Semi-Trailer Market Expected to Reach $52.3 Billion by 2033

According to a new report published by Allied Market Research, titled, “Semi-Trailer Market," The semi-trailer market size was valued at $28.3 billion in 2023, and is estimated to reach $52.3 billion by 2033, growing at a CAGR of 6.6% from 2024 to 2033.

A semi-trailer is a crucial component of the commercial transportation industry, designed to be towed by a heavy-duty truck or tractor unit. Unlike full trailers, semi-trailers do not have a front axle, instead relying on the towing vehicle to support a significant portion of their weight. This design allows for greater maneuverability and increased cargo capacity. Semi-trailers come in various configurations to meet diverse transportation needs, including dry vans for general freight, refrigerated units for temperature-sensitive goods, flatbeds for oversized cargo, tankers for liquids and gases, and specialized designs for specific industries.

The global semi-trailer industry is segmented into type, number of axles, end user and region. By type the global market is segregated into flatbed, lowboy, dry van, refrigerated, tankers, and others. By number of axles the global market is analysed into less than 3 axles, 3 to 4 axles, and more than 4 axles. Based on end user the market is segregated into heavy industry, construction, medical, food and beverage, oil and gas, textile industry, and others. Region wise the global market is studied across North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific and LAMEA.

Factors such as expansion of e-commerce distribution networks, growing use of multiple transportation modes, and technological advancements drive the market demand. However, factor such as high initial costs of semi-trailer, and strict regulations of emissions and safety regulations hinders the growth of the market to some extent. On the contrary, factors such as surge in investment in green technologies and sustainable practices and introduction of smart trailers with integration of IoT and telematics offers lucrative semi-trailer industry growth opportunities.

As environmental concerns grow and regulations become stricter, there is rise in demand for eco-friendly transportation solutions. Manufacturers and fleet operators can capitalize on this trend by developing and adopting trailers that reduce carbon footprints and promote sustainability.

For instance, in June 2024, Nikola announced the delivery of a hydrogen fuel cell-powered electric semi-truck to Walmart Canada, marking Walmart as the first major retailer in the country to incorporate this technology into its fleet. In June 2022, Walmart disclosed plans to expand transportation trials with manufacturers of electric, hydrogen, and natural gas-powered vehicles. This initiative is part of Walmart's broader goal to achieve zero emissions across its global operations by 2040, which includes its sizable fleet comprising approximately 10,000 tractors and 80,000 trailers. Such initiatives further increase the demand for semi-trailers, which in turn propel the growth of the semi-trailer market forecast.

Moreover, Rise in use of multiple transportation modes, is also a key driver for the growth of the semi-trailer market. Intermodal transportation involves the use of more than one mode of transportation such as trucks, trains, and ships to move goods efficiently over long distances. This approach is particularly helps in optimizing logistics operations, reducing costs, and improving delivery times. Semi-trailers play a vital role in this intermodal system. They are designed to be easily transferred between different modes of transportation without unloading the cargo, ensuring a seamless transition from one mode to another. For instance, a semi-trailer can be loaded onto a flatcar for rail transport over long distances, then transferred to a truck for final delivery. This flexibility makes semi-trailers indispensable in intermodal transportation. 

However, the global semi-trailer market analysis faces a significant challenge due to the high initial costs. Purchasing a new semi-trailer represents a substantial investment for trucking companies and independent operators. These costs range approximately from $30,000 for a basic dry van to over $100,000 for specialized trailers such as refrigerated units or tankers. For small and medium-sized businesses, this large upfront expense can be a major hurdle, often requiring financing or leasing arrangements. For instance, a fleet operator looking to expand is expected to find it challenging to allocate funds for a new set of semi-trailers due to the large capital outlay required. This financial burden can deter smaller businesses from entering the market or expanding their operations, limiting overall semi-trailer market share.

KEY FINDINGS OF THE STUDY

• By type, the refrigerated segment is anticipated to exhibit significant growth in the semi-trailer market size in the near future.
• By number of axles, the less than 3 axles segment is anticipated to exhibit significant growth in the semi trailer market in the near future.
• By end user industry, the heavy industry segment is anticipated to exhibit significant growth in the semi trailer market in the near future.