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Add to CartGlobal Road Haulage Market Growth, Share, Size, Trends and Forecast (2025 - 2031)
By Type;
International Road Haulage, and Domestic Road Haulage.By Vehicle Type;
Light Commercial Vehicles, and Heavy Commercial Vehicles.By Application;
Mining & Construction, Oil & Gas, Food & Beverage, Retail, Manufacturing, Healthcare, Automotive, and Others.By Geography;
North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, Middle East and Africa and Latin America - Report Timeline (2021 - 2031).Introduction
Global Road Haulage Market (USD Million), 2021 - 2031
In the year 2024, the Global Road Haulage Market was valued at USD 2,757,623.11 million. The size of this market is expected to increase to USD 3,414,645.06 million by the year 2031, while growing at a Compounded Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of 3.1%.
The Global Road Haulage Market stands as a vital component of the transportation industry, serving as the backbone for the movement of goods and materials across vast distances, both domestically and internationally. Road haulage, also known as trucking or freight transportation by road, plays a pivotal role in facilitating commerce and trade by delivering goods to businesses, retailers, and consumers with speed, efficiency, and reliability. This market encompasses a diverse array of services, vehicles, and logistics solutions, ranging from small-scale local deliveries to long-haul transportation operations spanning continents. As a cornerstone of the logistics and supply chain ecosystem, the road haulage industry is integral to supporting economic growth, facilitating global trade flows, and meeting the evolving demands of industries such as manufacturing, retail, and e-commerce.
At the heart of the Global Road Haulage Market is a vast network of trucking companies, freight carriers, and logistics providers, each contributing to the seamless movement of goods across transportation networks. These entities operate a wide variety of vehicles, including tractor-trailers, flatbed trucks, refrigerated trucks, and specialized vehicles tailored to specific cargo types and transportation requirements. Leveraging advanced technologies, route optimization strategies, and real-time tracking systems, road haulage companies strive to deliver goods efficiently while minimizing costs, delays, and environmental impact.
The Global Road Haulage Market is characterized by its dynamic nature, shaped by factors such as changing consumer preferences, regulatory requirements, technological advancements, and market dynamics. With the rise of e-commerce and omnichannel retailing, there is a growing demand for fast and flexible delivery services, driving innovation in last-mile logistics and urban distribution solutions. Additionally, initiatives aimed at reducing carbon emissions, improving fuel efficiency, and enhancing sustainability are prompting road haulage companies to adopt cleaner and greener transportation practices, such as alternative fuels, electric vehicles, and eco-friendly logistics strategies.
The Global Road Haulage Market is poised for continued growth and transformation as stakeholders adapt to emerging trends and challenges in the transportation industry. The expansion of global trade, infrastructure development, and digitalization of supply chains present opportunities for road haulage companies to expand their operations, penetrate new markets, and enhance service offerings. Moreover, investments in technology, automation, and data analytics hold the potential to revolutionize the road haulage sector, improving operational efficiency, safety, and customer satisfaction. As road haulage remains a cornerstone of modern logistics and commerce, its evolution and innovation will continue to shape the future of global trade and economic development.
Global Road Haulage Market Recent Developments
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In April 2024, DB Schenker, a global logistics provider, expanded its road haulage network in Europe, investing in new terminals and vehicles.
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In November 2023, DHL Freight, a leading freight forwarding company, launched a new digital platform to optimize road haulage operations and improve customer service.
Segment Analysis
The Global Road Haulage Market undergoes a comprehensive segment analysis to understand the diverse facets and demands within the transportation sector. One crucial segment within this market pertains to the type of cargo being transported. Road haulage services cater to a wide range of cargo types, including dry goods, refrigerated goods, hazardous materials, and oversized or specialized cargo. Each cargo type necessitates specific transportation requirements, such as temperature control for perishable goods, hazardous materials handling protocols, or specialized equipment for oversized loads. By segmenting the market based on cargo type, road haulage companies can tailor their services and equipment to meet the unique needs and regulatory requirements of different industries and commodities.
