US Refrigerated Trucking Market Size & Share Analysis - Growth Trends & Forecasts (2025 - 2030)

US Refrigerated Trucking Market Analysis

The United States Refrigerated Trucking Market is expected to register a CAGR of greater than 4% during the forecast period.

The United States refrigerated trucking industry operates within a robust agricultural framework, with approximately 500,000 reefer trucking units actively maintaining the cold chain logistics across the nation. The agricultural sector, a primary driver of refrigerated transport, has witnessed significant expansion in import activities, reaching USD 198 billion in 2022, with horticultural products accounting for over 50% of these imports. This expansion reflects the growing consumer demand for year-round variety in food products, particularly during off-season periods. The increasing complexity of supply chains has necessitated sophisticated temperature-controlled logistics solutions, leading to substantial investments in modernizing refrigerated trucking infrastructure.

The frozen food sector has emerged as a crucial segment within the refrigerated trucking industry, generating USD 77.6 million in annual sales in 2023, according to Conagra's 2024 Future of Frozen Food report. Major retailers and logistics providers are actively expanding their cold supply chain capabilities to meet evolving market demands. In March 2024, DSV strategically established a new office in Raleigh-Durham, North Carolina, specifically targeting the region's burgeoning healthcare and pharmaceutical sectors. Similarly, DHL Supply Chain announced a USD 200 million investment in February 2024 to enhance its healthcare and life sciences operations, including the establishment of five new warehouses across the United States.

The industry is witnessing significant technological integration, with companies implementing advanced tracking systems, temperature monitoring solutions, and route optimization tools. The adoption of these technologies has become crucial as the United States maintains its position as a global pharmaceutical leader, accounting for approximately 45% of the global pharmaceutical market and 22% of global production. This dominance in the pharmaceutical sector has driven the need for more sophisticated pharmaceutical cold chain solutions, particularly for temperature-sensitive medications and biologics.

The temperature controlled trucking landscape is being reshaped by major infrastructure developments and corporate initiatives. Walmart's announcement in March 2024 to construct a new milk processing facility in Robinson, Texas, exemplifies the ongoing vertical integration trends in the industry. This facility, scheduled for completion in 2026, will create nearly 400 new jobs and primarily source milk from Texas dairy farmers, demonstrating the increasing focus on regional supply chain optimization. Such developments are driving the need for more efficient and technologically advanced refrigerated trucking solutions, particularly in supporting farm-to-processor-to-retailer logistics networks.

US Refrigerated Trucking Market Trends

Growing Need for Pharmaceutical Shipping

The United States maintains its position as a global pharmaceutical powerhouse, accounting for approximately 45% of the worldwide pharmaceutical market and 22% of global production. This dominance in the pharmaceutical sector has created an unprecedented demand for specialized pharmaceutical cold chain transportation services, particularly as the industry continues to expand its portfolio of temperature-sensitive products. The biologics market, which requires precise temperature control during transit, has shown remarkable growth, currently accounting for 46% of pharmaceutical spending or approximately USD 260 billion, with 14% represented by molecules facing biosimilar competition (USD 38 billion) and 70% held by molecules with potential future biosimilars (USD 181 billion).

The complexity of pharmaceutical logistics has intensified with the increasing diversity of temperature requirements and regulatory standards. In 2023, the US pharmaceutical imports experienced significant growth, with countries like Ireland (19.8%), Germany (10.8%), and Switzerland (10.7%) leading as top importing partners. The pharmaceutical cold chain has become more sophisticated, with products requiring various temperature ranges from refrigerated (2 to 8°C) to deep frozen (approximately -40 to -80°C) and cryogenic (around -160 to -180°C). This diversification in temperature requirements has spurred investments in advanced refrigerated trucking technologies and monitoring systems, ensuring product integrity throughout the transportation process.

Increasing Demand for Perishable Foods

The evolution of consumer preferences and the growing demand for fresh and frozen food products have significantly impacted the cold chain transportation industry. Refrigerated trucks, essential for transporting perishable goods at controlled temperatures, now constitute approximately 70% of the food transportation system in the United States, with roughly 500,000 units actively maintaining the cold chain across the country. The U.S. Frozen Food sector has demonstrated remarkable resilience, generating USD 77.6 million in annual sales in 2023, according to Conagra's 2024 Future of Frozen Food report, while traditional supermarkets maintain their dominance with over 40% market share in the frozen food segment.

