Rail Logistics Global Market Report 2024

The rail logistics market size has grown steadily in recent years. It will grow from $246.29 billion in 2023 to $265.85 billion in 2024 at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 4.3%. The expansion witnessed in the historic period can be attributed to several factors, including the cost-effectiveness of transportation and the shift towards different modes of transport, heightened environmental awareness leading to responsible transportation choices, ongoing developments in infrastructure supporting rail logistics, and regulatory restrictions impacting cross-border freight transport.

The rail logistics market size is expected to see steady growth in the next few years. It will grow to $291.41 billion in 2028 at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 3.2%. In the forecast period, growth in rail logistics is expected to be driven by several factors. These include increased focus on the development and testing of autonomous trains, rising demand for freight wagons, availability of technologically advanced and customized wagons, higher budget allocations to rail infrastructure projects, and the expanding influence of e-commerce and online retail. Major trends in this period are anticipated to include the integration of artificial intelligence and machine learning in rail operations, the development of high-speed rail networks, the emergence of smart railway systems, the expansion of rail logistics services in emerging markets, and the growing prominence of intermodal transportation.

The anticipated surge in global trade is poised to drive the growth of the rail logistics market in the foreseeable future. Global trade, characterized by the exchange of goods and services across international borders, is witnessing an upward trajectory driven by increasing globalization. This surge in global trade underscores the growing demand for efficient cross-border transportation services. The escalating volume of commodities moved internationally further accentuates the need for effective and affordable transportation methods. For example, in February 2024, as reported by the United States Census Bureau, average exports from the USA saw a notable increase of $4.1 billion in December 2022. Additionally, exports of goods surged from $3.1 billion to $171.2 billion in December. Consequently, the rise in global trade is expected to serve as a catalyst propelling the growth of the rail logistics market.

Key players within the rail logistics arena are spearheading the development of innovative technologies such as the multipurpose digital experience center to enhance customer service and efficiency in this market segment. The digital experience center serves as a focal point for the development and implementation of cutting-edge signaling solutions across urban, mainline, and freight operations. For instance, in December 2023, Alstom SA, a France-based manufacturing company, unveiled its technologically advanced digital experience center. This center is designed to enhance rail logistics efficiency by integrating cybersecurity, conducting end-to-end project testing, and facilitating various projects across urban, mainline, freight, and mining sectors. Moreover, it serves as a hub for innovation in remote system monitoring and troubleshooting, with the capability to support over 7 million hours of engineering work for projects.

In March 2023, Trinity Industries Inc., a US-based industrial corporation, completed the acquisition of RSI Logistics Inc. for approximately $70 million. This strategic move is aimed at expanding Trinity's service offerings and bolstering rail transportation as a more compelling mode. The acquisition bolsters Trinity's existing portfolio by adding logistics services, terminal operations, and intermodal transportation to its repertoire, complementing its core offerings encompassing railcar leasing and management services, manufacturing, maintenance, and modifications. RSI Logistics Inc., a US-based rail logistics services company, specializes in offering railcar tracking software and logistics solutions to enhance rail transportation efficiency, aligning seamlessly with Trinity's strategic objectives for market expansion and service diversification.

Major companies operating in the rail logistics market report are Meta Platforms Inc., United Parcel Service Inc., FedEx Corporation, Mærsk A/S, Deutsche Bahn AG, Schenker Deutschland AG, Deutsche Bahn International Operations GmbH, Kuehne Nagel International AG, Union Pacific Corp., C.H. Robinson Worldwide Inc., Canadian National Railway Co., Nippon Express Holdings Inc., CEVA Logistics Inc., Geodis SA, Gebrüder Weiss GmbH, Trinity Industries Inc., Japan Freight Railway Co., Brookfield Business Partners LP, SBB Cargo International AG, VTG AG, Russian Railways OJSC, BLR Logistiks Ltd., Tschudi Logistics Holding AS, GeoMetrix Rail Logistics Inc., CTL Logistics Sp. z o.o, Rail Cargo Group, Interport Global Logistics Private Limited, Dan Transport Group A/S.

Asia-Pacific was the largest region in the rail logistics market in 2023. The regions covered in the rail logistics market report are Asia-Pacific, Western Europe, Eastern Europe, North America, South America, Middle East, Africa. The countries covered in the rail logistics market report are Australia, Brazil, China, France, Germany, India, Indonesia, Japan, Russia, South Korea, UK, USA, Canada, Italy, Spain.

Rail logistics involves the strategic organization and management of transportation operations focused on the movement of goods via rail networks. This comprehensive process includes tasks such as scheduling train services, overseeing freight operations, monitoring shipment progress, and optimizing routes and resources to ensure efficient and timely delivery.

The primary segments of the rail logistics market comprise intermodals, tank wagons, and freight cars. Intermodal transportation facilitates the seamless integration of different modes of transportation to enhance logistics efficiency and flexibility. It is particularly valuable for transporting goods across long distances, especially in international trade scenarios involving multiple countries and regions. The operational scope encompasses both domestic and international logistics, catering to diverse end-user industries such as automotive, manufacturing, telecommunications, retail, and technology.

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

The rail logistics market includes revenues earned by entities by railway signaling and control systems services, rail freight management software and related transloading services, railway safety and security, customer support and logistics management, rail freight services. 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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