Digital Freight Matching (DFM) Market Size, Share and Trend Analysis, By Platform Type (Web-based, Mobile App), By Mode of Transportation (Road, Rail, Air, Maritime), By Service Type (Core Freight Matching Services, Value-Added Services), By Freight Type, By Industry Vertical, and By Region, Forecast 2025-2032

Digital Freight Matching (DFM) Market Overview and Key Insights:

The global digital freight matching (DFM) Market size reached USD 32.3 billion in 2024 and is expected to register a revenue CAGR of 21.5% during the forecast period. Increasing urbanization, rising internet penetration, and growing consumer adoption of e-commerce platforms are some of the major factors driving revenue growth of the market.

Market Drivers:

Rapid urban population growth and rising internet penetration are accelerating consumer adoption of e-commerce, which in turn fueling revenue growth of the digital freight matching market. According to the United Nations (UN), 55% of the global population currently lives in cities, and the population is expected to increase by 68% by 2050.

The growing consumer adoption for on-demand delivery services, such as same-day and next-day delivery, is steadily adopting across e-commerce, quick commerce platforms and courier services. The internet connection is a major component in enabling e-commerce and quick commerce marketplaces adoption.

It is helping digital freight matching by enabling real-time load monitoring, establishment of communication between shippers and carriers, and helps in tracking of freight movements. According to the International Telecommunication Union (ITU), around 5.5 billion people or 68 % of the global population are using the Internet in 2024.

This connectivity is helping digital freight matching in real-time load monitoring of shippers and carriers, and end-to-end freight tracking. Also, these capabilities enhance operational efficiency, reduce idle time, and improve pick up and drop of products, which is critical in meeting evolving customer expectations.

Market Opportunity:

Growing demand for sustainable and green logistics solutions will generate market revenue growth over the forecast period. Companies are increasingly adopting DFM platforms to support this green transition by minimizing empty miles, consolidate loads, and optimize routes by lowering fuel consumption and emissions.

For instance, according to the United Nations (UN), the transport sector accounts for 13.7% of global greenhouse gas emissions. In addition, the integrating sustainability metrics, such as carbon tracking and eco-score-based carrier selection, enables shippers to in reducing fuel reduction.

Moreover, strategic partnership between fast-moving consumer goods (FMCG), consumer packaged goods (CPG), electronics, fashion, and retail direct-to-consumer (DTC) companies are further generating significant growth opportunities.

DFM platforms leverage a technology-driven freight network with first-party logistics (1PL), second-party logistics (2PL), third-party logistics (3PL) providers. These advantages are significantly helping businesses and industries to scale their operations without investing heavily in their own transportation and supply chain systems.

Technological Trends:

Integration of blockchain and the Internet of Things (IoT) are emerging as a major trend in the digital freight matching market. Blockchain secures and validates the data, and IoT continuously send precise, up-to-date information in the system. The integration of blockchain technology significantly enhances the transparency, security, and transparency of freight transactions.

Blockchain ensures data integrity, reduces the risk of fraud, and by dispute resolution between shippers, carriers, and freight forwarders. Also, the IoT devices connectivity enable DFM platforms to optimize load matching, enhance predictive analytics, and improve the reliability of delivery timelines.

Restraints & Challenges:

Concerns about data privacy and security is expected to hinder revenue growth over the forecast period. Digital freight matching solutions rely on integration large volume of data and software to analyze logistics and supply chain data. Breaches in the databases can significantly damage the reputation of any company. According to the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), in 2024, the IC3 received a record number of complaints from American citizens, totaling 859,532, with potential losses surpassing USD 16 billion.

Platform Type Segment Insights and Analysis:

Based on the platform type, the Digital Freight Matching (DFM) Market is segmented into web-based and mobile app.       

The mobile app segment will achieve a substantial growth rate by 2032. User dependency on smartphones and mobile-based solutions is a primary factor accelerating revenue growth of the market. Mobile apps offer a highly accessible and user-friendly interface, that helps carriers to track shipments in real time, and execute transactions or payments from any location.

Also, the penetration of 5G networks logistics operators, and drivers are enhancing the efficiency of digital freight matching. According to the GSM Association, 5G connections are expected to increase 1.6 billion connections by the end of 2023, and it is projected to reach 5.5 billion connections by 2030.

