GENERAL FREIGHT TRUCKING MARKET SIZE AND SHARE ANALYSIS - GROWTH TRENDS AND FORECASTS (2025-2032)

Global General Freight Trucking Market Size and Forecast – 2025-2032

The Global General Freight Trucking Market is estimated to be valued at USD 1.18 Tn in 2025 and is expected to reach USD 2.33 Tn by 2032, exhibiting a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 10.2% from 2025 to 2032.

Key Takeaways of the Global General Freight Trucking Market:

• The long-distance segment is expected to lead the market holding a share of 85.4% in 2025.
• The dry van & box truck segment is projected to dominate with a share of 42.2% in 2025.
• The dry bulk goods segment is estimated to lead the market with a share of 66.8% in 2025.
• Asia Pacific is estimated to lead the market with a share of 32.6% in 2025. Africa, holding a share of 4.7% in 2025, is projected to be the fastest growing region.

Market Overview:

The general freight trucking industry is seeing the adoption of advanced technologies, such as telematics, route optimization software, and autonomous vehicles, which help improve operational efficiency and reduce costs. Also, the sustainability trend and the need to reduce carbon emissions are creating demand for alternative fuel vehicles and more eco-friendly trucking solutions.

Current Events and their Impact:

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Segmental Analysis

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Global General Freight Trucking Market Insights, by Type – Long-distance Leads Due to Increasing Globalization

Long-distance segment is expected to contribute the highest market share of 85.4% in 2025. The increasing globalization of trade and the growing need for efficient supply chain management are majorly creating demand for long-distance trucking services. These services are used to transport goods from manufacturers to distributors, warehouses, and ultimately, to the end users. They are instrumental to the growth of e-commerce, as online retailers rely on long-distance trucking to deliver products to customers in various locations. J.B. Hunt Transport Services, a major U.S.-based carrier, heavily invests in long-haul services through its Intermodal and Dedicated Contract Services divisions.

To add, advanced logistics technologies, such as GPS tracking, route optimization software, and real-time cargo monitoring systems, also improve the efficiency and reliability of long-distance trucking. They help trucking companies optimize their routes, reduce fuel consumption, and minimize delivery times.

Global General Freight Trucking Market Insights, by Truck Type – Dry Van & Box Truck Segment Leads Due to Their Versatility

Dry Van & Box Truck segment is expected to contribute the highest share of 44.2% in the market in 2025. These trucks can carry palletized, boxed, or loose freight, making them suitable for many industries, including retail, manufacturing, and distribution. As e-commerce continues to expand, the need for reliable and cost-effective shipping solutions has become more pressing. Dry Van & Box Trucks offer an ideal solution for transporting non-perishable items, such as clothing, electronics, and household goods, ensuring that they reach their destination safely and on time.

Knight-Swift Transportation, one of the largest truckload carriers in North America, has a significant fleet of dry van and box trucks used across its retail, e-commerce, and manufacturing contracts.

Global General Freight Trucking Market Insights, by Cargo Type – Dry Bulk Goods Lead Due to Increasing Demand for Raw Materials and Commodities

In terms of Cargo Type, Dry Bulk Goods segment is expected to contribute the highest market share of 66.8% in 2025, primarily due to the massive demand for the transportation of essential raw materials and commodities across various industries. Dry bulk goods include a wide range of products, such as grains, cereals, coal, minerals, and construction materials, which form the backbone of many industrial and agricultural sectors.

The increasing global population and rising demand for food products have been significant drivers behind the growth of the dry bulk goods segment. The transportation of grains, such as wheat, corn, and soybeans, from farms to processing facilities and eventually to consumers, relies heavily on general freight trucking. LafargeHolcim, a global building materials company, relies extensively on freight trucking to move dry bulk commodities like cement, limestone, and fly ash to construction sites across continents. The company partners with regional bulk freight carriers (such as Tarmac in the UK and Dangote Logistics in Nigeria) to transport these materials via custom-fitted dry bulk trailers.

The Role of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in the Market:

Artificial Intelligence (AI) is playing a transformative role in the global general freight trucking market by enhancing route optimization, predictive maintenance, demand forecasting, and real-time fleet management. AI-powered logistics platforms analyze massive datasets—such as traffic patterns, weather conditions, and vehicle load capacity—to recommend the most fuel-efficient and time-saving routes. This reduces delivery delays, minimizes fuel costs, and improves overall operational efficiency. Furthermore, AI-driven demand forecasting tools help carriers better allocate resources based on real-time supply chain fluctuations, improving both capacity planning and service reliability.

A notable instance of AI in action is the deployment of IBM’s Watson AI platform by XPO Logistics, a major player in freight trucking. XPO leverages Watson to predict peak delivery periods, dynamically adjust truck allocations, and monitor equipment health through IoT sensors and predictive analytics. 

