Refrigerated Trailer Market Size - By Temperature, By Application, By Material, By End Use, Growth Forecast, 2025 - 2034

Refrigerated Trailer Market Size

The global refrigerated trailer market size was valued at USD 7.3 billion in 2024 and is projected to grow at a CAGR of 5.1% between 2025 and 2034. The increasing globalization of food trade and rising demand for perishable goods are major growth drivers for the market. As international trade of fruits, vegetables, dairy, meat, and seafood expands, there is a critical need for reliable cold chain logistics to maintain product freshness and quality during long-distance transportation. Consumers' preference for fresh and exotic foods, regardless of season or origin, has heightened the requirement for temperature-controlled solutions.
 

Growth in the pharmaceutical and healthcare sectors is a major driver for the refrigerated trailer market because many medical products, such as vaccines, biologics, and specialty drugs, require strict temperature control during transportation. With the rise of biologics and personalized medicine, the need for ultra-reliable cold chain logistics has intensified. Refrigerated trailers ensure product integrity and compliance with stringent regulatory standards like Good Distribution Practices (GDP).
 

For instance, according to Statista, the projected revenue in the pharmaceuticals market is estimated to reach USD 1.21 trillion in 2025. Among the various markets, oncology drugs are expected to be the largest, with a projected market volume of USD 208.86 billion in 2025. Looking ahead, the revenue in this sector is anticipated to exhibit an annual growth rate (CAGR 2025-2029) of 4.77%, resulting in a market volume of USD 1.45 trillion by 2029.
 

Refrigerated Trailer Market Trends

• The industry is witnessing significant innovation in refrigeration technologies, including the integration of electric and hybrid systems, as well as the adoption of solar-powered units. These advancements aim to enhance energy efficiency, reduce emissions, and comply with stringent environmental regulations, thereby, driving the demand for modern refrigerated trailers.
   
• There is a growing trend towards the incorporation of telematics and Internet of Things (IoT) technologies in refrigerated trailers. These systems enable real-time monitoring of temperature, location, and trailer performance, leading to improved operational efficiency, better fleet management, and enhanced compliance with safety standards.
   
• With increasing environmental awareness, there is a notable shift towards sustainable practices in the refrigerated trailer market. Manufacturers are focusing on producing trailers with lower carbon footprints, utilizing recyclable materials, and implementing energy-efficient refrigeration systems to meet the growing demand for eco-friendly transportation solutions.
   
• The rapid growth of e-commerce and online grocery platforms has significantly increased the demand for refrigerated trailers. Consumers' preference for home deliveries of perishable goods necessitates efficient and reliable cold chain logistics, thereby driving the market for refrigerated trailers equipped to handle such requirements.
   

Trump Administration Tariffs

• The imposition of tariffs on imported steel and aluminum under Section 232 significantly raised the cost of raw materials for refrigerated trailer manufacturers. As aluminum is a primary component, this led to higher production costs, forcing many companies to either absorb the losses or pass them on to customers through price hikes, impacting profit margins and demand.
   
• Tariffs disrupted global supply chains by limiting access to affordable foreign components, including refrigeration units and trailer parts. Companies dependent on imports from tariff-affected countries faced delays, increased lead times, and procurement challenges. This created uncertainty in production planning, slowed delivery cycles, and hindered expansion efforts, especially for smaller manufacturers with limited sourcing alternatives.
   
• Domestic manufacturers facing higher material costs may find it challenging to compete with international counterparts not subject to similar tariffs. This disparity can lead to a loss of market share both domestically and internationally, affecting the overall competitiveness of U.S.-based refrigerated trailer producers.
   

Refrigerated Trailer Market Analysis

Based on the temperature, the refrigerated trailer market is divided into single temperature, multi-temperature, and cryogenic. In 2024, the single temperature segment dominated the market, accounting for around 57% share and is expected to grow at a CAGR of over 5% during the forecast period.
 

• Single temperature holds the highest market share in the refrigerated trailer market due to its widespread use in transporting uniform cargo types requiring consistent temperature control. Industries like fresh produce, dairy, frozen foods, and pharmaceuticals often ship large volumes of goods at a single required temperature, making these trailers more cost-effective and operationally simpler than multi-temperature models.
   
