Freight Forwarding Market Report 2026

The freight forwarding market size has grown strongly in recent years. It will grow from $213.94 billion in 2025 to $225.99 billion in 2026 at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 5.6%. The growth in the historic period can be attributed to expansion of international trade flows, rising complexity of customs regulations, growing demand for freight consolidation services, increased reliance on third-party logistics providers, expansion of global manufacturing networks.

The freight forwarding market size is expected to see strong growth in the next few years. It will grow to $279.18 billion in 2030 at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 5.4%. The growth in the forecast period can be attributed to increasing investments in digital forwarding solutions, rising focus on carbon-efficient shipping routes, expansion of cross-border e-commerce logistics, growing demand for real-time tracking and analytics, increasing adoption of integrated logistics platforms. Major trends in the forecast period include increasing adoption of digital freight platforms, rising demand for end-to-end shipment visibility, growing integration of customs automation solutions, expansion of sustainable freight forwarding practices, enhanced focus on supply chain transparency.

The growing expansion of the e-commerce industry is expected to drive the growth of the freight forwarding market in the coming years. The e-commerce industry, short for electronic commerce, refers to the buying and selling of goods and services online. Freight forwarding in the e-commerce sector involves managing and coordinating the international shipment of goods, including customs clearance, documentation, and transportation, to ensure efficient and timely deliveries for online retailers and their customers. For example, in August 2023, according to Shopify Inc., a Canada-based e-commerce company, the projected valuation of the global e-commerce sector was $6.3 trillion by 2023. Over the next few years, this figure is expected to increase, making 21.2% of all retail purchases online by 2024. As a result, the growing expansion of the e-commerce industry is fueling the growth of the freight forwarding market.

Major companies in the freight forwarding market are incorporating digital technology solutions to boost operational efficiency, enhance customer experience, and respond to evolving market demands. These digital technology solutions consist of various tools and platforms aimed at improving business processes and customer interactions. For example, in March 2024, DP World, a logistics company based in the UAE, launched a global freight forwarding network that focuses on integrating advanced digital solutions into its logistics operations. This initiative features more than 100 new offices worldwide, offering a comprehensive array of services, including order management, customs, and last-mile delivery.

In March 2024, Mediterranean Shipping Company, a transport and logistics firm headquartered in Switzerland, acquired Clasquin for an undisclosed sum. This strategic acquisition aims to strengthen MSC's position in the logistics and supply chain management sector, enabling the company to provide more comprehensive services to its clients. Clasquin is a logistics firm based in France that specializes in freight forwarding.

Major companies operating in the freight forwarding market are Savino Del Bene S.p.A., A.P. Moller-Maersk Group, CMA CGM Group, Deutsche Bahn AG, DSV Panalpina A/S, DHL Global Forwarding, C.H. Robinson Worldwide Inc., Nippon Express Co. Ltd., Expeditors International of Washington Inc., Sinotrans Limited, GEODIS SA, Kuehne + Nagel International AG, Kerry Logistics Network Limited, UPS Supply Chain Solutions Inc., CJ Logistics Corporation, DACHSER SE, Bolloré Logistics, Hellmann Worldwide Logistics GmbH & Co. KG, Agility Public Warehousing Company K.S.C.P., Yusen Logistics Inc., Kintetsu World Express Inc., CTS International Logistics Corporation, LX Holding, Yusen Logistics Co. Ltd., Dimerco Express Group, Ceva Logistics LLC, Logisteed Co. Ltd., Seko Logistics.

North America was the largest region in the freight forwarding market in 2025. The regions covered in the freight forwarding market report are Asia-Pacific, South East Asia, Western Europe, Eastern Europe, North America, South America, Middle East, Africa. The countries covered in the freight forwarding market report are Australia, Brazil, China, France, Germany, India, Indonesia, Japan, Taiwan, Russia, South Korea, UK, USA, Canada, Italy, Spain.

The freight forwarding market includes revenues earned by entities by planning and coordinating of the movement of commodities across international borders. The market value includes the value of related goods sold by the service provider or included within the service offering. Only goods and services traded between entities or sold to end consumers are included.

The market value is defined as the revenues that enterprises gain from the sale of goods and/or services within the specified market and geography through sales, grants, or donations in terms of the currency (in USD unless otherwise specified).

The revenues for a specified geography are consumption values that are revenues generated by organizations in the specified geography within the market, irrespective of where they are produced. It does not include revenues from resales along the supply chain, either further along the supply chain or as part of other products.

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