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European Road Freight Transport 2025

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    Report

  • 168 Pages
  • June 2025
  • Region: Europe
  • TI Insight
  • ID: 5145206

The EU Road freight sector is navigating a complex landscape characterized by fluctuating demand, economic pressures, technological advancements, and sustainability challenges. Recent changes to US global trading policies and the continued war in Ukraine are further burdens. 

The latest report, European Road Freight Transport 2025, looks at the key themes shaping its current and future trajectory.

Key Takeaways:

  • European Road Freight growth stagnant in 2024 - 0% market growth
  • Tentative signs of recovery - Projects the market will grow by 1.1% in real terms in 2025
  • The medium-term outlook for European road freight is stronger, with an expected real terms 2024-2029 CAGR of 2%
  • Operating margins of the top 5 players held up in 2024 despite the flat market, with a benchmark margin of 4.5%
  • The past year has seen significant consolidation at the top of the road freight market, led by the acquisition of DB Schenker by DSV, but the market remains highly fragmented and competitive.
  • Risks to European road freight remain as labour shortages persist, with 426,000 unfilled driver positions in 2024 (IRU), and regulatory demands increase.
  • AI is becoming increasingly widely used within the road freight market, the report contains 16 case studies of live applications.

Freight Volumes

The road freight sector has witnessed declining freight volumes due to stagnant GDP growth across Europe, competition from Asia, changes in U.S. tariffs. However, in 2025 volumes are expected to expand by 1.1%. Over the medium-term, volumes are expected to grow by a 2024-2029 CAGR of 2%.

Market Dynamics

Shippers face significant cost pressures driven by rising energy costs, competition from Asian markets leading to intense competition in tenders for carriers. However, in the first half of 2025 cost pressures have eased, largely due to declines in diesel prices which are down to levels not seen since 2021. Although recent developments in the Middle East could lead to rapid fuel price increases through the second half of 2025. Capacity remains constrained by driver shortages but with demand subdued the effect on road freight pricing has been reduced. The research expects relatively stable road freight rates in 2025, unless conflict in the Middle East should raise diesel prices substantially.

Technology

Technology has great potential to improve efficiency and productivity in the road freight sector however adoption remains limited, especially among small and medium sized enterprises struggling with low returns and insufficient resources. However there is still significant technological development taking place, with mapping out the digital landscape in 2025 in the new report with company profiles and a new market map. This new report also shows the extent to which AI is being used in the market, highlighting 16 case studies of applications of AI by innovative companies operating in or serving the road freight market.

Driver Shortages

Driver shortage remains a pressing issue, with data from the IRU showing that there were still 426,000 unfilled driver positions in 2024, with efforts to attract a more diverse workforce limited. The industry is also facing broader talent gaps in areas such as tech literacy, change management and data analysis combined with logistics expertise.

The EU Road freight sector faces a mix of challenges and opportunities. Addressing these requires collaboration across the supply chain, innovative solutions, investment in talent development, and a readiness to embrace change.  The relatively small market share of even the biggest players, means this fragmented market needs technology pull, so smaller players can feel the benefits and choose to adopt, as few players have the scale to drive the change alone.

This Report is Perfect For:

This report is specifically written to provide comprehensive and easily accessible strategic information to those involved or with an interest in this sector as well as:

  • Global manufacturers
  • Banks and financial institutions
  • Supply chain managers and directors
  • Logistics procurement managers
  • Marketing managers
  • Knowledge managers
  • Investors
  • All C-level executives

Use the report to :

  • Support your strategic planning & identify growth opportunities.
  • Evaluate M&A activity & capture investment opportunities.
  • Compare & benchmark supply chain strategies & performance.
  • Support fleet & technology decision making.
  • Navigate & understand policy & regulation developments.
  • ​Assess supply chain risk & anticipate challenges.
  • Identify promising start-ups & innovative technologies.

