US Refrigerated Trucking Market Size
| Study Period | 2020 - 2029 |
| Base Year For Estimation | 2023 |
| Forecast Data Period | 2024 - 2029 |
| Historical Data Period | 2020 - 2022 |
| CAGR | 4.00 % |
| Market Concentration | Low |
Major Players
*Disclaimer: Major Players sorted in no particular order |
US Refrigerated Trucking Market Analysis
The US refrigerated trucking market is expected to register a CAGR of more than 4% during the forecast period (2023-2028).
- The COVID-19 crisis significantly impacted refrigerated truck transportation in the country due to lockdown restrictions, labor shortages, etc. As per the USDA's Economic Research Service (ERS), the combination of shutdowns and shifts in consumer demand has affected fresh produce markets. The increasing demand for fresh vegetables, fruits, and packaged foods surged due to panic-buying behaviors among consumers. The sector is recovering from the effects of the pandemic.
- Agriculture is one of the major end users of the refrigerated trucking industry in the United States. The growth in agriculture products and increasing trade have led to a growing dependence on the refrigerated trucking industry. The overall number of farms was over two million in 2021. Farms in the United States are typically 445 acres in size, with around 89 million acres of farmland. The total real estate value of farmed land in the United States was approximately USD 2.9 trillion.
- The refrigerated transport sector is reviving due to its importance in the food supply chain. However, the pharmaceutical transportation industry also registered huge demand for refrigerated trucking during the pandemic.
US Refrigerated Trucking Market Trends
This section covers the major market trends shaping the US Refrigerated Trucking Market according to our research experts:
Consumer Demand for Packaged Foods is Surging
Packaged foods consumption is witnessing significant growth in the country, and the rising per capita consumer spending on frozen food in the United States is fueling the demand for refrigerated vehicles. Packaged food goods, such as rice, pasta, noodles, snacks, and canned food, have a long shelf life, thus boosting their sales. Product innovation, the launch of new products from private label businesses, and a significant shift from generic to premium items such as gluten-free and organic alternatives are boosting the consumption of packaged food in the country. In addition, with the younger generation acquiring more purchasing power, the sales of organic products in the United States were estimated to increase by 5-10% in 2022. The price difference between non-organic and organic foods has also decreased due to the increased availability of organic food.
The COVID-19 pandemic caused dramatic transformations in the food-spending habits of Americans. Consumers generally increased their spending on food at grocery stores and other retail food venues while decreasing their spending on food away from home. With modest pantry loading, at-home consumption of packaged food such as snacks, dairy products, prepared meals, and bakery goods increased.
Sales of drinks through on-trade channels declined significantly in 2020, most likely due to revenue loss caused by the temporary closure of restaurants, pubs, and bars during the pandemic. Even though the profitability fluctuated, sales of preserved and packaged goods increased. Packaged food giants started promoting their product sales through their online channels. In 2021, the sales of online packaged food in the country witnessed a growth rate of 12% compared to the previous year.
Strong Demand from the Healthcare and Pharmaceutical Industries
A refrigerated or insulated truck is typically used to deliver pharmaceutical products or medications. The significant reforms in the healthcare sector have created a way for new medicines to enter the market. Many pharmaceuticals must be kept within a specific temperature range to maintain efficiency. The increased production of these temperature-sensitive pharmaceutical products creates opportunities for temperature-controlled transportation services.
The United States accounts for around 45% of the worldwide pharmaceutical market and 22% of the global output. US pharmaceutical output and sales were expected to increase in 2022 due to the ongoing global rollout of vaccines and pent-up demand for necessary and non-essential medical treatments. Pharmaceuticals are subject to federal laws and regulations concerning medicines' storage, transportation, and distribution. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) sets these rules to meet the increasing safety standards.
However, most technology providers are innovating new systems for safely handling temperature-sensitive biological products. Many patents have been registered in the US patent and trademark office. Technological innovations in these fields have created more products that need temperature-controlled environments to maintain their effectiveness. In 2021, the US spending on new brand medicines reached more than USD 46.4 billion, up by more than 140% compared to the previous year.
US Refrigerated Trucking Industry Overview
The US refrigerated trucking market is highly fragmented, with many local players trying to acquire significant market share through mergers and acquisitions. The market is expected to move toward consolidation by the end of the forecast period. Some major players are C.R. England Inc., Prime Inc., KLLM Transport Services, Stevens Transport Inc., and Marten Transport Ltd.
US Refrigerated Trucking Market Leaders
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C.R. England Inc.
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Prime Inc.
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KLLM Transport Services
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Stevens Transport Inc.
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Marten Transport Ltd
*Disclaimer: Major Players sorted in no particular order
US Refrigerated Trucking Market News
August 2022: Locomation (an autonomous trucking company) signed a new eight-year agreement with Stevens Trucking (the temperature-controlled trucking company) to optimize autonomous vehicle routes near Oklahoma. Stevens plans to deploy up to 500 trucks equipped with Locomation's Autonomous Relay Convoy (ARC) systems.
July 2022: KLLM Transport Services (the temperature-controlled truckload carrier in the United States) acquired Quest Global Inc., a refrigerated 200-truck carrier located in Cartersville, Georgia. This acquisition may help enhance the company's premium service offerings with expedited, temperature-controlled shipping nationwide.
