Reefer Truck Market Segmented By Vehicle Type (Light Commercial Vehicle (LCV), Medium Commercial Vehicle (MCV), and Heavy commercial vehicle (HCV)), By Tonnage Capacity (Less than 10 Tons, 10-20 Tons, More than 20 Tons), By Application (Food and Beverages, Pharmaceuticals, Chemicals, and Others), By Region, Competition Forecast & Opportunities 2021-2031F

Forecast Period	2027-2031
Market Size (2025)	USD 12.82 Billion
CAGR (2026-2031)	6.41%
Fastest Growing Segment	Light Commercial Vehicle (LCV)
Largest Market	North America
Market Size (2031)	USD 18.61 Billion

Market Overview

The Global Reefer Truck Market will grow from USD 12.82 Billion in 2025 to USD 18.61 Billion by 2031 at a 6.41% CAGR. The Global Reefer Truck Market comprises commercial vehicles equipped with insulated cargo areas and refrigeration units designed to transport temperature-sensitive freight, such as perishable foods, pharmaceuticals, and chemicals. The primary drivers fueling market expansion include the escalating global demand for fresh and frozen consumables, which necessitates continuous cold chain integrity to minimize spoilage and ensure food safety compliance. Furthermore, the pharmaceutical sector's stringent requirements for transporting biologics and vaccines under precise temperature controls continue to bolster the reliance on these specialized logistics assets. According to the Global Cold Chain Alliance, in 2025, the capacity of the Global Top 25 temperature-controlled logistics providers increased by 640 million cubic feet, reflecting the surging investment in cold chain infrastructure to support these growing trade volumes.

Despite this positive trajectory, the market faces a significant challenge in the form of volatile operational costs, particularly regarding fuel prices and the capital expenditure required for maintaining regulatory compliance. As environmental standards regarding diesel emissions and refrigerant gases become more rigorous, fleet operators are compelled to invest in compliant, often more expensive, technologies to avoid penalties. This financial pressure is further exacerbated by fluctuating energy markets, which can severely impact the profit margins of logistics providers and potentially slow the rate of fleet modernization and expansion within the global reefer truck sector.

Key Market Drivers

The Rapid Growth of E-commerce and Online Grocery Delivery Services is a primary force propelling the Global Reefer Truck Market. As consumers increasingly rely on digital platforms for purchasing perishable goods, retailers are expanding their temperature-controlled fleets to ensure the integrity of fresh and frozen items during the critical last-mile delivery phase. This shift has necessitated substantial investments in multi-temperature trucks capable of handling diverse cargo simultaneously. For instance, according to The Kroger Co., September 2025, in the 'Second Quarter 2025 Results' report, the retailer's digital sales increased by 16% year-over-year, underscoring the intensifying pressure on logistics networks to support high-volume, temperature-sensitive home deliveries.

Simultaneously, the Development of Cold Chain Infrastructure significantly influences market dynamics, as the expansion of cold storage facilities directly correlates with the need for refrigerated transport to service these hubs. Major logistics providers are scaling their operations to manage the surging volume of frozen food and pharmaceuticals moving through the supply chain. According to Lineage, Inc., November 2025, in the 'Third Quarter 2025 Financial Results', the company reported that total revenue increased by 3.1% to $1.377 billion, reflecting the robust demand for cold chain capacity. However, this operational growth contrasts with broader vehicle market challenges; according to the European Automobile Manufacturers’ Association (ACEA), January 2025, new EU truck registrations declined by 6.3% in 2024, highlighting the supply constraints fleet operators face amidst rising demand.

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Key Market Challenges

The volatile nature of operational costs, compounded by the steep capital expenditures necessary for regulatory compliance, significantly impedes the sustainable growth of the Global Reefer Truck Market. As environmental mandates regarding diesel emissions and refrigerant gases tighten, fleet operators face immediate financial pressure to replace older vehicles with compliant, high-cost alternatives. This mandatory capital outflow diverts funds away from business expansion and market development, effectively slowing the rate at which companies can scale their operations to meet rising global demand.

The severity of this financial burden is evident in the rising expenses associated with acquiring and maintaining commercial fleet assets. According to the American Transportation Research Institute, in 2025, the specific cost component for truck and trailer payments increased by 8.3 percent to a record high of $0.390 per mile. This substantial rise in fixed equipment costs directly reduces the liquidity available for logistics providers to absorb energy price fluctuations, thereby hampering their ability to maintain consistent growth momentum in a capital-intensive market.

Key Market Trends

The adoption of electric and hybrid refrigerated propulsion systems is reshaping the market as operators transition to zero-emission logistics. This trend involves deploying advanced battery-electric technologies that eliminate direct emissions while ensuring consistent cooling for urban deliveries. Manufacturers are accelerating this shift by introducing retrofit solutions that convert existing diesel fleets to hybrid operations, thereby extending asset lifespan while meeting sustainability targets. For instance, according to Carrier Transicold, October 2025, in the 'Carrier Transicold Launches Three New Solutions to Support Fleet Electrification and Sustainability' press release, the company introduced the [R]eCool system, a retrofit solution designed to convert diesel-powered refrigeration units into hybrid or fully electric systems to support decarbonization.

