Freight Forwarding - Market Share Analysis, Industry Trends & Statistics, Growth Forecasts (2025 - 2030)

The Freight Forwarding Market size is estimated at USD 581.94 billion in 2025, and is expected to reach USD 724.16 billion by 2030, at a CAGR of 4.47% during the forecast period (2025-2030).

The prompt adoption of technologies such as AI, blockchain, and cloud computing presents a challenge to the freight forwarding industry. The need to invest in these technologies for efficient operation is growing. In September 2023, Uber Freight announced a complete evolution in logistics technologies to power the international movement of goods. With freight worth USD 18 billion, Uber is launching a new generation of products that invest in its advanced technology development abilities and AI-powered software.

In addition to the resumption of freighter schedules, more airline passenger capacity is returning to the market. In 2023, international air travel returned to the pre-pandemic level. The rate remains high but still shallow compared to before the pandemic. Global supply chains persist in being disrupted by trade restrictions involving China, the United States, Russia, Ukraine, and Europe. Suppliers seek other locations to source from outside China, Southeast Asia, and South Asia.

According to freight forwarding industry experts, the ocean forwarding market is evolving faster than expected. The transition from a supply chain struggling to keep up with unprecedented pandemic demand to a weak demand environment is now oversupplied with ships and containers, highlighting the risk of a prolonged global economic downturn. The role of governments is also to facilitate sea routes. As of March 2023, India and Russia considered using the Northern Sea Route, which spans the Arctic, for shipping.

Freight Forwarding Market Trends

Growth In Cross-Border and Sea Trade Driving the Forwarding Industry

The freight forwarding market size has grown significantly, driven by the increasing movement of seaborne transport and cross-border trade. Increasing demand for efficient logistics solutions has been created by the increase in cross-border trade enabled by globalization and international business cooperation.

In September 2023, to monitor progress in the construction of transport, logistics, and trade centers on the borders with China, Russia, the Kyrgyz Republic, Uzbekistan, and the Caspian Sea, Kazakh Deputy Prime Minister, Serik Zhumangarin, convened a meeting of the operational headquarters. The construction work is currently underway and is expected to be completed by 2030. With an accommodation of 10 million tons per year, the terminal can house a 1-million-ton general cargo terminal, a 1.5-million-ton grain terminal, a 5.5-million-ton liquid cargo terminal, and a 2-million-ton universal terminal.

Moreover, the importance of freight forwarding industry services is further strengthened by increased sea trade due to a large volume of goods transported globally. One of the global freight forwarding companies, C.H. Robinson opened a new facility to facilitate trade across the Mexican border in September 2023. In Laredo, Texas, it is the largest cross-border logistics facility. This enlarges the company's footprint at the Mexican border to 1.5 million square feet (about half the area of a large shopping mall), with 400,000 square feet of warehousing space, 154 dock doors, and room for 700 trailers.

Increasing Air Freight to Reduce Time Propelling the Market Growth

The potential for significant freight forwarding industry growth lies in encouraging a higher use of air freight within the logistics sector. Air freight is an efficient option for time-sensitive consignments, particularly for perishable and high-value goods, because of the rapidity of transport.

The air freight forwarding market share of North America is on an exponential rise. As of October 2023, American Airlines Cargo benefited from the expanded winter schedule of more than 12,500 round-trip flights operated by American Airlines between November and March 2024. The carrier operates with increased frequencies on all major international markets, with more than 6,900 widebody flights dedicated to transatlantic routes.

In August 2023, Cargo-partner launched a new air freight solution originating in Chicago to assist clients who export their goods to the United Kingdom. On 1 June 2023, Cargo-partner started a new consolidation of air freight operations from Chicago to Heathrow Airport in London, and it provides support for its domestic and international customers. The service offers weekly departures, with an in-house team of trade experts overseeing the service.

Freight Forwarding Industry Overview

A blend of global freight forwarding companies, regional, and local players exist in the freight forwarding market. Small and medium-sized local operators with limited fleets and storage space continue to serve the market. The market is dominated by the top 20 players, which account for more than 50% of it. DHL Global Forwarding, DB Schenker, Kuehne + Nagel International AG, DSV, Expeditors International, and other global freight forwarding companies in the freight forwarding market. The players need to embrace technology, become more digital, and increase the scale and efficiency of their operations as the freight forwarder market share continues to grow steadily, and there are numerous opportunities. For businesses, an extensive network across the globe is essential. Acquisitions and mergers in the ASEAN logistics market have become increasingly attractive to international investors. As a result of increased business and trade activities, global logistics companies have been expanding in the ASEAN region.

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