Table of Contents

1. SUMMARY
1.1 INTRODUCTION
1.2 EUROPEAN ROAD FREIGHT TRANSPORT MARKET SIZE & GROWTH
1.2.1 European Road Freight Transport Market Size & Growth 2024
1.2.2 European Road Freight Transport Market Size & Growth 2025 (F)
1.2.3 European Road Freight Transport Market Size & Growth 2029 (F)
1.3 SUMMARY OF MARKET CONDITIONS
1.3.1 Demand side factors
1.4 TOTAL EUROPEAN ROAD FREIGHT TRANSPORT MARKET SIZE & GROWTH BY COUNTRY
1.4.1 Total European Road Freight Transport Market Size by Country - 2024
1.4.2 Total European Road Freight Transport Market Size by Country - 2025 (F
1.4.3 Total European Road Freight Transport Market Size by Country - 2029 (F)
1.4.4 Domestic European road freight market size and growth
1.4.4.1 Domestic European road freight market size and growth - 2024
1.4.4.2 Domestic 2025 and 2029 CAGR forecasts
1.4.5 International European road freight market size and growth
1.4.5.1 International European Road freight market 2024 (Real and Nominal)
1.4.5.2 International European Road freight market 2024 By Country
1.4.5.3 International European Road freight market size and growth 2025 and 2029 (Real)

2 COMPETITIVE LANDSCAPE - COMPARISON OF EUROPEAN ROAD FREIGHT PROVIDERS
2.1 FINANCIAL COMPARISON - TOP 20
2.1.1 Revenue comparison
2.1.2 Profit and Margin comparison
2.2 COMPARISON OF M&A ACTIVITY IN THE EUROPEAN ROAD FREIGHT MARKET
2.2.1 European Road Freight M&A activity across sectors
2.2.2 European Road Freight M&A activity across regions
2.3 EMPLOYEES AND FLEET COMPARISON
2.3.1 Employees
2.3.2 Fleet
2.4 OPERATIONAL ANALYSIS IN THE EUROPEAN ROAD
2.5 COMPARISON OF SUSTAINABILITY INITIATIVES AND PERFORMANCE
2.5.1 Comparison of Sustainability Initiatives and Performance 2024
2.5.2 Comparison of Targets
2.5.3 Comparison of Performance

3. Trends and Developments in European Road Freight Digitalisation
3.1 European Road Freight Digitalisation 2025
3.2 AI in European Road Freight 2025
3.3 Digital Road Freight Market Map 2025
3.4 Digital Road Freight Profiles 2025
3.4.1 FREIGHT EXCHANGES
3.4.2 DIGITAL FORWARDERS
3.4.3 TRADITIONAL FORWARDERS
3.4.4 TMS
3.4.5 VISIBILITY PLATFORMS
3.4.6 TMS - Start-ups
3.5 M&A in Digital European Road Freight 2025

4. European Road Freight Transport Provider Profiles
4.1 CEVA Logistics
4.1.1 Background
4.1.2 Finances
4.1.3 Operations
4.1.4 Acquisitions
4.1.5 Technology
4.1.6 Sustainability
4.1.7 Outlook
4.2 DACHSER
4.2.1 Background
4.2.2 Finances
4.2.3 Operations
4.2.4 M&As
4.2.5 Technology
4.2.6 Sustainability
4.2.7 Outlook
4.3 DHL Group
4.3.1 Background
4.3.2 Finances
4.3.3 Operations
4.3.4 Technology
4.3.5 Sustainability
4.3.6 Outlook
4.4 DSV A/S
4.4.1 Background
4.4.2 Finances
4.4.3 Operations
4.4.4 Investments or Acquisitions
4.4.5 Technology
4.4.6 Sustainability
4.4.7 Outlook
4.5 FedEx
4.5.1 Background
4.5.2 Finances
4.5.3 Operations
4.5.4 Technology
4.5.5 Sustainability
4.6 GEODIS
4.6.1 Background
4.6.2 Finances
4.6.3 Operations
4.6.4 Technology
4.6.5 Sustainability
4.6.6 Outlook
4.7 KUEHNE+NAGEL
4.7.1 Background
4.7.2 Finances
4.7.3 Operations
4.7.4 Technology
4.7.5 Sustainability
4.7.6 Outlook
4.8 LKW WALTER
4.8.1 Background
4.8.2 Finances
4.8.3 Operations
4.8.4 Technology
4.8.5 Sustainability
4.8.6 Outlook
4.9 RHENUS GROUP
4.9.1 Background
4.9.2 Finances
4.9.3 Operations
4.9.4 Acquisitions
4.9.5 Technology
4.9.6 Sustainability
4.9.7 Outlook
4.6.1 Background
4.6.2 Finances
4.6.3 Operations
4.6.4 Technology
4.6.5 Sustainability
4.6.6 Outlook
4.7 KUEHNE+NAGEL
4.7.1 Background
4.7.2 Finances
4.7.3 Operations
4.7.4 Technology
4.7.5 Sustainability
4.7.6 Outlook
4.8 LKW WALTER
4.8.1 Background
4.8.2 Finances
4.8.3 Operations
4.8.4 Technology
4.8.5 Sustainability
4.8.6 Outlook
4.9 RHENUS GROUP
4.9.1 Background
4.9.2 Finances
4.9.3 Operations
4.9.4 Acquisitions
4.9.5 Technology
4.9.6 Sustainability
4.9.7 Outlook

