Cargo Handling Equipment Market Report 2026

The cargo handling equipment market size has grown strongly in recent years. It will grow from $28.68 billion in 2025 to $30.37 billion in 2026 at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 5.9%. The growth in the historic period can be attributed to expansion of global trade volumes, growth of port and airport infrastructure, increasing warehouse automation adoption, rising demand for faster cargo turnaround, availability of heavy-duty material handling equipment.

The cargo handling equipment market size is expected to see strong growth in the next few years. It will grow to $37.47 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 smart logistics infrastructure, rising demand for autonomous cargo handling solutions, expansion of e-commerce driven warehousing, growing focus on low-emission material handling equipment, increasing integration of digital fleet management systems. Major trends in the forecast period include increasing adoption of automated material handling systems, rising demand for electric and hybrid cargo equipment, growing deployment of agvs in warehouses and ports, expansion of high-capacity container handling solutions, enhanced focus on operational safety and load stability.

The increasing volume of import and export activities is expected to drive the growth of the cargo handling equipment market. Import and export involve the cross-border movement of goods, supporting global trade and supply chain operations. Rising globalization, expanding supply chains, and growing demand for international trade are contributing to higher import and export volumes. Cargo handling equipment facilitates these operations by enabling efficient loading, unloading, storage, and transport of goods at ports, freight terminals, airports, and logistics hubs. For example, in October 2024, the UN Trade and Development, a Switzerland-based intergovernmental organization, reported that global maritime trade grew by 2.4% in 2023, recovering from the decline experienced in 2022. Consequently, rising import and export activities are boosting demand for cargo handling equipment.

Leading companies in the cargo handling equipment market are introducing advanced forklift models to improve operational efficiency, incorporate automation features, and address sustainability through electric and hybrid technologies. Forklifts are small industrial vehicles with powered pronged platforms that can be raised and lowered to lift or move loads. For instance, in May 2023, Toyota Material Handling, a U.S.-based machinery manufacturer, launched three new electric forklift models: the Side-Entry End Rider for efficient cross-warehouse operations, the versatile Center Rider Stacker combining three functions in one, and the Industrial Tow Tractor for towing heavy loads efficiently. All models feature AC drive motors for smooth, quiet operation, adjustable controls for operator comfort, and optional features such as cold storage conditioning and PIN code access for enhanced security and customization.

In February 2024, Taylor Group, a US-based industrial equipment manufacturer, acquired Italy-based CVS Ferrari for an undisclosed amount. This acquisition aims to bolster Taylor Group's global market presence, leveraging the strengths of both companies to enhance product innovation, service capabilities, and market access. CVS Ferrari specializes in manufacturing high-quality mobile container handling and heavy cargo equipment, including reach stackers and high-capacity forklifts.

Major companies operating in the cargo handling equipment market are Siemens AG, ABB Ltd., Komatsu Ltd., Toyota Industries Corporation, HD Hyundai Heavy Industries Co. Ltd., Liebherr-International Deutschland GmbH, KION Group AG, Sany Heavy Industry Co. Ltd., Doosan Industrial Vehicle BG, Jungheinrich AG, Mitsubishi Logisnext Co. Ltd., Shanghai Zhenhua Heavy Industries Company Limited, Terex Corporation, Crown Equipment Corporation, Cargotec Oyj, Hyster-Yale Materials Handling Inc., Konecranes Oyj, Anhui Heli Co. Ltd., Hangcha Group Co, Manitowoc Company Inc., John Bean Technologies Corporation, Kalmar Corporation, The Taylor Group Inc, CVS ferrari S.P.A.

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

The cargo handling equipment market consists of revenues earned by entities by providing services such as loading and unloading goods from ships, handling and moving cargo within ports and terminals, and managing logistics operations efficiently. The market value includes the value of related goods sold by the service provider or included within the service offering. The cargo handling equipment market also includes sales of palletizers, terminal tractors, lift trucks, container, and bulk handling equipment. Values in this market are ‘factory gate’ values, that is the value of goods sold by the manufacturers or creators of the goods, whether to other entities (including downstream manufacturers, wholesalers, distributors and retailers) or directly to end customers. The value of goods in this market includes related services sold by the creators of the goods.

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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