Global Terminal Tractor Market 2024-2031

Global Terminal Tractor Market 2024-2031

Terminal Tractor Market Size, Share & Trends Analysis Report by Propulsion (Diesel, Electric, and Others), by Application (Port Terminal, Distribution Centers, Warehouse, and Others), and by Vehicle Type (Manual, and Automated) Forecast Period (2024-2031)

Terminal tractor market is anticipated to grow at a CAGR of 5.2% during the forecast period (2024-2031). Terminal tractors are specialized hauling vehicles used in confined spaces such as shipping yards, warehouses, and intermodal facilities. They have a single-person cab, a full rear door, a short wheelbase, low-power engines, and a fifth-wheel coupling. They are used in busy shipping ports, warehouses, distribution centers, intermodal facilities, and manufacturing plants for moving containers. Benefits include maneuverability, efficiency, cost-effectiveness, and versatility.

Market Dynamics

Growing global trade and e-commerce sector

As the volume of cargo shipments increases across countries, airports, and seaports will need to upgrade their equipment to improve terminal throughput. Terminal tractors play a vital role in moving trailers and containers around these facilities, and an increase in trade activity will necessitate more of them. Therefore, key investors are investing in terminal tractor startups to increase the production of advanced terminal tractors. For instance, in January 2023, Outrider Technologies Inc., a startup developing autonomous yard trucks, secured $73.0 million in Series C funding led by FM Capital. Based in Golden, Colorado, Outrider's electric yard trucks autonomously tow trailers from parking areas to loading docks using onboard navigation software and robotic arms to connect brake and electric lines automatically. The company's cloud-based logistics platform, Mission Control, coordinates trailer movements.

Increased automation in the logistics industry

Automation is a major trend in the logistics industry, and terminal tractors are no exception. Manufacturers are developing autonomous terminal tractors that can operate without a human driver. This can improve efficiency and safety in terminals, and it is likely to be a major driver of growth in the market in the coming years. For instance, in August 2022, Terberg Taylor Americas Group, LLC, a collaboration between Taylor Group of Companies and Royal Terberg Group, established a manufacturing facility in Mississippi with a USD 20 million investment. This venture aims to build, sell, and rent Terberg terminal tractors, with the first tractor expected to roll out by mid-2024. Leveraging the successful partnership between the two family-owned businesses, Terberg Taylor Americas Group will utilize scalable designs to meet production demands and customize various Terberg models according to customer specifications.

Market Segmentation

Based on propulsion, the market is segmented into diesel, electric, and other including hybrid and CNG.

Based on application, the market is segmented into port terminals, distribution centers, warehouses, and others including manufacturing and utilities.

Based on vehicle type, the market is bifurcated into manual and automated.

Automated Vehicle Sub-segment to Hold a Considerable Market Share

The automated sub-segment in terminal tractors has the potential to hold a significant market share due to its advantages such as increased efficiency, safety, and cost reduction. Automated tractors can operate 24/7 without breaks, leading to faster turnaround times and improved operational efficiency. Automated systems can be easily scaled up or down to meet operational demands. Despite these, the long-term benefits of automation are compelling, leading to early adopters and increased market share.

Regional Outlook

The global terminal tractor market is further segmented based on geography including North America (the US, and Canada), Europe (UK, Italy, Spain, Germany, France, and the Rest of Europe), Asia-Pacific (India, China, Japan, South Korea, and Rest of Asia-Pacific), and the Rest of the World (the Middle East & Africa, and Latin America).

Asia-Pacific Holds Major Market Share

Asia-Pacific holds a major share of the global terminal tractor market. The rapid urbanization and increasing demand for efficient cargo movement with the growing e-commerce sector are key contributors to the high share of the regional market. Developing economies are experiencing a boom in trade, requiring robust logistics infrastructure. Major manufacturing hubs require efficient intra-logistics solutions. Government initiatives promote automation and infrastructure development, leading to increased investment in modern terminal tractors.

The major companies serving the global terminal tractor market include Cargotech Corp. (Kalmar), Konecranes Oyj, Sany Group, Terberg Group BV, and Hyster-Yale Materials Handling, Inc. among others. The market players are increasingly focusing on business expansion and product development by applying strategies such as collaborations, mergers, and acquisitions to stay competitive in the market.