Another significant segment in the Global Road Haulage Market relates to the distance or route length of transportation. Road haulage services encompass both short-haul and long-haul transportation, with varying operational considerations and cost structures. Short-haul routes typically involve the transportation of goods over relatively short distances, such as within a city or region, and may require frequent pickups and deliveries, rapid turnaround times, and specialized urban logistics solutions to navigate congested urban environments efficiently. In contrast, long-haul routes cover greater distances, often spanning multiple regions or countries, and require considerations such as fuel efficiency, driver rest periods, and cross-border customs clearance procedures. By segmenting the market based on route length, road haulage companies can optimize their fleet deployment, route planning, and logistics strategies to maximize efficiency and profitability across diverse transportation scenarios.
The market segmentation extends to the type of vehicles and equipment used in road haulage operations. Road haulage companies utilize a variety of vehicles, including articulated trucks, rigid trucks, flatbed trailers, refrigerated trailers, and specialized transporters, depending on the nature of the cargo and operational requirements. Each vehicle type offers distinct advantages in terms of payload capacity, maneuverability, fuel efficiency, and cargo handling capabilities. By segmenting the market based on vehicle type, road haulage companies can match the right equipment to the specific needs of their customers, optimize fleet utilization, and ensure compliance with regulatory requirements governing vehicle dimensions, weight limits, and emissions standards.
The segmentation analysis of the Global Road Haulage Market underscores the importance of understanding the diverse needs, challenges, and operational dynamics within the transportation industry. By segmenting the market based on cargo type, route length, and vehicle type, road haulage companies can develop tailored solutions, optimize resource allocation, and deliver value-added services that meet the evolving needs of shippers, consignees, and supply chain partners across various sectors and geographic regions.
Global Road Haulage Segment Analysis
In this report, the Global Road Haulage Market has been segmented by Type, Vehicle Type, Application and Geography.
Global Road Haulage Market, Segmentation by Type
The Global Road Haulage Market has been segmented by Type into International Road Haulage and Domestic Road Haulage.
International Road Haulage stands as a significant segment within the market, encompassing the transportation of goods and materials across international borders, often spanning vast distances and diverse geographical regions. This segment caters to the needs of businesses engaged in global trade, import-export operations, and cross-border commerce, facilitating the movement of goods between countries and continents. International road haulage services play a vital role in connecting manufacturers, suppliers, distributors, and retailers across global supply chains, ensuring timely delivery of goods to international markets and customers. With the globalization of trade and the expansion of multinational corporations, the demand for international road haulage services continues to grow, driving innovation in cross-border logistics, customs clearance procedures, and supply chain management solutions.
On the other hand, Domestic Road Haulage represents another significant segment of the Global Road Haulage Market, focusing on the transportation of goods within a single country or geographical region. This segment caters to a wide range of industries, including manufacturing, retail, agriculture, construction, and logistics, providing essential transportation services for moving raw materials, finished products, and commodities from production facilities to distribution centers, warehouses, and retail outlets. Domestic road haulage services are essential for maintaining supply chain continuity, supporting local economies, and meeting the everyday transportation needs of businesses and consumers alike. With the rise of e-commerce, urbanization, and just-in-time inventory management practices, the demand for domestic road haulage services continues to increase, leading to investments in fleet modernization, route optimization, and last-mile delivery solutions.
Overall, the segmentation of the Global Road Haulage Market into International Road Haulage and Domestic Road Haulage highlights the diverse nature of transportation requirements and logistical challenges faced by businesses operating in a globalized economy. By offering specialized services tailored to international and domestic transportation needs, road haulage companies play a pivotal role in facilitating trade, commerce, and economic development on both a local and global scale. As the transportation industry continues to evolve in response to changing market dynamics, regulatory requirements, and technological advancements, road haulage companies will remain essential partners in the movement of goods and materials across borders and territories.
Global Road Haulage Market, Segmentation by Vehicle Type
The Global Road Haulage Market has been segmented by Vehicle Type into Light Commercial Vehicles and Heavy Commercial Vehicles.
Light Commercial Vehicles (LCVs) encompass a wide range of vehicles, including vans, pickup trucks, and small trucks, typically with a gross vehicle weight (GVW) rating of up to 3.5 tons. LCVs are well-suited for transporting relatively small or lightweight cargo loads over short to medium distances, making them ideal for urban deliveries, last-mile logistics, and service-oriented businesses. With their compact size, maneuverability, and versatility, LCVs offer efficient transportation solutions for businesses operating in densely populated areas or constrained urban environments where larger vehicles may face challenges with access, parking, or maneuvering.