The industry has witnessed a significant transformation in consumer behavior, particularly among Millennials, who increasingly seek convenient and health-conscious frozen food options. This shift is reflected in the robust growth of frozen food transportation sales volumes, which increased by 5% from 2019 to 2023. The trend is further reinforced by the rising popularity of online grocery shopping, with 86% of online shoppers purchasing frozen products in 2023, a notable increase from 82% in 2020. This evolution in shopping patterns, combined with the growing preference for fresh and frozen foods, continues to drive the demand for refrigerated delivery services across the United States, supporting the expansion of cold chain delivery logistics infrastructure.

Segment Analysis: By Destination

Domestic Segment in US Refrigerated Trucking Market

The domestic segment continues to dominate the United States refrigerated trucking market, commanding approximately 65% of the total market share in 2024, valued at USD 19.36 billion. This substantial market position is attributed to the segment's crucial role in maintaining the cold chain integrity for temperature-sensitive goods across the vast American geography. The segment's strength is particularly evident in its extensive network of refrigerated trailers, facilitating the movement of fresh food, pharmaceuticals, and other perishable products between production facilities, distribution centers, retailers, and end consumers. The domestic refrigerated trucking sector has experienced notable growth, driven by increasing demand for frozen foods and changing consumer behaviors, including a growing preference for home dining. Companies operating in this segment are actively investing in fleet expansion, technological advancements, and infrastructure improvements to meet evolving market needs and ensure efficient, reliable delivery of temperature-sensitive goods throughout the United States.

International Segment in US Refrigerated Trucking Market

The international segment of the US refrigerated trucking market is projected to experience the fastest growth rate, with an estimated CAGR of approximately 9% during the forecast period 2024-2029. This accelerated growth is primarily driven by increasing cross-border trade of perishable goods, particularly with Canada and Mexico. The segment's expansion is supported by robust demand for year-round variety in food products, growing pharmaceutical trade, and strengthening international supply chain networks. The implementation of advanced temperature monitoring systems and compliance with international cold chain regulations has further enhanced the segment's capabilities. Additionally, strategic investments in cross-border infrastructure and the adoption of sophisticated reefer trailer technologies are enabling more efficient international transportation of temperature-sensitive goods, positioning this segment for sustained growth in the coming years.

Segment Analysis: By Temperature Type

Chilled Segment in US Refrigerated Trucking Market

The chilled segment dominates the United States refrigerated trucking market, commanding approximately 56% of the total market share in 2024. This segment's prominence is driven by the expanding need for cold chain storage facilities and the increasing variety of chilled commodities such as fruits, vegetables, and dairy products. The segment's leadership position is reinforced by stringent temperature control requirements, typically maintaining products at temperatures between 32°F and 41°F (0°C to 5°C). Chilled transportation is particularly crucial for preserving food safety and quality throughout the entire supply chain, with modern refrigeration units employing advanced temperature monitoring and control systems. The segment's robust performance is further supported by the growing consumer preference for fresh, minimally processed foods and the expansion of organized retail chains requiring consistent cold chain logistics support.

Frozen Segment in US Refrigerated Trucking Market

The frozen segment is emerging as the fastest-growing category in the United States refrigerated trucking market, projected to expand at approximately 10% from 2024 to 2029. This remarkable growth is primarily driven by the increasing consumer demand for frozen foods, particularly in urban areas where convenience and longer shelf life are paramount considerations. The segment's growth is further accelerated by technological advancements in freezing techniques, particularly the adoption of Individual Quick Freeze (IQF) technology, which helps maintain product quality during transportation. The expansion of frozen food manufacturing facilities and the rising popularity of ready-to-eat frozen meals are creating additional demand for frozen transportation services. Moreover, the pharmaceutical industry's requirements for ultra-low temperature transportation, especially for certain vaccines and biologics, are contributing to the segment's rapid growth trajectory.

Remaining Segments in Temperature Type Market

The ambient temperature segment plays a vital complementary role in the United States refrigerated trucking market, catering to products requiring controlled room temperature conditions. This segment is particularly important for certain pharmaceutical products, specific food items, and temperature-sensitive industrial goods that need protection from extreme temperature variations without requiring refrigeration or freezing. The ambient segment demonstrates its significance in maintaining product integrity for items such as certain fruits and vegetables, bakery products, and shelf-stable foods that require protection from heat and cold extremes. The segment's stability is maintained through sophisticated temperature monitoring systems and specialized insulation techniques that help maintain consistent temperatures throughout transit.