List of Figures
Figure 1.1 The European Road Freight Transport Market Size and Growth 2015-2025
Figure 1.2 Real Growth Rates: Total, Domestic and International Markets 2024 and 2025
Figure 1.3 European Road Freight Transport Segments 2029
Figure 1.4 EU Manufacturing and retail trade volumes
Figure 1.5 Percentage of unfilled truck driver positions in Europe - 2024
Figure 1.6 Operating cost growth of a long haul 40 tonne French truck
Figure 1.7 European Road Freight Transport Market Size by Country 2024 (% to Total)
Figure 1.8 European Road Freight Transport Market - Countries with Strongest & Weakest Real Growth Rates 2024
Figure 1.9 Real Growth Rates: Major markets 2024
Figure 1.10 European Road Freight Transport Market Size by Country 2025 (F) (% to Total)
Figure 1.11 Real Growth Rates: Major markets 2025 (F)
Figure 1.12 European Road Freight Transport Market - Countries with Strongest & Weakest Real Growth Rates 2025 (F)
Figure 1.13 Total European Road Freight Market Sizing by Country 2029 (% to Total)
Figure 1.14 European Road Freight Transport Market - Countries with Strongest & Weakest Growth 2029 (F)
Figure 1.15 Real Growth Rates: Major markets 2029 (F)
Figure 1.16 Domestic European Road Freight Market Size & Growth 2015-2025
Figure 1.17 Domestic European Road Freight Market Size by Country 2024 (% to Total)
Figure 1.18 European Domestic Road Market - Countries with Strongest & Weakest Real Growth Rates 2025 (F)
Figure 1.19 European Domestic Road Market - Countries with Strongest & Weakest Real Growth Rates 2029 (F)
Figure 1.20 International European Road Freight Market Size & Growth 2015-2025
Figure 1.21 International European Road Freight Market Size by Country 2024 (% to Total)
Figure 1.22 European International Road Market - Countries with Strongest & Weakest Real Growth Rates 2025 (F)
Figure 1.23 European International Road Market - Countries with Strongest & Weakest Real Growth Rates 2029 (F)
Figure 2.1 Top 20 European Road Transport Providers Revenue (2023 & 2024)
Figure 2.2 European road freight providers - Profit comparison 2023 and 2024
Figure 2.3 European road freight providers - Margin comparisons 2024
Figure 2.4 Number of M&A deals among the Top 20 European Road Freight Forwarders 2014 - 2024
Figure 2.5 Number of M&A deals (2014-2024) in European Road Transport among top 20 ERFT providers
Figure 2.6 Number of M&A deals across verticals (2014 - 2024)
Figure 2.7 Countries in which acquired companies were based, 2024
Figure 2.8 Top 20 ERFT providers - Europe Road Freight Employees (2024)
Figure 2.9 Top 20 ERFT providers - Europe Fleet (2024)
Figure 2.10 Asset Policy and Service Focus (2014 - 2024)
Figure 2.11 Selected Sustainability Target Timeline for the Top 20 European Road Freight Providers
Figure 2.12 Sustainability targets of the top 20 European Road Freight providers
Figure 2.13 Comparison of Performance - Scope 1 + 2 Emissions
Figure 2.14 Comparison of Performance - Scope 3 Emissions
Figure 2.15 FedEx Alternative Fuels Fleet Composition
Figure 2.16 DHL Freight Alternative Fuels Fleet Composition
Figure 3.1 Applications of Ai in the European Digital Road Freight Market
