Global Refrigerated Transport Market Enters High-Growth Phase as Cold Chain Modernization Accelerates Worldwide

The global refrigerated transport market is transitioning from steady expansion into a sustained scaling phase, underpinned by structural shifts in food consumption, pharmaceutical distribution, and temperature-controlled logistics infrastructure. Valued at USD 130.3 billion in 2025, the market is projected to reach USD 233.4 billion by 2035, expanding at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 6.0% over the forecast period. This long-term growth trajectory reflects the essential role refrigerated transport plays within modern supply chains, where product integrity, regulatory compliance, and delivery speed are increasingly non-negotiable.

Between 2020 and 2024, the market grew from USD 97.4 billion to USD 123.0 billion, demonstrating resilience amid global supply chain disruptions and fluctuating trade conditions. Annual gains—reaching USD 103.2 billion in 2021, USD 109.4 billion in 2022, and USD 116.0 billion in 2023—highlighted consistent momentum driven by expanding grocery e-commerce, rising frozen food consumption, and stronger pharmaceutical cold chain requirements. By 2025, the market crossed the USD 130 billion mark, signaling the beginning of a higher-growth cycle supported by technology upgrades and global infrastructure investment.

From 2026 to 2030, refrigerated transport revenue is expected to climb from USD 138.2 billion to USD 174.4 billion, accounting for nearly 39% of the total forecast market expansion. This period is characterized by accelerated adoption of fuel-efficient refrigeration units, hybrid and electric cooling systems, and data-driven telematics that enhance fleet utilization, temperature accuracy, and regulatory reporting. Growing cross-border trade in perishable foods and life sciences products further reinforces mid-term demand, particularly across Asia-Pacific and emerging markets.

The market’s later-stage growth, spanning 2031 to 2035, is projected to add another USD 58.5 billion, pushing total value to USD 233.4 billion. This phase reflects widespread integration of smart temperature monitoring, deeper penetration of pharmaceutical cold chains, and rising global demand for frozen and ready-to-eat foods. As logistics operators shift from basic temperature control to end-to-end cold chain visibility, refrigerated transport is emerging as a strategic enabler of supply chain reliability rather than a cost center.

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A Core Pillar of the Global Logistics Ecosystem

Refrigerated transport currently represents approximately 14–17% of total freight and logistics activity, and nearly 20–23% of global logistics and transportation value, underscoring its importance in handling temperature-sensitive cargo. In the food and beverage sector, refrigerated transport accounts for 25–28% of logistics operations, ensuring freshness, safety, and regulatory compliance across retail and distribution channels. The pharmaceutical and life sciences segment contributes 12–15% of market share, where strict temperature control is critical for vaccines, biologics, and diagnostic products.

Growth is reinforced by tightening regulatory frameworks, rising consumer expectations for quality and freshness, and the expansion of e-commerce and quick-commerce delivery models. Innovation in multi-temperature trailers, real-time IoT-enabled monitoring, and energy-efficient refrigeration systems continues to improve operational efficiency and reduce spoilage, cementing refrigerated transport’s role in modern supply networks.

Technology and Mode Dynamics Shape Market Leadership

By technology, vapor compression systems are projected to dominate the market with a 53.7% share in 2025, owing to their proven reliability, energy efficiency, and adaptability across transport modes. Ongoing integration of smart controls and low-global-warming-potential refrigerants is strengthening compliance with global emissions mandates, ensuring continued dominance of this segment.

By mode of transport, road-based refrigerated logistics is expected to account for 61.4% of total market share in 2025, driven by last-mile delivery requirements and flexible routing capabilities. Refrigerated trucks, vans, and trailers form the backbone of urban and intercity cold chains, particularly for fresh food, dairy, and pharmaceutical distribution. Continued investment in highway infrastructure and compliance with Good Distribution Practice (GDP) standards further supports road transport leadership.

From an application perspective, the chilled segment (0–15°C) is projected to lead with a 58.2% share, outpacing frozen transport. Demand for fresh fruits, vegetables, dairy, bakery products, and temperature-sensitive pharmaceuticals is accelerating chilled logistics adoption, supported by stricter food safety regulations and growing health-conscious consumption patterns.

Regional Growth Hotspots and Country-Level Momentum

Geographically, Asia-Pacific, North America, and Europe remain the primary growth engines. China leads major markets with a projected 8.1% CAGR, driven by rapid expansion of e-commerce cold chains, pharmaceutical logistics, and government-backed cold storage investments. India follows closely at 7.5% CAGR, supported by rising dairy and meat consumption, pharmaceutical growth, and improving logistics infrastructure.

In Europe, Germany (6.9%) and France (6.3%) benefit from stringent food safety regulations, fleet modernization, and growing demand for ready-to-eat and gourmet foods. The United Kingdom is projected to grow at 5.7%, supported by grocery e-commerce and urban cold logistics, while the United States maintains a steady 5.1% CAGR, reflecting mature infrastructure combined with continued investment in fleet electrification and digital monitoring.

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Competitive Landscape and Strategic Positioning

The competitive environment features a mix of global OEMs, logistics service providers, and fleet operators. Companies such as Carrier Transicold, C.H. Robinson, C.R. England, J.B. Hunt, and Schneider National compete through fleet scale, advanced refrigeration technologies, and route optimization. Integrated players like ADM and Cargill leverage captive cold chains and partnerships to enhance efficiency and control across agricultural and food logistics.

Strategic priorities across the industry include fleet optimization, energy efficiency, digital temperature tracking, and regional network expansion. Partnerships with retailers, pharmaceutical companies, and food distributors are becoming increasingly central to competitive differentiation.

Outlook: A Market Poised for Long-Term Strategic Investment

As global supply chains modernize, refrigerated transport is evolving into a high-value, technology-driven logistics segment. The convergence of regulatory pressure, consumer demand for quality, and innovation in refrigeration and monitoring systems positions the market for sustained expansion through 2035. Stakeholders seeking deeper insights into segment-level opportunities, regional investment hotspots, and competitive strategies will find comprehensive analysis within the full market report, which explores the refrigerated transport ecosystem in detail across more than 40 global markets.

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