Freight Forward Market by Services (Customs Clearance, Import Documentation, Insurance), Mode of Transportation (Air Freight Forwarding, In-Road Forwarding, Sea Freight Forwarding) - Global Forecast 2024-2030

Freight Forward Market by Services (Customs Clearance, Import Documentation, Insurance), Mode of Transportation (Air Freight Forwarding, In-Road Forwarding, Sea Freight Forwarding) - Global Forecast 2024-2030


The Freight Forward Market size was estimated at USD 32.14 billion in 2023 and expected to reach USD 35.02 billion in 2024, at a CAGR 8.89% to reach USD 58.37 billion by 2030.

Freight forwarding services incorporate the coordination and shipment of goods from one place to another using single or multiple carriers through air, sea, rail, or road. An essential role of a freight forwarder is to collect and consolidate consignments and obtain common carrier transportation for the long-haul transport of the consolidation, thus making its transport more efficient and reducing transport costs. Increasing global trade activities, growth in eCommerce, and the need for third-party ancillary services are fueling the growth of freight forwarding services. However, several issues, such as increasing overall transportation costs and delays in shipments, create concerns for freight forwarder service providers. Currently, freight forwarders manage the risks and benefits of shipping both locally and internationally with customs regulations, negotiating tariffs, and being efficient in the requirements of shipping by land, sea, rail, and air using advanced technology support.

Regional Insights

Americas showcase a developed landscape for the freight forward market attributed to the surge in trade and the U.S. government initiatives to support the logistics sector. The Asia-Pacific market is growing rapidly with the development of the manufacturing sector and the rise in international trading goods. The expansion of goods manufacturing industries and strong government measures for economic growth are growing the freight forwarder business in the region. Moreover, the high government support for industrialization and import and export activities provides positive prospects for the Asia-Pacific. The freight forward market in Europe, the Middle East, and African economies is evolving exponentially, supported by major trade partnerships worldwide for several essential commodities. In addition, the investment for innovation in forward freight solutions makes services more efficient and accurate, encouraging growth in the EMEA region.

Market Insights
  • Market Dynamics

    The market dynamics represent an ever-changing landscape of the Freight Forward Market by providing actionable insights into factors, including supply and demand levels. Accounting for these factors helps design strategies, make investments, and formulate developments to capitalize on future opportunities. In addition, these factors assist in avoiding potential pitfalls related to political, geographical, technical, social, and economic conditions, highlighting consumer behaviors and influencing manufacturing costs and purchasing decisions.
    • Market Drivers
      • Rising eCommerce industry and need for coordination and shipment of goods
      • Increasing demand for third-party ancillary services and value-added extra services
      • Improvements to enhance customer service experience
      • Market Restraints
        • Concerns associated with shipping delays and restrictions
        • Market Opportunities
          • Digitization and technology advancements in freight forwarding
          • Increasing amalgamation activities in the freight forwarding industry
          • Market Challenges
            • Unidentified product damages and loss of freight and increasing pricing pressure
            • Market Segmentation Analysis
              • Services: Utilization of varied freight services to reduce overheads, improve order fulfillment rates, and enhance customer satisfaction
              • Mode of Transportation: Growing preference for air freight solutions due to their rapid transit time and high security
              • Market Disruption Analysis
              • Porter’s Five Forces Analysis
              • Value Chain & Critical Path Analysis
              • Pricing Analysis
              • Technology Analysis
              • Patent Analysis
              • Trade Analysis
              • Regulatory Framework Analysis
              FPNV Positioning Matrix

              The FPNV positioning matrix is essential in evaluating the market positioning of the vendors in the Freight Forward Market. This matrix offers a comprehensive assessment of vendors, examining critical metrics related to business strategy and product satisfaction. This in-depth assessment empowers users to make well-informed decisions aligned with their requirements. Based on the evaluation, the vendors are then categorized into four distinct quadrants representing varying levels of success, namely Forefront (F), Pathfinder (P), Niche (N), or Vital (V).

