The United Kingdom Road Freight Transport Market is segmented by End User Industry (Agriculture, Fishing, and Forestry, Construction, Manufacturing, Oil and Gas, Mining and Quarrying, Wholesale and Retail Trade, Others), by Destination (Domestic, International), by Truckload Specification (Full-Truck-Load (FTL), Less than-Truck-Load (LTL)), by Containerization (Containerized, Non-Containerized), by Distance (Long Haul, Short Haul), by Goods Configuration (Fluid Goods, Solid Goods) and by Temperature Control (Non-Temperature Controlled, Temperature Controlled). Market Value (USD) and Market Volume (ton-km) are both presented. Key Data Points observed include Freight Transport Volume (ton-km) by Destination and End User; Production Trends (Manufacturing, E-Commerce etc. in USD); Import and Export trends (in USD); and Freight Pricing Trends (USD per ton-km).

The transport industry in the United Kingdom generated over 234.5 billion British pounds in turnover in 2022. Of this, over 9.85 billion British pounds was generated through warehousing and support activities, making this the most profitable transport sector.

Revenue is expected to creep upwards at a compound annual rate of 0.1% over the five years through 2024-25 to £39.3 billion. The freight road transport industry operates the most extensive transport network of all freight modes, providing much-needed flexibility and the convenience of door-to-door haulage. The performance of the road haulage industry is influenced by demand from key downstream markets. Therefore, unprecedented global disruptions, like economic downturns, which affect production and consumption levels, have a direct impact on the revenue prospects of freight road transport companies. The surge in e-commerce during the pandemic gave the industry a crucial impetus, helping it recover from pandemic-related lows. The road haulage industry experienced a surge in demand as the economy reopened, however, freight volumes remained somewhat subdued in 2022-23 and 2023-24. This was due to stagnant UK economic growth and rampant inflation, caused by global supply chain disruptions, which limited demand from key markets like manufacturing and construction. A severe shortage of qualified drivers and record-high fuel prices have weighed on the average industry profit margin. Although freight road transport operators have adopted cost-cutting strategies such as fuel hedging and increased efforts to recruit and retain workers, they remain vulnerable to volatile conditions. Despite subsiding inflation in 2024-25, the industry continues to face challenges related to heightened costs due to ongoing global supply issues, resulting in road haulage companies being forced to cut operations or restructure. Despite ongoing operational constraints, freight road transport operators are actively increasing their investments to enhance operational efficiency during these uncertain economic times. They are specifically accelerating the transition to low-carbon fleets and boosting investments in automation. In 2024-25 revenue is forecast to increase by 2%. Revenue is forecast to rise at a compound annual rate of 1.7% over the five years through 2029-30 to reach £42.7 billion. As economic conditions improve, freight volumes are expected to increase due to rising consumer and business confidence. Brexit-related complexities and labour shortages will persist, but government initiatives like temporary visa schemes and apprenticeship grants will aim to bridge these gaps. The UK's commitment to net-zero emissions is set to transform the industry significantly. With significant investments in fuel-efficient vehicles and electric vehicle infrastructure, road haulage companies are gearing up for a cleaner, more efficient future.

The swab and viral transport medium market for United Kingdom will increase to USD 515.2 million cumulatively by the end of the next ten years. However, this industry will continue at a growth pace of 2.2% per annum over the said ten years. Thus, in the year 2025, this market is going to be worth USD 414.4 million. Therefore, this goes to indicate a CAGR of 2.5% of the market through the five years of forecast 2025 to 2035 period.

Expert industry market research on the Freight Road Transport in the UK (2013-2031). Make better business decisions, faster with IBISWorld's industry market research reports, statistics, analysis, data, trends and forecasts.

As of the fourth quarter of 2024, there were approximately 1.7 million people employed in the transport and storage sector in the UK, compared with 1.47 million in the first quarter of 2000.

In 2021, the air freight transport market in the United Kingdom dropped to 937.3 million British pounds. As air passenger traffic in the region decreased, airlines have shifted to providing cargo flights for the transportation of medical supplies.