Figure 3.2 The European Road Freight Market Map
Figure 3.3 Timcom Corporate Information
Figure 3.4 Teleroute Corporate Information
Figure 3.5 123 Cargo/Bursa Transport Corporate Information
Figure 3.6 Trans.EU Corporate Information
Figure 3.7 Upply Corporate Information
Figure 3.8 Transport Exchange Group Corporate Information
Figure 3.9 Sennder Corporate Information
Figure 3.10 Quicargo Corporate Information
Figure 3.11 Drive4Schenker Corporate Information
Figure 3.12 myDSV Corporate Information
Figure 3.13 myKN Corporate Information
Figure 3.14 DHL Group Corporate Information
Figure 3.15 LKW WALTER Corporate Information
Figure 3.16 COYOTE LOGISTICS Corporate Information
Figure 3.17 Chronotruck Corporate Information
Figure 3.18 Transporeon Corporate Information
Figure 3.19 Cargomotion Corporate Information
Figure 3.20 Oracle Corporate Information
Figure 3.21 SAP Corporate Information
Figure 3.22 FourKites Corporate Information
Figure 3.23 project44 Corporate Information
Figure 3.24 Beacon Corporate Information
Figure 4.1 CEVA Logistics 2024 Corporate Information
Figure 4.2 CEVA finances
Figure 4.3 CEVA Logistics European network as of June 2025
Figure 4.4 CEVA Logistics Carbon Emissions Split-Up
Figure 4.5 CEVA Logistics Low Carbon Vehicles Scale Up Target
Figure 3.6 DACHSER 2024 corporate information
Figure 4.7 DACHSER gross revenue
Figure 4.8 DACHSER gross revenue by business segment
Figure 4.9 DACHSER 2024 revenue split by business segment
Figure 4.10 DACHSER Climate Protection Action Figures as of March 2025
Figure 4.11 DHL Group 2024 corporate information
Figure 4.12 DHL Group corporate structure
Figure 4.13 DHL Group Finance Total
Figure 4.14 DHL Freight Revenue Total
Figure 4.15 DHL Global Forwarding, Freight Network
Figure 4.16 DHL Global Forwarding, Freight Fleet
Figure 4.17 DHL Group emissions
Figure 4.18 DHL Global Forwarding, Freight Emissions
Figure 4.19 DSV A/S 2024 corporate information
Figure 4.20 DSV Business model
Figure 4.21 DSV total finance
Figure 4.23 DSV Road revenue
Figure 4.24 DSV Road revenue by Geographic Region
Figure 4.25 DSV European network
Figure 4.26 FedEx Total finances
Figure 4.27 FedEx Finances: Revenue by Business Segment % to Total (2023)
Figure 4.28 FedEx Finances: Express Segment Revenue (2023)
Figure 4.29 FedEx Finances: Express Segment - Product by % to Total (2023)
Figure 4.30 FedEx Express Global Network
Figure 4.31 GEODIS 2024 corporate information
Figure 4.32 SNCF Group finances
Figure 4.33 GEODIS network
Figure 4.34 Kuehne+Nagel 2024 corporate information
Figure 4.35 Kuehne+Nagel Group Finances 2014-2024
Figure 4.36 Road Logistics Finances
Figure 4.37 LKW WALTER corporate information
Figure 4.38 LKW WALTER Group revenue
Figure 4.39 LKW Walter combined transport network
Figure 4.40 Rhenus Logistics 2024 corporate information
Figure 4.41 Rhenus Logistics finances

Companies Mentioned (Partial List)

A selection of companies mentioned in this report includes, but is not limited to:

  • Ceva Logistics 
  • Dachser 
  • Dhl Group 
  • Dsv A/S 
  • Fedex 
  • Geodis 
  • Kuehne+Nagel 
  • Lkw Walter 
  • Rhenus Group 
  • Kuehne+Nagel 
  • Lkw Walter 
  • Rhenus Group