Class 6 Trucks - Global Strategic Business Report

The global market for Class 6 Trucks was estimated at US$16.7 Billion in 2024 and is projected to reach US$23.5 Billion by 2030, growing at a CAGR of 5.8% from 2024 to 2030. This comprehensive report provides an in-depth analysis of market trends, drivers, and forecasts, helping you make informed business decisions. The report includes the most recent global tariff developments and how they impact the Class 6 Trucks market.

Global Class 6 Trucks Market - Key Trends & Drivers Summarized

Why Are Class 6 Trucks Becoming the Workhorses of Regional Transport and Urban Utility Services?

Class 6 trucks - defined under the U.S. vehicle classification system with a Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) between 19,501 and 26,000 pounds - are steadily gaining strategic importance in regional freight transport, urban logistics, and vocational service delivery. These trucks form the backbone of medium-duty fleets, offering a critical balance between heavy payload capacity and operational flexibility without requiring a Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) in many jurisdictions. Typically encompassing medium-duty box trucks, beverage haulers, stake beds, school buses, refuse trucks, and large walk-in vans, Class 6 vehicles are integral to industries such as retail distribution, public transit, waste management, municipal services, and utility maintenance. Their ability to handle more demanding duty cycles compared to Class 4-5 trucks - while remaining more maneuverable and fuel-efficient than Class 7-8 heavy-duty trucks - makes them particularly well-suited for dense urban operations and regional point-to-point distribution. As urban infrastructure becomes more complex and last-mile logistics scale in sophistication, fleet managers are increasingly turning to Class 6 trucks for applications that require high daily mileage, reliable uptime, and modular design capabilities. Their adaptability across a wide range of industries and geographies is positioning them as a core platform in modern commercial vehicle fleets.

How Are Electrification and Environmental Policies Influencing the Class 6 Truck Landscape?

The Class 6 truck segment is at the forefront of the global shift toward cleaner transportation, heavily influenced by emissions reduction mandates, government incentives, and corporate sustainability initiatives. Many OEMs are prioritizing the electrification of their Class 6 portfolios, seeing them as ideal candidates for zero-emission adoption due to their defined route structures, return-to-base operations, and urban-centric deployment patterns. Battery-electric Class 6 trucks are being rapidly introduced for use in urban logistics, beverage delivery, parcel distribution, waste collection, and municipal fleet services. These trucks are eligible for a range of federal and regional incentive programs, such as clean fleet grants, tax rebates, and carbon credit schemes - significantly reducing total cost of ownership and accelerating fleet transition timelines. Additionally, vehicle charging infrastructure for mid-duty electric trucks is advancing, with depot-based charging stations, overnight charging models, and smart energy management systems supporting more viable electrification strategies. On the combustion engine side, manufacturers are introducing enhanced fuel-efficient diesel powertrains and exploring alternative fuels such as compressed natural gas (CNG), renewable diesel, and hydrogen internal combustion. This multi-pathway approach reflects the transitional nature of the Class 6 market, where fleets must balance regulatory compliance, fuel accessibility, and performance reliability. As public and private sector fleets intensify their push toward decarbonization, Class 6 trucks are emerging as a critical vehicle class for scalable, sustainable commercial transport.

Is Fleet Customization and Telematics Integration Driving Greater Efficiency in Class 6 Operations?

The evolution of Class 6 trucks is no longer limited to mechanical performance - digital transformation and application-specific customization are becoming key differentiators in this segment. Fleet operators are increasingly demanding modular, tech-enhanced trucks that can be adapted to various industry needs, workload patterns, and operating environments. OEMs and body builders are responding with customizable chassis, suspension types, axle configurations, and upfitting options tailored for specific functions - whether it’s a box body with rear lift gates for freight delivery, a roll-off container for waste transport, or a boom-equipped service truck for utility work. In tandem, the adoption of fleet telematics, predictive maintenance tools, and IoT-powered diagnostics is transforming how Class 6 trucks are operated and maintained. Real-time GPS tracking, fuel consumption monitoring, load management, driver behavior analytics, and geofencing capabilities are now commonly integrated into vehicle management platforms, helping fleets improve asset utilization, reduce downtime, and optimize route efficiency. Advanced driver-assistance systems (ADAS) such as lane departure alerts, forward collision warnings, blind-spot detection, and 360-degree cameras are also being introduced to enhance safety in high-density operational environments. In addition, over-the-air (OTA) updates and cloud-connected platforms are enabling software-based performance upgrades and remote troubleshooting. As fleet managers increasingly rely on digital tools to manage large, multi-location vehicle fleets, Class 6 trucks are evolving into intelligent transport assets that serve both logistical and strategic roles in enterprise-level mobility ecosystems.

What’s Driving the Global Market Growth for Class 6 Trucks Across Key Sectors?

