have reorganized their supply chains to conform to changing customs operations that increased complexity in freight operations.

The uncertainty of the tariffs has also led to variance in freight volumes. In some places, freight volumes have increased in anticipation of stockpiling material, and suppliers are increasing their imports before the implementation of tariffs. Whereas in other areas demand has dropped based on the last-minute decision to either bring in goods or move goods from suppliers.

Report Scope

Full Truckload Road Freight Transport Market Regional Perspective

The full truckload road freight transport market can be divided across different regions such as North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific, and LAMEA. This is a cursory overview of each region:

• North America: North America represents a mature and highly developed FTL road freight transport market. The market is characterized by solid infrastructure, an abundance of e-commerce exposure, and extensive cross-border trade activity, especially between the U.S., Canada, and Mexico. The freight transport market takes advantage of cutting-edge logistics technology, advanced highway systems, and high amounts of consumer goods in flux. The significant players in the market have large fleets and offer supply chain service projects. With rising demand for same-day and next-day freight transport, as well as an increase in industrial production to keep up with consumer demand, the market is able to grow. Disruptions from driver shortages and fluctuating fuel prices will affect the strategic direction of the industry overall, however.

• Europe: The FTL market in Europe has been bolstered by cross-country connections, industrial output variations, and the unification of the EU and its trade rules that allow for moderation between countries to facilitate freight movement. The major economy players, including Germany, France, and the UK all provide substantial levels of freight demand across this region. As environmental regulations push trucking to low and zero emission solutions, rail and other alternative modes see increased collaboration and promotion by the EU. New logistics hubs, continuing e-commerce developments, and infrastructure development through governmental support increases operational efficiency in the trucking sector. While geopolitical issues like Brexit add to inconsistencies and interruptions in the market, the European markets strong connection to collaborative trade across nations and digital adaptation for logistics helped develop a resilient and adaptable transport network throughout Europe.

• Asia-Pacific: Asia-Pacific is the fastest-growing region in the FTL road freight transport market. Asia-Pacific is seeing rapid growth due to industrialization, booming e-commerce and rising consumer demand in major economies such as China, India, and Southeast Asia. As the region continues to invest in road infrastructure and urbanization while also adopting government initiatives, like the Belt and Road Initiative in China, the velocity of freight and logistics movement will continue to progress at immeasurable levels. Asia-Pacific’s large labor pool at comparatively low wages as well as vast consumer base reinforces the area as a logistics hub. While operable opportunities will become more paramount alongside challenges such as inefficient operations and increased traffic in urban areas or other highly populated areas across the region, the future opportunities ignited by its inevitable infusion into global supply chains will foster long term growth.

• LAMEA: The LAMEA region presents a growing but fragmented FTL market, with varied levels of infrastructure and logistics maturity. The infrastructure and operational maturity differ across LAMEA, the Latin America segment is generally positive (albeit changing rapidly) on freight for retail (e.g., Brazil & Mexico), and manufacturing sectors are generating demand for freight. Airfreight with trade hubs such as UAE and Saudi Arabia, along with logistics investment from areas are instigating additional growth on freight. Freight faces frustrating ground transport problems, and all road freight opportunities in Africa are essential due to poor infrastructure and regulatory allowances around the movement of freight. Incremental growth is also emerging with additional investments into transportation, regional trade with LAMEA, and reliance on recent logistics advancements (both digital and/or technology driven) to improve LAMEA market productivity and competence.

Full Truckload Road Freight Transport Market Key Developments

In recent years, the full truckload road freight transport market has experienced several crucial changes as the players in the market strive to grow their geographical footprint and improve their product line and profits by using synergies.

• In December 2024, China launched a new rail-road freight service designed to enhance trade connectivity with ASEAN countries, specifically linking Chongqing, China, to Vientiane, Laos. This initiative is part of China’s broader strategy to strengthen trade relations in Southeast Asia and improve logistics efficiency. By integrating rail and road transport, the service facilitates smoother movement of goods between China and ASEAN nations, significantly upgrading existing transport routes that have experienced increased freight volumes in recent years.

• In July 2024, global logistics leader GEODIS achieved the Transported Asset Protection Association (TAPA) Trucking Security Requirements (TSR) 2023 Level 1 Standard for its cross-border road freight operations between Singapore and Malaysia. This highest-level certification marks a regional first in the international freight forwarding industry, validating GEODIS’ adherence to stringent security protocols that protect against theft, tampering, and other threats.

