Portugal Road Freight Transport: Goods Carried: National data was reported at 110,392.548 Tonne th in 2023. This records a decrease from the previous number of 120,501.000 Tonne th for 2022. Portugal Road Freight Transport: Goods Carried: National data is updated yearly, averaging 196,393.000 Tonne th from Dec 1990 (Median) to 2023, with 34 observations. The data reached an all-time high of 306,390.000 Tonne th in 2005 and a record low of 101,747.000 Tonne th in 2003. Portugal Road Freight Transport: Goods Carried: National data remains active status in CEIC and is reported by Statistics Portugal. The data is categorized under Global Database’s Portugal – Table PT.TA001: Road Transport Statistics.

Graph and download economic data for Freight Transportation Services Index (TSIFRGHT) from Jan 2000 to Aug 2025 about freight, transportation, services, indexes, and USA.

In 2022, the percentage of road transport in total inland freight transport in the European Union remained nearly unchanged at around **** percent. Still, the percentage of road transport reached its highest value in the observed period in 2022. According to Eurostat, road transport is collected based on all movements of vehicles registered in the reporting country and thus further methodological developments and computations were needed to be done by Eurostat for estimating road transport according to the 'territoriality principle'.Find more statistics on in the European Union with key insights such as percentage of rail transport in total inland freight transport.

Portugal Road Freight Transport: Distance Travelled: International data was reported at 1,595,474.000 km th in 2016. This records an increase from the previous number of 1,436,765.276 km th for 2015. Portugal Road Freight Transport: Distance Travelled: International data is updated yearly, averaging 907,931.000 km th from Dec 1990 (Median) to 2016, with 27 observations. The data reached an all-time high of 1,837,885.000 km th in 2007 and a record low of 373,332.000 km th in 1990. Portugal Road Freight Transport: Distance Travelled: International data remains active status in CEIC and is reported by Statistics Portugal. The data is categorized under Global Database’s Portugal – Table PT.TA001: Road Transport Statistics.

The rail data collection on goods transport is based on Regulation (EU) 2018/643 (recast) of the European Parliament and of the Council of 18 April 2018 on rail transport statistics. Data on freight transport are collected from the railway undertakings operating at national territory in each reporting country. The data on freight are most commonly based on the totality of consignment notes extracted from the railway undertakings' databases. Excluded are railway undertakings which operate entirely or mainly within industrial and similar installations, including harbors.

Eurostat collects road transport statistics by two means:

1. Data on infrastructure, transport equipment, enterprises, economic performance, employment, traffic, aggregated data on transport of passengers and goods as well as data on accidents are collected using the Common Questionnaire of the United Nations Economic Commission for Europe (UNECE), Eurostat and the International Transport Forum (ITF, in the framework of OECD). The method of the Common Questionnaire data collection is presented in a separate document.

2. Data on carriage of goods by road, using heavy goods vehicles, are based on a continuum of legal acts:

2.1 Data collection on carriage of goods by road until 1998 (included) was based on Directives 78/546/EEC and 89/462/EEC and covered tonnes and tonne-kilometres only.

2.2 Data since the reference period 1999 are derived from micro-data collected in the framework of Regulation (EU) No 70/2012 of the European parliament and of the council on statistical returns in respect of the carriage of goods by road, a recast of Council Regulation (EC) No 1172/98 which has replaced the previous Directives. The figures are aggregated on the basis of sample surveys carried out by the reporting countries. The data cover tonnes, tonne-kilometres, vehicle-kilometres and numbers of journeys.

These metadata pages only refer to road freight statistics based on the European Union's legal acts (point 2 above) and, in particular, to the data for reference years 1999 and after (2.2).

Road freight data collection consists of three datasets for each quarter from each reporting country:

• Vehicle information for a sample of road good motor vehicles
• Journey information of loaded and empty (optional) journeys by the vehicles in the sample during the observation period (most often one week)
• Goods information on loads transported during the reported journeys.

The quantity and performance of road freight transport are collected in tonnes, tonne-kilometres, vehicle-kilometres and number of journeys. Tonne-kilometres are both collected (in journey and goods datasets) and calculated (by multiplying the weight of goods by the distance travelled for each goods operation).

For the variables collected please refer to Commission Regulation (EC) No 2163/2001.

Road freight transport statistics are reported by Member States for vehicles registered in their country. On the basis of variables contained in the micro-data (reporting country, country of loading and country of unloading of a journey) five types of operations are derived:

• National transport
• International transport - goods loaded in the reporting country
• International transport - goods unloaded in the reporting country
• International transport - cross-trade
• International transport - cabotage

Specific characteristics of each country’s data collection are provided in the country specific note which is available in CIRCABC.

Snapshot img

Road Freight Transport Market Size 2025-2029

The road freight transport market size is forecast to increase by USD 204.4 billion, at a CAGR of 8.1% between 2024 and 2029.

