Refrigerated Transport Market Size, Share and Trends 2025 to 2034

What is Refrigerated Transport Market Size?

The global refrigerated transport market size is estimated at USD 50.45 billion in 2025 and is predicted to increase from USD 64.63 billion in 2026 to approximately USD 398.63 billion by 2034, expanding at a CAGR of 26.05% from 2025 to 2034.

Market Highlights

• Asia Pacific region held the highest revenue share of 38% in 2024.
• Europe region accounted for a market share of around 29% in 2024.
• By technology, the air-blown evaporators segment has garnered a revenue share of around 49% in 2024.
• The eutectic devices technology segment accounted for a revenue share of 32% in 2024.

Market Size and Forecast

• Market Size in 2025: USD 50.45 Billion
• Market Size in 2026: USD 64.63 Billion
• Forecasted Market Size by 2034: USD 398.63 Billion
• CAGR (2025-2034): 26.05%
• Largest Market in 2024: Asia Pacific
• Fastest Growing Market: Europe

What is meant by Refrigerated Transport?

The refrigerated transport is a special method used for transportation of various products which need control temperature during the transport. In order to transport perishable goods like fruits, vegetables, frozen foods and other chemicals that are temperature sensitive the refrigerator transport is used. The built in system which helps in keeping the temperature regulated throughout the process is extremely beneficial for many industries.

The refrigerated transport market is driven by rising demand for the safe and timely delivery of perishable goods, including food, pharmaceuticals, and chemicals. Increasing e-commerce, globalization of food supply chains, and stringent regulations for temperature-sensitive products further fuel market growth. Refrigerated transport refers to the logistics and transportation of temperature-sensitive goods using specialized vehicles equipped with cooling systems. These systems maintain precise temperatures throughout transit, ensuring product quality, safety, and shelf life. Common modes include refrigerated trucks, railcars, and shipping containers, supporting industries like food distribution, healthcare, and biotechnology.

Revolutionizing Cold Chains: AI Integration Enhancing Efficiency in Refrigerated Transport

AI integration significantly influences the refrigerated transport market by optimizing route planning, reducing energy consumption, and maintaining precise temperature control throughout the supply chain. Machine learning algorithms analyze real-time data from sensors to predict equipment failures, adjust cooling systems, and ensure consistent product quality. AI also enables predictive maintenance, fuel efficiency, and automated monitoring of perishable goods, minimizing spoilage and waste. Additionally, AI-driven analytics improve logistics decision-making, enhance traceability, and streamline operations, making refrigerated transport safer, more efficient, and cost-effective.

Refrigerated Transport MarketGrowth Factors

There would be major loss to the food industry as the food items would perish even before reaching the end consumers without the availability of the refrigerated transport. Various products which are ready for consumption and produced at places which are extremely far away from the place of consumption have a great demand for refrigerated transport. The availability of fridge vans and trucks are helpful in providing gods in a condition which is suitable for consumption. The usage of refrigerated transport helps in reducing the wastage and therefore it is extremely environment friendly. These vehicles are the reason why the items remain fresh. There's an increase in the demand for the refrigerated transport as many manufacturers are seeking this type of transport to move their products. As the food products of the pharmaceutical products are preserved in the best state the nutrients in these foods are intact.

The growing awareness among the consumers regarding healthy food habits and good availability of various products are creating a demand for the usage of these transport vehicles. These trucks are also important for the growth of the economy. The transport trucks have an extremely important function of transporting various items to nooks and corners of the country. The local government and the companies find it extremely beneficial to use these refrigerated transports as they help in providing better revenues during the freshness of the items delivered. The use of a medium for transport is extremely important for the companies. The success of any organization depends upon the products that are offered in the market. The products in the refrigerator trucks or vans can be monitored and the temperature can be set as per the requirement. It also offers ease of delivery to the locations of the end user. Owing to all of these reasons the market for refrigerated transport is expected to grow during the forecast period.

Latest Technology

Energy-efficient operation and reduced emissions can make refrigerated systems less costly for organizations in a potential future of operations. Phase change material technology has excellent potential as an energy-efficient solution. It focuses on very high latent energy absorbing and releasing attributes that can be found using familiar material phase transitions, like melting and solidification, to maintain cool temperatures. This technology both reduces the use of dangerous refrigerants while it boosts operational efficiency, thus making it suitable for cold chain distribution. The renewable advances in refrigerated logistics have introduced a combined approach for sustainable temperature-controlled delivery of sensitive goods.