              Market Share Analysis

              The market share analysis is a comprehensive tool that provides an insightful and in-depth assessment of the current state of vendors in the Freight Forward Market. By meticulously comparing and analyzing vendor contributions, companies are offered a greater understanding of their performance and the challenges they face when competing for market share. These contributions include overall revenue, customer base, and other vital metrics. Additionally, this analysis provides valuable insights into the competitive nature of the sector, including factors such as accumulation, fragmentation dominance, and amalgamation traits observed over the base year period studied. With these illustrative details, vendors can make more informed decisions and devise effective strategies to gain a competitive edge in the market.

              Recent Developments
              • Dentons advises transport and logistics company GEODIS on acquisition of trans‑o‑flex.

                Dentons serves as legal counsel to Geodis, a global transport and logistics company, in their recent acquisition of Trans-O-Flex, a German specialist in pharma logistics and value-added services. This acquisition marks a significant step forward for Geodis as they expand their capabilities in the highly specialized healthcare logistics sector. Dentons' team of legal professionals was able to provide a comprehensive range of services to Geodis, including advising on transaction structuring, regulatory compliance, and negotiating key purchase agreements necessary for the acquisition to take place.

                Unique Logistics Announced Acquisition Closing of Operating Subsidiaries and Affiliates of Former Parent Company.

                Unique Logistics recently announced the acquisition and closing of operating subsidiaries and affiliates of a former parent company, marking a significant milestone for the company. Unique Logistics' move to expand their reach showcases their commitment to enhancing their services to meet the demands of their clients. This acquisition adds to their already existing portfolio and positions the company for increased growth in the future.

                Freightify raises USD 12 million in series A led by Sequoia Capital.

                Freightify, a technology- global freight forwarding platform, recently announced raising USD 12 million in a Series A funding round led by Sequoia Capital. The funds are expected to utilized to further expand the company's offerings and strengthen its technological capabilities. The platform, which simplifies the freight forwarding process for shippers and carriers, has seen significant growth in recent years, with its revenue increasing by 8 times in the last two years. This latest funding round marks a major milestone for Freightify and focuses on the growing importance of technology in the freight forwarding industry.
              Strategy Analysis & Recommendation

              The strategic analysis is essential for organizations seeking a solid foothold in the global marketplace. Companies are better positioned to make informed decisions that align with their long-term aspirations by thoroughly evaluating their current standing in the Freight Forward Market. This critical assessment involves a thorough analysis of the organization’s resources, capabilities, and overall performance to identify its core strengths and areas for improvement.

              Key Company Profiles

              The report delves into recent significant developments in the Freight Forward Market, highlighting leading vendors and their innovative profiles. These include A.P. Moller - Maersk A/S, Allcargo Logistics Ltd., Allstates WorldCargo, Inc., Bolloré S.E., C.H. Robinson Worldwide, Inc., CEVA Logistics AG, CJ Logistics, CSX Corporation, CTS International Logistics Corporation Limited, Dachser SE, Deutsche Bahn AG, Deutsche Post DHL Group, Dimerco Express Corporation, DP World Logistics FZE, DSV A/S, Expeditors International of Washington, Inc., FedEx Corporation, GEODIS SA, Hellmann Worldwide Logistics SE & Co. KG, Hitachi Transport System, Ltd., ICAT Logistics Inc., Kerry Logistics Network Limited, Kintetsu World Express, Inc., Kühne + Nagel International AG, LX Pantos Co., Ltd., Manitoulin Group, Nippon Express Co., Ltd., River Plate, Inc., Schenker AG, Shoreline Express Inc., Sinotrans Co., Ltd., Toll Holdings Limited, Uber Freight Holding Corporation, United Parcel Service, Inc., Worldwide Logistics Group, XPO, Inc., and Yusen Logistics Co., Ltd..