European freight rail transportation has succumbed to intense competition over the past decade, with road freight accounting for an increasing proportion of inland freight volumes. Accordingly, as per Eurostat data, the share of EU freight transport performed by rail decreased from 19.2% in 2011 to 16.8% in 2020. Dependence on rail freight varies widely across Europe, with Russia being the most prominent user of rail freight transport. Western Europe uses their extensive railway network for passenger transport, whereas Central Europe and the Balkans rely more heavily on rail freight. For example, according to Eurostat, in 2020, a third of railway traffic in Poland came from freight services, while in France, it was only 15%. Over the five years through 2024, industry revenue is expected to slump at a compound annual rate of 2% to €48.4 billion. The COVID-19 outbreak adversely impacted European freight volumes, with many European countries recording a drop in freight train departures over 2020. Freight volumes partially recovered over 2021, with Germany the most significant contributor to Europe’s rail freight transport performance, representing 30.8% of total EU rail freight transport, according to Eurostat. However, freight volumes were met with global supply chain disruptions over 2022, lowering trade activity and industry revenue. Over 2024, industry revenue is expected to dip by 2.4% amid weak European industrial production volumes. Over the five years through 2029, industry revenue is expected to swell at a compound annual rate of 3.8% to reach €58.4 billion. The ongoing Net Zero agenda will favour investment in rail transport infrastructure, with the EU aiming to achieve 30% of rail in European freight transport by 2030. New harmonised EU Standards will support cross-border rail, drive down the cost of freight transport and boost efficiency within the industry. However, there are obstacles to growth along the tracks, including inconsistent regulations and slow infrastructure investment. For example, a lack of uniform EU track width presents an administrative burden, while Germany's infrastructure expansion lags behind demand. While these obstacles remain in place, competition from road freight transportation will intensify.

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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 rapid growth in the e-commerce industry is a key driver of the road freight transport market. As e-commerce continues to expand, the demand for efficient and timely deliveries increases, boosting the need for road freight services. In response, the growing usage of AI and ML in freight forwarding is emerging as a key trend. These technologies enable smarter route planning, predictive maintenance, and enhanced logistics management, optimizing operations and improving delivery efficiency across the road freight sector. These elements collectively drive demand for road haulage and shape market dynamics, influencing strategic decisions among industry stakeholders. 
The rapid evolution of e-commerce provides significant opportunities for market growth, leveraging digital platforms for road logistics to reach global consumers efficiently. However, the market faces challenges such as escalating fuel and transportation costs, which put pressure on freight forwarders to optimize their operations and maintain profitability. To stay competitive, market participants must continuously innovate and adapt to changing consumer expectations and regulatory requirements.

What will be the Size of the Road Freight Transport Market During the Forecast Period?

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The market is a critical component of the global logistics industry, facilitating the movement of commercial goods via motor vehicles on road networks. Logistics companies and forwarders play pivotal roles in managing in-house transfers and external transports, ensuring the seamless flow of goods from corporate sites to manufacturing processes and, ultimately, to consumers. Commercial freight transport relies heavily on trucks as the primary mode of transportation, subject to various road freight laws and regulations in EU member states and national criteria.
Furthermore, the industry is witnessing a growing trend towards sustainable practices, with an increasing focus on reducing environmental deterioration and preserving biodiversity. This includes the adoption of eco-tourism principles, such as sustainable tourism and ecological tourism, which prioritize the protection of indigenous cultures and moral principles. The market value chain encompasses various stakeholders, including visitors, local populations, and the environment. The industry's impact on these stakeholders necessitates a commitment to minimizing the depletion of forests, loss of biodiversity, and other negative environmental consequences. By adhering to these principles, the market can contribute to a more sustainable and responsible logistics ecosystem.

How is this Road Freight Transport Industry segmented and which is the largest segment?

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 Type

  LCV
  MCV and HCV


End-user

  Manufacturing
  Automotive
  Consumer goods
  Food and beverage
  Others


Destination

  Domestic
  International


Truckload Specification

  Full-Truck-Load (FTL)
  Less than-Truck-Load (LTL)


Geography

  APAC

    China
    India
    Japan
    South Korea


  North America

    Canada
    US


  Europe

    Germany
    UK
    France


  Middle East and Africa



  South America

By Vehicle Type Insights

The LCV segment is estimated to witness significant growth during the forecast period. The market encompasses the transport of goods via motor vehicles, primarily light commercial vehicles (LCVs), with a gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) between 3.5 to 7 tons. LCVs play a pivotal role In the efficient movement of goods and services across industries, fueled by the increasing demand for last-mile delivery, e-commerce expansion, and infrastructure development. These vehicles offer a balance between payload capacity and maneuverability, making them suitable for urban environments while carrying substantial cargo. Technological advancements, such as electric and hybrid LCVs, are driving market growth by addressing environmental sustainability and fuel efficiency concerns. The market's expansion is influenced by factors like consumer behavior, particularly millennials and Generation Z's environmental concern, and the development of eco-friendly travel options. Medium and heavy commercial vehicle transportation involves the movement of goods by surface transport carriers, such as heavy-duty trucks and trailers.