Simultaneously, the integration of telematics and IoT is revolutionizing cold chain management by providing real-time visibility into cargo conditions. This digital transformation enables logistics providers to monitor temperature excursions instantly and automate compliance reporting, significantly reducing spoilage risks for high-value perishables. The rapid uptake of these sophisticated platforms is evident in the surging customer base of leading technology providers optimizing fleet operations. For instance, according to Samsara Inc., June 2025, in the 'Fiscal Year 2025 Annual Report', the company reported that its count of large-scale customers increased by 36% year-over-year, underscoring the accelerating adoption of connected operations platforms that support critical cold chain monitoring functions.

Segmental Insights

The Light Commercial Vehicle (LCV) segment is currently emerging as the fastest-growing category within the Global Reefer Truck Market, driven primarily by the escalating demand for efficient last-mile delivery solutions. As e-commerce for perishable goods expands, logistics providers require agile vehicles suited for navigating congested urban environments to reach end consumers directly. Moreover, strict adherence to safety protocols enforced by institutions such as the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) necessitates precise temperature maintenance throughout the supply chain. This regulatory pressure, combined with the operational flexibility required for city logistics, is accelerating the adoption of refrigerated LCVs for distributing food and pharmaceuticals.

Regional Insights

North America maintains a dominant position in the global reefer truck market, driven by established cold chain infrastructure and consistent demand for frozen commodities. The region follows strict regulatory frameworks that ensure product quality and safety during transport. Notably, the United States Food and Drug Administration enforces the Food Safety Modernization Act, which mandates rigorous sanitary transportation practices. These compliance requirements compel logistics companies to invest in reliable refrigerated transport units. Furthermore, the robust pharmaceutical and processed food sectors heavily rely on continuous temperature control, further sustaining regional market leadership.

Recent Developments

• In September 2024, Carrier Transicold announced the commercial launch of a new version of its Vector HE 19 unit at the IAA Transportation event in Hanover, Germany. This refrigeration solution for semi-trailers was designed to be compatible with hydrogenated vegetable oil and B100 biofuel, featuring a new refrigerant with low global warming potential. The company stated that the unit significantly reduces carbon dioxide emissions while maintaining high performance standards. This development aimed to support the transport sector's decarbonization goals by providing a sustainable alternative to traditional diesel-powered refrigeration systems.
• In September 2024, Schmitz Cargobull presented its latest transport cooling unit, the S.CU dc85, and an all-electric refrigerated semi-trailer, the S.KOe CITY, at the IAA Transportation trade fair. The new cooling unit was engineered to consume less fuel and require less refrigerant than its predecessor, enhancing economic efficiency for operators. Additionally, the company showcased a diesel-powered cooling unit equipped with an electric power take-off secondary drive, allowing it to run on electrical power when connected to an electric tractor. These innovations were part of the manufacturer's strategy to offer flexible and sustainable transport solutions for the cold chain industry.
• In June 2024, GreenPower Motor Company unveiled the EV Star REEFERX, a new all-electric refrigerated medium-duty delivery truck designed for mid-to-last-mile logistics. The vehicle was built on the company's EV Star Cab & Chassis platform and featured a lighter body structure to increase payload capacity to up to 5,500 pounds. The truck included a one-piece wall structure for consistent insulation and multi-temperature zones suitable for transporting fresh and frozen goods such as food and pharmaceuticals. The manufacturer emphasized that the vehicle’s design allows for seamless sanitation and a lower total cost of ownership for fleet operators.
• In May 2024, Isuzu Commercial Truck of America and Thermo King collaborated to introduce a fully electric refrigerated truck, the NRR EV, integrated with the e300 all-electric transport refrigeration unit. The partnership enabled the truck's onboard computer to communicate directly with the refrigeration unit, supplying the necessary power to maintain temperature control without a secondary power source. This Class 5 electric vehicle was designed to meet the growing demand for zero-emission refrigerated delivery solutions. Executives from both companies highlighted that the integration aligns with industry shifts toward electrification and provides a practical solution for urban delivery routes.

Key Market Players

• C.R. England
• Marten Transport
• Hirschbach Motor Lines
• KLLM Transport Services
• Stevens Transport
• Boyle Transportation
• Grand Island Express
• Halvor Lines
• Continental Express Inc.
• Magnum Ltd.

By Vehicle Type	By Tonnage Capacity	By Application	By Region
Light Commercial Vehicle (LCV) Medium Commercial Vehicle (MCV) Heavy commercial vehicle (HCV)	Less than 10 Tons 10-20 Tons More than 20 Tons	Food and Beverages Pharmaceuticals Chemicals Others	North America Europe Asia Pacific South America Middle East & Africa

Report Scope:

In this report, the Global Reefer Truck Market has been segmented into the following categories, in addition to the industry trends which have also been detailed below:

• Reefer Truck Market, By Vehicle Type:

• Light Commercial Vehicle (LCV)
• Medium Commercial Vehicle (MCV)
• Heavy commercial vehicle (HCV)

• Reefer Truck Market, By Tonnage Capacity:

• Less than 10 Tons
• 10-20 Tons
• More than 20 Tons

• Reefer Truck Market, By Application:

• Food and Beverages
• Pharmaceuticals
• Chemicals
• Others

• Reefer Truck Market, By Region:

• North America
• United States
• Canada
• Mexico
• Europe
• France
• United Kingdom
• Italy
• Germany
• Spain
• Asia Pacific
• China
• India
• Japan
• Australia
• South Korea
• South America
• Brazil
• Argentina
• Colombia
• Middle East & Africa
• South Africa
• Saudi Arabia
• UAE