Freight Forwarding Market Size & Outlook, 2025-2033

Freight Forwarding Market Overview

The global freight forwarding market size was valued at USD 164.8 billion in 2024 and is projected to reach USD 255.6 billion by 2033, growing at a CAGR of 5.2% during the forecast period (2025–2033). Market growth is driven by expanding international trade volumes, the steady recovery of global supply chains post-pandemic, and increased demand for integrated multimodal transport solutions.

Freight forwarders are consolidating air, ocean, road, and rail transport services, while offering value-added logistics such as customs clearance, warehousing, and digital tracking. The adoption of transportation management systems (TMS) and electronic documentation has improved shipment visibility and reduced transit times. Rising e-commerce volumes, cross-border parcel delivery demand, and strategic alliances between carriers and forwarders have strengthened network reach and operational efficiency across the sector.

Key Market Trends & Insights

• Dominating Region: Asia Pacific accounted for 33.1% of the market in 2024.
• Fastest-Growing Region: Middle East & Africa, projected CAGR of 6.4% (2025–2033).
• Leading Service: Ocean freight forwarding held a 44.5% share in 2024.
• Fastest-Growing Service: E-commerce parcel forwarding, CAGR of 8.3%.
• Leading End-Use: Retail & e-commerce represented 38.7% share in 2024.
• Fastest-Growing End-Use: Healthcare & pharmaceuticals at 7.1% CAGR.
• Dominant Country: China’s market valued at USD 32.5 billion in 2024, expected to reach USD 34.1 billion in 2025.

Market Size & Forecast

• 2024 Market Size: USD 164.8 billion
• 2033 Projected Market Size: USD 255.6 billion
• CAGR (2025–2033): 5.2%
• Dominating Region: Asia Pacific
• Fastest-Growing Region: Middle East & Africa

The freight forwarding market comprises logistics intermediaries that organize and coordinate cargo movement globally through multimodal networks. These include ocean, air, rail, and road forwarding, supported by customs brokerage, warehousing, and supply chain visibility tools. The market’s expansion is fueled by e-commerce-driven demand, digital transformation, and a shift toward sustainable and resilient logistics models.

Latest Market Trends

Digital Platforms and Real-Time Visibility

Freight forwarders are rapidly adopting digital freight platforms, APIs, and real-time tracking systems to improve shipment transparency. These tools integrate shippers, carriers, and customs authorities for instant rate comparisons, automated documentation, and faster cross-border transactions.

Shift to Multimodal and Sustainable Logistics

Shippers increasingly prefer multimodal logistics to balance cost, reliability, and speed. Sustainability initiatives such as eco-routing and carbon reporting are becoming critical differentiators, as forwarders introduce green transport options and carbon-offset solutions to meet environmental and regulatory expectations.

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Market Drivers

Growth of Global E-commerce

The rapid expansion of cross-border e-commerce has driven parcel volumes and integrated delivery needs. Freight forwarders are expanding parcel forwarding and fulfillment networks to serve online retailers and omnichannel businesses.

Supply Chain Resilience Investments

Businesses are diversifying routing, nearshoring production, and building inventory buffers. This shift has increased demand for forwarders with flexible capacity, carrier networks, and scenario-based routing to mitigate disruptions.

Market Restraint

Fragmented Pricing and Margin Pressure

Freight pricing remains highly volatile due to fluctuating air and ocean rates, competitive pressure, and customer focus on spot pricing. This commoditization limits pricing power for smaller forwarders and squeezes profit margins across the industry.

Market Opportunities

Value-Added Logistics & 3PL Integration

Forwarders offering customs brokerage, warehousing, trade compliance, and fulfillment are evolving into end-to-end logistics providers. This integrated service model increases client retention and recurring revenue streams.

Data Services and Supply Chain Analytics

Leveraging shipment data for predictive ETAs, capacity forecasting, and dynamic pricing allows forwarders to transition from transactional logistics to consultative partnerships, strengthening customer loyalty.

Regional Insights

North America accounted for 22.8% of the global freight forwarding market in 2024 and is projected to grow at a CAGR of 5.0% through 2033. The region’s growth is driven by reshoring initiatives, port automation, and rapid adoption of digital logistics solutions. Companies are investing in smarter freight platforms and multimodal integration to strengthen resilience against supply chain disruptions.

The United States remains the dominant national market, supported by strong e-commerce logistics infrastructure, advanced warehousing networks, and high import–export volumes. Federal investments in logistics modernization and transportation efficiency further position the U.S. as a global leader in freight forwarding and digital supply chain integration.

Europe Market Insights

Europe held 21.5% of the market in 2024, expanding at a CAGR of 5.3% (2025–2033). Growth across the region is underpinned by intra-EU trade, cross-border logistics harmonization, and green transport policies promoting sustainable freight movement. Increasing adoption of rail freight and multimodal solutions is improving efficiency and reducing emissions.

Germany leads the European market, benefitting from its strong manufacturing and automotive export base. Its logistics sector emphasizes precision, regulatory compliance, and automation, driving investments in digital freight management systems and energy-efficient transport infrastructure.

Asia Pacific Market Insights

Asia Pacific dominated the global market with a 33.1% share in 2024 and is projected to grow at a CAGR of 5.6% through 2033. The region’s leadership stems from robust export manufacturing, expanding e-commerce logistics, and rising intra-Asia trade corridors. Governments are prioritizing logistics infrastructure, smart ports, and trade digitization to enhance connectivity and efficiency.