• In September 2024, Scan Global Logistics (SGL) expanded its footprint in Latin America by acquiring Blu Logistics Brasil. This acquisition strengthens SGL’s presence in Brazil, a key market with significant economic potential and strategic geographic positioning for international trade. Blu Logistics specializes in air and ocean freight along trade routes between China, Southeast Asia, and Latin America, making it a valuable addition to SGL’s portfolio. Additionally, SGL opened new offices in Buenos Aires, Argentina, and Bogotá, Colombia, while enhancing its operations in Mexico, Chile, and Peru.

• In August 2024, DSV took a major step toward sustainability by ordering 300 electric trucks from Volvo to bolster its road freight capabilities. This is one of the logistics sector’s largest electric truck orders and supports DSV’s broader strategy to reduce emissions. The electric trucks will be deployed across DSV’s European operations as part of its plan to have 2,000 electric trucks in service by 2030, reflecting the company’s commitment to sustainable transport and operational efficiency.

These important changes facilitated the companies to widen their portfolios, to bolster their competitiveness, and to exploit the possibilities for growth available in the full truckload road freight transport market. This phenomenon is likely to persist since most companies are struggling to outperform their rivals in the market.

Full Truckload Road Freight Transport Market Competitive Landscape

The full truckload road freight transport market is highly competitive, with a large number of product providers globally. Some of the key players in the market include:

• Kuehne + Nagel International AG
• CJ Logistics Corporation
• DHL Global Forwarding
• Kerry Logistics Network Limited
• CEVA Logistics
• GEODIS SA
• DSV Panalpina A/S
• Nippon Express
• GEFCO S.A.
• DB Schenker
• Deutsche Post AG (DHL Group)
• Fercam S.p.A.
• First European Logistics Ltd.
• FM Logistic
• Gondrand Group
• Ital Logistics Ltd.
• KLG Europe
• Cargo Carriers Limited
• Others

The full truckload road freight transport market is intensely competitive, featuring numerous global logistics providers. Key players include Kuehne + Nagel International AG, DHL Global Forwarding, CEVA Logistics, GEODIS SA, DSV Panalpina A/S, Nippon Express, DB Schenker, and Deutsche Post AG (DHL Group), among others. These companies compete by expanding their fleet capacities, optimizing route management, and investing in digital freight matching platforms to enhance operational efficiency.

Leading market participants are rapidly adopting sustainable transportation solutions, such as electric and hybrid trucks, to meet regulatory mandates and reduce carbon footprints. For example, DSV’s procurement of electric trucks exemplifies the shift toward green logistics. Furthermore, companies are increasingly leveraging IoT, GPS tracking, and AI-driven analytics to improve shipment visibility, reduce transit times, and ensure cargo security.

Strategic partnerships with regional carriers and technology firms strengthen market coverage and service flexibility. Several players focus on expanding their footprint in emerging markets like Asia-Pacific and Latin America to capture growing freight volumes fueled by e-commerce and industrial growth. Investments in driver training programs and advanced telematics also enhance safety and compliance, critical factors in maintaining customer trust.

With the rising demand for fast and reliable freight services, market leaders prioritize innovation in supply chain integration, customized transport solutions, and real-time customer interfaces. Mergers and acquisitions further consolidate market positions, enabling firms to offer end-to-end logistics solutions, including warehousing and last-mile delivery services, thereby reinforcing their competitive edge globally.

The Full Truckload Road Freight Transport Market is segmented as follows:

By Truck Type

• Dry Van
• Refrigerated (Reefer) Truck
• Flatbed Truck
• Tanker Truck

By End-Use Industry

• Retail & E-commerce
• Industrial & Manufacturing
• Automotive
• Oil & Gas
• Others

Regional Coverage:

North America

• U.S.
• Canada
• Mexico
• Rest of North America

Europe

• Germany
• France
• U.K.
• Russia
• Italy
• Spain
• Netherlands
• Rest of Europe

Asia Pacific

• China
• Japan
• India
• New Zealand
• Australia
• South Korea
• Taiwan
• Rest of Asia Pacific

The Middle East & Africa

• Saudi Arabia
• UAE
• Egypt
• Kuwait
• South Africa
• Rest of the Middle East & Africa

Latin America

• Brazil
• Argentina
• Rest of Latin America