              Market Segmentation & Coverage

              This research report categorizes the Freight Forward Market to forecast the revenues and analyze trends in each of the following sub-markets:
              • Services
                • Customs Clearance
                • Import Documentation
                • Insurance
                • International Export
                • Inventory Management
                • Packing
                • Storage
                • Mode of Transportation
                  • Air Freight Forwarding
                  • In-Road Forwarding
                  • Sea Freight Forwarding
                  • Region
                    • Americas
                      • Argentina
                      • Brazil
                      • Canada
                      • Mexico
                      • United States
                        • California
                        • Florida
                        • Illinois
                        • New York
                        • Ohio
                        • Pennsylvania
                        • Texas
                        • Asia-Pacific
                          • Australia
                          • China
                          • India
                          • Indonesia
                          • Japan
                          • Malaysia
                          • Philippines
                          • Singapore
                          • South Korea
                          • Taiwan
                          • Thailand
                          • Vietnam
                          • Europe, Middle East & Africa
                            • Denmark
                            • Egypt
                            • Finland
                            • France
                            • Germany
                            • Israel
                            • Italy
                            • Netherlands
                            • Nigeria
                            • Norway
                            • Poland
                            • Qatar
                            • Russia
                            • Saudi Arabia
                            • South Africa
                            • Spain
                            • Sweden
                            • Switzerland
                            • Turkey
                            • United Arab Emirates
                            • United Kingdom