Segment Analysis: By Service

Full Truckload (FTL) Segment in US Refrigerated Trucking Market

The Full Truckload (FTL) segment continues to dominate the United States refrigerated trucking market, commanding approximately 69% of the total market share in 2024. This substantial market presence is attributed to FTL's efficiency in handling large-volume shipments, particularly beneficial for major food producers, pharmaceutical companies, and retail chains requiring dedicated temperature-controlled transportation. The segment's prominence is further strengthened by its cost-effectiveness for full-load shipments, reduced handling requirements, and minimized risk of product damage. Leading carriers like Prime Inc., KLLM Transport Services, and Swift Transportation have significantly invested in expanding their FTL fleets with state-of-the-art refrigerated cargo technology and temperature monitoring systems, enhancing their service capabilities. The segment's robust performance is also driven by the growing demand from e-commerce platforms and large-scale retailers requiring efficient transportation of temperature-sensitive goods across the country.

Less Than Truckload (LTL) Segment in US Refrigerated Trucking Market

The Less Than Truckload (LTL) segment is emerging as the fastest-growing segment in the US refrigerated trucking market, projected to grow at approximately 9% during the forecast period 2024-2029. This accelerated growth is primarily driven by the increasing demand from small and medium-sized businesses requiring flexible shipping solutions for temperature-sensitive goods. The segment's expansion is further fueled by the rising adoption of e-commerce platforms, particularly in the food and pharmaceutical sectors, where smaller, more frequent shipments are becoming the norm. Major carriers are actively expanding their LTL networks, investing in advanced tracking systems, and implementing sophisticated route optimization technologies to enhance operational efficiency. The segment is also benefiting from innovations in multi-temperature trailers that allow simultaneous transportation of goods requiring different temperature zones, making it an increasingly attractive option for diverse shipping needs.

Segment Analysis: By End User

Fish, Meat, and Seafood Segment in US Refrigerated Trucking Market

The fish, meat, and seafood segment maintains its dominant position in the US refrigerated trucking market, commanding approximately 22% market share in 2024. This segment's leadership is driven by the increasing demand for fresh and frozen protein products across the country. The segment's growth is supported by robust domestic production and international trade of meat products, with US beef production projected to reach 25.81 billion pounds in 2024. The segment's prominence is further reinforced by stringent temperature control requirements for meat and seafood products, making specialized refrigerated freight transportation essential. Additionally, the expanding export market for US meat products, particularly to key markets like South Korea, China, Japan, and Mexico, continues to drive demand for refrigerated transportation services in this segment.

Processed Food Segment in US Refrigerated Trucking Market

The processed food segment is emerging as the fastest-growing segment in the US refrigerated trucking market, with a projected growth rate of approximately 9% during 2024-2029. This remarkable growth is primarily driven by changing consumer preferences and the increasing demand for convenience foods. The segment's expansion is supported by the rising popularity of frozen meals, ready-to-eat products, and processed vegetables, with the US frozen food sector generating substantial annual sales. The growth is further accelerated by the evolution of e-commerce grocery shopping and the need for efficient cold chain logistics to maintain product quality. The segment's rapid expansion is also influenced by technological advancements in food processing and preservation methods, requiring sophisticated temperature-controlled transportation solutions to maintain product integrity throughout the supply chain.

Remaining Segments in End User Market

The other significant segments in the US refrigerated trucking market include horticulture (fresh fruits and vegetables), dairy products, healthcare and pharmaceuticals, and other applications. The horticulture segment plays a crucial role in transporting temperature-sensitive produce across the country, while the dairy products segment focuses on maintaining the cold chain for milk, ice cream, and other dairy items. The healthcare and pharmaceuticals segment is particularly critical for maintaining precise temperature controls for medical supplies and pharmaceutical products. The other applications segment encompasses various temperature-sensitive goods such as bakery products, confectionery items, and specialized industrial products. Each of these segments contributes uniquely to the market's dynamics, driven by specific temperature requirements and regulatory compliance needs.