In contrast, Heavy Commercial Vehicles (HCVs) comprise larger trucks, articulated lorries, and tractor-trailer combinations designed to transport heavier, bulkier, or more substantial cargo loads over long distances. HCVs typically have a GVW rating exceeding 3.5 tons and are equipped with powerful engines, robust chassis, and spacious cargo compartments to accommodate diverse freight requirements. HCVs play a vital role in long-haul transportation, intercity logistics, and cross-border freight movements, serving industries such as manufacturing, construction, retail, and logistics. These vehicles offer high payload capacities, extended range capabilities, and enhanced cargo security features, making them indispensable assets for businesses engaged in regional or national distribution networks.
By segmenting the Global Road Haulage Market into Light Commercial Vehicles and Heavy Commercial Vehicles, stakeholders in the transportation industry can better align their fleet management strategies, logistics operations, and service offerings with the specific requirements of their target markets and customer segments. Whether it's optimizing urban delivery routes with agile LCVs or streamlining interstate freight movements with robust HCVs, road haulage companies can leverage the versatility and capabilities of different vehicle types to enhance operational efficiency, meet customer expectations, and drive sustainable growth in the dynamic and competitive landscape of the road transport sector.
Global Road Haulage Market, Segmentation by Application
The Global Road Haulage Market has been segmented by Application into Mining & Construction, Oil & Gas, Food & Beverage, Retail, Manufacturing, Healthcare, Automotive and Others.
One significant segment within this segmentation is Mining & Construction, which encompasses the transportation of raw materials, equipment, and machinery for mining, quarrying, and construction projects. Road haulage plays a crucial role in supporting these industries by facilitating the timely delivery of materials such as minerals, aggregates, and construction materials to project sites, ensuring uninterrupted operations and efficient project execution.
The Oil & Gas segment represents another vital component of the road haulage market, involving the transportation of petroleum products, chemicals, and energy-related materials to refineries, distribution centers, and end-users. Road haulage serves as a key mode of transportation for the oil and gas industry, providing flexibility, reliability, and accessibility for the movement of goods within complex supply chains and remote locations.
The Food & Beverage segment highlights the transportation of perishable and non-perishable food products, beverages, and consumer goods from manufacturers, warehouses, and distribution centers to retail outlets, restaurants, and consumers. Road haulage is essential for ensuring the timely delivery of food products, maintaining freshness and quality standards, and meeting the demands of a dynamic and fast-paced market.
The Retail, Manufacturing, and Automotive segments further underscore the importance of road haulage in supporting various industries' supply chain operations, including the transportation of finished goods, components, and automotive parts between production facilities, warehouses, and retail distribution centers. Road haulage enables these industries to optimize inventory management, reduce lead times, and meet customer demands for just-in-time delivery and supply chain agility.
The Healthcare segment highlights the transportation of pharmaceuticals, medical supplies, and healthcare equipment to hospitals, clinics, and healthcare facilities. Road haulage plays a critical role in ensuring the timely and safe delivery of essential healthcare products, supporting patient care and medical services.
Overall, the segmentation of the Global Road Haulage Market by application reflects the diverse and interconnected nature of industries and sectors that rely on road transportation for their logistical needs. By understanding and addressing the specific requirements of each segment, road haulage providers can tailor their services, optimize their operations, and drive value for customers across a wide range of industries and applications.
Global Road Haulage Market, Segmentation by Geography
In this report, the Global Road Haulage Market has been segmented by Geography into five regions; North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, Middle East and Africa and Latin America.
Global Road Haulage Market Share (%), by Geographical Region, 2024
The Global Road Haulage Market is segmented by geography, reflecting the diverse landscapes and logistical challenges across different regions. North America stands out as a key market segment, driven by its vast network of highways, extensive supply chains, and robust industrial activity. The United States and Canada are major contributors to the region's road haulage market, serving as key transit hubs for goods transportation both domestically and internationally. With a strong emphasis on efficiency and reliability, North America's road haulage sector continues to witness steady growth, supported by technological advancements and infrastructure investments.
