"The Refrigerated Transport Market was valued at $113.5 billion in 2025 and is projected to reach $232.9 billion by 2034, growing at a CAGR of 8.3%."
The Refrigerated Transport Market is an essential part of the global supply chain, responsible for the safe and temperature-controlled movement of perishable goods including fresh produce, dairy, meat, seafood, pharmaceuticals, and other sensitive items. This segment spans multiple modes of transportation—road, rail, sea, and air—each tailored to meet specific delivery timelines and storage requirements. With growing global trade in temperature-sensitive commodities and rising consumer demand for fresh and frozen food, the market is witnessing sustained growth. Additionally, the pharmaceutical sector’s demand for cold chain logistics, especially in the wake of biologics and vaccine distribution, has further elevated the importance of refrigerated transport. Innovations in refrigeration units, real-time monitoring technologies, and environmentally friendly refrigerants are reshaping the industry. As governments tighten regulations around food safety, emissions, and supply chain transparency, refrigerated transport is rapidly evolving into a high-tech, compliance-driven logistics domain focused on minimizing spoilage, optimizing routes, and ensuring end-to-end cold chain integrity.
In 2024, the refrigerated transport market saw transformative shifts across both technology and operations. Electrification began to gain ground, especially in urban last-mile logistics, where electric refrigerated vehicles were deployed to comply with emission mandates. Telematics and IoT-enabled systems became more commonplace, offering shippers and fleet operators visibility into cargo conditions, real-time temperature tracking, and predictive maintenance alerts. Cold storage integration with transport hubs improved load-handling efficiency, while modular containers allowed flexible use across modes. In global seaborne trade, reefers equipped with smart sensors supported precise temperature control and in-transit data reporting, bolstering compliance with international standards. Retailers, especially in the e-commerce and quick commerce segments, expanded their reliance on refrigerated transport networks to meet fast delivery timelines for perishable products. Meanwhile, regional investments in cold chain infrastructure—particularly in Asia-Pacific and Latin America—supported cross-border trade and reduced post-harvest losses. The year marked a definitive pivot toward digital, sustainable, and customer-centric cold logistics models.
Looking into 2025 and beyond, the refrigerated transport market is poised for further expansion and innovation, driven by the convergence of digital transformation and environmental sustainability. AI-driven logistics platforms will increasingly automate routing, optimize fuel usage, and minimize delays while enhancing temperature stability. Hydrogen fuel cell and fully electric refrigerated trucks are expected to scale in both developed and select developing regions, aiding carbon neutrality goals. The pharmaceutical industry's growth, especially in biologics and personalized medicine, will necessitate ultra-cold transport solutions with higher compliance standards. Intermodal refrigerated logistics will gain importance as shippers seek to combine cost-efficiency with environmental responsibility. Government incentives and green financing will support fleet modernization and the adoption of low-emission refrigeration systems. Furthermore, with increasing consumer focus on food quality and safety, companies will prioritize end-to-end traceability through blockchain and sensor-driven visibility tools. The refrigerated transport industry is set to become more resilient, efficient, and sustainable, reinforcing its critical role in global trade and public health.
Key Insights_ Refrigerated Transport Market
- Integration of IoT and telematics into refrigerated transport is enabling real-time temperature monitoring, cargo tracking, and performance analytics, improving cold chain transparency and reducing spoilage risks.
- Electric and hybrid refrigerated vehicles are being adopted for urban deliveries, helping logistics companies comply with emission regulations and reduce fuel dependence.
- Multi-compartment and modular refrigerated containers are becoming more common, offering flexibility to transport diverse goods with varying temperature requirements in a single shipment.
- Blockchain technology is being piloted to ensure end-to-end cold chain traceability, particularly in the food and pharmaceutical sectors where product integrity is mission-critical.
- Cold chain integration with e-commerce and quick commerce platforms is expanding, driving demand for responsive and localized refrigerated transport solutions.
- Rising global demand for perishable food and temperature-sensitive pharmaceuticals is fueling the expansion of cold chain and refrigerated transport infrastructure.
- Stringent food safety regulations and pharmaceutical handling standards are compelling businesses to invest in advanced refrigerated transport solutions.
- Growth of e-commerce and direct-to-consumer delivery models is increasing the need for efficient and scalable last-mile refrigerated transport networks.
- Technological innovations in refrigeration systems and fleet monitoring tools are enhancing cargo protection, route optimization, and energy efficiency across transport modes.
- High capital costs of refrigerated vehicles and ongoing operational expenses—such as fuel, maintenance, and compliance—create barriers for small and mid-sized logistics providers aiming to scale cold chain capabilities.
Global milk production, 2018–2024 (million tonnes)
Figure: Global milk production has risen from around 842 million tonnes in 2018 to an estimated 982 million tonnes in 2024, adding large volumes of highly perishable dairy into global supply chains. This steady expansion in milk output underpins long-term growth in refrigerated road, sea and intermodal transport capacity worldwide. OG Analysis estimates, based on international milk statistics, highlight how dairy supply trends support the refrigerated transport market.
- The Refrigerated Transport Market is being reinforced by steady growth in global milk production, which has risen from around 842 million tonnes in 2018 to an estimated 982 million tonnes in 2024. Expanding volumes of temperature-sensitive dairy products are driving demand for reliable refrigerated trucks, containers and intermodal solutions, supporting long-term investments in cold-chain infrastructure and fleet modernization worldwide.