China remains the largest contributor to regional growth, supported by massive container shipping volumes, manufacturing exports, and digital freight adoption among SMEs. Emerging markets like India, Vietnam, and Indonesia are witnessing rapid development of e-commerce-driven freight services and growing foreign investment in logistics parks and fulfillment centers.

Middle East & Africa Market Insights

The Middle East & Africa accounted for 9.4% of the global freight forwarding market in 2024 and is projected to be the fastest-growing region, with a CAGR of 6.4%. Growth is primarily supported by strategic logistics hubs, free trade zones, and infrastructure investments in ports, airports, and road networks.

The United Arab Emirates anchors regional expansion, with Dubai serving as a key transshipment and e-commerce gateway connecting Asia, Europe, and Africa. Investments in air cargo capacity, digital customs clearance, and smart trade corridors are strengthening the UAE’s role as a global logistics powerhouse.

Latin America Market Insights

Latin America represented 13.2% of the freight forwarding market in 2024, expanding at a CAGR of 4.7% (2025–2033). Market growth is supported by infrastructure upgrades, regional trade agreements, and the rise of pharmaceutical and industrial exports. Governments are increasingly investing in port modernization and customs automation to enhance trade competitiveness.

Brazil is the leading national market, driven by strong commodity exports, pharmaceutical cold-chain logistics, and growing manufacturing activity. Initiatives promoting regional supply chain integration and foreign investment continue to improve the region’s logistics efficiency and capacity utilization.

Service Type Insights

Ocean freight forwarding dominated the market with a 44.5% share in 2024, owing to its cost-effectiveness and the expansion of global maritime trade. As international trade volumes rise, ocean forwarding remains the backbone of bulk goods transport, particularly across Asia–Europe and Trans-Pacific routes.

E-commerce parcel forwarding is the fastest-growing service, projected to grow at a CAGR of 8.3%. The boom in cross-border e-commerce, coupled with the need for faster last-mile solutions, is prompting forwarders to invest in automated fulfillment, parcel tracking, and customs-friendly digital documentation.

Mode of Transport Insights

Multimodal transport solutions are gaining prominence as shippers seek flexibility, resilience, and cost optimization. The integration of air, ocean, rail, and road modes allows for faster and more reliable deliveries across regions.
Single-mode transport, while still widely used for specific routes, is gradually giving way to multimodal strategies as sustainability and efficiency take precedence in supply chain planning.

End-Use Industry Insights

The retail and e-commerce sector led the market with a 38.7% share in 2024, supported by global online sales growth, direct-to-consumer logistics models, and increased reliance on third-party logistics providers.

The healthcare and pharmaceutical segment is the fastest-growing end-use, projected to expand at a 7.1% CAGR. Demand for temperature-controlled logistics, compliance-driven shipping, and rapid delivery networks has strengthened forwarder participation in pharma supply chains.

Customer Type Insights

Large enterprises accounted for the majority of freight forwarding revenue in 2024, leveraging long-term contracts and global logistics partnerships to ensure consistent capacity and reliability.

However, Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) represent the fastest-growing customer base, with a 6.8% CAGR, driven by digital freight platforms that offer instant pricing, flexible capacity, and simplified customs processes, enabling SMEs to access global markets more efficiently.

Solution Insights

Customs brokerage and documentation remain essential, forming the foundation of global forwarding services. Growing digitalization is simplifying clearance and reducing delays. Warehousing and fulfillment solutions are expanding rapidly, registering a 6.9% CAGR, as e-commerce and just-in-time manufacturing demand proximity storage and value-added services. Value-added services such as insurance, packaging, and cargo tracking enhance customer experience and increase retention. Meanwhile, technology and data analytics are emerging as strategic differentiators—enabling predictive shipment tracking, route optimization, and cost forecasting for enhanced operational efficiency.

Competitive Landscape

The global freight forwarding market is fragmented, with competition among major integrators and regional specialists. DHL Global Forwarding led the market in 2024, expanding its digital freight capabilities and securing global carrier contracts.

List of key players in Freight Forwarding Market

1. DHL Global Forwarding
2. Kuehne + Nagel
3. DB Schenker
4. DSV Panalpina
5. Expeditors International
6. CEVA Logistics
7. UPS Supply Chain Solutions
8. SDV / Bolloré Logistics
9. Sinotrans
10. Geodis
11. Agility Logistics
12. FourKites (platform partner)
13. Flexport
14. Matson Logistics
15. ZIM Integrated Shipping

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Strategic Initiatives

• November 2024 – Kuehne + Nagel: Launched a sustainable air freight product with carbon footprint reporting and offset options for shippers.
• January 2025 – DHL Global Forwarding: Expanded ocean capacity agreements with major carriers and rolled out an enhanced digital booking portal for SMEs.
• March 2025 – DB Schenker: Opened a new automated fulfillment center in Central Europe to support e-commerce cross-dock and same-day processing.
• May 2025 – DSV Panalpina: Acquired a regional cold-chain specialist to strengthen pharmaceutical logistics capabilities in LATAM.
• July 2025 – Flexport: Partnered with a major TMS provider to integrate predictive ETA and capacity forecasting into its client dashboard.