Europe represents another significant segment in the global road haulage market, characterized by dense transportation networks, cross-border trade, and stringent regulatory standards. Countries such as Germany, France, and the United Kingdom play pivotal roles in Europe's road haulage landscape, serving as strategic gateways for goods movement within the continent and beyond. The European road haulage market is shaped by factors such as fuel efficiency regulations, environmental sustainability initiatives, and the implementation of digital logistics solutions to optimize route planning and cargo tracking.
In the Asia Pacific region, rapid urbanization, industrialization, and expanding e-commerce activities drive demand for road haulage services. Countries like China, India, and Japan are witnessing robust growth in their road transport sectors, fueled by increasing consumer demand, infrastructure development, and trade expansion. Despite challenges such as traffic congestion and infrastructure limitations, Asia Pacific remains a lucrative market for road haulage operators, offering opportunities for innovation and investment in last-mile delivery solutions and intermodal transportation networks.
Latin America and the Middle East & Africa (MEA) regions present their own unique dynamics in the road haulage market. In Latin America, countries like Brazil, Mexico, and Argentina are key players, grappling with infrastructural constraints, regulatory hurdles, and geopolitical uncertainties. Nevertheless, ongoing efforts to modernize transportation infrastructure and improve logistics efficiency drive the growth of road haulage services in the region. Similarly, in the MEA region, countries like Saudi Arabia, the UAE, and South Africa serve as regional logistics hubs, facilitating trade flows between continents and driving demand for road transport services.
Overall, the segmentation of the global road haulage market by geography reflects the diverse economic, regulatory, and infrastructural factors influencing transportation dynamics across different regions. As the world economy continues to evolve, road haulage operators must adapt to local conditions and market trends to capitalize on growth opportunities and navigate challenges in this dynamic industry.
Market Trends
This report provides an in depth analysis of various factors that impact the dynamics of Global Road Haulage Market. These factors include; Market Drivers, Restraints and Opportunities Analysis.
Drivers, Restraints and Opportunity Analysis
Drivers:
- Supply chain integration
- E-commerce growth
- Urbanization trends
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Just-in-time inventory -The Global Road Haulage Market plays a crucial role in supporting the just-in-time inventory management practices adopted by businesses worldwide. Just-in-time (JIT) inventory management is a strategy employed by companies to minimize inventory holding costs and improve operational efficiency by receiving goods only when needed for production or distribution, rather than maintaining large stockpiles of inventory. This approach allows businesses to reduce storage space requirements, lower inventory carrying costs, and respond quickly to changes in customer demand, market trends, and supply chain disruptions.
Road haulage services are integral to the JIT inventory management strategy, enabling companies to transport goods from suppliers to manufacturing facilities, distribution centers, and retail outlets precisely when required. By leveraging road haulage services, businesses can synchronize their production and distribution processes with customer demand, ensuring that goods are delivered promptly to meet production schedules or fulfill customer orders. Road haulage companies play a crucial role in providing reliable and timely transportation services, optimizing delivery routes, and minimizing transit times to support JIT inventory replenishment cycles.
Road haulage services contribute to the flexibility and responsiveness of JIT inventory management systems by offering on-demand transportation solutions tailored to the specific needs of businesses. Whether it involves delivering raw materials to production sites, transporting finished goods to distribution centers, or facilitating last-mile delivery to end customers, road haulage companies play a vital role in ensuring the smooth flow of goods within supply chains. By providing flexible scheduling, expedited delivery options, and real-time tracking capabilities, road haulage services enable businesses to adapt to changing market conditions, customer preferences, and production requirements while maintaining lean inventory levels.
Road haulage services support the efficiency and cost-effectiveness of JIT inventory management by optimizing transportation routes, consolidating shipments, and maximizing vehicle capacity utilization. By minimizing empty miles, reducing fuel consumption, and optimizing resource allocation, road haulage companies help businesses minimize transportation costs and environmental impact while maximizing operational efficiency and profitability. Additionally, advancements in technology, such as route optimization software, GPS tracking systems, and electronic logging devices, enable road haulage companies to enhance visibility, transparency, and efficiency in JIT inventory transportation operations.