• Single temperature trailers offer lower maintenance costs, higher payload capacity, and reduced system complexity, making them highly preferred for long-haul and bulk transportation. Additionally, many regulatory standards for food and pharmaceutical logistics specify strict single-temperature maintenance, reinforcing their adoption.
   
• For instance, in April 2025, Thermo King, launched its flagship LEGEND trailer refrigeration unit, marking a significant milestone with the start of Asian-based production at a new smart plant in Wujiang, China. This move is a key part of Thermo King’s localization strategy for research, development, and manufacturing in the Asia Pacific region, and is expected to enhance supply chain stability, shorten delivery cycles, and increase the localization rate of the LEGEND supply chain by 60%.

Based on application, the refrigerated trailer market is segmented into food & beverages, pharmaceuticals, chemicals, and others. In 2024, the food & beverages segment dominates the market with 56% of market share, and the segment is expected to grow at a CAGR of over 5.4% from 2025 to 2034.
 

• Food & beverages segment holds the highest market share in the refrigerated trailer market due to the critical need for temperature control during the transportation of perishable products like fruits, vegetables, meat, seafood, and dairy. Rising global demand for fresh, processed, and frozen foods, driven by changing consumer lifestyles and urbanization, has significantly increased reliance on refrigerated logistics.
   
• Additionally, strict food safety regulations require precise temperature maintenance to ensure product quality and compliance, further boosting the use of refrigerated trailers. Expanding international food trade, growth in supermarket and e-commerce grocery deliveries, and the increasing popularity of ready-to-eat meals also fuel demand.
   
• For instance, according to Statista, revenue in the processed & frozen fruits market will amount to USD 75.34 bn in 2025. The market is expected to grow annually by 6.50% (CAGR 2025-2030). In global comparison, most revenue is generated in China (USD 11 bn in 2025). In relation to total population figures, per person revenues of USD 9.60 are generated in 2025.
   

Based on the material, the refrigerated trailer market is segmented into aluminum, steel, composite, and plastic, with the aluminum category expected to dominate due to its ideal balance of strength, durability, and lightweight properties.
 

• Aluminum significantly reduces the overall trailer weight, leading to improved fuel efficiency and increased payload capacity—key priorities for fleet operators. Its high resistance to corrosion makes it particularly suitable for transporting temperature-sensitive goods in humid or extreme climates, extending trailer lifespan and reducing maintenance costs.
   
• Moreover, aluminum offers better thermal conductivity, enhancing insulation performance and helping maintain consistent internal temperatures. Its recyclability also aligns with the growing demand for sustainable and eco-friendly transport solutions.
   
• These advantages make aluminum the preferred material choice among manufacturers and logistics companies, contributing to its dominant position in the material segmentation of the market.

In 2024, the U.S. region in North America dominated the refrigerated trailer market with around 86% market share in North America and generated around USD 2.4 billion in revenue.
 

• The U.S. dominates the refrigerated trailer market in North America, driven by its large-scale food production, expanding pharmaceutical logistics, and robust cold chain infrastructure. Strong demand for fresh produce, frozen foods, and temperature-sensitive pharmaceuticals supports market growth.
   
• Regulatory frameworks like the Food Safety Modernization Act (FSMA) further enforce the use of advanced refrigerated transport solutions. Companies are increasingly adopting electric and hybrid refrigeration technologies to meet sustainability goals.
   
• Additionally, investments in smart fleet management and real-time temperature monitoring solutions are enhancing operational efficiency and compliance across the U.S. logistics sector.
   
• For instance, in September 2023, Utility Trailer Manufacturing Company and Schmitz Cargobull launched a joint venture called Cargobull North America (CBNA). This partnership unites two industry leaders to deliver advanced transport refrigeration units (TRUs) and trailer telematics to the North American market, exclusively available on Utility’s flagship 3000R refrigerated trailer.
   

The refrigerated trailer market in Germany is expected to experience significant and promising growth from 2025 to 2034.
 

