Global multimodal transport market poised for steady growth through 2032

The global multimodal transport market is projected to grow from US$98.61 billion in 2025 to US$159.30 billion by 2032, expanding at a compound annual growth rate of 7.1 per cent, as supply chains increasingly shift toward integrated freight networks.

According to MarketsandMarkets, growth is being driven by rising shipment volumes, more complex trade routes and a push to improve reliability and reduce logistics costs through combined road, rail, sea and air transport. Shippers are turning to multimodal solutions to manage fluctuating capacity, support just-in-time production and improve cargo visibility, particularly as e-commerce expands and manufacturing footprints become more dispersed.

Government initiatives aimed at promoting sustainable freight transportation, including incentives for rail-based shipping, coastal shipping programs and major infrastructure investments, are also contributing to market expansion. In response, large logistics providers are strengthening control over multimodal capacity through long-term carrier partnerships, digital integration and network consolidation.

Three-mode transport configurations are expected to see particularly strong growth during the forecast period, as they offer greater routing flexibility and capacity balancing for industries with complex sourcing and delivery requirements, including aerospace, pharmaceuticals and high-tech manufacturing.

The retail sector is projected to be the fastest-growing end-use segment, driven by faster delivery expectations, the expansion of direct-to-consumer models and rising demand for temperature-controlled and cross-border shipments.

Regionally, China is expected to lead demand in the Asia-Pacific market, supported by its extensive port infrastructure, expanding inland rail and road networks, and continued investment in multimodal trade corridors and digital logistics platforms.

Major players in the global multimodal transport market include Deutsche Post AG, DSV, Kuehne+Nagel, A.P. Moller–Maersk and Nippon Express Holdings, as logistics providers continue to expand integrated, end-to-end freight capabilities to meet growing demand.