North America Road Haulage Market Analysis: USMCA, E-Commerce, and Tech Disruption

 

The road haulage industry remains the backbone of global trade and logistics, accounting for more than 70 percent of inland cargo transportation worldwide. With economies becoming increasingly interconnected and the pace of supply chains accelerating, road freight transport is evolving rapidly in both scale and complexity. Businesses are seeking faster, more efficient, and sustainable solutions, driving investment in fleet modernization, digital freight platforms, and green transport corridors.

As consumer and industrial demand continues to expand in emerging economies, the sector is undergoing significant transformation. Technological advancements such as AI-driven route optimization, the adoption of alternative fuel vehicles, and the proliferation of real-time telematics systems are redefining operational efficiency. At the same time, infrastructure development programs in Asia Pacific, Europe, and North America are opening new trade corridors and enhancing cross-border connectivity.

According to persistence market research, The global road haulage market size is likely to be valued at US$ 3.65 trillion in 2025, and is estimated to reach US$ 5.05 trillion by 2032, growing at a CAGR of 5.0% during the forecast period 2025−2032.

This growth trajectory is supported by several converging factors, from the boom in e-commerce deliveries in Tier II and Tier III cities to the rising demand for temperature-controlled trucking services in pharmaceuticals and perishable goods. Large economies such as India and Vietnam are recording rapid road freight expansion due to large-scale infrastructure investments like the PM Gati Shakti plan and Vietnam’s Road Master Plan 2030. In this evolving environment, companies that adapt to multi-modal logistics integration, develop less-than-truckload solutions for SMEs, and leverage AI-powered logistics platforms are best positioned for long-term profitability.

Key Industry Highlights

Several defining market trends and statistics are shaping the road haulage sector in 2025 and beyond:

• Short-haul dominance with an estimated 83 percent revenue share in 2025, driven by urbanization and dense intra-city logistics networks.
• Dry cargo leadership with about 60 percent share of total cargo haulage, boosted by e-commerce growth and the movement of non-perishable goods.
• Asia Pacific leadership projected to hold 37 percent of the global share in 2025, underpinned by massive infrastructure projects in India and China and the expansion of e-commerce.
• North American momentum fueled by just-in-time inventory demands, cross-border trade growth, and technology-driven freight operations.
• European transformation through sustainable logistics adoption, green corridors, and intermodal transport integration.
• Rising refrigerated cargo demand linked to pharmaceuticals, fresh food, and post-pandemic vaccine logistics.
• Digital and AI-led innovation driving efficiency through freight digitalization, route optimization, and sustainability-linked contracts.

Major players such as DHL Freight, XPO Logistics, Uber Freight, and Delhivery are reshaping the competitive landscape through acquisitions, fleet electrification, and digital logistics enhancements.

Market Drivers

Digital Freight Matching Revolution

The rise of digital freight matching platforms is creating new efficiencies in sourcing, scheduling, and delivering loads. Traditionally, road freight suffered from high empty-mile ratios, fragmented carrier networks, and long load-matching cycles. Now, AI-powered marketplaces like Convoy, BlackBuck, and TIMOCOM are enabling real-time matching between shippers and verified carriers.

These systems can reduce deadhead miles by up to 35 percent, improve truckload utilization, and increase transparency for both parties. For less-than-truckload and last-mile segments, where responsiveness and cost control are critical, digital freight matching is becoming a core operational strategy.

Expansion of E-Commerce and Time-Sensitive Logistics

The global surge in online shopping is accelerating demand for faster and more frequent deliveries, particularly in urban and suburban markets. With omnichannel retail models becoming mainstream, logistics providers are investing heavily in agile fleet solutions, electric light commercial vehicles, and advanced route optimization tools to meet heightened delivery expectations.

Sustainability and Green Freight Corridors

Green freight corridors are emerging as strategic opportunities for decarbonizing long-haul transport. These dedicated low-emission routes are supported by EV charging networks, alternative fuel stations, and smart logistics hubs. European Union regulations are mandating widespread charging infrastructure along major transport networks by 2026, encouraging adoption of battery-electric and hydrogen-powered trucks.

Market Restraints

Critical Driver Shortages

One of the most significant challenges facing the sector is the shortage of skilled commercial drivers. Over 2.6 million truck driver positions remained unfilled globally in 2023, with the average driver age in many developed countries exceeding 50 years. In some markets, logistics providers are declining new contracts due to a lack of qualified personnel.

Low job attractiveness, irregular work schedules, and insufficient welfare measures are worsening the talent shortage. While automation and driver-assist technologies offer hope, their widespread commercial application remains years away. In the meantime, companies must contend with rising wage costs and service reliability concerns.

