| Study Period | 2019 - 2030 |
| Base Year For Estimation | 2024 |
| Forecast Data Period | 2025 - 2030 |
| Market Size (2025) | USD 378.77 Billion |
| Market Size (2030) | USD 446.41 Billion |
| CAGR (2025 - 2030) | 3.00% |
| Market Concentration | Low |
Major Players
*Disclaimer: Major Players sorted in no particular order |
Europe Long Haul Transport Market Analysis
The Europe Long Haul Transport Market size is estimated at USD 378.77 billion in 2025, and is expected to reach USD 446.41 billion by 2030, at a CAGR of greater than 3% during the forecast period (2025-2030).
- Due to COVID-19, road freight rates in June 2020 were down 14.3% year over year. The rates were up by 3% compared to May 2020. Although rates were stable through Q1 2020, price levels declined sharply from April on as COVID-19 lockdowns dragged down demand and available capacity increased significantly. As a result of COVID-19, most demands eroded, but there were sector-by-sector variations. Production in the automotive sector largely came to a standstill, whereas there were violent jumps in demand for grocery-related transport, chemical and pharmaceutical products saw sustained higher demand levels, and the fashion retail and industrial sectors suffered. The COVID-19 pandemic increased the importance of digitalization in the industry.
- Strong increases in all types of operations drove a 6.5 percent increase in European road freight transport from 2020 to 2021.In the second quarter of 2020, lockdowns and restrictions on cross-border movements were put in place. In the second quarter of 2021, the number of tonne-kilometers done in the EU rose by 19.3%, to 496.5 billion tonne-kilometers.In terms of tons, Germany had the highest volume of road freight traffic on its territory in 2021.Fuel prices play an important role in long-haul trucking. As the trucks have to cover longer distances, fuel costs can significantly impact freight costs. Similar to the first quarter of 2022, the spike in diesel prices was the main driver of the increase in transportation costs.
- Although this factor contributed to the increase in 2021, demand growth was primarily responsible.Although there are different developments in different countries, the EU-27 pre-tax diesel price jumped 69% from its January level. At EUR 1.9 (USD 1.99) per liter, the average price of diesel at the pump in Q2 2022 in the main European countries showed an increase of 13% compared to Q1 2022. Many countries have taken steps to minimize the impact of this surge in fuel prices, including through reductions in taxes. Despite this, the increase remains significant. Fuel now accounts for about 50% of the operating costs of a long-distance truck, compared to a third before.
- According to information from an industry group, the European road freight market will slow down in 2023, growing by only 1.1% in real terms to reach USD 408 billion. Inflation that is going up, the energy crisis, the risk of a recession, and problems with manufacturing will all hurt the market a lot in 2023. Long-haul transportation, which is a part of the road freight market, will be affected in the same way. Since the COVID-19 pandemic, the automotive industry, which used to be a big part of road traffic in Europe, was having trouble. For the year 2022, European production was expected to have fallen by 0.5%. The shortage of semiconductors had a negative impact on supply in Europe. But at the end of 2022, demand was also beginning to crumble. In Germany, the largest market in Europe, sales are expected to fall by 5% this year. One small positive factor is e-commerce. As cross-border e-commerce (purchasing in a country other than that of delivery) accounts for 40% of purchases, it is a strong provider of flows for international transport. But this driving force is also starting to weaken.
Europe Long Haul Transport Market Trends
Imports from oil and gas segment driving the market
In 2023, the European Union (EU) accounted for 25% of global oil imports , valuing its imports at a staggering USD 349.58 billion. This substantial investment underscores the EU's reliance on oil imports to fuel its financial system and meet its robust consumption needs, totaling 479.6 million tons. Continuing this trend, the EU imported oil worth $44.85 billion in Q1 2024.
In 2023, global oil imports reached a staggering USD 1.35 trillion, with the EU contributing USD 349.58 billion to this figure. Leading the EU, the Netherlands topped the charts as the largest oil importer, bringing in oil worth USD 55.08 billion, which constituted a 4.1% share of the total.
In Q1 2024, Germany led the way with oil imports worth USD 12.52 billion, capturing a significant 27.9% share. The EU sources its oil imports from a wide range of countries. Notably, Russia, Norway, and the UK emerge as dominant suppliers, together constituting a major portion of the EU's oil imports. Additionally, Middle Eastern countries, especially Saudi Arabia and Iraq, play crucial roles in meeting the EU's oil demands. Given the industry's robust demand, the long-haul transportation market is poised for substantial growth.
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Germany holding a significant position in the market
Germany boasts a vast network and infrastructure for its long haul trucking sector, enabling efficient goods movement over extensive distances. Several factors are fueling the growth of this market. The e-commerce boom has heightened the demand for swift logistics and transportation services, underscoring the importance of long-haul trucking. Moreover, the adoption of advanced technologies for route optimization and supply chain efficiency is further propelling market growth.