The growth in the Class 6 trucks market is driven by multiple interlinked factors including infrastructure expansion, logistics transformation, fleet modernization, and the growing need for mid-capacity vehicles in urban and regional operations. One of the most significant drivers is the explosive growth in regional e-commerce and retail distribution, which requires robust medium-duty transport solutions to bridge distribution centers and local delivery nodes. The public sector is also a major contributor to demand, with municipalities upgrading fleets for waste collection, maintenance services, and transit operations - often opting for Class 6 vehicles due to their cost-performance balance and adaptability. The accelerating trend toward clean and green mobility - backed by ESG targets, low-emission zones, and urban air quality initiatives - is pushing both public and private sector fleets to adopt electrified Class 6 trucks. Simultaneously, the availability of versatile upfitting options and manufacturer-integrated fleet support programs is encouraging SMEs and vocational contractors to upgrade from lighter trucks to Class 6 platforms. The rise of truck-as-a-service (TaaS), vehicle subscription models, and flexible leasing solutions is making it easier for businesses to access high-capability vehicles without significant capital outlay. Additionally, global supply chain diversification is creating demand for localized transport solutions, where Class 6 trucks offer an ideal balance between payload efficiency and route versatility. As manufacturers invest in next-gen powertrains, smart vehicle architecture, and integrated mobility platforms, the Class 6 segment is poised to witness sustained global expansion, establishing itself as a cornerstone of modern commercial fleet operations across a wide range of industries and geographies.

Report Scope

The report analyzes the Class 6 Trucks market, presented in terms of market value (US$ Thousand). The analysis covers the key segments and geographic regions outlined below.

Segments: Application (Freight Delivery Application, Utility Services Application, Construction and Mining Application, Other Applications); Body Type (Box Type, Dump Type, Beverage Type, Other Types)

Geographic Regions/Countries: World; United States; Canada; Japan; China; Europe (France; Germany; Italy; United Kingdom; Spain; Russia; and Rest of Europe); Asia-Pacific (Australia; India; South Korea; and Rest of Asia-Pacific); Latin America (Argentina; Brazil; Mexico; and Rest of Latin America); Middle East (Iran; Israel; Saudi Arabia; United Arab Emirates; and Rest of Middle East); and Africa.

Key Insights:

• Market Growth: Understand the significant growth trajectory of the Freight Delivery Application segment, which is expected to reach US$11.0 Billion by 2030 with a CAGR of a 6.8%. The Utility Services Application segment is also set to grow at 5.7% CAGR over the analysis period.
• Regional Analysis: Gain insights into the U.S. market, estimated at $4.6 Billion in 2024, and China, forecasted to grow at an impressive 9.3% CAGR to reach $4.8 Billion by 2030. Discover growth trends in other key regions, including Japan, Canada, Germany, and the Asia-Pacific.

Why You Should Buy This Report:

• Detailed Market Analysis: Access a thorough analysis of the Global Class 6 Trucks Market, covering all major geographic regions and market segments.
• Competitive Insights: Get an overview of the competitive landscape, including the market presence of major players across different geographies.
• Future Trends and Drivers: Understand the key trends and drivers shaping the future of the Global Class 6 Trucks Market.
• Actionable Insights: Benefit from actionable insights that can help you identify new revenue opportunities and make strategic business decisions.

Key Questions Answered:

• How is the Global Class 6 Trucks Market expected to evolve by 2030?
• What are the main drivers and restraints affecting the market?
• Which market segments will grow the most over the forecast period?
• How will market shares for different regions and segments change by 2030?
• Who are the leading players in the market, and what are their prospects?

Report Features:

• Comprehensive Market Data: Independent analysis of annual sales and market forecasts in US$ Million from 2024 to 2030.
• In-Depth Regional Analysis: Detailed insights into key markets, including the U.S., China, Japan, Canada, Europe, Asia-Pacific, Latin America, Middle East, and Africa.
• Company Profiles: Coverage of players such as Ashok Leyland Limited, BYD Auto Co., Ltd., Daimler Truck North America (Freightliner), Ford Motor Company, General Motors Company (Chevrolet, GMC) and more.
• Complimentary Updates: Receive free report updates for one year to keep you informed of the latest market developments.

Select Competitors (Total 34 Featured):

• Ashok Leyland Limited
• BYD Auto Co., Ltd.
• Daimler Truck North America (Freightliner)
• Ford Motor Company
• General Motors Company (Chevrolet, GMC)
• Hino Motors Ltd.
• Hyundai Motor Company
• Isuzu Motors Ltd.
• Iveco Group N.V.
• Mack Trucks, Inc.
• MAN Truck & Bus SE
• Mitsubishi Fuso Truck and Bus Corporation
• Navistar International Corporation
• Nikola Corporation
• PACCAR Inc. (Kenworth, Peterbilt)
• Peterbilt Motors Company
• Scania AB
• Stellantis N.V. (Ram Trucks)
• Tata Motors Limited
• Volvo Trucks North America

Tariff Impact Analysis: Key Insights for 2025

Global tariff negotiations across 180+ countries are reshaping supply chains, costs, and competitiveness. This report reflects the latest developments as of April 2025 and incorporates forward-looking insights into the market outlook.

The analysts continuously track trade developments worldwide, drawing insights from leading global economists and over 200 industry and policy institutions, including think tanks, trade organizations, and national economic advisory bodies. This intelligence is integrated into forecasting models to provide timely, data-driven analysis of emerging risks and opportunities.

What’s Included in This Edition:

• Tariff-adjusted market forecasts by region and segment
• Analysis of cost and supply chain implications by sourcing and trade exposure
• Strategic insights into geographic shifts

Buyers receive a free July 2025 update with:

• Finalized tariff impacts and new trade agreement effects
• Updated projections reflecting global sourcing and cost shifts
• Expanded country-specific coverage across the industry