Europe Terminal Tractor Market

Market Overview

The Europe terminal tractor market witnessed significant growth in the past and is expected to grow at a CAGR of 4.0% during the forecast period (2022-2030).

A terminal tractor is a semi-truck that moves semi-trailers inside a cargo yard, warehouse, or intermodal facility like a switcher locomotive positions a railcar. A shunt truck, spotter truck, spotting tractor, yard truck, yard shifter, yard dog, yard goat, yard horse, yard jockey, and hostler are additional names.

An automated terminal tractor is necessary to deliver the highest performance possible to end users. Like the automated terminal tractor that Konecranes debuted in 2017 with a remote operating station, a specially created GUI, and an IT system that communicates with the Terminal Operating System (TOS). With this tractor, port operations may handle containers 25% more efficiently. The development of touch displays, rear-view cameras, GPS systems, microcontrollers, sensors (ultrasonic, Bluetooth, temperature, climate control, and environmental), and telematics systems is also being pursued by several terminal tractor manufacturers.

Key Highlights

• Warehouse and Logistic dominates the market by Application. 
• 4x2 dominates the market by Drive Type.
• <50 dominates the market by Tonnage.
• Manual dominates the market by Type.
• Diesel dominates the market by Propulsion.
• Germany dominates the market by Country.

Market Dynamics

Market Drivers

Stringent Safety Regulations and Requirements

Safety laws and criteria significantly influence the market for terminal tractors in Europe. Handling great goods and navigating confined spaces during terminal operations can be dangerous for people and equipment. Strict laws and standards are upheld in these settings to guarantee safety.

Terminal tractors have safety features such as anti-collision systems, cameras, sensors, and advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS) to reduce accidents and improve operating safety. The availability of safety-enhancing features and compliance with safety requirements are important factors influencing fleet operators' and terminal operators' purchasing decisions in Europe.

Increasing Demand for Efficient Cargo Handling

The growing need for effective cargo handling operations in ports, terminals, and logistics facilities is driving the market for terminal tractors in Europe. The purpose of terminal tractors, often referred to as yard spotters or shunt trucks, is to move cargo trailers or containers in small spaces. Terminal tractors are essential in streamlining operations, cutting turnaround times, and optimizing the movement of products due to the growing volume of cargo transportation in Europe.

The superior maneuverability, high torque, and powerful engines that terminal tractors are outfitted with enable them to manage huge loads in confined locations efficiently. The need for terminal tractors is increased by the capacity to move cargo trailers or containers swiftly and safely, which boosts production and operational efficiency in logistics hubs.

Market Restraints

Competition from Other Modes of Transportation

Other forms of transportation, such as trucks, and trains, compete with the terminal tractor sector. These transportation options may be more affordable for certain businesses than terminal tractors. Trucks and trains can move farther and carry more cargo than terminal tractors. Due to this, they have become a more appealing alternative for companies that need to ship heavy loads over long distances.

The growth of the European terminal tractor market is significantly constrained by competition from other means of transportation.

Market Opportunities

Growing Adoption of Automation in the Warehousing and Logistics Industry

One major factor propelling the expansion of the European terminal tractor market is the increased usage of automation in the warehousing and logistics sector. In automated warehouses and distribution centers, terminal tractors are used to move goods without the assistance of humans. This enhances these facilities' production and efficiency.

The warehousing and logistics business is adopting automation for a variety of reasons. The rising demand for e-commerce is one of the causes. The number of products that need to be stored and dispatched is rising as e-commerce businesses grow. This is putting pressure on distribution centers and warehouses to increase their productivity.

Segmental Analysis

The Europe terminal tractor market is segmented based on Application, Drive Type, Tonnage, Type, Propulsion, and Country.

Based on Application, the European market is segmented by Airport, Marine Port, Oil and Gas, Warehouse, and logistics.

Warehouse and Logistics dominated the market and are expected to register a CAGR of 4.9% over the forecasted period.

Based on Drive Type, the European market is segmented into 4x2, 4x4, and 6x4.

The 4x2 segment dominates the market and is expected to register a CAGR of 3.8% over the forecasted period.

Based on Tonnage, the European market is segmented into <50, 50-100, and>100 Tons.

<50 dominated the market and is expected to register a CAGR of 4.4% over the forecasted period.

Based on Type, the European market is segmented into Manual and Automated.

Manual dominated the market and is expected to register a CAGR of 2.5% over the forecasted period.

Based on Propulsion, the European market is segmented by Diesel, Electric, and Hybrid.

Diesel dominated the market and is expected to register a CAGR of 0.7% over the forecasted period.

Regional Analysis

The Europe terminal tractor market is segmented by country into Germany, France, the U.K., Italy, Spain, and the Rest of Europe. Germany dominates the country market and is expected to grow at a CAGR of 4.7% during the forecast period.

Germany is one of the top warehousing markets in Europe because of its strategic location, advanced infrastructure, and technological know-how. It is a well-liked place for warehousing due to its advantageous location linking Eastern and Western Europe. Germany has larger, higher-quality warehouses that are larger in overall size. E-commerce dominates the German warehouse market. For instance, according to the International Trade Administration, Germany's total e-commerce sales in 2020 were estimated to be USD 83.1 billion, up 23% from 2019.

According to the Germany Trade and Invest website, in 2020, the annual turnover of the logistics sector was about USD 264.4 billion, generating USD 16.9 billion in investments on average. The industry is currently facing challenges such as rising rents and space costs. German companies are creating new delivery models to enable same-day or 1-hour delivery due to the growing popularity of e-commerce and online shopping. Such factors support the growth of the terminal tractor market in Germany.

Recent Developments

• April 2023- MAFI stated that a significant international logistics company had placed a 20-terminal tractor order with them. The order is for a diesel-electric terminal tractor made by MAFI, the T20. Delivery of the order is anticipated to take place in the fourth quarter of 2023.
• Feb 2023- Toyota Material Handling declared that a new diesel-electric terminal tractor had been released. The terminal tractor is known as the 8FD15 and has a 15-ton capacity.