Perishable Goods Transportation Market Report 2025

The perishable goods transportation market size has grown strongly in recent years. It will grow from $14.6 billion in 2024 to $15.8 billion in 2025 at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 8.2%. The growth in the historic period can be attributed to globalization of the food supply chain, rise in consumer demand for fresh produce, expansion of cold chain infrastructure, stringent regulations and quality standards, increasing trade of perishable commodities.

The perishable goods transportation market size is expected to see strong growth in the next few years. It will grow to $22.07 billion in 2029 at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 8.7%. The growth in the forecast period can be attributed to continued global food trade growth, focus on sustainability and environmental standards, technological innovations in cold chain management, e-commerce and direct-to-consumer trends, public health concerns and traceability. Major trends in the forecast period include stringent regulatory compliance requirements, collaboration for cold chain logistics optimization, increased demand for last-mile delivery solutions, rise of data analytics for predictive insights, growing globalization of perishable goods trade.

The increasing demand for processed food is projected to drive the growth of the perishable goods transportation market in the coming years. Processed food refers to food products that have undergone various mechanical and chemical processes to create a final product. These foods are typically packaged in boxes, and most processed foods are considered perishable goods that require prompt transportation at specific temperatures. Perishable goods transportation involves using refrigerated ships equipped with air circulation systems to maintain the freshness of the food. For example, in November 2022, Food Tank, a U.S.-based non-profit organization, reported that 73 percent of the food supply in the U.S. consists of ultra-processed foods, which are, on average, 52 percent cheaper than their less processed alternatives. Thus, the rising demand for processed food is fueling the growth of the perishable goods transportation market.

The expansion of the perishable goods transportation market is poised to be driven by the continued growth of e-commerce. E-commerce, characterized by the online buying and selling of goods and services, has become a prominent mode of commerce, involving digital transactions and electronic payments. The surge in online grocery shopping and the presence of e-commerce platforms offering perishable items accentuate the demand for specialized transportation services, ensuring the timely and fresh delivery of goods. Notably, in November 2023, data from the U.S. Census Bureau, a federal agency based in the United States, indicated a 7.6% increase in e-commerce estimates for the third quarter of 2023 compared to the same period in 2022. During the third quarter of 2023, e-commerce sales constituted 15.6% of the total sales. This trend underscores the significant role of e-commerce in propelling the perishable goods transportation market, reflecting the ongoing shift towards digital transactions and online shopping practices.

Product innovations have become a prominent trend in the perishable goods transportation market, with major companies actively focusing on the development of new technological solutions to strengthen their market positions. A notable example is PBX GmbH, an Austrian-based start-up that specializes in developing, producing, and marketing transport refrigeration solutions. In September 2022, the company launched the Ecos M24, marking the first refrigeration unit designed for electric vehicles and the first market-ready propane solution for transport refrigeration. The unique feature of this unit is its complete electric, hermetic design with zero emissions. The Ecos M24 ensures the reliable transportation of temperature-sensitive perishable goods to their destination without emitting any CO2, showcasing a commitment to innovative and sustainable solutions in the perishable goods transportation market.

Major companies in the perishable goods transportation market are actively focused on developing innovative solutions, with a notable emphasis on services such as same-day perishable shipping. Same-day perishable shipping services represent specialized logistics solutions designed to transport and deliver perishable goods within the same day of initiating the shipping process. An illustrative example is WARP, a US-based logistics solutions technology company, which, in March 2023, launched 'DirectFresh.' This service empowers shippers of perishable goods by providing same-day and next-day direct store delivery. DirectFresh offers shippers a comprehensive end-to-end solution for their fresh freight needs, including transfers from manufacturers to cold storage and high-touch, in-store deliveries throughout the entire process. The service enables shippers to move products directly from cold storage to either a store or a WARP Station (cross-dock) on the same day, addressing their inventory requirements and eliminating the need for engaging with a last-mile delivery service. This strategic move reflects a commitment to enhancing efficiency and meeting the time-sensitive demands of perishable goods transportation.

In July 2023, Seafrigo, a French company known for its expertise in temperature-controlled logistics, acquired Perishable Movements Limited (PML) for an undisclosed amount. This acquisition strengthens Seafrigo's position in the perishable goods logistics market by enhancing its service offerings and broadening its operational reach. PML, a UK-based logistics company, specializes in the supply chain and transportation of perishable goods.

Major companies operating in the perishable goods transportation market include UPS Healthcare Logistics Inc., DHL Global Forwarding, Maersk Line Limited, Hapag-Lloyd AG, C. H. Robinson Worldwide Inc., The Nippon Yusen Kabushiki Kaisha- NYK Line, Mitsui O.S.K. Lines Ltd., Kawasaki Kisen Kaisha Ltd., Orient Overseas Container Line (OOCL) Ltd., Specialized Logistics International Inc., CRST International Inc., Weber Distribution LLC, Wincanton plc, Northland Services Inc., Stevens Transport Inc., COSCO Shipping Lines Co Ltd., VersaCold Logistics Services, Bay & Bay Transfer Co Inc., Swift Cargo Pvt Ltd., Geest Line Limited, Africa Express Line Limited, Hanson Logistics Ltd., FST Logistics, Maestro Reefers A/S, Compañía Sudamericana de Vapores S.A. (CSAV), Kyowa Shipping Co Ltd., Transcargo Logistics.

North America was the largest region in the perishable goods transportation market in 2024. The regions covered in the perishable goods transportation market report are Asia-Pacific, Western Europe, Eastern Europe, North America, South America, Middle East, Africa. The countries covered in the perishable goods transportation market report are Australia, Brazil, China, France, Germany, India, Indonesia, Japan, Russia, South Korea, UK, USA, Canada, Italy, Spain.

Perishable goods transportation involves moving items that are sensitive to temperature or time, using refrigerated vehicles equipped with controlled temperature systems. These specialized vehicles ensure the quality and efficacy of the goods during transit, preserving their condition throughout the transportation process.

Perishable goods transportation involves various product categories, including meat, fish, and seafood, dairy and frozen desserts, vegetables and fruits, and bakery and confectionary items. Meat specifically denotes a product suitable for human consumption obtained from a non-avian animal. The transportation of perishable goods utilizes isothermal, reefer, and freezer technologies. Multiple modes of transportation are employed, encompassing sea, air, rail, and road transport to ensure the efficient delivery of these time-sensitive products.

The perishable goods transportation market research report is one of a series of new reports that provides perishable goods transportation market statistics, including perishable goods transportation industry global market size, regional shares, competitors with a perishable goods transportation market share, detailed perishable goods transportation market segments, market trends and opportunities, and any further data you may need to thrive in the perishable goods transportation industry. This perishable goods transportation market research report delivers a complete perspective of everything you need, with an in-depth analysis of the current and future scenario of the industry.

The perishable goods transportation market includes revenues earned by entities by the transportation of perishable goods by various means such as land, waterways, and airways. 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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