• Germany plays a pivotal role in the European refrigerated trailer market due to its strong logistics infrastructure, robust food and beverage sector, and emphasis on cold chain efficiency. The country's central location makes it a key transit hub for temperature-sensitive goods across Europe.
   
• Growing demand for sustainable transport solutions has led to increased adoption of electric and low-emission refrigeration technologies. Stringent EU regulations on food safety and pharmaceutical transport are driving innovation and fleet modernization.
   
• For instance, according to Statista, the logistics costs of the transportation & logistics market in Germany are expected to amount to USD 442.14 bn in 2029, potentially depicting how much the transportation & logistics market can grow. Logistics costs are expected to show an annual growth rate (CAGR 2025-2029) of 1.80%.
   

The refrigerated trailer market in China is expected to experience significant and promising growth from 2025 to 2034.
 

• China’s refrigerated trailer market is experiencing strong growth driven by rising demand for cold chain logistics, especially in the food, pharmaceutical, and e-commerce sectors. Government initiatives to modernize agricultural supply chains and ensure food safety are accelerating refrigerated trailer adoption.
   
• Rapid urbanization, expanding supermarket chains, and growth in online grocery platforms further boost market needs. Additionally, domestic manufacturers are focusing on affordable, energy-efficient trailers, while premium brands are introducing smart technologies like real-time temperature tracking to meet evolving industry standards and customer expectations.
   
• For instance, in February 2025, CSCTRUCK, a leading Chinese commercial vehicle manufacturer, and ISUZU China announced a strategic cooperation focused on the development and production of refrigerated trucks. This partnership leverages CSCTRUCK’s expertise in specialized vehicle manufacturing and ISUZU’s well-established chassis technology to address the growing demand for efficient cold chain logistics in China and international markets.
   

The refrigerated trailer market in the UAE is expected to experience significant and promising growth from 2025 to 2034.
 

• The UAE's refrigerated trailer market is experiencing significant growth, driven by its strategic location as a global trade hub and substantial investments in cold chain infrastructure. The country's advanced logistics network, including major ports like Jebel Ali and Khalifa, supports efficient temperature-controlled transportation. Government initiatives, such as the National Food Security Strategy 2051.
   
• Technological advancements, including IoT-enabled monitoring systems, enhance operational efficiency and compliance with stringent quality standards. Despite challenges like high energy costs and extreme temperatures, the UAE's commitment to sustainability and innovation positions it as a leading player in the refrigerated trailer sector.
   
• For instance, in April 2025, Jebel Ali Free Zone (Jafza) made a significant move to reinforce the UAE’s supply chain with a strategic AED90 million investment in Phase 2 of its Logistics Park. This expansion directly supports the UAE’s ambition to grow its logistics sector to AED200 billion annually within the next seven years, further cementing Dubai’s role as a global logistics and trade hub.
   

Refrigerated Trailer Market Share

• Top 7 companies of the refrigerated trailer industry are Carrier Transicold, Great Dane Trailers, Schmitz Cargobull, Wabash National, Singamas Container, Thermo King, and Utility Trailer Manufacturing Company, hold around 21% of the market in 2024.
   
• Carrier Transicold focuses on enhancing refrigeration technology through electric and sustainable solutions, such as electric trailer refrigeration units (eTRUs). The company emphasizes energy efficiency, low-emission systems, and connected telematics for fleet monitoring. Carrier also partners with trailer manufacturers and fleet operators to provide integrated, customized refrigeration solutions that align with global sustainability goals and upcoming emissions regulations.
   
• Great Dane Trailers strengthens its position by developing innovative refrigerated trailer designs like the Everest series, integrating lightweight materials and advanced insulation technologies. The company prioritizes durability, thermal efficiency, and telematics integration for real-time monitoring. Great Dane also partners closely with refrigeration system providers and offers aftermarket support, ensuring fleets receive tailored solutions that meet changing cold chain and regulatory requirements.
   
• Schmitz Cargobull concentrates on vertical integration by manufacturing both refrigerated trailers and in-house refrigeration units. The company focuses on digitalization through its TrailerConnect telematics system, offering real-time temperature and location monitoring. Sustainability initiatives include lightweight designs and energy-efficient cooling systems. Schmitz Cargobull also emphasizes modular construction, allowing customers to configure trailers based on specific operational and regulatory needs.
   

