Refrigerated Trailers - Global Strategic Business Report

The global market for Refrigerated Trailers was estimated at US$5.8 Billion in 2024 and is projected to reach US$7.3 Billion by 2030, growing at a CAGR of 3.7% 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 Refrigerated Trailers market.

Global Refrigerated Trailers Market - Key Trends & Drivers Summarized

Why Are Refrigerated Trailers Becoming Indispensable in Modern Supply Chains?

Refrigerated trailers-commonly known as “reefers”-are essential to maintaining cold chain integrity across global logistics operations. These temperature-controlled transport units are used to move perishable goods such as food, pharmaceuticals, chemicals, and floral products. The growing complexity and scale of international trade, urban food distribution networks, and pharmaceutical logistics are intensifying demand for flexible and reliable mobile refrigeration solutions. Unlike static cold storage units, refrigerated trailers offer mobility, enabling end-to-end cold chain coverage in both short-haul and long-haul distribution environments.

Advancements in real-time monitoring and onboard telematics have significantly enhanced reefer functionality, allowing logistics operators to track temperature fluctuations, humidity levels, and door status during transit. These capabilities not only prevent spoilage and regulatory violations but also support automated documentation for GDP (Good Distribution Practices) and HACCP (Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Points) compliance. With global food safety standards tightening and pharma regulations such as WHO GDP guidelines mandating strict temperature ranges, refrigerated trailers have become an operational necessity across regional and international shipping routes.

Which End-Use Sectors Are Driving Demand for Refrigerated Trailers Globally?

Food and beverage logistics continue to dominate reefer demand, especially in categories such as frozen meats, dairy, seafood, ready-to-eat meals, and fresh produce. Rising consumption of frozen and chilled food, particularly in urbanizing regions across Asia-Pacific, Latin America, and the Middle East, has placed enormous emphasis on dependable cold transport. Seasonal produce exporters-such as those dealing in berries, avocados, and tropical fruits-also rely heavily on reefer fleets to maintain freshness during intercontinental transit.

The pharmaceutical sector represents the fastest-growing application vertical, owing to the globalization of vaccine distribution, biologics, and temperature-sensitive APIs (active pharmaceutical ingredients). COVID-19 significantly boosted awareness around cold chain logistics, particularly with mRNA vaccines requiring ultra-low temperatures. Today, demand extends to cancer therapeutics, insulin, blood derivatives, and gene therapy products. The use of refrigerated trailers in healthcare distribution is expanding to secondary and tertiary care centers in emerging markets, facilitated by hybrid trailer technologies and more robust battery-backed cooling systems.

What Are the Key Technology Trends Enhancing Refrigerated Trailer Capabilities?

Technological advancements are reshaping refrigerated trailer designs to improve thermal insulation, reduce fuel consumption, and enhance control precision. Insulation materials such as vacuum panels, high-density polyurethane foams, and reflective barriers are enabling better temperature retention. Cooling units are increasingly powered by variable-speed compressors and diesel-electric hybrid drives, which reduce emissions and improve energy efficiency. Moreover, advances in solar-assisted refrigeration and battery-electric systems are allowing limited zero-emission operation during urban deliveries and port idle times.

Remote diagnostics and fleet telematics systems are becoming integral to trailer operations. Cloud-based platforms now offer route-based predictive cooling, automated defrost cycles, and alert systems for pre-failure detection. Bluetooth and IoT-enabled sensors feed real-time data to fleet managers and cargo owners, ensuring compliance with temperature thresholds. GPS-linked systems can also optimize cooling loads by adjusting parameters based on local ambient conditions. Further, reefer trailer OEMs are embedding modular panel designs, anti-microbial interior linings, and smart access locks to meet diverse customer needs across food, pharma, and chemical sectors.

What Factors Are Driving the Growth of the Refrigerated Trailers Market?

The growth in the refrigerated trailers market is driven by global urbanization, rising demand for perishable goods, and evolving cold chain infrastructure investments. As consumer preferences shift toward online grocery delivery, meal kits, and temperature-sensitive e-commerce, logistics providers are scaling up reefer trailer capacities to meet short-turnaround distribution models. This trend is reinforced by the growth of modern retail formats such as hypermarkets and dark stores, which require micro-fulfillment cold chain support.