US Refrigerated Trucking Market Report - Table of Contents
1. INTRODUCTION
- 1.1 Study Deliverables
- 1.2 Study Assumptions
- 1.3 Scope of the Study
2. RESEARCH METHODOLOGY
3. EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
4. MARKET INSIGHTS AND DYNAMICS
- 4.1 Market Overview
- 4.2 Market Drivers
- 4.3 Market Restraints
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4.4 Industry Attractiveness - Porter's Five Forces Analysis
- 4.4.1 Threat of New Entrants
- 4.4.2 Bargaining Power of Buyers/Consumers
- 4.4.3 Bargaining Power of Suppliers
- 4.4.4 Threat of Substitute Products
- 4.4.5 Intensity of Competitive Rivalry
- 4.5 Technological Trends and Automation - Developments in the Refrigerated Trucking Market
- 4.6 Insights on Refrigerated Freight Flow
- 4.7 Impact of the Biopharma Sector on the Cold Chain Industry
- 4.8 Impact of Temperature Sensitivity on Selected Goods
- 4.9 Brief on Refrigerated Last-mile Delivery
- 4.10 Review and Commentary on Refrigerated Trucking Rates
- 4.11 Spotlight - Refrigerated Warehousing Sector
- 4.12 Impact of COVID-19 on the Market
5. MARKET SEGMENTATION
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5.1 By Destination
- 5.1.1 Domestic
- 5.1.2 International
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5.2 By End User
- 5.2.1 Food and Beverages
- 5.2.2 Agriculture
- 5.2.3 Healthcare and Pharmaceuticals (Including Biopharma)
- 5.2.4 Other End Users
6. COMPETITVE LANDSCAPE
- 6.1 Market Concentration Overview
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6.2 Company Profiles
- 6.2.1 C.R. England Inc.
- 6.2.2 Prime Inc.
- 6.2.3 J.B. Hunt Transport Inc.
- 6.2.4 KLLM Transport Services
- 6.2.5 Stevens Transport Inc.
- 6.2.6 Swift Transportation Company
- 6.2.7 Marten Transport Ltd
- 6.2.8 TransAm Trucking Inc.
- 6.2.9 Emerald Transportation Solutions
- 6.2.10 ATS
- 6.2.11 XPRESS CARGO
- 6.2.12 FFE Transportation Services Inc.
- 6.2.13 FST Logistics
- 6.2.14 Hirschbach Motor Lines
- 6.2.15 Navajo Express*
- *List Not Exhaustive
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6.3 Other Companies
- 6.3.1 Black Horse Carriers Inc., Southern Refrigerated Transport, Roadrunner Transportation Systems Inc., J&R Schugel Trucking, Decker Truck Line Inc., WEL Companies, National Carriers Inc., Bay & Bay Transportation, Freymiller Inc., and Roehl Transport Inc.
7. MARKET OPPORTUNITIES AND FUTURE TRENDS
8. APPENDIX
- 8.1 Annual Statistics on Refrigerated Storage Facilities
- 8.2 Import and Export Trade Data of Frozen Food Products
- 8.3 Insights on Regulatory Framework on Food Transportation
US Refrigerated Trucking Industry Segmentation
Refrigerated trucking (sometimes known as "reefer") is a freight shipping technique that specializes in the delivery of foods and items that require temperature control. Trailers include an in-built cooling system that keeps temperatures stable during travel to ensure cargo safety. The report provides key insights into the US refrigerated trucking market, along with technology developments, trends, and government regulations. It also focuses on market dynamics and competitive landscape, which is analyzed through the profiles of key players active. The report also covers the impact of COVID-19 on the market.
The US refrigerated trucking market is segmented by destination (national and international) and end user (food and beverages, agriculture, healthcare and pharmaceuticals (including biopharma), and other end users). The report offers the value in (USD billion) for the above segments.
| By Destination | Domestic |
| International | |
| By End User | Food and Beverages |
| Agriculture | |
| Healthcare and Pharmaceuticals (Including Biopharma) | |
| Other End Users |
US Refrigerated Trucking Market Research FAQs
What is the current United States Refrigerated Trucking Market size?
The United States Refrigerated Trucking Market is projected to register a CAGR of greater than 4% during the forecast period (2024-2029)
Who are the key players in United States Refrigerated Trucking Market?
C.R. England Inc., Prime Inc., KLLM Transport Services, Stevens Transport Inc. and Marten Transport Ltd are the major companies operating in the United States Refrigerated Trucking Market.
What years does this United States Refrigerated Trucking Market cover?
The report covers the United States Refrigerated Trucking Market historical market size for years: 2020, 2021, 2022 and 2023. The report also forecasts the United States Refrigerated Trucking Market size for years: 2024, 2025, 2026, 2027, 2028 and 2029.
US Refrigerated Trucking Industry Report
Statistics for the 2023 US Refrigerated Trucking market share, size and revenue growth rate, created by Mordor Intelligence™ Industry Reports. US Refrigerated Trucking analysis includes a market forecast outlook to 2029 and historical overview. Get a sample of this industry analysis as a free report PDF download.