In conclusion, the Global Road Haulage Market plays a vital role in facilitating just-in-time inventory management practices by providing reliable, efficient, and flexible transportation services tailored to the specific needs of businesses. By supporting timely delivery of goods, optimizing transportation processes, and enhancing supply chain agility, road haulage companies contribute to the success and competitiveness of businesses operating in today's fast-paced and dynamic business environment. As companies continue to embrace JIT inventory management strategies to improve operational efficiency and customer satisfaction, road haulage services will remain essential partners in driving supply chain excellence and business success.
Restraints:
- Regulatory compliance
- Infrastructure limitations
- Congestion on roads
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Environmental concerns -The Global Road Haulage Market grapples with significant environmental concerns stemming from the transportation sector's reliance on fossil fuels, emissions, and its impact on air quality and climate change. As road haulage represents a substantial portion of global freight transportation, the environmental footprint associated with this industry is substantial. One primary concern is the emissions of greenhouse gases (GHGs), such as carbon dioxide (CO2), nitrogen oxides (NOx), and particulate matter (PM), from diesel-powered commercial vehicles. These emissions contribute to air pollution, smog formation, and adverse health effects, particularly in urban areas with high traffic volumes and congestion.
Road haulage operations contribute to carbon emissions and climate change, with transportation accounting for a significant share of global CO2 emissions. Diesel combustion engines used in heavy commercial vehicles (HCVs) release CO2 and other pollutants into the atmosphere, exacerbating climate change and its associated impacts, including rising temperatures, extreme weather events, and sea level rise. The transportation sector's reliance on fossil fuels also poses challenges in achieving climate mitigation goals and transitioning to more sustainable energy sources, such as renewable fuels and electric propulsion systems.
Road haulage activities have implications for biodiversity, land use, and habitat fragmentation, particularly in regions with extensive road networks and transportation infrastructure development. The expansion of road networks for freight transportation purposes can lead to habitat destruction, deforestation, and wildlife displacement, disrupting ecosystems and threatening biodiversity conservation efforts. Additionally, road construction and maintenance activities may contribute to soil erosion, water pollution, and habitat fragmentation, further exacerbating environmental degradation and ecosystem disruption.
Environmental concerns in the Global Road Haulage Market requires concerted efforts from stakeholders across the transportation industry, regulatory authorities, and policymakers. Strategies to mitigate the environmental impact of road haulage operations include enhancing fuel efficiency and vehicle emissions standards, promoting the adoption of alternative fuels and low-emission technologies, and investing in sustainable transportation infrastructure and logistics solutions. Additionally, incentivizing modal shift towards rail and intermodal freight transport can help reduce reliance on road haulage for long-distance freight movements, thereby mitigating environmental impacts and promoting more sustainable transportation practices. By integrating environmental considerations into road haulage policies, regulations, and industry practices, stakeholders can work towards a more sustainable and environmentally responsible future for freight transportation.
Opportunities:
- Cross-border trade facilitation
- Last-mile delivery solutions
- Supply chain optimization
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Intermodal transportation -Intermodal transportation is increasingly shaping the Global Road Haulage Market, offering a versatile and efficient solution for transporting goods across various modes of transportation, including road, rail, sea, and air. This multimodal approach enables logistics providers to leverage the strengths of each mode while mitigating the limitations and challenges associated with individual transport methods, driving efficiency, flexibility, and cost-effectiveness in supply chain operations.
One key aspect of intermodal transportation in the road haulage market is the integration of road transport with other modes, such as rail and sea freight. Rail intermodal services, for example, enable long-distance transportation of goods over land, offering cost savings and environmental benefits compared to exclusive road transport. Road haulage companies collaborate with rail operators and intermodal terminals to facilitate seamless transfers of freight between trucks and trains, optimizing transit times, reducing fuel consumption, and alleviating road congestion.
Intermodal transportation extends beyond domestic borders to facilitate international trade and commerce. Sea-air intermodal services, for instance, combine the speed of air transport with the cost-effectiveness of sea freight, offering expedited delivery options for time-sensitive shipments while leveraging the economies of scale and reliability of maritime transportation. Road haulage providers play a crucial role in the first and last-mile delivery of goods, ensuring seamless integration between different transport modes and enhancing supply chain efficiency for global trade.