Market Outlook

• Industry Growth Overview: The refrigerated transport market is expected to expand rapidly between 2025 and 2034, driven by rising demand for safe, temperature-controlled delivery of perishable goods across the food, pharmaceutical, and chemical sectors. Technological advancements, cold-chain optimization, and global supply chain expansion are driving efficiency and adoption.
• Sustainability Trends: Sustainability trends focus on energy-efficient refrigeration units, electric-powered transport, and reduced fuel consumption. Companies are integrating AI for route optimization, eco-friendly refrigerants, and recyclable packaging, minimizing environmental impact while maintaining product quality and enhancing operational efficiency across cold-chain logistics.
• Global Expansion: The refrigerated transport market is expanding globally due to growing international trade of perishable goods, increasing e-commerce penetration, and rising demand for temperature-controlled logistics. Strategic partnerships, infrastructure investments, and technology adoption are accelerating cross-border supply chain integration.
• Major investors: Investors in refrigerated transport include venture capital firms, private equity, and corporate investors such as Carrier Transicold, Thermo King, and DSV. They fund fleet expansion, advanced refrigeration technologies, AI-driven logistics, and sustainable cold-chain solutions, driving innovation and global market growth.
• Startup Ecosystem: The startup ecosystem is thriving with companies focusing on electric and hybrid refrigerated vehicles, AI-based route optimization, IoT monitoring, and sustainable cold-chain logistics. Startups collaborate with established logistics providers, attracting investments to enhance efficiency, reduce emissions, and improve real-time visibility in perishable goods transport.

Market Scope

Segment Insights

Product Insights

On the basis of the product type, the chilled products segment has had the largest market share in 2024 and is expected to grow during the forecast period as there is an increase in the demand for dairy products, beverages, fresh fruits, bakery and confectionery items. Even though there has been saturation in the developed nations the developing nations are seeing a great growth of this segment. There's a growing demand for chilled food products indie emerging countries. The other factors that are responsible for the growth of the chilled food products segment is the increase in the supermarkets across the globe which is providing good opportunities for the growth of this segment.

The frozen food products segment is also expected to garner good amount of market share. Various plant based and animal based perishable products are in demand and therefore the frozen food segment is also expected to see a growth during the forecast period. As there is a growing demand for ready to cook food which is available in the frozen form which is extremely time saving and easy so it is preferred by the working class. This creates a need for the refrigerated transport for moving these frozen food products from one place to another. The frozen food products available in the market can be extremely perishable if there is an alteration in the temperature and it may also be unfit for consumption. Therefore there is a growing demand for refrigerated transport especially for this segment.

Technology Insights

The vapor compression segment had a larger market share in the 2024. The vapor compression segment shall have a dominating position in the years to come. This method or technology which is used in the refrigerated transport system is extremely useful in preserving the frozen food products. This technology happens to be the most effective technology available in the market across the developed and the developing nations. This technology helps in preserving the food in their exact form until it reaches the destination.

In the cryogenic method liquid nitrogen or solid carbon dioxide is used. The cryogenic freezing is extremely useful for maintaining very low temperature to maintain the quality of the products in transport. In the cryogenic refrigeration the temperatures could be as low as 150 Kelvin.

Temperature Insights

On the basis of temperature, the single temperature segment had a market share of about 31% in the recent years. In the future the multiple temperature segment will dominate the market. In a refrigerator truck or van which is used for transport the temperature is set at once for all the perishable goods that are carried in the truck. The refrigerated transport which uses single temperature is useful for many products. Single temperature of segment is expected to grow due to usage in the transport of dairy products, pharmaceuticals, fruits and vegetables, meat and fish.

The multi temperature segment is expected to grow as it helps in carrying frozen food products in the same refrigerator transport which acts as a freezer for these products.

Vehicle Used Insights

There are many different types of vehicles which are used for the transport of perishable food items and other products. The lightweight commercial vehicle segment is expected to have the largest market share during the forecast period. This segment had seen a significant growth in the recent years. Due to a growing demand for home delivery services which are provided by various online websites the use of light commercial vehicles for carrying the frozen products order refrigerated products for delivery in short distances is seeing great demand. There was a good amount of demand for the light commercial vehicles segment during the pandemic as many online stores were providing delivery services which made use of these lightweight vehicles for transporting products from one place to another.

The light commercial vehicle segment had also seen a good demand during the pandemic due to the increase in the consumption of various pharmaceutical products. Heavy commercial vehicles are used for transporting goods over a long distance. It is extremely useful for transporting perishable items which happened to be the raw materials of other manufacturer's beard.

Regional Insights

Asia Pacific Refrigerated Transport Market Size and Growth 2025 to 2034

The Asia Pacific refrigerated transport market size is valued at USD 19.17 billion in 2025 and is expected to be worth around USD 151.48 billion by 2034, growing at a CAGR of 26.50% from 2025 to 2034.