Germany's long-haul trucking market is characterized by a fragmented competitive landscape. With approximately 35,000 road freight companies in operation, the market sees low concentration levels, though a handful of major players command a significant share. This technological reliance has spurred logistics firms to innovate and elevate their service offerings.
The outlook for Germany's long-haul transportation market remains optimistic, bolstered by ongoing infrastructure investments and technological advancements in logistics. Government efforts to enhance freight corridors and highways are set to boost the efficiency and appeal of long haul trucking services. Such strides are vital to cater to the surging transportation demands, aligning with the nation's economic growth and international trade ambitions.
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Europe Long Haul Transport Industry Overview
The European Long Haul Transport market is witnessing fragmentation and transformative changes, largely driven by the promise of digitization to revolutionize traditional practices. Major players like DB Schenker, DHL, DSV, Kuehne + Nagel, and Dascher are at the forefront of this evolution.
Moreover, both tech start-ups and industry giants underscore the imperative of continuous innovation to maintain a competitive edge. For smaller and medium-sized logistics firms, leveraging technology and seizing opportunities to innovate services is crucial for successfully competing with larger counterparts.
Europe Long Haul Transport Market Leaders
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Deutsche Post DHL
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Deutsche Bahn AG
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DSV
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Kuehne + Nagel International AG
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Dascher
- *Disclaimer: Major Players sorted in no particular order
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Europe Long Haul Transport Market News
- July 2024: C.H. Robinson Worldwide, Inc. announced its strategic decision to divest its European Surface Transportation business (EST) to Sennder Technologies GmbH, Europe's premier digital road freight forwarder. This divestiture aligns with the Company's enterprise strategy, emphasizing a leaner and more focused approach. The goal is to channel efforts into profitable growth across its four primary sectors: North American truckload, less-than-truckload, and global ocean and air services, maximizing value for stakeholders.
- May 2024: DHL Supply Chain is bolstering its multi-user campus in Leipzig/Halle with the addition of a new logistics center. Spanning 34,000 square meters, this center will accommodate up to 55,000 pallet spaces. Designed for global reach, the center aims to cater to customers seeking efficient logistics solutions in Germany, Europe, and beyond.
Europe Long Haul Transport Industry Segmentation
Long-haul trucking (sometimes called 'over-the-road' trucking) involves long-distance cargo movements by trucks, usually using tractor-trailer combinations. Long-haul drivers are often away from home for days or weeks at a time.
The European long-haul transport market is segmented by Destination (Domestic and Cross-border), End User ((Construction, Oil and Gas and Quarrying, Agriculture, Fishing, and Forestry, Manufacturing and Automotive, Distributive Trade, and Other End Users (Pharmaceutical and Healthcare)), and Country (Germany, United Kingdom, France, Italy, Spain, Russia, and Rest of Europe). The report offers market sizes and forecasts in value (USD) for all the above segments.
| By Destination | Domestic |
| Cross-border | |
| By End User | Construction |
| Oil and Gas and Quarrying | |
| Agriculture, Fishing, and Forestry | |
| Manufacturing and Automotive | |
| Distributive Trade | |
| Other End-Users (Pharmaceutical and Healthcare) | |
| By Country | Germany |
| United Kingdom | |
| France | |
| Italy | |
| Spain | |
| Russia | |
| Rest of Europe |
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Europe Long Haul Transport Market Research FAQs
How big is the Europe Long Haul Transport Market?
The Europe Long Haul Transport Market size is expected to reach USD 378.77 billion in 2025 and grow at a CAGR of greater than 3% to reach USD 446.41 billion by 2030.
What is the current Europe Long Haul Transport Market size?
In 2025, the Europe Long Haul Transport Market size is expected to reach USD 378.77 billion.
Who are the key players in Europe Long Haul Transport Market?
Deutsche Post DHL, Deutsche Bahn AG, DSV, Kuehne + Nagel International AG and Dascher are the major companies operating in the Europe Long Haul Transport Market.
What years does this Europe Long Haul Transport Market cover, and what was the market size in 2024?
In 2024, the Europe Long Haul Transport Market size was estimated at USD 367.41 billion. The report covers the Europe Long Haul Transport Market historical market size for years: 2019, 2020, 2021, 2022, 2023 and 2024. The report also forecasts the Europe Long Haul Transport Market size for years: 2025, 2026, 2027, 2028, 2029 and 2030.
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Europe Long Haul Transport Industry Report
Statistics for the 2025 Europe Long Haul Transport market share, size and revenue growth rate, created by Mordor Intelligenceâ„¢ Industry Reports. Europe Long Haul Transport analysis includes a market forecast outlook for 2025 to 2030 and historical overview. Get a sample of this industry analysis as a free report PDF download.
