United Kingdom Terminal Tractor Market Size, Share & Trends Analysis Report By Application (Airport, Marine Port, Oil and Gas, Warehouse and Logistic), By Drive Type (4x2, 4x4, 6x4), By Tonnage (<50 Ton, 50-100 Ton, >100 Ton), By Type (Manual, Automated), By Propulsion (Diesel, Electric, Hybrid) and Forecasts, 2024-2032

Market Overview

The U.K. terminal tractor market witnessed significant growth in the past and is expected to grow at a CAGR of 3.7% 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.

Market Dynamics

Market drivers

Infrastructure development

The expansion and modernization of ports and logistical facilities are among the infrastructure development projects the U.K. government has invested in. These programs seek to increase the nation's trading capacity, provide space for larger vessels, and boost cargo handling effectiveness. The expansion of infrastructure gives manufacturers and suppliers of terminal tractors a chance to promote their cutting-edge products and technologies, which boosts the market.

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 U.K. terminal tractor market is significantly constrained by competition from other means of transportation.

Market opportunities

Adoption of electric and alternative fuel-powered terminal tractors

The U.K. is dedicated to cutting carbon emissions and switching to more environmentally friendly and sustainable transport options. Manufacturers of terminal tractors now have the chance to release models driven by electric and alternative fuels. Electric terminal tractors can provide zero-emission operations, decreasing environmental impact and aligning with the U.K.'s sustainability goals, thanks to battery technology and charging infrastructure improvements.

Regional Analysis

The U.K. 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. The U.K. 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, U.K.'s total e-commerce sales in 2020 were estimated to be up 23% from 2019.

Segmental Analysis

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

Based on Application, the U.K. 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 4.6% over the forecast period.

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

4x2 dominated the market and is expected to register a 3.5% CAGR over the forecast period.

Based on Tonnage, the U.K. market is segmented into <50, 50-100, and>100 Ton.

<50 dominated the market and is expected to register a CAGR of 4.1% over the forecast period.

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

Manual dominated the market and is expected to register a CAGR of 2.2% over the forecast period.

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

Diesel dominated the market and is expected to register a CAGR of 0.5% over the forecast period.

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.