Semi-Trailer Market Report 2026

The semi-trailer market size has grown strongly in recent years. It will grow from $32.78 billion in 2025 to $34.52 billion in 2026 at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 5.3%. The growth in the historic period can be attributed to expansion of long-haul freight transport, growth of logistics and distribution networks, rising demand for temperature-controlled goods, availability of standardized trailer manufacturing, increasing road freight volumes.

The semi-trailer market size is expected to see strong growth in the next few years. It will grow to $43.55 billion in 2030 at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 6%. The growth in the forecast period can be attributed to increasing investments in smart trailer technologies, expansion of cold chain logistics, rising demand for low-emission freight solutions, growing integration of trailer telematics, increasing focus on fleet efficiency optimization. Major trends in the forecast period include growing demand for refrigerated semi-trailers, rising adoption of lightweight trailer materials, expansion of telematics-enabled trailers, increasing focus on fuel-efficient freight transport, enhanced safety and load monitoring systems.

The growth of urbanization is expected to drive the expansion of the semi-trailer market in the coming years. Urbanization refers to the process in which a rising share of the population resides in cities and towns rather than rural areas, involving the expansion of urban populations and physical infrastructure. Increasing urbanization is largely driven by people relocating to cities in search of better economic opportunities and improved living standards compared to rural regions. Semi-trailers support urbanization by enabling the efficient transportation of goods and construction materials to cities, thereby facilitating infrastructure development and housing projects. For example, in 2024, according to the World Bank, a U.S.-based multilateral financial institution, the urban population accounted for 57% of the global population in 2023 and increased to 58% in 2024. As a result, rising urbanization is fueling the growth of the semi-trailer market.

Leading companies operating in the semi-trailer market are developing innovative solutions, such as autonomous trailer systems, which enable independent operation of the trailer’s electric drive and braking systems, including regenerative braking, without relying on the truck’s drivetrain. An autonomous trailer system is a trailer equipped with a self-contained electric drive that allows it to operate intelligently and semi-independently from the towing tractor. For instance, in September 2024, ZF Friedrichshafen AG, a Germany-based automotive supplier specializing in driveline and mobility technologies, introduced TrailTrax, a concept integrating a 210 kW AxTrax 2 electric axle, an electronic braking system (EBS), and control electronics into trailers. This solution converts conventional trailers or truck-trailer combinations into hybrid or electrified units that provide propulsion assistance and regenerative braking. The system is designed for plug-and-play compatibility with a wide range of tractors, fits standard trailer geometries, and features an underfloor-mounted battery system, reducing the need for major trailer redesigns. In addition, it enhances driving stability and extends range or traction support when paired with electric trucks.

In August 2023, Fultra, a US-based provider of solutions for the North American commercial vehicle sector, acquired East Manufacturing Corp for an undisclosed amount. This strategic move aims to strengthen Fultra's presence in North America and expand its portfolio of specialized aluminum trailer products. East Manufacturing Corp., a US-based trailer manufacturer, adds valuable capabilities to Fultra's offerings in the commercial vehicle sector.

Major companies operating in the semi-trailer market report include Wabash National Corporation, Schmitz Cargobull AG, Great Dane LLC, Krone GmbH & Co KG, Kogel Trailer GmbH & Co. KG, Utility Trailer Manufacturing Company, Hyundai Motor Company, Stoughton Trailers LLC, Vanguard National Trailer Corporation, MAC Trailer Manufacturing, Manac Inc., East Manufacturing Corporation, Fontaine Trailer Company, Wilson Trailer Company, Doonan Specialized Trailer LLC, Pitts Enterprises Inc., Strick Trailers LLC, Reitnouer Inc., Heil Trailer International LLC, Transcraft Corporation, Trail King Industries Inc., Travis Body & Trailer Inc., Talbert Manufacturing Inc., Timpte Inc., XL Specialized Trailers LLC, Dorsey Trailer LLC, Witzco Challenger Trailers Inc., Lode King Industries Ltd., Muv-All Trailer Company, Trail-Eze Inc.

North America was the largest region in the semi-trailer market in 2025.Asia-Pacific is expected to be the fastest-growing region in the forecast period. The regions covered in the semi-trailer market report include Asia-Pacific, South East Asia, Western Europe, Eastern Europe, North America, South America, Middle East, Africa. The countries covered in the semi-trailer market report include Australia, Brazil, China, France, Germany, India, Indonesia, Japan, Taiwan, Russia, South Korea, UK, USA, Canada, Italy, Spain.

The semi-trailer market consists of sales of step deck or drop deck trailers, reefer trailers, dump trailers, and dry van trailers. 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.

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