Furthermore, regulations, such as those promoting CSR, environmental management, and financial incentives, also contribute to the market's growth. Cross

The Report Covers UK Cold Chain Logistics Companies and it is segmented by service (storage, transportation, and value-added services), temperature type (chilled, frozen and ambient), and application (horticulture, dairy products, meats, fish, poultry, processed food products, pharmaceuticals, life sciences, chemicals, and other applications). The report offers market size and forecasts for the United Kingdom cold chain logistics market in value (USD billion) for all the above segments.

In 2021, the road freight transport market in the United Kingdom dropped to 32 billion British pounds. This drop is assigned to the lockdown measures during the coronavirus outbreak that led to a decrease in non-food demand.

Over the five years through 2024-25, revenue is projected to inch downwards at a compound annual rate of 0.4% to £6.9 billion. Sea and coastal freight water transport companies navigate a dynamic landscape shaped by changing economic conditions, geopolitical disruptions and environmental regulations. Moreover, the industry has been shifting towards container shipping over the past decade and away from liquid-bulk and dry-bulk products that have long been the staple of heavy products shipped on large vessels. The COVID-19 outbreak caused a slump in global economic activity. The effects of the outbreak drove a sharp decline in oil prices, while lockdown measures for much of 2020-21 reduced manufacturing output and subsequently slashed trade volumes. Companies increased ocean freight rates to mitigate some of the losses from reduced demand, but revenue still underwent a notable contraction in 2020-21. Following the pandemic, significant oil price hikes have been fuelled by geopolitical tensions like the Russia-Ukraine conflict and Red Sea shipping disruptions, resulting in heightened operational costs cutting into profitability. In 2024-25, shipping companies have faced increasing disruptions due to escalating geopolitical tensions in the Middle East. These challenges have compelled them to reroute ships and reorganise operations, thereby driving up costs. Despite these challenges, companies have passed on some of these costs to customers, partially mitigating the impact. However, global trade's ongoing lacklustre performance and persistent inflationary pressures, which have constrained consumers’ budgets, have limited revenue growth more recently, with revenue projected to climb by just 2.5% in 2024-25. Industry revenue is forecast to expand at a compound annual rate of 2.3% over the five years through 2029-30 to £7.7 billion. While inflation is expected to remain at a sustainable level in the long term, budgets will remain tight amid high interest rates, which will likely curb order volumes in the near term. The shift towards greater digitalisation and AI-driven logistics will streamline operations, potentially offsetting some sustained cost pressures. Environmental regulations will get stricter, pushing companies to upgrade fleets to meet the UK’s zero-emission targets. The freight water transport industry will continue to grapple with ongoing geopolitical and economic challenges. Despite the uncertainty surrounding the stabilisation of trade routes, long-term prospects remain promising, bolstered by technological advancements and a strong push towards sustainability.

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Rail Logistics Market Size 2024-2028

The rail logistics market size is forecast to increase by USD 56.9 billion at a CAGR of 4.5% between 2023 and 2028. The market is experiencing significant growth due to the increasing demand for efficient and eco-friendly goods carriage. The use of wheeled vehicles on fixed routes offers numerous advantages, including reduced fuel consumption and lower carbon emissions compared to truckload transport. Market trends include the increasing adoption of cloud technology for optimizing rail intermodal operations and enhancing safety. However, challenges persist, such as weather turbulences disrupting schedules and the risks associated with public-private partnerships (PPPs) in rail infrastructure development. Despite these challenges, the rail logistics sector continues to evolve, offering opportunities for stakeholders to innovate and improve the efficiency and sustainability of freight transportation.

Furthermore, the use of hybrid trains, which consume less energy than traditional trains, is another trend in the market. Additionally, cross-border freight transport is becoming easier and more cost-effective with the advancements in rail logistics. However, stakeholders must be aware of the risks associated with Public-Private Partnerships (PPPs) in rail logistics projects. Overall, the market is an essential component of the global logistics industry, providing a sustainable and efficient alternative to road transport.