The market is experiencing significant growth, driven primarily by the burgeoning e-commerce sector. The increasing reliance on online shopping is leading to a surge in demand for efficient and reliable road freight services. Another key trend shaping the market is the adoption of advanced technologies, such as Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning (ML), in freight forwarding. These technologies enable more accurate forecasting of demand, optimized route planning, and improved supply chain visibility. However, the market is not without challenges. High fuel and transportation costs remain a significant obstacle for freight forwarders. These costs can significantly impact profitability and put pressure on companies to find ways to reduce expenses. Additionally, the increasing complexity of global supply chains and the need for real-time visibility and responsiveness add to the challenges faced by market participants. To capitalize on the opportunities presented by the growing e-commerce market and navigate the challenges effectively, companies must focus on optimizing their operations, leveraging technology, and building strong partnerships with suppliers and customers.

What will be the Size of the Road Freight Transport Market during the forecast period?

Explore in-depth regional segment analysis with market size data - historical 2019-2023 and forecasts 2025-2029 - in the full report.
Request Free SampleThe market continues to evolve, driven by the integration of advanced technologies and shifting market dynamics. Real-time GPS tracking and vehicle telematics enable enhanced fleet management, optimizing fuel efficiency and reducing operational costs. Autonomous vehicles and machine learning algorithms are revolutionizing the industry, offering increased productivity and improved safety. Dock scheduling and freight claims are streamlined through digital freight forwarding, ensuring seamless supply chain visibility and logistics management. Refrigerated trailers and temperature control solutions cater to the unique needs of specific sectors, while hazardous materials transportation adheres to stringent regulations. Last-mile delivery and less-than-truckload freight consolidation are gaining traction, addressing the challenges of urban logistics and optimizing capacity utilization. Rail freight and intermodal transportation provide alternative solutions for long-haul shipments, reducing carbon footprint and improving sustainability. Tank trailers, alternative fuels, and electric vehicles are shaping the future of road freight, with a focus on reducing fuel consumption and addressing environmental concerns. Pricing strategies and multimodal transportation continue to evolve, ensuring competitiveness and flexibility in the market. Capacity constraints and partial truckload solutions are addressed through contract negotiation and route optimization, while risk management and cargo insurance provide peace of mind for shippers and carriers alike. Yard management, driver management, and fleet management solutions streamline operations, ensuring optimal performance and productivity. The market is a dynamic and ever-changing landscape, with ongoing advancements in technology and market trends shaping its future. From GPS tracking and fuel efficiency to autonomous vehicles and digital freight forwarding, the industry continues to innovate and adapt to meet the evolving needs of businesses and consumers.

How is this Road Freight Transport Industry segmented?

The road freight transport industry research report provides comprehensive data (region-wise segment analysis), with forecasts and estimates in 'USD billion' for the period 2025-2029, as well as historical data from 2019-2023 for the following segments. Vehicle TypeLCVMCV and HCVEnd-userManufacturingAutomotiveConsumer goodsFood and beverageOthersDestinationDomesticInternationalDomesticInternationalTruckload SpecificationFull-Truck-Load (FTL)Less than-Truck-Load (LTL)Full-Truck-Load (FTL)Less than-Truck-Load (LTL)GeographyNorth AmericaUSCanadaEuropeFranceGermanyUKAPACAustraliaChinaIndiaJapanSouth KoreaRest of World (ROW)

By Vehicle Type Insights

The lcv segment is estimated to witness significant growth during the forecast period.The market is experiencing significant growth and transformation, driven by various factors. Driver shortages persistently challenge the industry, necessitating the adoption of technologies such as real-time tracking and vehicle telematics for efficient driver management. Digital freight forwarding and customs brokerage streamline the supply chain, enhancing logistics management and visibility. Temperature control and hazardous materials transportation continue to be critical sectors, with refrigerated t

The IDB's Freight Logistics Statistics Yearbook is the first regional effort to collect and standardize data from the sector in 26 borrowing member countries of the Bank. Data is compiled from public sources and estimates drawn from publicly available information. Data in the Yearbook is organized in seven groups: general indicators, roads, railways, air, water transport, and logistics activities. Explore the Yearbook's data in the dynamic spreadsheet and filter the indicators and countries of your interest, perform comparisons, and see the results in graphics. In each group the data is associated to infrastructure, fleet activity and other relevant dimensions. From the database, we have developed a report that analyzes main trends. Visit IDB's Logistics Observatory website to find additional data and analysis on freight transport in the region.

A monthly measure of the volume of services performed by the for-hire transportation sector. The index covers the activities of for-hire trucking, freight railroad services, inland waterway traffic, pipeline movements, and air freight.

In 2024, ** percent of the freight weight transported in the United States (U.S.) was moved by trucks. Pipelines transported ** percent of the total weight of shipments in the U.S. that year.

Freight Facts and Figures - Freight Transportation and the Economy

Eurostat collects road transport statistics by two means:

1. Data on infrastructure, transport equipment, enterprises, economic performance, employment, traffic, aggregated data on transport of passengers and goods as well as data on accidents are collected using the Common Questionnaire of the United Nations Economic Commission for Europe (UNECE), Eurostat and the International Transport Forum (ITF, in the framework of OECD). The method of the Common Questionnaire data collection is presented in a separate document.