The Asia Pacific region had the largest market share for the refrigerator transport market. The European nations and the North American countries I expected to have a steady growth during the forecast period there has been saturation in the North American and European countries over the period of time. The developing nations in the Asia Pacific region are growing rapidly due to industrialization and growing population. Order to provide developed and advanced transport infrastructure governments in the Asia Pacific region or providing investments. The major countries which are contributing to the growth of the refrigerated transport market are India, Japan and China.

Asia Pacific region due to rapid industrialization and two income households as a growing demand for refrigerated transport as the frozen food products or convenient to cook and happen to be time saving. The busy lifestyle in nations like India, China and Japan is creating a great demand for refrigerated transport. Emerging economies are also consuming frozen food products as it is easily available in the market.

Why Did Asia Pacific Dominate the Refrigerated Transport Market in 2024?

Asia Pacific dominated the refrigerated transport market with the largest share in 2024 due to rapid growth in the region's food and beverage industry, expanding e-commerce, and increasing demand for fresh and frozen products. Rising urbanization and higher disposable incomes have boosted the consumption of perishable goods, driving the need for efficient cold-chain logistics. Additionally, strong government support for infrastructure development and advancements in temperature-controlled transport technologies further strengthened the region's market position.

China Refrigerated Transport Market Analysis

The market in China is driven by its vast population, strong demand for perishable food, and rapid expansion of e-commerce and grocery delivery services. The country's growing cold-chain infrastructure and government initiatives to reduce food waste have further fueled market growth. Additionally, increasing exports of seafood, meat, and pharmaceuticals require reliable temperature-controlled logistics, reinforcing China's dominant position in the region.

The refrigerated transport market in Europe is developing profitability because people increasingly focus on creating sustainable food supply systems to reduce waste. The shift towards environmental responsibility by consumers and businesses creates a rising demand for efficient and low-emission cold chain solutions because of their environmentally friendly transportation needs. European markets continue expanding steadily for eco-friendly food logistics systems because government policies merge with consumer preferences for carbon-reduction measures.

Why is Europe Considered the Second-Largest Market?

Europe is the second-largest market, holding a significant share in 2024, and is expected to grow at the fastest rate in the coming years due to rising demand for fresh and organic food, stricter regulations on food safety, and the expansion of cross-border trade within the EU. The region's strong focus on sustainability has accelerated the adoption of energy-efficient and low-emission refrigerated vehicles. Moreover, advancements in cold-chain digitalization and real-time monitoring technologies are improving operational efficiency. Increasing consumer preference for ready-to-eat and frozen meals is also driving the need for reliable temperature-controlled logistics across Europe.

Germany Refrigerated Transport Market Analysis

The market in Germany is being driven by its large food processing industry, advanced logistics infrastructure, and high demand for fresh and frozen products. The country's stringent food safety regulations and emphasis on efficient cold-chain management have further driven the adoption of temperature-controlled transport solutions. Additionally, Germany's central location in Europe makes it a key hub for cross-border distribution of perishable goods, strengthening its market leadership.

What Makes North America a Significantly Growing Area in the Refrigerated Transport Market?

North America is expected to grow at a significant rate in the upcoming period, driven by high demand for fresh, frozen, and ready-to-eat foods across retail and e-commerce channels. Rapid expansion of cold-chain infrastructure, coupled with advancements in temperature-controlled vehicle technologies, is enhancing efficiency and reliability in food logistics. The U.S. lead the market. Strict food safety regulations and increasing consumer preference for perishable and organic products are further fueling market growth. Additionally, the rise of online grocery delivery and pharmaceutical cold-chain requirements is boosting the need for sophisticated refrigerated transport solutions throughout the region.

How Crucial is the Role of Latin America in the Refrigerated Transport Market?

Latin America is growing at a notable rate in the refrigerated transport market due to rising demand for perishable food and pharmaceutical products, expansion of cold-chain infrastructure, and increasing adoption of temperature-controlled logistics. Investments in modern refrigerated fleets and technological advancements are enhancing efficiency and reliability across the region. Brazil is a major contributor to the Latin American refrigerated transport market due to its large agricultural and food processing sectors, which produce significant volumes of perishable goods for both domestic consumption and export.

How Big is the Opportunity for the Growth of the Middle East and Africa Refrigerated Transport Market?