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Rail logistics plays a vital role in the transportation of goods, especially in the context of cross-border trade activities and trade contracts. This sector encompasses the use of wheeled vehicles on tracks to move cargo from one place to another, ensuring a secure and efficient transport system. Safety is a top priority in rail logistics, with weather turbulences and other unforeseen circumstances posing potential challenges. To mitigate these risks, rail logistics relies on fixed routes and schedules to minimize disruptions. Rail intermodal, a critical component of rail logistics, enables the seamless transfer of cargo between different modes of transport, such as trucks and trains.

Additionally, mining activities, in particular, benefit from rail logistics due to the large volumes of raw materials transported over long distances. Infrastructure development plays a pivotal role in the growth of the rail logistics market. Advanced technologies, such as IoT (Internet of Things), AI (Artificial Intelligence), and autonomous train development, are revolutionizing the industry, enabling real-time monitoring, predictive maintenance, and optimized scheduling. Autonomous train development is another area of focus in rail logistics, with the potential to revolutionize the industry by reducing human error and increasing operational efficiency. Mining activities, in particular, can greatly benefit from the use of autonomous trains due to their heavy cargo requirements and remote locations.

In addition, infrastructure development is crucial to the growth of the market. Governments and private organizations are investing in the expansion and modernization of transportation infrastructure to accommodate the increasing demand for secure and reliable transportation solutions. E-commerce and last-mile rail transportation are emerging areas of interest in rail logistics. As e-commerce continues to grow, the need for efficient and cost-effective last-mile transportation solutions becomes increasingly important. Rail logistics offers a viable alternative to traditional truckload transport, providing a more sustainable and cost-effective solution for the final leg of the delivery journey. In conclusion, rail logistics plays a crucial role in the transportation of goods, offering a secure, efficient, and sustainable alternative to traditional truckload transport. With the adoption of advanced technologies and infrastructure development, the market is poised for continued growth and innovation.

Market Segmentation

The market research report provides comprehensive data (region-wise segment analysis), with forecasts and estimates in 'USD billion' for the period 2024-2028, as well as historical data from 2018-2022 for the following segments.

Type

  Intermodals
  Tank wagons
  Freight cars


Geography

  Europe

    Germany
    UK


  APAC

    China
    India


  North America

    US


  Middle East and Africa



  South America

By Type Insights

The intermodals segment is estimated to witness significant growth during the forecast period. Intermodal transportation, which involves the use of multiple freight modes to move goods from origin to destination, is gaining popularity among shippers due to its flexibility and efficiency. This mode of transport is particularly beneficial for those sendin

Over the five years through 2024-25, revenue is projected to tumble at a compound annual rate of 1.9% to £4.2 billion. Coach and bus transport companies have been grappling with challenging operating conditions. High inflation has driven up fuel prices and staffing shortages have hindered both profitability and revenue growth. Moreover, the lack of targeted government policies and funding for coaches and long-distance buses has weighed on industry growth. Despite these challenges, rail strikes and the cost-of-living crisis have created income opportunities as coach and bus services offer a more reliable and affordable travel option, boosting revenue prospects. While government schemes like the Bus Service Improvement Plan+ support regional bus services, they fall short in assisting long-distance intercity and coach services. This lack of support underscores the government's limited backing of the industry. One major challenge facing the industry is the widespread shortage of drivers. To tackle this, coach and bus companies are intensifying efforts to attract and retain workers through initiatives like paid training programmes and expedited application processes. However, with limited government intervention, bridging this gap remains challenging. The driver shortage also adds to wage pressures, exacerbating the inflationary challenges operators face, including high vehicle and maintenance costs and volatile fuel prices. Coach and bus operators are increasingly expanding their electric and hybrid fleets to meet net-zero emission targets, thereby reducing long-term fuel price volatility. Revenue is projected to climb by 1.4% in 2024-25 as ongoing cost-of-living pressures convince many customers to opt for cheaper travel options like coaches. Revenue is anticipated to swell at a compound annual rate of 1% over the five years through 2029-30 to reach £4.4 billion. Ongoing income pressures will persist in the medium term, bolstering demand for coach and bus services as alternatives to rail transport. Potential future rail strikes will further heighten this demand. Government funding to improve roads and bus services, including implementing simpler and cheaper fares and more bus lanes, will support revenue. As the government continues introducing and expanding low-emission zones across major UK cities, bus and coach companies will continue investing in upgrading their fleets to hybrid and electric vehicles. The increasing number of inbound visitors and plans to expand the UK's airports will create more opportunities for airport shuttle services and contract hire options for day trips and excursions.