Government regulations related to food safety, emission standards, and pharmaceutical compliance are further incentivizing fleet modernization. Many jurisdictions now mandate GDP-compliant cold transport for medicines, and eco-zones in Europe and North America are pushing fleet operators to adopt low-emission reefer technologies. Substantial investments in cold chain infrastructure-such as reefer ports, integrated logistics parks, and smart warehouses-are enabling more cost-effective and efficient reefer trailer utilization.

In parallel, rising international trade in perishable commodities, coupled with the expansion of third-party logistics (3PL) providers specializing in cold chain services, is broadening market access for refrigerated trailer manufacturers. As automation, traceability, and sustainability become key differentiators in logistics operations, the refrigerated trailers market is poised for strong and sustained growth.

Scope Of Study:

The report analyzes the Refrigerated Trailers market in terms of units by the following Segments, and Geographic Regions/Countries:

Segments: Usage (Chilled Food, Frozen Food)

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 Chilled Food segment, which is expected to reach US$4.6 Billion by 2030 with a CAGR of a 4.7%. The Frozen Food segment is also set to grow at 2.1% CAGR over the analysis period.
• Regional Analysis: Gain insights into the U.S. market, estimated at $1.6 Billion in 2024, and China, forecasted to grow at an impressive 7.1% CAGR to reach $1.5 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 Refrigerated Trailers 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 Refrigerated Trailers 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 Refrigerated Trailers 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 Carrier Transicold, CIMC Vehicles Group Co., Ltd., Daikin Industries Ltd., Gray & Adams Ltd., Great Dane LLC and more.
• Complimentary Updates: Receive free report updates for one year to keep you informed of the latest market developments.

Some of the 43 companies featured in this Refrigerated Trailers market report include:

• Carrier Transicold
• CIMC Vehicles Group Co., Ltd.
• Daikin Industries Ltd.
• Gray & Adams Ltd.
• Great Dane LLC
• Hyundai Translead, Inc.
• Ingersoll Rand Inc.
• Kögel Trailer GmbH & Co. KG
• Krone Commercial Vehicle Group
• Lamberet SAS
• Manac Inc.
• Mitsubishi Heavy Industries Ltd.
• Polar King Mobile
• Randon S.A. Implementos E Participacoes
• Schmitz Cargobull AG
• Singamas Container Holdings Limited
• SOR Iberica (The Reefer Group)
• Stoughton Trailers
• Thermo King (Ingersoll Rand)
• Utility Trailer Manufacturing Company
• Wabash National Corporation

This edition integrates the latest global trade and economic shifts as of June 2025 into comprehensive market analysis. Key updates include:

• Tariff and Trade Impact: Insights into global tariff negotiations across 180+ countries, with analysis of supply chain turbulence, sourcing disruptions, and geographic realignment. Special focus on 2025 as a pivotal year for trade tensions, including updated perspectives on the Trump-era tariffs.
• Adjusted Forecasts and Analytics: Revised global and regional market forecasts through 2030, incorporating tariff effects, economic uncertainty, and structural changes in globalization. Includes segmentation by product, technology, type, material, distribution channel, application, and end-use, with historical analysis since 2015.
• Strategic Market Dynamics: Evaluation of revised market prospects, regional outlooks, and key economic indicators such as population and urbanization trends.
• Innovation & Technology Trends: Latest developments in product and process innovation, emerging technologies, and key industry drivers shaping the competitive landscape.
• Competitive Intelligence: Updated global market share estimates for 2025, competitive positioning of major players (Strong/Active/Niche/Trivial), and refined focus on leading global brands and core players.
• Expert Insight & Commentary: Strategic analysis from economists, trade experts, and domain specialists to contextualize market shifts and identify emerging opportunities.
• Complimentary Update: Buyers receive a free July 2025 update with finalized tariff impacts, new trade agreement effects, revised projections, and expanded country-level coverage.