Freight Cars Market Report 2026

The freight cars market size has grown steadily in recent years. It will grow from $179.3 billion in 2025 to $187.75 billion in 2026 at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 4.7%. The growth in the historic period can be attributed to expansion of rail-based freight transportation, growth in bulk commodity movement, increasing industrial production volumes, rising demand for long-distance freight movement, availability of extensive rail infrastructure.

The freight cars market size is expected to see strong growth in the next few years. It will grow to $230.58 billion in 2030 at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 5.3%. The growth in the forecast period can be attributed to increasing investments in rail freight modernization, rising demand for energy-efficient transportation modes, expansion of cross-border rail freight corridors, growing focus on digital rail asset management, increasing adoption of advanced railcar materials. Major trends in the forecast period include increasing adoption of high-capacity freight wagons, rising use of specialized railcars for hazardous materials, growing focus on lightweight railcar design, expansion of intermodal freight transport solutions, enhanced emphasis on rail safety and monitoring systems.

Growing economy globally is expected to propel the growth of the car freight market going forward. Economic growth is contributed by investment in infrastructure, technology, and capital goods, innovation technology, consumer spending, and several other factors. The car freight industry plays a vital role in the overall economy by enabling the efficient flow of goods, job creation, supply chain optimization, and facilitating trade. It contributes to economic growth by supporting businesses, increasing market access, and fostering infrastructure development. For instance, in August 2024, according to the Australian Bureau of Statistics, an Australian government agency, as of June 2024, the Australian economy had 2,662,998 actively trading businesses, including 999,161 employing businesses. In 2023-24, the total number of businesses grew by 2.8%, with 73,125 new businesses starting operations. Therefore, growing economy continues to contribute to the growth of the car freight market in the forecast period.

Major companies operating in the freight cars market are focusing on integrating advanced IoT-based monitoring solutions such as AI-enabled edge telematics devices to enhance real-time visibility, cargo security, and operational efficiency. AI-enabled edge telematics devices are self-powered wireless sensing and connectivity systems installed on freight cars and containers that collect and transmit high-frequency data from onboard sensors, enabling capabilities such as real-time location tracking, environmental condition monitoring, predictive analytics, and end-to-end cargo visibility. For instance, in May 2023, Nexxiot, a US-based technology provider for the transportation sector, launched an Artificial Intelligence-based app known as Globehopper Edge. By integrating cutting-edge sensors, gateways, and global connectivity, the Globehopper Edge stands as the most advanced cargo monitoring device globally. It not only offers current capabilities but also positions itself for the future, promising our customers the most precise and dependable cargo information available, guaranteeing unmatched accountability across all shipping modes.

In July 2024, Texmaco Rail & Engineering, an India-based railway company, acquired Jindal Rail Infrastructure Ltd. for 0.074 billion. This acquisition aims to strengthen Texmaco's presence in the railway sector by enhancing its manufacturing capabilities and expanding its portfolio in rail infrastructure. Jindal Rail Infrastructure Ltd. is an India-based freight car solutions company.

Major companies operating in the freight cars market are Canadian National Railway, DB Schenker, SBB Cargo AG, Union Pacific Railroad, Kansas City Southern, CSX Corporation, Norfolk Southern Corporation, Housatonic Railroad Company, Trinity Rail Group LLC, Greenbrier Companies, National Steel Car Ltd., American Railcar Industries Inc., FreightCar America Inc., The Andersons Rail Group, GATX Corporation, Union Tank Car Company, Trinity Industries Inc., CIMC Railcar, GB Railfreight, United Wagon Company, Novotrans, Grup Feroviar Român.

Asia-Pacific was the largest region in the freight cars market in 2025. North America was the second largest region in the freight cars market. The regions covered in the freight cars market report are Asia-Pacific, South East Asia, Western Europe, Eastern Europe, North America, South America, Middle East, Africa. The countries covered in the freight cars market report are Australia, Brazil, China, France, Germany, India, Indonesia, Japan, Taiwan, Russia, South Korea, UK, USA, Canada, Italy, Spain.

The freight car market consists of sales of covered wagons, cargo beamers, and flat cars. Values in this market are factory gate values, that is the value of goods sold by the manufacturers or creators of the goods, whether to other entities (including downstream manufacturers, wholesalers, distributors and retailers) or directly to end customers. The value of goods in this market includes related services sold by the creators of the goods.

The market value is defined as the revenues that enterprises gain from the sale of goods and/or services within the specified market and geography through sales, grants, or donations in terms of the currency (in USD unless otherwise specified).

The revenues for a specified geography are consumption values that are revenues generated by organizations in the specified geography within the market, irrespective of where they are produced. It does not include revenues from resales along the supply chain, either further along the supply chain or as part of other products.

This product will be delivered within 1-3 business days.