Refrigerated Transport

Refrigerated Transport

Global Refrigerated Transport Market to Reach US$31.9 Billion by 2030

The global market for Refrigerated Transport estimated at US$21.1 Billion in the year 2023, is expected to reach US$31.9 Billion by 2030, growing at a CAGR of 6.1% over the analysis period 2023-2030. Single-Temperature Refrigerated Transport, one of the segments analyzed in the report, is expected to record a 6.5% CAGR and reach US$23.0 Billion by the end of the analysis period. Growth in the Multi-Temperature Refrigerated Transport segment is estimated at 5.1% CAGR over the analysis period.

The U.S. Market is Estimated at US$5.5 Billion While China is Forecast to Grow at 9.8% CAGR

The Refrigerated Transport market in the U.S. is estimated at US$5.5 Billion in the year 2023. China, the world`s second largest economy, is forecast to reach a projected market size of US$7.8 Billion by the year 2030 trailing a CAGR of 9.8% over the analysis period 2023-2030. Among the other noteworthy geographic markets are Japan and Canada, each forecast to grow at a CAGR of 3.1% and 4.6% respectively over the analysis period. Within Europe, Germany is forecast to grow at approximately 4.0% CAGR.

Global Refrigerated Transport Market - Key Trends & Drivers Summarized

What Is Refrigerated Transport and Why Is It Essential in Modern Supply Chains?

Refrigerated transport, also known as cold chain logistics, refers to the transportation of temperature-sensitive goods using specialized vehicles equipped with refrigeration units to maintain optimal temperature ranges. This technology is essential for safely moving perishable products such as food, pharmaceuticals, and chemicals that require controlled environments to preserve their quality and prevent spoilage or degradation. From fresh produce and frozen foods to vaccines and specialty chemicals, refrigerated transport ensures that these items reach their destinations in optimal condition. This transportation solution is critical to industries with high standards for quality and safety, as it enables them to maintain product integrity throughout the supply chain.

The significance of refrigerated transport lies in its ability to support global trade, meet regulatory compliance, and accommodate changing consumer demands for fresh and high-quality products. As e-commerce and international trade grow, so does the need for reliable cold chain logistics to transport goods across greater distances and more complex networks. In the food industry, refrigerated transport helps reduce food waste by preserving freshness during transit, making it essential for maintaining shelf life and product appeal. In the pharmaceutical sector, refrigerated transport plays a crucial role in distributing vaccines, insulin, and other temperature-sensitive medications, particularly in remote or developing areas where healthcare resources are limited. As a result, refrigerated transport is not only vital for safety and quality but also for supporting the supply of critical goods worldwide.

How Does Refrigerated Transport Technology Work, and What Types of Vehicles Are Used?

Refrigerated transport technology relies on advanced cooling systems integrated into vehicles to create and maintain stable temperature conditions throughout the journey. These systems are typically powered by electric or diesel engines that operate independently from the vehicle’s engine, ensuring continuous cooling even during stops. The temperature inside the refrigerated compartment can be adjusted based on the specific requirements of the cargo, with ranges typically from -25°C for frozen goods to 10°C for fresh produce or pharmaceuticals. To further protect goods, refrigerated vehicles are often equipped with insulation materials, temperature monitoring systems, and alarm systems that alert drivers to any deviations in temperature, allowing for immediate corrective action.

There are several types of vehicles used in refrigerated transport, including refrigerated trucks, trailers, and vans, each designed to meet the needs of different industries and cargo types. Refrigerated trucks are widely used for short- to medium-distance transportation and can vary in size depending on the volume of cargo. Refrigerated trailers, often towed by heavy-duty trucks, are used for long-haul shipments and have larger cargo capacities to support bulk transport. For smaller loads or urban deliveries, refrigerated vans provide a flexible and efficient solution, especially for last-mile deliveries. Some fleets use multi-temperature vehicles that allow for different temperature zones within a single compartment, accommodating a diverse range of products in one trip. Each type of refrigerated vehicle plays a crucial role in maintaining the cold chain across diverse market segments, from farm-to-retail deliveries to international shipments of pharmaceuticals.