                            Please Note: PDF & Excel + Online Access - 1 Year


1. Preface
1.1. Objectives of the Study
1.2. Market Segmentation & Coverage
1.3. Years Considered for the Study
1.4. Currency & Pricing
1.5. Language
1.6. Stakeholders
2. Research Methodology
2.1. Define: Research Objective
2.2. Determine: Research Design
2.3. Prepare: Research Instrument
2.4. Collect: Data Source
2.5. Analyze: Data Interpretation
2.6. Formulate: Data Verification
2.7. Publish: Research Report
2.8. Repeat: Report Update
3. Executive Summary
4. Market Overview
5. Market Insights
5.1. Market Dynamics
5.1.1. Drivers
5.1.1.1. Rising eCommerce industry and need for coordination and shipment of goods
5.1.1.2. Increasing demand for third-party ancillary services and value-added extra services
5.1.1.3. Improvements to enhance customer service experience
5.1.2. Restraints
5.1.2.1. Concerns associated with shipping delays and restrictions
5.1.3. Opportunities
5.1.3.1. Digitization and technology advancements in freight forwarding
5.1.3.2. Increasing amalgamation activities in the freight forwarding industry
5.1.4. Challenges
5.1.4.1. Unidentified product damages and loss of freight and increasing pricing pressure
5.2. Market Segmentation Analysis
5.2.1. Services: Utilization of varied freight services to reduce overheads, improve order fulfillment rates, and enhance customer satisfaction
5.2.2. Mode of Transportation: Growing preference for air freight solutions due to their rapid transit time and high security
5.3. Market Disruption Analysis
5.4. Porter’s Five Forces Analysis
5.4.1. Threat of New Entrants
5.4.2. Threat of Substitutes
5.4.3. Bargaining Power of Customers
5.4.4. Bargaining Power of Suppliers
5.4.5. Industry Rivalry
5.5. Value Chain & Critical Path Analysis
5.6. Pricing Analysis
5.7. Technology Analysis
5.8. Patent Analysis
5.9. Trade Analysis
5.10. Regulatory Framework Analysis
5.11. Client Customization
6. Freight Forward Market, by Services
6.1. Introduction
6.2. Customs Clearance
6.3. Import Documentation
6.4. Insurance
6.5. International Export
6.6. Inventory Management
6.7. Packing
6.8. Storage
7. Freight Forward Market, by Mode of Transportation
7.1. Introduction
7.2. Air Freight Forwarding
7.3. In-Road Forwarding
7.4. Sea Freight Forwarding
8. Americas Freight Forward Market
8.1. Introduction
8.2. Argentina
8.3. Brazil
8.4. Canada
8.5. Mexico
8.6. United States
9. Asia-Pacific Freight Forward Market
9.1. Introduction
9.2. Australia
9.3. China
9.4. India
9.5. Indonesia
9.6. Japan
9.7. Malaysia
9.8. Philippines
9.9. Singapore
9.10. South Korea
9.11. Taiwan
9.12. Thailand
9.13. Vietnam
10. Europe, Middle East & Africa Freight Forward Market
10.1. Introduction
10.2. Denmark
10.3. Egypt
10.4. Finland
10.5. France
10.6. Germany
10.7. Israel
10.8. Italy
10.9. Netherlands
10.10. Nigeria
10.11. Norway
10.12. Poland
10.13. Qatar
10.14. Russia
10.15. Saudi Arabia
10.16. South Africa
10.17. Spain
10.18. Sweden
10.19. Switzerland
10.20. Turkey
10.21. United Arab Emirates
10.22. United Kingdom
11. Competitive Landscape
11.1. Market Share Analysis, 2023
11.2. FPNV Positioning Matrix, 2023
11.3. Competitive Scenario Analysis
11.3.1. Dentons advises transport and logistics company GEODIS on acquisition of trans‑o‑flex.
11.3.2. Unique Logistics Announced Acquisition Closing of Operating Subsidiaries and Affiliates of Former Parent Company.
11.3.3. Freightify raises USD 12 million in series A led by Sequoia Capital.
11.3.4. Northstar.vc partners with world's largest LCL consolidator Allcargo Group to explore investments in growing LogTech sector.
11.3.5. Canadian Freight Forwarder FFAF Cargo Launches India Subsidiary.
11.3.6. GoFreight Raised USD 23M to Automate Freight Forwarding Workflows and Expand its Team.
11.3.7. Neste and CargoAi announced a partnership offering freight forwarders and their clients an option to reduce the carbon emissions of their air cargo transports.
11.3.8. Bolloré Logistics awarded the FPSO contract.
11.3.9. Toll Group launches a S$20 million (USD 14.20 million) global innovation center in Singapore to create a next generation supply chain.
11.3.10. GEODIS completed acquisition of Need It Now Delivers.
11.3.11. Yusen Logistics launched consolidation of direct ocean freight forwarding service from Bangladesh to Japan.
11.3.12. AIT Worldwide Logistics Forms CRAF Partnership with Kalitta Air.
11.3.13. DHL Global Forwarding invested EUR 7m (USD 6.88 million) in a new state-of-the-art facility and head office in Johannesburg.
11.3.14. Bolloré Logistics completed acquisition of Lynair Logistics.
11.3.15. Hellmann Worldwide Logistics takes control of Peru air forwarder.
11.3.16. Expedock Raised USD 13.5M to Help Freight Forwarders Improve Use of Data.
11.3.17. DP World launched a new digital product for freight forwarders.
11.3.18. Waymo Via and Uber Freight, and Gatik collaborated for autonomous logistics.
11.3.19. A.P. Moller – Maersk launched Maersk Air Cargo in response to customers´ global air cargo needs.
11.3.20. Nippon Express (India) Becomes First Japanese Forwarder to Open Logistics Center in Cargo Area of Indira Gandhi International Airport (Delhi).
11.3.21. DHL Global Forwarding launched GoGreen Plus Service to reduce emissions in air freight.
11.3.22. Flexport secured funding as it looks to expansion.
11.3.23. Kerry Logistics Network Won Air Cargo Services Award At the British International Freight Association Freight Service Awards 2021.
11.4. Strategy Analysis & Recommendation
12. Competitive Portfolio
12.1. Key Company Profiles
12.2. Key Product Portfolio

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