Global Freight Forwarding Market Size, Share, and Trends Analysis Report – Industry Overview and Forecast to 2032

Freight Forwarding Market Analysis

The freight forwarding market is a crucial component of the global logistics and supply chain industry, responsible for coordinating the movement of goods from one location to another. Freight forwarding services include managing transportation, documentation, customs clearance, and warehousing for both import and export shipments. As global trade continues to grow, the market is expected to expand, driven by the increasing demand for efficient and cost-effective shipping solutions. Recent developments in technology, such as IoT, AI, and automation, are transforming freight forwarding by improving real-time tracking, optimizing routes, and enhancing operational efficiency. Additionally, the rise of e-commerce, along with globalization and the shift toward integrated supply chain solutions, is fueling market growth. Companies such as DHL, DSV, and Kuehne+Nagel are leading the market with innovative services and expanding global networks, positioning themselves to capture a larger share in the rapidly evolving freight forwarding market.

Freight Forwarding Market Size

The global freight forwarding market size was valued at USD 9.58 billion in 2024 and is projected to reach USD 16.58 billion by 2032, with a CAGR of 7.10% during the forecast period of 2025 to 2032. In addition to the insights on market scenarios such as market value, growth rate, segmentation, geographical coverage, and major players, the market reports curated by the Data Bridge Market Research also include depth expert analysis, patient epidemiology, pipeline analysis, pricing analysis, and regulatory framework.

Freight Forwarding Market Trends

“Adoption of Digital Platforms”

The freight forwarding market is undergoing significant transformation driven by technological advancements and changing consumer demands. Innovations in automation, artificial intelligence, and real-time data analytics are enhancing operational efficiency, reducing costs, and improving shipment tracking. A prominent trend in the market is the increasing adoption of digital platforms and integrated solutions, which allow businesses to streamline their supply chains, offering real-time visibility and better management of freight. The rise of e-commerce has further accelerated this trend, creating demand for faster, more flexible delivery services. As companies seek to optimize their logistics operations, the freight forwarding industry is becoming more data-driven, with digitalization playing a key role in its growth and evolution.

Report Scope and Freight Forwarding Market Segmentation 

Freight Forwarding Market Definition

Freight forwarding is the process of arranging the transportation of goods from one location to another on behalf of the shipper. It involves coordinating various logistics services, including booking cargo space, handling documentation, arranging customs clearance, and managing the storage and delivery of goods. Freight forwarders act as intermediaries between shippers and transportation carriers, ensuring that shipments reach their destinations efficiently, cost-effectively, and in compliance with international regulations.

Freight Forwarding Market Dynamics

Drivers

• Rapid Growth of International Trade

The growth of international trade and the rapid expansion of e-commerce have significantly increased the demand for efficient logistics and freight forwarding services. As businesses extend their reach globally, there is a greater need to move goods across borders quickly and cost-effectively. E-commerce, in particular, has fueled this demand due to the increasing consumer expectation for faster delivery times and a more streamlined shopping experience. Freight forwarders play a critical role in meeting these needs by offering integrated solutions that optimize shipping routes, manage inventory, and ensure timely deliveries. This growing demand is a key driver of the freight forwarding market’s expansion.

• Infrastructure Development

Upgrades to ports, smart airports, and roadways, particularly in emerging economies, are playing a crucial role in enhancing global logistics networks. As countries invest in modernizing their infrastructure, transportation efficiency improves, reducing delays and cutting down shipping costs. These infrastructure improvements enable smoother movement of goods, fostering quicker turnaround times and more reliable delivery schedules. For freight forwarders, this means easier access to key markets, improved supply chain resilience, and increased capacity to handle larger volumes of trade. As a result, the continued development of logistics infrastructure is a major driver of growth in the freight forwarding market.

Opportunities

• Rise in Global E-Commerce

The rapid rise in global e-commerce has significantly boosted the demand for reliable and efficient logistics services, presenting a key market opportunity for freight forwarders. As e-commerce retailers focus on delivering products quickly and cost-effectively to consumers worldwide, there is a growing need for specialized logistics solutions. Freight forwarders can capitalize on this opportunity by offering tailored services, such as last-mile delivery solutions and fast shipping options, which are essential to meet consumers' expectations for timely and reliable deliveries. By aligning with the demands of the e-commerce sector, freight forwarders can expand their service offerings and capture a larger market share.