Market Scope
| Parameter | Refrigerated Transport Market Scope Detail |
| Base Year | 2024 |
| Estimated Year | 2025 |
| Forecast Period | 2026-2034 |
| Market Size-Units | USD billion |
| Market Splits Covered | By Product, By Application, By End User and By Technology |
| Countries Covered | North America (USA, Canada, Mexico) |
| Analysis Covered | Latest Trends, Driving Factors, Challenges, Trade Analysis, Price Analysis, Supply-Chain Analysis, Competitive Landscape, Company Strategies |
| Customization | 10% free customization (up to 10 analyst hours) to modify segments, geographies, and companies analyzed |
| Post-Sale Support | 4 analyst hours, available up to 4 weeks |
| Delivery Format | The Latest Updated PDF and Excel Data file |
Refrigerated Transport Market Segmentation
By Transport Type
- Refrigerated Road Transport
- Refrigerated Medium & Heavy Commercial Vehicles (MHCV)
- Refrigerated Light Commercial Vehicles (LCV)
- Refrigerated Heavy Commercial Vehicles (HCV))
- Refrigerated Sea Transport
- Refrigerated Rail Transport
- Refrigerated Air Transport
By Temperature
- Single Temperature
- Multi-Temperature
By Application
- Chilled Food
- Frozen Food
By Geography
- North America (USA, Canada, Mexico)
- Europe (Germany, UK, France, Spain, Italy, Rest of Europe)
- Asia-Pacific (China, India, Japan, Australia, Vietnam, Rest of APAC)
- The Middle East and Africa (Middle East, Africa)
- South and Central America (Brazil, Argentina, Rest of SCA)
Top Companies Analysed
Hyundai Motor Company, FedEx Corporate Services Inc., United Technologies Corporation, DB Schenker, Tyson Foods, Tata Motors, MSC Mediterranean Shipping Company S.A., Daikin Industries Ltd., Thales Group, General Mills Inc., Kellogg Company, Smithfield Foods, Conagra Brands, Kerry Group plc, Swift Transportation Co, Ingersoll Rand, China International Shipping Containers, Gemalto NV, Schmitz Cargobull, Krone Commercial Vehicle Group, Wabash National Corporation, Del Monte Pacific Ltd., VE Commercial Vehicles Limited, Singamas Container Holdings Limited, Utility Trailer Manufacturing Company, Great Dane LLC, Kapsch Traffic Com, Lamberet SAS, Shaanxi Tianhui Inlong Trading Co Ltd
Recent Development
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Nov 2025 — Schmitz Cargobull: Introduced the S.CU dc90 transport refrigeration unit with R454A as standard, positioned as a lower-impact refrigerant transition while improving cooling performance and efficiency.
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Nov 2025 — Carrier Transicold: Announced a new digital parts & accessories marketplace (rolling out across Europe) to speed ordering, improve genuine parts access, and reduce refrigerated fleet downtime.
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Nov 2025 — Carrier Transicold: Highlighted its trailer electrification roadmap at Solutrans, including battery/electric concepts aimed at cutting diesel runtime and enabling quieter, lower-emission cold transport.
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Nov 2025 — Thermo King: Unveiled a future-ready electric trailer refrigeration concept designed to draw from multiple power sources and pair with analytics to optimize energy use and uptime.
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Oct 2025 — Carrier Transicold / Great White Fleet (Chiquita): Secured a large order for OptimaLINE units with controlled-atmosphere capability, supporting longer freshness windows for ocean transport of perishables.
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Oct 2025 — Carrier Ventures: Invested in Net Feasa to expand real-time reefer container visibility during ocean voyages, targeting monitoring gaps when containers are at sea.
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Oct 2025 — Carrier Transicold: Launched eCool-Drive, a power-conversion solution that enables refrigeration units to run from an electric tractor’s battery—supporting electric refrigerated trucking.
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Oct 2025 — Carrier Transicold: Added emissions and fuel-cost insights within its fleet-telemetry platform to help fleets track performance, improve operations, and strengthen sustainability reporting.
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Sep 2025 — Hub Group: Completed the acquisition of Marten Transport’s intermodal division, expanding refrigerated intermodal capacity and widening temperature-controlled service coverage.
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Sep 2025 — Thermo King: Launched the TX-Series truck refrigeration units, positioned as higher-capacity and more fuel-efficient options to reduce operating costs and emissions.
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Sep 2025 — Carrier Transicold: Expanded electric refrigeration offerings for urban/LCV delivery in India, emphasizing electrified cold-chain capability for last-mile distribution.
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Sep 2025 — Thermo King: Scaled production of fully electric E-Series refrigeration units for vans/LCVs, aligning with growing electrification requirements in urban cold delivery.
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Aug 2025 — Americold / CPKC: Opened a cold-chain import–export hub concept connected to rail networks to strengthen cross-border refrigerated flows across North America.
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Mar 2025 — DHL Group: Announced the acquisition of CRYOPDP to deepen time-critical, temperature-controlled pharmaceutical logistics, especially for first/last-mile and clinical supply movements.
Research Methodology
Our research methodology combines primary and secondary research techniques to ensure comprehensive market analysis.
Primary Research
We conduct extensive interviews with industry experts, key opinion leaders, and market participants to gather first-hand insights.
Secondary Research
Our team analyzes published reports, company websites, financial statements, and industry databases to validate our findings.
Data Analysis
We employ advanced analytical tools and statistical methods to process and interpret market data accurately.
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FAQ's
The Global Refrigerated Transport Market is estimated to generate USD 113.5 billion in revenue in 2025.
The Global Refrigerated Transport Market is expected to grow at a Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of 8.32% during the forecast period from 2025 to 2034.
The Refrigerated Transport Market is estimated to reach USD 232.9 billion by 2034.
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