Freight Forwarding Market Size, Share & Growth Analysis Report, 2025–2034

Freight Forwarding Market Size, Share, Growth Trends & Forecast (2025–2034)

The global freight forwarding market was valued at approximately USD 156.8 billion in 2024 and is projected to reach nearly USD 247.8 billion by 2034, expanding at a steady CAGR of around 5.0% during the forecast period. Market growth is primarily driven by rising globalization, expanding international trade flows, rapid e-commerce penetration, and increasing reliance on outsourced logistics solutions.

Freight forwarders play a critical role in global supply chains by acting as intermediaries between manufacturers, exporters, importers, and transportation providers. Their expertise in customs compliance, multimodal transportation coordination, documentation management, and risk mitigation has become increasingly essential as cross-border trade complexity continues to rise.

Freight Forwarding Market Snapshot

Freight Forwarding Market Dynamics

Key Growth Drivers

• Rapid expansion of global trade and cross-border manufacturing
• Strong growth of e-commerce and omnichannel retail logistics
• Rising adoption of digital freight platforms and automation tools
• Increasing demand for end-to-end supply chain visibility
• Growth in emerging economies and international sourcing

Market Challenges

• Volatile fuel prices impacting transportation costs
• Rising investments required for logistics infrastructure
• Regulatory complexity across different international markets
• Capacity constraints and congestion at ports and airports

Market Opportunities

• Digitization of freight booking, tracking, and documentation
• Growing demand for value-added logistics services
• Expansion of cold-chain and healthcare logistics
• Increasing outsourcing of logistics by SMEs

Freight Forwarding Market Trends

One of the most prominent trends shaping the freight forwarding industry is the surge in e-commerce logistics. Online retail platforms require faster, more reliable, and cost-efficient cross-border delivery solutions, increasing reliance on professional freight forwarders.

Another key trend is the digital transformation of freight forwarding operations. Companies are increasingly adopting cloud-based transportation management systems (TMS), real-time shipment tracking, AI-driven route optimization, and automated customs documentation to enhance operational efficiency and transparency.

Sustainability is also gaining importance, with freight forwarders investing in carbon tracking tools, greener transport modes, and optimized routing to reduce emissions and comply with environmental regulations.

Freight Forwarding Market Analysis by Mode of Transportation

Freight Forwarding Market by Customer Type

Based on customer type, the market is segmented into B2B and B2C. The B2B segment accounted for nearly 59.6% of total market revenue in 2024, driven by complex global supply chains involving manufacturers, distributors, and wholesalers.

Freight forwarders play a vital role in coordinating multi-stage logistics processes for B2B customers, including procurement logistics, production inputs, and international distribution networks.

Freight Forwarding Market by End-Use Industry

• Manufacturing
• Retail & E-commerce
• Healthcare & Pharmaceuticals
• Oil & Gas
• Food & Beverages
• Others

Manufacturing and retail sectors remain the largest contributors due to their continuous need for international sourcing and distribution. Healthcare logistics is emerging as a high-growth segment, supported by rising demand for temperature-controlled and compliant transport solutions.

Regional Analysis

North America

North America accounted for approximately 30% of the global freight forwarding market in 2024. Strong industrial activity, advanced logistics infrastructure, and high import-export volumes continue to support market dominance in the region.

Asia Pacific

Asia Pacific represents the fastest-growing regional market, driven by expanding manufacturing hubs in China, India, Japan, and Southeast Asia. Rapid growth in cross-border e-commerce and trade agreements is further boosting freight forwarding demand.

Europe

Europe remains a mature yet dynamic market, supported by strong intra-regional trade and advanced multimodal transport networks. Growth in cross-border online retail is driving demand for flexible logistics solutions.

Freight Forwarding Market Share & Competitive Landscape

The global freight forwarding market is moderately consolidated, with leading players collectively holding over 30% of total market share. Major companies compete on global network coverage, service portfolio breadth, digital capabilities, and operational efficiency.

Key Companies Operating in the Freight Forwarding Market

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

Recent Developments

• March 2024: DP World expanded its global freight forwarding footprint by launching over 100 new offices worldwide to strengthen cross-border trade support.
• August 2023: OnBoard Logistics partnered with Raft to implement automated warehouse pre-check processes, improving efficiency and reducing handling errors.
• 2024: Leading freight forwarders increased investment in digital freight platforms and real-time tracking solutions to enhance supply chain transparency.

Future Outlook

The freight forwarding market is expected to witness sustained growth over the next decade, supported by increasing global trade, digitalization of logistics operations, and rising demand for integrated supply chain services. Companies focusing on technology adoption, sustainability initiatives, and value-added offerings are likely to gain a competitive advantage in the evolving global logistics ecosystem.