Regional Insights:

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Asia Pacific General Freight Trucking Market Analysis and Trends

Asia Pacific, holding a share of 32.6% in 2025, is expected to dominate the global general freight trucking market. Rapid economic development, increasing industrialization, and expanding international trade in countries like China, India, and Southeast Asian nations have driven the demand for efficient freight transportation services.

Governments in the region have been investing in infrastructure development projects, such as road networks and logistics parks, to support the growing freight movement. India’s Bharatmala Project and China’s Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) are key examples of this. Notable players in the Asia Pacific, such as Nippon Express Co., Ltd. and SF Holding Co., Ltd., have been actively expanding their operations and adopting innovative technologies to cater to the evolving market needs.

Africa General Freight Trucking Market Analysis and Trends

Africa, holding a share of 4.7% in 2025, is expected to exhibit the fastest growth in the global general freight trucking market, driven by urbanization, rising intra-regional trade, and investments in transport infrastructure. Governments across the continent are actively implementing national and cross-border infrastructure initiatives, such as the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), to facilitate smoother and more integrated freight movement.

Major road and logistics corridor upgrades—like the Trans-African Highway network—are improving connectivity between key trade hubs, making freight trucking a more viable and essential mode of transportation for goods. Notable players such as Imperial Logistics (South Africa) and Kobo360 (Nigeria) are leveraging technology and localized strategies to expand their footprint and improve service delivery across the continent.

Global General Freight Trucking Market Outlook for Key Countries:

U.S. General Freight Trucking Market Analysis and Trends

The U.S. general freight trucking market is characterized by its vast size, well-developed infrastructure, and the presence of major industry players. The country's extensive highway network, including the Interstate Highway System, facilitates the efficient movement of goods across the nation. Leading companies like UPS Inc. and FedEx Corporation have established strong market positions by offering comprehensive logistics solutions and leveraging advanced technologies. The growth of e-commerce and the increasing demand for timely deliveries have further propelled the market's growth in the U.S.

China General Freight Trucking Market Analysis and Trends

China general freight trucking market has experienced significant growth in recent years, driven by the country's rapid economic development and expanding international trade. The government's initiatives to improve transportation infrastructure, such as the Belt and Road Initiative, have further supported the market's growth. Companies like Sinotrans Limited and SF Holding Co., Ltd. have emerged as key players, leveraging their extensive networks and technological advancements to meet the growing demand for freight transportation services.

Germany General Freight Trucking Market Analysis and Trends

Germany continues to lead the Europe general freight trucking market, owing to its strategic location, well-developed transportation infrastructure, and strong industrial base. The country's extensive highway network, including the Autobahn system, enables efficient freight movement across the nation and to neighboring countries. Companies like DB Schenker and DHL have established a strong presence in Germany, offering comprehensive logistics solutions and utilizing advanced technologies to optimize their operations.

India General Freight Trucking Market Analysis and Trends

India general freight trucking market is experiencing significant growth, driven by the country's rapidly expanding economy, increasing industrialization, and growing international trade. The government's initiatives to improve transportation infrastructure, such as the Bharatmala Pariyojana project, have further supported the market's development. Companies like Transport Corporation of India Ltd. and VRL Logistics Ltd. have been actively expanding their operations and adopting modern technologies to cater to the increasing demand for freight transportation services.

Market Players, Key Development, and Competitive Intelligence:

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Key Developments:

• In July 2024, Uber Freight, a subsidiary of Uber Technologies, and the software company Aurora Innovation announced the launch of Premier Autonomy, a new program offering early access to over 1 billion of Aurora’s autonomous miles to Uber Freight carriers through 2030.
• In February 2024, Flexport, a global logistics technology leader, announced the launch of Convoy Platform, a technology platform that offers global shippers access to a trucking capacity marketplace of small carriers and owner-operators.
• In February 2024, J.B. Hunt Transport Services Inc. (NASDAQ: JBHT), a supply chain solutions provider in North America, announced that its subsidiary, J.B. Hunt Transport Inc., had entered into a multi-year intermodal service agreement with Walmart, in an arrangement that includes J.B. Hunt’s purchase of Walmart’s intermodal assets.
• In June 2023, Kodiak Robotics, Inc., a leading self-driving trucking company, announced that Loadsmith, a leading third-party Capacity-as-a-Service (CaaS) logistics platform for shippers and carriers, will equip 800 trucks with Kodiak’s self-driving technology, the Kodiak Driver. The Kodiak-equipped autonomous trucks will serve as the foundation for the newly established Loadsmith Freight Network (LFN), the first-ever freight transportation company built specifically for self-driving trucks.

Top Strategies Followed by Global General Freight Trucking Market Players

• Established Players are investing heavily in R&D to develop advanced technologies, such as fuel-efficient engines, autonomous driving systems, and connected vehicle solutions.
  • Daimler Truck AG, one of the largest players globally, has been investing significantly in autonomous driving systems through its Torc Robotics subsidiary. The company is also investing in hydrogen fuel cell and electric drivetrains, positioning itself at the forefront of sustainable freight transport innovation.