What Are the Key Applications and Benefits of Refrigerated Transport Across Industries?

Refrigerated transport serves essential functions across various industries, most notably in food and beverage, pharmaceuticals, and chemicals. In the food and beverage industry, cold chain logistics are indispensable for transporting fresh produce, dairy, frozen foods, meat, and seafood, all of which are highly susceptible to spoilage without proper temperature control. Refrigerated transport allows these goods to reach markets and consumers in safe, fresh condition, supporting global food distribution and reducing food waste. Additionally, refrigerated transport is crucial for the booming online grocery and meal delivery sectors, where maintaining product quality from distribution centers to customers’ doors is critical to meeting consumer expectations.

In the pharmaceutical industry, refrigerated transport is essential for the distribution of vaccines, biologics, insulin, and other temperature-sensitive medications that require stable cold chain conditions. The COVID-19 pandemic underscored the importance of reliable refrigerated logistics in delivering vaccines to communities worldwide. Specialized refrigerated vehicles with precise temperature control enable pharmaceutical companies to comply with regulatory standards and ensure product safety and efficacy throughout distribution. The chemical industry also relies on refrigerated transport for substances that are temperature-sensitive, reactive, or volatile, as improper handling can lead to safety hazards or degradation. By providing stable, monitored environments, refrigerated transport supports regulatory compliance, product safety, and efficiency across these industries, ensuring that goods are safely and reliably delivered from point of origin to destination.

What Is Driving Growth in the Global Refrigerated Transport Market?

The growth in the global refrigerated transport market is driven by rising demand for perishable goods, advancements in cold chain technology, and stricter regulatory requirements. As global consumer demand for fresh, high-quality food products continues to grow, the need for reliable refrigerated transport solutions is expanding. The increasing popularity of e-commerce, particularly in the grocery and meal delivery sectors, has intensified demand for cold chain logistics that can support last-mile deliveries and provide consumers with fresh and frozen foods directly to their homes. Rising awareness of food safety and waste reduction is also encouraging food producers and distributors to invest in refrigerated logistics, ensuring longer shelf life and minimal product loss.

Advancements in cold chain technology are another key driver, as modern refrigerated transport systems now feature energy-efficient cooling, real-time temperature monitoring, and GPS tracking. These innovations improve the efficiency, transparency, and reliability of refrigerated transport, reducing energy consumption and enhancing control over cold chain operations. Regulatory standards, especially in the pharmaceutical and food sectors, are pushing companies to adopt reliable temperature-controlled logistics to meet compliance and quality standards. With the implementation of more stringent regulations worldwide, businesses must adhere to strict cold chain requirements, further increasing demand for refrigerated transport services. Together, these trends highlight the critical role of refrigerated transport in supporting the safe, efficient, and high-quality distribution of temperature-sensitive goods, positioning the market for continued growth as global trade, e-commerce, and health-focused consumer behavior evolve.

SCOPE OF STUDY:

The report analyzes the Refrigerated Transport market in terms of US$ Million by the following Application; Mode of Transportation; Temperature, and Geographic Regions/Countries:

Segments:
Temperature (Single-Temperature, Multi-Temperature); Mode of Transportation (LCV, MHCV, HCV); Application (Frozen Food Products, Chilled Food Products)

Geographic Regions/Countries:
World; United States; Canada; Japan; China; Europe (France; Germany; Italy; United Kingdom; Spain; Russia; and Rest of Europe); Asia-Pacific (Australia; India; South Korea; and Rest of Asia-Pacific); Latin America (Argentina; Brazil; Mexico; and Rest of Latin America); Middle East (Iran; Israel; Saudi Arabia; United Arab Emirates; and Rest of Middle East); and Africa.

Select Competitors (Total 37 Featured) -

• C. H. Robinson
• Daikin Industries
• DB Schenker
• FedEx
• General Mills
• Hyundai Motor Company
• Ingersoll Rand Inc.
• Krone Commercial Vehicle Group
• LAMBERET SAS
• Schmitz Cargobull
• Singamas Container
• United Technologies
• Utility Trailer Manufacturing Company
• Wabash National

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