• 3PL and Outsourcing Services

The growing demand for third-party logistics (3PL) services creates a valuable market opportunity for freight forwarders. As more businesses outsource their supply chain management to optimize efficiency and reduce costs, freight forwarders can expand their service offerings by providing integrated logistics solutions. These services can include transportation, warehousing, inventory management, and order fulfillment, all under a single umbrella. By meeting the increasing need for end-to-end logistics solutions, freight forwarders can establish long-term partnerships with businesses, enhance their service portfolios, and tap into the expanding 3PL market, driving growth and strengthening their competitive position.

Restraints/Challenges

• Skilled Labor Shortage

The freight forwarding industry, such as many sectors within logistics, is grappling with significant labor shortages, particularly in roles such as truck drivers, warehouse workers, and skilled personnel. This shortage is exacerbated by factors such as an aging workforce management, low wage growth, and challenging working conditions, which make it difficult to attract and retain talent. As a result, freight forwarders face operational delays, longer delivery times, and increased labor costs. These challenges affect efficiency and strain resources, ultimately impacting service quality and profitability. Addressing labor shortages remains a critical challenge for the continued growth and stability of the freight forwarding market.

• Customs and Regulatory Barriers

Complex and ever-changing customs regulations, trade tariffs, and varying standards across different countries are significant restraints for freight forwarders. As global trade continues to expand, companies must navigate a complex web of rules and compliance requirements, which can differ greatly by region. This complexity often leads to delays in shipments, as goods are held at customs for inspection or documentation issues, and increases compliance costs for freight forwarders. Additionally, variations in standards for documentation, packaging, and labeling across borders can create operational inefficiencies, further hindering the smooth flow of goods. These challenges are a major restraint for growth in the freight forwarding market.

This market report provides details of new recent developments, trade regulations, import-export analysis, production analysis, value chain optimization, market share, impact of domestic and localized market players, analyses opportunities in terms of emerging revenue pockets, changes in market regulations, strategic market growth analysis, market size, category market growths, application niches and dominance, product approvals, product launches, geographic expansions, technological innovations in the market. To gain more info on the market contact Data Bridge Market Research for an Analyst Brief, our team will help you take an informed market decision to achieve market growth.

Freight Forwarding Market Scope

The market is segmented on the basis of service type, mode of transportation, logistics model, customer type, and application. The growth amongst these segments will help you analyse meagre growth segments in the industries and provide the users with a valuable market overview and market insights to help them make strategic decisions for identifying core market applications.

Service Type

• Freight Transportation
• Warehousing
• Documentation
• Packaging
• Insurance
• Others

Mode of Transportation

• Road
• Waterways
• Rail
• Air

Logistics Model

• First Party Logistics
• Second Party Logistics
• Third Party Logistics

Customer Type

• B2C
• B2B

Application

• Industrial and Manufacturing
• Retail
• Healthcare
• Media and Entertainment
• Military
• Oil and Gas
• Food and Beverages
• Others

Freight Forwarding Market Regional Analysis

The market is analysed and market size insights and trends are provided by country, service type, mode of transportation, logistics model, customer type, and application as referenced above.

The countries covered in the market report are U.S., Canada and Mexico in North America, Germany, France, U.K., Netherlands, Switzerland, Belgium, Russia, Italy, Spain, Turkey, Rest of Europe in Europe, China, Japan, India, South Korea, Singapore, Malaysia, Australia, Thailand, Indonesia, Philippines, Rest of Asia-Pacific (APAC) in the Asia-Pacific (APAC), Saudi Arabia, U.A.E., South Africa, Egypt, Israel, Rest of Middle East and Africa (MEA) as a part of Middle East and Africa (MEA), Brazil, Argentina and Rest of South America as part of South America.

North America leads the global freight forwarding market, supported by its robust ecosystem of leading research institutions, universities, and technology firms that are pioneers in photonics and integrated circuit technologies. This environment of innovation promotes advancements in freight forwarding solutions, enhancing operational efficiency. The region's strong focus on R&D drives the development of new technologies, further boosting its dominance in the market.