Opportunities

Development of Green Freight Corridors

The movement toward green corridors is opening new revenue streams for logistics operators, fleet manufacturers, and energy providers. Companies such as DHL Freight and Maersk are piloting zero-emission trucking routes between key European hubs, integrating renewable energy-powered logistics centers and AI-driven route planning.

In India, government initiatives are promoting EV-focused freight zones along highways, while Southeast Asian nations are exploring infrastructure frameworks for sustainable cross-border freight. By lowering total cost of ownership and meeting ESG targets, these projects are positioning early adopters for competitive advantage.

Category-Wise Analysis

Distance-Based Insights

Short-haul operations, covering routes under 300 kilometers, are projected to account for the vast majority of market revenue in 2025. These services are driven by:

• Rapid urbanization in emerging economies.
• Increasing demand for same-day and next-day deliveries.
• Growth of just-in-time inventory systems in retail and manufacturing.

Short-haul growth is also fostering adoption of electric light commercial vehicles and route optimization tools to reduce emissions and improve turnaround times.

Long-haul transport, while smaller in market share, holds strategic value for cross-border and inter-regional freight corridors. Infrastructure programs such as the African Continental Free Trade Area highway and the Trans-European Transport Network are enabling high-volume, long-distance trucking with harmonized regulations and smart border processes.

Cargo Type Insights

Dry cargo haulage is set to retain its dominant position due to its wide application in non-perishable goods transport. Factors driving this segment include:

• Expansion of omnichannel retail operations.
• Increased demand for construction and manufacturing materials.
• Adoption of digital freight brokerage for load consolidation.

Refrigerated cargo is experiencing rapid growth, particularly in pharmaceuticals, biologics, and perishable food distribution. The global cold chain is expanding with investments in GPS-monitored, multi-temperature trucks capable of meeting strict regulatory standards.

Liquid cargo transport, serving petrochemicals, edible oils, and beverages, remains stable, supported by evolving safety standards and regulatory compliance.

Regional Insights

Asia Pacific

Asia Pacific is forecast to hold 37 percent of the global market in 2025. Growth is fueled by massive infrastructure investments, road network expansion, and logistics park development. Programs like China’s Belt and Road Initiative and India’s PM Gati Shakti are cutting freight transit times and enabling full truckload and less-than-truckload services in growing industrial hubs.

Europe

Europe is projected to capture 34 percent of the market, supported by well-integrated transport policies and significant progress in low-emission freight solutions. The EU Mobility Package I has standardized regulations across member states, improving transparency and safety. Green freight innovation is advancing with battery-electric truck production, eHighway electrification projects, and carbon-based road tolling.

North America

In North America, growth is driven by cross-border trade, expanding e-commerce, and the adoption of smart logistics technologies. The USMCA has strengthened trade flows between the US, Mexico, and Canada, with road haulage handling over 70 percent of cargo volumes. Fleet electrification is accelerating in states like California, while AI-powered logistics platforms are optimizing shipment lifecycles and reducing costs.

Competitive Landscape

The competitive dynamics of the road haulage industry are shifting as consolidation and digitalization reshape the sector. Leading players are acquiring complementary businesses, expanding service portfolios, and embedding advanced technologies into operations.

Notable developments include:

• Uber Freight’s acquisition of Transplace, enhancing its digital brokerage capabilities.
• DFDS and Maersk expanding into inland trucking to offer integrated logistics solutions.
• Delhivery evolving from a parcel delivery startup to a full-scale freight provider through acquisitions like Spoton Logistics.

Recent Industry Developments

• FedEx Freight delaying enforcement of new LTL freight classification rules until December 2025 to allow shippers more time to adapt.
• PepsiCo UK and XPO Logistics deploying Mercedes-Benz eActros 600 electric trucks to replace over one million diesel kilometers annually, cutting 1,200 tons of CO2 emissions.
• Nippon Express Holdings acquiring a 20 percent stake in Cold Chain Bangladesh Limited to enhance domestic distribution capabilities.
• Uber Freight launching a proprietary AI logistics network to automate key shipment lifecycle tasks and deliver real-time optimization recommendations.

Outlook

The road haulage market is poised for steady growth through 2032, driven by urbanization, global trade expansion, and the integration of technology into logistics operations. While challenges such as driver shortages and regulatory complexities remain, opportunities in green freight corridors, AI-based optimization, and multi-modal connectivity offer pathways for growth.

Companies that prioritize sustainability, digital innovation, and operational agility will be best equipped to thrive in this evolving marketplace. As infrastructure networks expand and freight digitalization accelerates, road haulage will continue to serve as the essential link in global supply chains, delivering the speed, flexibility, and capacity that modern commerce demands.

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