Refrigerated Trailer Market Companies

Major players operating in the refrigerated trailer industry are:

• Carrier Transicold
• Great Dane Trailers
• Hyundai Translead
• Lamberet
• Manac
• Schmitz Cargobull
• Singamas Container
• Thermo King
• Utility Trailer Manufacturing Company
• Wabash National
   

Most companies in the refrigerated trailer market focus on expanding cold chain capabilities, integrating smart telematics for real-time temperature monitoring, and adopting sustainable technologies like electric or hybrid refrigeration units. They emphasize product innovation with multi-temperature compartments, lightweight materials for fuel efficiency, and compliance with global food and pharmaceutical transport regulations. Strategic partnerships and regional expansion are also key to strengthening distribution and service networks.
 

Companies in the refrigerated trailer market are increasingly prioritizing sustainability by developing trailers with lower emissions and enhanced energy efficiency. They are investing in advanced insulation materials, solar-assisted refrigeration systems, and battery-powered units to meet stricter environmental regulations. Additionally, manufacturers are enhancing aftermarket services, offering predictive maintenance, and focusing on customization to cater to diverse industry needs, ensuring greater customer retention and operational reliability.
 

Refrigerated Trailer Industry News

• In April 2025, Birds Eye, in partnership with DFDS and Sunswap, introduced two solar-powered refrigerated trailers to transport its frozen products. This initiative is a significant step in reducing the carbon footprint of its supply chain and advancing sustainability in cold chain logistics. The trailers are equipped with roof-mounted solar panels that work in tandem with Sunswap’s advanced battery technology to power the refrigeration units.
   
• In March 2025, Cargobull, in partnership with Utility Trailer, introduced several innovative upgrades to its transport refrigeration units (TRUs) and refrigerated trailers, significantly enhancing both performance and thermal efficiency. The new microchannel condenser improves heat transfer, resulting in higher cooling capacity and more reliable performance, especially in elevated ambient temperatures. Cargobull’s unique engine control system maintains optimal thermal performance under varying conditions.
   
• In December 2024, Wabash introduced the Acutherm refrigerated truck and van bodies featuring its proprietary EcoNex Technology, marking a significant advancement in refrigerated transport construction and efficiency. Unlike traditional refrigerated bodies that rely on foam insulation surrounded by metal posts and skins, EcoNex panels combine structure and insulation in a single, molded composite material. This eliminates the need for metal posts, which are known to create thermal bridges and cause inconsistent temperature profiles.
   
• In October 2024, Wabash National undertook a project to build solar panels into refrigerated trailers, aiming to create a lighter, more energy-efficient, and sustainable solution for refrigerated transport. The initiative is supported by USD 1.6 million grant from the U.S. Department of Energy’s Solar Energy Technologies Office and involves a partnership with the University of Delaware’s Center for Composite Materials. The trailers will be equipped with lightweight solar panels integrated on the roof, supplying renewable energy to refrigeration units.
   

The refrigerated trailer market research report includes in-depth coverage of the industry with estimates & forecasts in terms of revenue ($ Mn/Bn) and shipment (Units) from 2021 to 2034, for the following segments:

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Market, By Temperature

• Single temperature
• Multi-temperature
• Cryogenic

Market, By Application

• Food & beverages
• Pharmaceuticals
• Chemicals
• Others

Market, By Material

• Aluminum
• Steel
• Composite
• Plastic

Market, By End Use

• Transportation
• Storage
• Distribution

The above information is provided for the following regions and countries:

• North America
  • U.S.
  • Canada
• Europe
  • Germany
  • UK
  • France
  • Italy
  • Spain
  • Russia
  • Nordics
• Asia Pacific
  • China
  • Japan
  • India
  • South Korea
  • ANZ
  • Southeast Asia
• Latin America
  • Brazil
  • Mexico
  • Argentina 
• MEA
  • UAE
  • Saudi Arabia
  • South Africa