Semi-Trailer Market - Global Industry Size, Share, Trends, Opportunity, and Forecast, 2021-2031

The Global Semi-Trailer Market is projected to expand from USD 32.21 Billion in 2025 to USD 44.89 Billion by 2031, achieving a CAGR of 5.69%. Defined as freight trailers without a front axle that depend on truck tractors for traction, these units are seeing increased adoption due to the escalating requirements of road freight transport and the steady growth of the logistics industry to support global trade. Additionally, ongoing infrastructure developments and the rising necessity for cold chain capabilities require durable heavy transport fleets to maintain efficient supply chain networks.

However, market progress is hindered by economic instability, which dampens capital investment in new fleet equipment. This downturn is evident in industrial statistics concerning towing vehicles, which directly influences trailer demand. According to the European Automobile Manufacturers’ Association, registrations of new heavy commercial vehicles in the European Union fell by 8.5 percent in 2024 compared to the preceding year. This reduction in the purchase of prime movers restricts the growth potential of the dependent semi-trailer sector as operators postpone procurement decisions.

Market Drivers

The rapid expansion of global e-commerce and retail logistics serves as a major catalyst for the semi-trailer market. As consumer behavior increasingly favors online shopping, logistics providers are expanding their fleets to handle rising freight volumes and guarantee on-time deliveries, leading to increased procurement of dry van trailers and parcel-specific units. According to the U.S. Census Bureau's 'Quarterly Retail E-Commerce Sales' report from November 2024, U.S. retail e-commerce sales reached an estimated $300.1 billion in the third quarter of 2024, reflecting the massive quantity of goods needing transport, while the American Trucking Associations projected total truck tonnage to hit 11.27 billion tons in 2024, highlighting the dominance of trucking in the supply chain.

Furthermore, the market is propelled by the surging demand for cold chain logistics and refrigerated transport, spurred by stringent food safety regulations and pharmaceutical trade requirements. The need for temperature-controlled environments for perishable items is accelerating the adoption of advanced refrigerated trailers featuring superior insulation and cooling systems. This demand is underscored by financial performance; for instance, Schmitz Cargobull reported in a February 2024 press release that it generated a turnover of roughly €2.4 billion in the 2023/24 financial year, a figure heavily supported by its refrigerated vehicle production, demonstrating the critical need for specialized fleets in international supply networks.

Market Challenges

Economic volatility poses a significant obstacle to the Global Semi-Trailer Market by limiting the capital investment required for fleet modernization and expansion. In times of financial uncertainty, freight operators and logistics companies often freeze capital expenditures and postpone the acquisition of new assets, preferring to maintain existing equipment rather than adhering to standard replacement cycles. This hesitation leads to a direct decline in order volumes for manufacturers, thereby stalling the developmental momentum of the broader market.

This pattern of deferred investment is clearly reflected in the purchasing rates of essential towing equipment, which determines the immediate demand for trailing units. According to the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders, demand for articulated trucks in the United Kingdom dropped by 12.4 percent in 2024 relative to the previous year. Since articulated trucks provide the primary motive power for semi-trailers, such a significant decline in registrations indicates a parallel reduction in the need for new trailers, confirming that economic instability is directly suppressing the procurement activities necessary for market expansion.

Market Trends

The integration of Advanced Telematics and Smart Fleet Management Systems is revolutionizing fleet operations by converting trailers from passive equipment into intelligent, connected assets. Operators are increasingly utilizing sensors and connectivity solutions to monitor cargo status, tire pressure, and brake wear in real-time, which optimizes asset utilization and minimizes maintenance downtime. As highlighted by Descartes Systems Group in their June 2024 '8th Annual Global Transportation Management Benchmark Survey', real-time transportation visibility was named the top technology investment priority by 36 percent of respondents, reflecting a drive for granular supply chain visibility and operational efficiency.

Simultaneously, the Electrification of Trailer Axles and Regenerative Braking Technologies marks a crucial shift toward decarbonizing heavy transport and decreasing reliance on fossil fuel-powered prime movers. This trend involves fitting trailers with battery-electric propulsion systems that assist during acceleration and capture energy while braking, effectively creating a hybrid vehicle combination that lowers emissions and fuel consumption. Underscoring the growing capital allocation for sustainable freight hardware, Range Energy announced in a February 2024 press release that it had secured $23.5 million to further the commercial production of its electric-powered trailers, driven by strict environmental regulations and the need for reduced fuel costs.

Key Players Profiled in the Semi-Trailer Market

• East Manufacturing Corporation
• Hyundai Translead
• Kentucky Trailer
• Mac Trailer Manufacturing Inc.
• Manac Inc.
• Wabash National Corporation
• Great Dane LLC
• Pitts Trailers
• Premier Trailer Mfg. Inc.
• Schmitz Cargobull AG

Report Scope

In this report, the Global Semi-Trailer Market has been segmented into the following categories:

Semi-Trailer Market, by Vehicle Type:

• Lowboy
• Flatbed
• Refrigerated
• Dry Van
• Other

Semi-Trailer Market, by Tonnage:

• Below 25 T
• 25 T-50 T
• 51 T-100 T
• Above 100 T

Semi-Trailer Market, by Foot Length:

• 28-45 Foot
• Greater than 45 Foot

Semi-Trailer Market, by Region:

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

Competitive Landscape

Company Profiles: Detailed analysis of the major companies present in the Global Semi-Trailer Market.

Available Customization

The analyst offers customization according to your specific needs. The following customization options are available for the report:

• Detailed analysis and profiling of additional market players (up to five).

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