Asia-Pacific region is projected to be the fastest-growing market in global freight forwarding, driven by its large and rapidly expanding population, coupled with a surge in internet usage and data consumption. This growth fuels the need for high-speed and efficient communication networks, which can be enhanced through the use of advanced freight forwarding circuits. Photonic integrated circuits (PICs), capable of integrating multiple optical components on a single chip, are ideally suited for these high-speed data transmission needs, positioning Asia-Pacific as a key player in the market's expansion.

The country section of the report also provides individual market impacting factors and changes in regulation in the market domestically that impacts the current and future trends of the market. Data points such as down-stream and upstream value chain analysis, technical trends and porter's five forces analysis, case studies are some of the pointers used to forecast the market scenario for individual countries. Also, the presence and availability of global brands and their challenges faced due to large or scarce competition from local and domestic brands, impact of domestic tariffs and trade routes are considered while providing forecast analysis of the country data.  

Freight Forwarding Market Share

The market competitive landscape provides details by competitor. Details included are company overview, company financials, revenue generated, market potential, investment in research and development, new market initiatives, global presence, production sites and facilities, production capacities, company strengths and weaknesses, product launch, product width and breadth, application dominance. The above data points provided are only related to the companies' focus related to market.

Freight Forwarding Market Leaders Operating in the Market Are:

• Agility (Kuwait)
• DHL Group (Germany)
• DSV (Denmark)
• Expeditors International of Washington, Inc. (U.S.)
• CEVA Logistics (U.K.)
• DB SCHENKER (Germany)
• Kuehne+Nagel (Switzerland)
• Bolloré Group (France)
• Sinotrans India Private Limited (India)
• CMA CGM Group (France)
• C.H. Robinson Worldwide, Inc. (U.S.)
• NIPPON EXPRESS HOLDINGS, INC (Japan)
• Dachser (Germany)
• Dimerco (India)
• CJ Logistics Corporation (South Korea)
• Hellmann Worldwide Logistics (Germany)
• GEODIS (France)

Latest Developments in Freight Forwarding Market

• In August 2023, OnBoard Logistics, based in the U.S., partnered with the logistics platform Raft to enhance its operations. By utilizing Raft’s advanced technology, OnBoard Logistics introduced a fully automated warehouse pre-check process, allowing for the optimization of cargo receipt and processing before physical arrival. This innovative solution reduces errors, improves operational efficiency, and delivers significant cost savings
• In December 2023, Dutch freight forwarder Share Logistics acquired VN Logistics, a company specializing in chemicals, renewables, cosmetics, and e-commerce. This acquisition enhances Share Logistics' capabilities and expands its service offerings in these rapidly growing industries. By integrating VN Logistics, Share Logistics aims to strengthen its position in key sectors and provide more specialized solutions to its clients
• In September 2023, Agility and Cainiao Smart Logistics Network formed a strategic partnership to offer comprehensive logistics solutions for cross-border e-commerce. By combining Agility's extensive logistics network with Cainiao's deep expertise in e-commerce logistics, the collaboration aims to deliver seamless, end-to-end solutions. This alliance strengthens their ability to support businesses in efficiently managing international shipments and meeting the growing demand for global e-commerce
• In May 2023, Nippon Express, a logistics company headquartered in Tokyo, announced its acquisition of Austrian logistics firm Cargo-Partner for USD 1.5 billion. This strategic move is part of Nippon Express’s efforts to strengthen its global footprint and enhance its capabilities in freight forwarding. By acquiring Cargo-Partner, the company aims to accelerate its growth and solidify its position as a leading global logistics provider
• In March 2021, Kuehne+Nagel (K+N), a global leader in third-party logistics based in Germany, acquired the China-based freight forwarder Apex International Corporation for US$ 1.5 billion. This strategic acquisition aimed to strengthen K+N's presence and expand its operations within the rapidly growing Asia-Pacific market. By integrating Apex International, Kuehne+Nagel sought to enhance its regional capabilities and bolster its competitive position in the global freight forwarding industry

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