The Middle East and Africa offer significant growth opportunities in the refrigerated transport market, driven by rising demand for perishable food, pharmaceuticals, and temperature-sensitive goods. Expanding cold-chain infrastructure, increasing e-commerce penetration, and growing investment in modern refrigerated fleets are driving market adoption. Technological advancements such as AI-enabled monitoring, energy-efficient refrigeration units, and electric transport solutions further enhance efficiency, reliability, and sustainability across the region's logistics and supply chain networks.

Saudi Arabia is a major contributor to the MEA refrigerated transport market due to its growing food import requirements and expanding retail and foodservice sectors. Investments in cold-chain infrastructure and modern temperature-controlled logistics have enabled efficient transport of perishable goods across the country and for re-export.

Value Chain Analysis

• Raw Material Procurement Suppliers procure perishable goods, including fresh produce, dairy, meat, seafood, and pharmaceuticals, from farms and manufacturers, ensuring quality and safety. These goods are then packaged and prepared for cold-chain transport.
  Key Players: Cargill, Tyson Foods, Nestlé, Sysco Corporation, and McLane Company.
• Processing and Preservation Perishable goods are processed, sorted, and preserved using temperature-controlled facilities and refrigeration technologies to keep them fresh. Packaging is designed for protection, shelf life, and regulatory compliance before being loaded onto refrigerated transport vehicles.
  Key Players: ConAgra Foods, Kraft Heinz, Dairy Farmers of America, Americold Logistics, Lineage Logistics.
• Retail Sales and Marketing Refrigerated goods are transported to supermarkets, pharmacies, restaurants, and e-commerce fulfillment centers. Effective marketing strategies, cold-chain tracking, and inventory management ensure products reach consumers efficiently while maintaining quality and compliance.
  Key Players: Walmart, Kroger, Amazon Fresh, CVS Health, Sysco Corporation.
• Waste Management and Recycling Unsuitable or expired perishable goods are collected for composting, energy recovery, or safe disposal. Refrigeration equipment, packaging materials, and transport vehicles are recycled or refurbished to minimize environmental impact.
  Key Players: Veolia Environnement, Covanta, Clean Harbors, Republic Services, Waste Management Inc.

Key Players in Refrigerated Transport Market and Their Offerings

• United Technologies Corporation (Carrier Corporation) (US) – Provides advanced refrigeration systems and temperature-controlled solutions for trucks and trailers.
• DAIKIN INDUSTRIES Ltd. (Japan) – Develops energy-efficient HVAC and refrigeration units used in refrigerated transport applications.
• Utility Trailer Manufacturing Company (US) – Manufactures refrigerated trailers for the safe transport of perishable goods.
• Singamas Container Holdings Limited (China) – Produces refrigerated containers and intermodal solutions for global cold-chain logistics.
• Hyundai (Korea) – Supplies refrigerated trucks and transport vehicles for domestic and international logistics.
• VE Commercial Vehicles Limited (India) – Designs and manufactures refrigerated commercial vehicles for food and pharmaceutical transport.
• Shaanxi Tianhui Inlong Trading Co. Ltd (China) – Provides refrigerated truck solutions and temperature-controlled transport equipment.
• Wabash National Corporation (US) – Manufactures refrigerated trailers and insulated transport solutions for perishable goods.
• Great Dane LLC (US) – Offers advanced refrigerated trailer designs and temperature-controlled transport solutions.
• Schmitz Cargobull (Germany) – Produces high-quality refrigerated trailers and semi-trailers for the European market.
• KRONE (Germany) – Supplies refrigerated trailers and temperature-controlled transport solutions for perishable cargo.
• LAMBERET SAS (France) – Manufactures insulated and refrigerated vehicles for cold-chain logistics.
• Ingersoll Rand (Ireland) – Provides refrigeration compressors and cooling technologies for transport applications.
• China International Shipping Containers (Group) Co. Ltd (China) – Supplies refrigerated shipping containers and cold-chain logistics solutions.
• Tata Motors (India) – Produces refrigerated trucks and transport vehicles for domestic cold-chain distribution.

Segment covered in the Report

By Product

• Chilled Food
• Milk
• Bakery & confectionery products
• Dairy products
• Beverages
• Fresh fruits & vegetables
• Frozen Food
• Ice cream
• Frozen dairy products
• Meat-processed
• Fish & sea food
• Bakery products

By Temperature

• Multiple Temperature
• Single Temperature

By Technology

• Vapor Compression Systems
• Air Blown Evaporators
• Eutectic Devices

By Vehicle Used

• Heavy Commercial Vehicle
• Light Commercial Vehicle
• Medium Commercial Vehicle

By Mode of Transport (Road)

• LCV
• MHCV
• HCV

By Region

• North America
• Europe
• Asia-Pacific
• Latin America
• Middle East & Africa