2. Data on carriage of goods by road, using heavy goods vehicles, are based on a continuum of legal acts:

2.1 Data collection on carriage of goods by road until 1998 (included) was based on Directives 78/546/EEC and 89/462/EEC and covered tonnes and tonne-kilometres only.

2.2 Data since the reference period 1999 are derived from micro-data collected in the framework of Regulation (EU) No 70/2012 of the European parliament and of the council on statistical returns in respect of the carriage of goods by road, a recast of Council Regulation (EC) No 1172/98 which has replaced the previous Directives. The figures are aggregated on the basis of sample surveys carried out by the reporting countries. The data cover tonnes, tonne-kilometres, vehicle-kilometres and numbers of journeys.

These metadata pages only refer to road freight statistics based on the European Union's legal acts (point 2 above) and, in particular, to the data for reference years 1999 and after (2.2).

Road freight data collection consists of three datasets for each quarter from each reporting country:

• Vehicle information for a sample of road good motor vehicles
• Journey information of loaded and empty (optional) journeys by the vehicles in the sample during the observation period (most often one week)
• Goods information on loads transported during the reported journeys.

The quantity and performance of road freight transport are collected in tonnes, tonne-kilometres, vehicle-kilometres and number of journeys. Tonne-kilometres are both collected (in journey and goods datasets) and calculated (by multiplying the weight of goods by the distance travelled for each goods operation).

For the variables collected please refer to Commission Regulation (EC) No 2163/2001.

Road freight transport statistics are reported by Member States for vehicles registered in their country. On the basis of variables contained in the micro-data (reporting country, country of loading and country of unloading of a journey) five types of operations are derived:

• National transport
• International transport - goods loaded in the reporting country
• International transport - goods unloaded in the reporting country
• International transport - cross-trade
• International transport - cabotage

Specific characteristics of each country’s data collection are provided in the country specific note which is available in CIRCABC.

Portugal Road Freight Transport: Goods Carried: International data was reported at 25,847.000 Tonne th in 2016. This records an increase from the previous number of 23,825.000 Tonne th for 2015. Portugal Road Freight Transport: Goods Carried: International data is updated yearly, averaging 12,095.000 Tonne th from Dec 1990 (Median) to 2016, with 27 observations. The data reached an all-time high of 34,005.000 Tonne th in 2007 and a record low of 3,210.000 Tonne th in 1990. Portugal Road Freight Transport: Goods Carried: International data remains active status in CEIC and is reported by Statistics Portugal. The data is categorized under Global Database’s Portugal – Table PT.TA001: Road Transport Statistics.

Freight Facts and Figures - Freight Transportation Safety

Eurostat collects road transport statistics by two means:

1. Data on infrastructure, transport equipment, enterprises, economic performance, employment, traffic, aggregated data on transport of passengers and goods as well as data on accidents are collected using the Common Questionnaire of the United Nations Economic Commission for Europe (UNECE), Eurostat and the International Transport Forum (ITF, in the framework of OECD). The method of the Common Questionnaire data collection is presented in a separate document.

2. Data on carriage of goods by road, using heavy goods vehicles, are based on a continuum of legal acts:

2.1 Data collection on carriage of goods by road until 1998 (included) was based on Directives 78/546/EEC and 89/462/EEC and covered tonnes and tonne-kilometres only.

2.2 Data since the reference period 1999 are derived from micro-data collected in the framework of Regulation (EU) No 70/2012 of the European parliament and of the council on statistical returns in respect of the carriage of goods by road, a recast of Council Regulation (EC) No 1172/98 which has replaced the previous Directives. The figures are aggregated on the basis of sample surveys carried out by the reporting countries. The data cover tonnes, tonne-kilometres, vehicle-kilometres and numbers of journeys.

These metadata pages only refer to road freight statistics based on the European Union's legal acts (point 2 above) and, in particular, to the data for reference years 1999 and after (2.2).

Road freight data collection consists of three datasets for each quarter from each reporting country:

• Vehicle information for a sample of road good motor vehicles
• Journey information of loaded and empty (optional) journeys by the vehicles in the sample during the observation period (most often one week)
• Goods information on loads transported during the reported journeys.

The quantity and performance of road freight transport are collected in tonnes, tonne-kilometres, vehicle-kilometres and number of journeys. Tonne-kilometres are both collected (in journey and goods datasets) and calculated (by multiplying the weight of goods by the distance travelled for each goods operation).

For the variables collected please refer to Commission Regulation (EC) No 2163/2001.

Road freight transport statistics are reported by Member States for vehicles registered in their country. On the basis of variables contained in the micro-data (reporting country, country of loading and country of unloading of a journey) five types of operations are derived:

• National transport
• International transport - goods loaded in the reporting country
• International transport - goods unloaded in the reporting country
• International transport - cross-trade
• International transport - cabotage

Specific characteristics of each country’s data collection are provided in the country specific note which is available in CIRCABC.