Freight Brokerage Market Key Takeaways
- North America was the leading market region in 2024, accounting for 33% of the global share.
- The Asia Pacific region is forecast to experience the fastest market growth during the forecast period.
- The intermodal service segment was the largest contributor to the market in 2024.
- The truckload service segment is expected to grow at the highest CAGR between 2025 and 2034.
- The B2B customer segment represented a considerable 59% of the market in 2024.
- The B2C customer segment is predicted to register the fastest growth rate in the coming years.
- The waterways mode of transport dominated the global market in 2024.
- The roadways mode of transport is expected to grow rapidly in the upcoming years.
- The manufacturing sector was the dominant industry vertical in 2024.
- The retail and e-commerce sector is forecast to see the fastest growth in the near future.
Market Overview
The increasing need for real-time freight conditions boosts the demand for brokerage systems across worldwide logistics networks. The freight brokerage operation connects shippers with carriers through digital platforms, enabling efficient multi-modal freight transfer, which depends on automation, GPS tracking, and cloud systems. Implemented systems to enable efficient load booking functions, optimal route planning, and regulatory requirements management to enhance shipment visibility.
The U.S. Department of Transportation Freight Analysis Framework (2024) demonstrates that more than 20.2 billion tons of products traveled through the U.S. supply chain in 2023. Furthermore, the increase in demand for emission cuts with faster delivery times drives the quick adoption of platform-based freight brokerage models.
Freight brokers act as intermediaries between shippers and carriers, providing critical services that ensure goods are delivered on time and at the lowest possible cost. The digitalization of the freight brokerage market has further enhanced the efficiency of these services, making it easier for businesses to access a wide range of carriers and track shipments in real-time. The market is witnessing increased competition, with digital platforms and technology-driven solutions offering new ways for brokers to connect with customers and offer value-added services.
Drivers
The primary driver of the freight brokerage market is the globalization of trade, which has resulted in increasingly complex supply chains. As companies expand into new regions, they require reliable logistics partners to help navigate international shipping regulations and ensure timely delivery. Freight brokers facilitate this by offering expertise in route planning, customs regulations, and carrier management.
Additionally, the growing demand for e-commerce and just-in-time inventory systems is contributing to the market’s expansion. With e-commerce businesses striving to meet customer expectations for faster deliveries, the need for efficient freight brokerage services has intensified. Freight brokers play a crucial role in ensuring that goods are transported quickly and cost-effectively, especially for last-mile delivery operations.
The development of digital freight platforms is also a key driver. These platforms enable shippers and carriers to connect quickly and efficiently, streamlining the booking process and improving the transparency of shipment tracking. As more companies adopt these digital platforms, the freight brokerage market is expected to grow rapidly.
Opportunities
There are several opportunities for growth within the freight brokerage market. One of the most significant opportunities is the adoption of digital and automated platforms, which can improve efficiency and reduce the cost of services. As more businesses turn to these platforms, brokers who can provide seamless, user-friendly interfaces and reliable services will capture a larger market share.
Emerging markets such as Asia-Pacific, Latin America, and Africa offer substantial growth opportunities. As these regions develop economically, there will be an increasing demand for international freight brokerage services. Freight brokers can take advantage of this growth by expanding their reach and offering tailored solutions that meet the specific needs of businesses in these markets.
The growing emphasis on sustainability in logistics presents another opportunity. Freight brokers can differentiate themselves by offering eco-friendly solutions, such as optimizing routes to reduce fuel consumption, partnering with carriers who use electric vehicles, and reducing emissions throughout the supply chain.
Challenges
The freight brokerage market faces several challenges, including volatility in fuel prices, which can impact transportation costs. As transportation accounts for a significant portion of the total cost of goods, fluctuations in fuel prices can lead to uncertainty and difficulty in pricing freight services.
Regional Insights
The freight brokerage market is highly dynamic across different regions, with North America, Europe, and Asia-Pacific being the major contributors. In North America, the United States is the dominant player, accounting for the largest share of the market. The region benefits from well-developed infrastructure, strong economic activity, and the high demand for logistics services. Additionally, the rapid growth of e-commerce in North America continues to drive the need for efficient freight management services.
Europe is another important market for freight brokerage, with countries like Germany, France, and the United Kingdom leading the way in transportation and logistics services. The European market is characterized by a well-established network of highways, ports, and airports, as well as a growing emphasis on sustainability in logistics. The demand for green logistics solutions is particularly strong in this region, offering opportunities for freight brokers to offer sustainable services.
Asia-Pacific, however, is expected to witness the highest growth in the freight brokerage market over the next decade. Rapid economic development in countries like China and India, combined with growing trade relationships, will fuel the demand for efficient freight brokerage services. The increasing volume of international trade and the expanding e-commerce sector in these regions make them key markets for growth in the freight brokerage industry.
Recent Developments
- In February 2025, at Manifest 2025 (The Venetian), Cleo launched the Shipper Relationship Manager. This solution enables 3PLs, freight brokers, and carriers to manage their performance against shippers’ expectations through real-time insights and scorecarding, enhancing relationships and improving revenue capture.
- In November 2024, Uber Freight introduced Broker Access, allowing brokers to digitally book and execute loads on its carrier network while remaining the sole broker. This service improves productivity and business growth for brokers of all sizes.
- In June 2024, Flexport expanded its Convoy Platform for brokers, providing easy access to thousands of reliable carriers, streamlining freight execution, and lowering operating costs.
Freight Brokerage Market Companies
- AIT Worldwide Logistics
- BDP International
- DB Schenker
- DSV
- Expeditors International
- Flexport
- H. Robinson Worldwide
- Hellmann Worldwide Logistics
- Hoyer Group
- Kerry Logistics
- Kuehne+Nagel
- Markline
- Nippon Express
- Sinotrans
- XPO Logistics
Segments Covered in the Report
By Services
- Truckload
- Intermodal
- Less than Truckload
By Customer Type
- B2C
- B2B
By Mode of Transport
- Roadways
- Waterways
- Others
By Industry Vertical
- Automotive
- Healthcare
- Manufacturing
- Retail & E-commerce
- Others
By Region
- North America
- Europe
- Asia Pacific
- Latin America
- Middle East and Africa
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