The European intermodal terminals market is experiencing robust growth, driven by increasing e-commerce, the need for efficient logistics solutions, and a rising focus on sustainable transportation. The market's compound annual growth rate (CAGR) exceeding 5% from 2019 to 2024 indicates a strong upward trajectory, projected to continue through 2033. Key growth drivers include the expansion of rail networks, government initiatives promoting intermodal transport to reduce carbon emissions, and the increasing demand for faster and more reliable freight delivery across Europe. The market is segmented by transportation mode (rail and road, air and road, maritime and road) and end-user (manufacturing and automotive, oil, gas, and mining, agriculture, fishing, and forestry, construction, distributive trade, others). While precise market size figures are unavailable from the provided data, given the substantial growth rate and the presence of major players like DP World and COSCO SHIPPING Ports, a conservative estimate places the 2025 market size in the range of €2-3 billion (millions), assuming a relatively mature market in 2019. Road and rail transport currently dominate the market, but air and maritime intermodal options are expected to gain traction due to their capacity to serve long distances and remote locations. The competitive landscape is characterized by a mix of large international operators and regional players. Significant investments in infrastructure upgrades and technological advancements by companies like Rail Cargo Group and others are further fueling market expansion. However, challenges remain, including potential infrastructure bottlenecks in certain regions, fluctuating fuel prices, and competition from other transportation modes. Despite these restraints, the long-term outlook for the European intermodal terminals market remains positive, with continued growth driven by evolving supply chain strategies and increasing emphasis on sustainability within the logistics sector. Further regional analysis would reveal the dominant markets within Europe, with Germany, France, and the UK likely leading due to their well-established logistics networks and high economic activity. Expansion within Eastern European countries is also expected as infrastructure improves. Recent developments include: November 2022: CSP Spain Inaugurated a new express service between Spain and Turkey in the Valencian terminal of CSP Spain. The service is promoted by the company Cordelia Container Shipping Line and among its stops, the Valencian terminal of CSP Spain. It is a weekly service, with two vessels involved with an approximate capacity of 700 TEUS., October 2022: In October, an unprecedented operation of special projects was carried out successfully in the Valencian terminal of CSP Spain. The unloading of 3 yachts from the ship into the water was carried out from the APL Savannah ship, coming from Australia, thanks to the collaboration of all the agents involved. CSP Iberian Valencia terminal has expert personnel and the necessary machinery: spreaders, slings and hooks under a gantry crane with the capacity and dimensions necessary for safe handling. This type of activity is more complex than the typical loading of the container terminal and has been possible thanks to the coordination of all the agents involved, from the maritime line client CMA CGM, Peters & May, world leader in yacht operations, and the rest. of the parties involved in the port of Valencia.. Key drivers for this market are: Rising E-commerce Sector to Boost the International CEP Market in China, Increasing Volume of Parcel Shipments in China. Potential restraints include: Poor infrastructure and higher logistics costs, Lack of control of manufacturers on logistics services. Notable trends are: Growth of Webshop Traffic Drives the Market.

Spending on public transport in the United Kingdom reached 4.9 billion British pounds in 2023/24. During the provided time period, spending on public transport was at its highest in 2020/21, when the government spent 7.2 billion pounds on local public transport.

[250 Pages Report] Newly released Patient Transport Services Market analysis report by Future Market Insights shows that global sales of Patient Transport Services Market in 2021 was held at US$ 34.1 Billion. With 12%,the projected market growth during 2022 to 2032 is expected to be significantly higher than the historical growth. Ground Ambulance is expected to be the highest revenue generating Transport Vehicle, projected to grow at a CAGR of over 13.1% during 2022 to 2032.

Patient Transport Services Market Report Scope

This statistic shows a breakdown of dry cargo expenditure by operation in the United Kingdom between 2000 and 2017 in million British pounds. Expenditure on bunkers reached a peak of 836 million British pounds in 2011. In 2017, dry cargo expenditure on bunkers stood at 174 million British pounds.

The United Kingdom Pharmaceutical Logistics Market Report is Segmented by Product (Generic Drugs, Branded Drugs), by Mode of Operation (Cold Chain Transport, Non-Cold Chain Transport), by Application (Bio Pharma, Chemical Pharma), by Mode of Transport (Air, Rail, Road, and Sea) the Report Offers Market Size and Forecast for United Kingdom Pharmaceutical Logistics Market in Value (USD) for all the Above Segments.

Expert industry market research on the Scheduled Passenger Air Transport in the UK (2013-2031). Make better business decisions, faster with IBISWorld's industry market research reports, statistics, analysis, data, trends and forecasts.