• Mid-level players are delivering cost-effective solutions to attract price-sensitive consumers. These companies are optimizing their operations, streamlining processes, and leveraging economies of scale to offer competitive pricing without compromising on quality.
  • Old Dominion Freight Line, a U.S.-based LTL carrier, focuses on providing reliable but cost-efficient freight solutions by investing in logistics software to improve load planning and fleet utilization. The company has enhanced its terminal network and implemented automated sorting systems to streamline freight handling.

• Small-scale players are specializing in specific segments, such as refrigerated transport, hazardous materials handling, or last-mile delivery, to differentiate themselves and cater to the unique needs of their customers.
  • Lineage Logistics, though a smaller-scale operator compared to global giants, has carved out a niche in temperature-controlled freight transport. Specializing in cold chain logistics, Lineage provides high-value services to the food and pharmaceutical sectors.

Market Report Scope - After Analyst View

Market Dynamics

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Global General Freight Trucking Market Driver - The boom in e-commerce globally

The global general freight trucking market is experiencing a significant boost due to the rapid growth of e-commerce worldwide. As online shopping continues to gain popularity, the demand for efficient and reliable freight transportation services has skyrocketed.

E-commerce giants and small businesses alike rely heavily on trucking companies to ensure the timely delivery of their products to customers. For instance, in recent years, Amazon has significantly expanded its Amazon Freight and Amazon Transportation Services arms to manage growing shipping volumes driven by its booming e-commerce business.

Global General Freight Trucking Market Opportunity: Adoption of Autonomous Trucking Technology

The adoption of autonomous trucking technology presents a significant opportunity for the global general freight trucking market. Autonomous trucks, equipped with advanced sensors, cameras, and artificial intelligence systems, have the potential to revolutionize the industry by improving efficiency, reducing costs, and enhancing safety. By eliminating the need for human drivers, autonomous trucks can operate continuously, reducing transit times and increasing the overall capacity of the trucking network. This increased efficiency can lead to lower freight rates, making trucking services more attractive to businesses and stimulating market growth.

On May 14, 2025, Plus, an AI-first autonomous trucking software company, successfully completed the testing of its semi-autonomous trucks jointly developed by Plus and IVECO.

Analyst Opinion (Expert Opinion):

• While large logistics companies are rapidly adopting GPS tracking, telematics, and autonomous technologies, small and mid-sized carriers often lack the capital and technical expertise to modernize their fleets.
• This tech divide results in inefficiencies, delayed deliveries, and increased operational costs across the lower end of the market. Bridging this gap through government incentives, shared tech platforms, or logistics-as-a-service models could unlock massive latent capacity.
• Despite automation efforts, the industry remains heavily dependent on human drivers, especially for local and last-mile deliveries. High turnover rates due to long hours, stagnant wages, and safety concerns exacerbate supply chain disruptions. The market needs to address this with better work conditions, driver-centric scheduling, and training programs, particularly as demand rises from the e-commerce and healthcare sectors.

Sources

Primary Research Interviews:

Stakeholders:

• Supply Chain Managers from Large Retail Chains
• Operations Heads from Freight Brokerage Firms
• Truck Fleet Managers and Logistics Supervisors
• Last-Mile Delivery Aggregators
• Autonomous Vehicle Engineers and Mobility Experts
• Regulatory Advisors and Transport Policy Analysts

Databases:

• Global Logistics & Freight Archive (GLFA)
• U.S. Department of Transportation – Freight Statistics Hub
• China Logistics Index (CLI) – Ministry of Transport, China
• India Infrastructure Data Bank (IIDB)
• Africa Urban Logistics Monitor (AULM)

Magazines:

• Fleet World Digest
• Modern Trucking Review
• Global Transport Logistics Weekly
• Digital Supply Chain Journal

Journals:

• Journal of Freight Economics & Policy
• Transport Innovation and Logistics Systems (TILS)
• Global Journal of Autonomous Logistics
• International Review of Transport Management (IRTM)

Newspapers:

• The Freight Times (U.S.)
• Haulage Today (U.K.)
• Logistics Chronicle (Singapore)
• The Economic Transport Bulletin (India)

Associations:

• International Road Freight Association (IRFA)
• Global Alliance for Logistics & Transport (GALT)
• North American Freight Association (NAFA)
• Asia-Pacific Trucking Coalition (APTC)
• Autonomous Freight Consortium (AFC)

Public Domain Sources:

• U.S. Census Bureau
• EUROSTAT
• United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD)
• World Bank Logistics Performance Index
• ResearchGate (Industry-authored white papers and pre-prints)

Proprietary Elements:

• CMI Data Analytics Tool, Proprietary CMI Existing Repository of information for last 8 years