Intermodal transportation enables road haulage companies to offer integrated logistics solutions that meet the diverse needs and preferences of customers across various industries and supply chain segments. By leveraging intermodal networks and partnerships, logistics providers can offer end-to-end transportation solutions that optimize routing, reduce transit times, and enhance service reliability, catering to the complex requirements of modern supply chains.
Intermodal transportation supports sustainability goals and environmental stewardship by reducing carbon emissions, energy consumption, and traffic congestion associated with exclusive road transport. By shifting freight from trucks to more fuel-efficient modes such as rail or sea, intermodal transportation helps minimize the environmental impact of logistics operations while improving overall transportation efficiency and resilience.
Overall, intermodal transportation is a key enabler of efficiency, flexibility, and sustainability in the Global Road Haulage Market, offering a strategic approach to optimizing supply chain logistics and meeting the evolving needs of customers in an increasingly interconnected and dynamic global economy. As road haulage companies continue to embrace intermodal solutions and collaboration with other transport modes, they can unlock new opportunities for growth, innovation, and value creation in the evolving landscape of logistics and transportation.
Competitive Landscape Analysis
Key players in Global Road Haulage Market include:
- CONCOR
- Kindersley Transport Ltd
- Gosselin Group
- LKW WALTER International Transport organization AG
- Monarch Transport
- AM Cargo
- Manitoulin Transport Inc
- SLH Transport Inc
- Woodside Logistics Group
- UK Haulier
In this report, the profile of each market player provides following information:
- Company Overview and Product Portfolio
- Key Developments
- Financial Overview
- Strategies
- Company SWOT Analysis
- Introduction
- Research Objectives and Assumptions
- Research Methodology
- Abbreviations
- Market Definition & Study Scope
- Executive Summary
- Market Snapshot, By Type
- Market Snapshot, By Vehicle Type
- Market Snapshot, By Application
- Market Snapshot, By Region
- Global Road Haulage Market Dynamics
- Drivers, Restraints and Opportunities
- Drivers
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Supply chain integration
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E-commerce growth
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Urbanization trends
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Just-in-time inventory
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- Restraints
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Regulatory compliance
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Infrastructure limitations
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Congestion on roads
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Environmental concerns
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- Opportunities
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Cross-border trade facilitation
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Last-mile delivery solutions
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Supply chain optimization
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Intermodal transportation
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- Drivers
- PEST Analysis
- Political Analysis
- Economic Analysis
- Social Analysis
- Technological Analysis
- Porter's Analysis
- Bargaining Power of Suppliers
- Bargaining Power of Buyers
- Threat of Substitutes
- Threat of New Entrants
- Competitive Rivalry
- Drivers, Restraints and Opportunities
- Market Segmentation
- Global Road Haulage Market, By Type, 2021 - 2031 (USD Million)
- International Road Haulage
- Domestic Road Haulage
- Global Road Haulage Market, By Vehicle Type, 2021 - 2031 (USD Million)
- Light Commercial Vehicles
- Heavy Commercial Vehicles
- Global Road Haulage Market, By Application, 2021 - 2031 (USD Million)
- Mining & Construction
- Oil & Gas
- Food & Beverage
- Retail
- Manufacturing
- Healthcare
- Automotive
- Others
- Global Road Haulage Market, By Geography, 2021 - 2031 (USD Million)
- North America
- United States
- Canada
- Europe
- Germany
- United Kingdom
- France
- Italy
- Spain
- Nordic
- Benelux
- Rest of Europe
- Asia Pacific
- Japan
- China
- India
- Australia & New Zealand
- South Korea
- ASEAN (Association of South East Asian Countries)
- Rest of Asia Pacific
- Middle East & Africa
- GCC
- Israel
- South Africa
- Rest of Middle East & Africa
- Latin America
- Brazil
- Mexico
- Argentina
- Rest of Latin America
- North America
- Global Road Haulage Market, By Type, 2021 - 2031 (USD Million)
- Competitive Landscape
- Company Profiles
- CONCOR
- Kindersley Transport Ltd.
- Gosselin Group
- LKW WALTER International Transport organization AG
- Monarch Transport
- AM Cargo
- Manitoulin Transport Inc.
- SLH Transport Inc.
- Woodside Logistics Group
- UK Haulier
- Company Profiles
- Analyst Views
- Future Outlook of the Market