Mobile-based digital freight matching platforms integrates advanced features such as digital documentation, automated invoicing, and route optimization which are critical component of cost reduction. Additionally, the mobile-first approach aligns well with the gig economy and the increasing trend of flexible, on-demand freight services.

Mode of Transportation Segment Insights and Analysis:

Based on the Mode of Transportation, the Market is segmented into Road, Rail, Air, and Maritime.

The road transportation segment registered a substantial revenue share in 2024. Road freight serves as the most accessible form of transport and also serves as a direct shipping method. This advantage is supporting the rapid expansion of e-commerce, retailing, and Just-in-Time supply chains where speed and accuracy take priority.

In addition, the DFM systems ensure utilization of trucks for shipping, reduce the number of empty miles, and assist in real-time data of shippers and available transporters. Moreover, the expansion of temperature-controlled and high-value commodities have also contributed towards the increased adoption of road freight.

Industry Vertical Segment Insights and Analysis:

Based on the Industry Vertical, the Digital Freight Matching (DFM) Market is segmented into e-commerce & retail, food & beverage, agriculture, manufacturing, automotive, healthcare & pharmaceuticals, and others.

Agriculture segment is expected to register significant revenue growth by 2032. Increased global agricultural production is projected to support the growth over the forecast period. According to the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), the primary crop output worldwide accounted for 9.9 billion tonnes in 2023, indicating a growth of 3% from 2022.

This growing agricultural production accelerates more demand on supply chains to efficiently transportation of bulk commodities from the farm to domestic as well as international markets. In addition, seasonality, fluctuating demand, and issues with perishable agricultural goods mostly hamper the traditional freight system. Real-time load monitoring using the DFM platform, combined with optimized route planning of transportation networks, can solve these challenges. 

Geographical Outlook:

The Digital Freight Matching (DFM) Market is strategically segmented by geography to provide a comprehensive understanding of regional market dynamics. Discover demand analysis, emerging trends, and growth opportunities shaping market performance across different regions and countries.

North America Digital Freight Matching (DFM) Market:

North America registered a significant market share in the Digital Freight Matching market. Increase in e-commerce sales is driving revenue growth of the market in this region in 2024. According to the United States Census Bureau, total e-commerce sales in 2024 are expected to exceed USD 1,192.6 billion, an 8.1% increase over 2023.

The growth in e-commerce penetration of total retail sales increased by 15.3% in 2023 to 16.1% in 2024. E-commerce in this region is reshaping the retail and distribution channels as a result the need for real-time tracking to match freight with available capacity quickly and cost-effectively is propelling the adoption of digital freight matching.

In addition, rapid demand for digital freight matching in cross border trade are further accelerating the deployment. The U.S. is a major country in export and import of diverse range of goods spanning automotive, electronics, agricultural goods, and consumer products. This creates complex logistics requirements, with involving multiple carriers, and customs documentation.

As a result, the demand is also expected to accelerate over the projected period. According to the United States Trade Representative, in 2022, total U.S. trade in goods and services with USMCA partners was valued around USD 1.8 trillion. This included USD 789.7 billion in exports and USD 974.3 billion in imports.

Asia Pacific Digital Freight Matching (DFM) Market:

Asia Pacific registered the highest market share, and this region is expected to register the fastest revenue growth of 26.5% by 2032. The rapid expansion of e-commerce and quick commerce has accelerated the deployment of digital freight matching.

The usage of online marketplaces in the Asia-Pacific region is transforming freight and logistics operations. According to the International Trade Administration (ITA), 57% of consumers in Southeast Asia now use e-commerce marketplaces as their primary channel for discovering new products.

Strong economic growth in countries such as China, India, Japan, Singapore, and Australia is fueling increased demand for freight services, which in turn driving revenue growth in the digital freight matching market. On 3^rd December 2024, the state council of the People Republic of China reported, International routes transported approximately 2.93 million tonnes of cargo and mail in last quarter of 2024.

Moreover, the growing population in this region is expected to drive higher freight volumes, which in turn expected to accelerate demand for digital freight matching solutions. For instance, according to the United Nations (UN), By 2050, Asia’s urban population is expected to grow by 50%, adding 1.2 billion people. Also, the, urbanization remains a prominent trend in the Asia-Pacific region, accounting for 54% of the world’s urban population of more than 2.2 billion people.

Europe Digital Freight Matching (DFM) Market:

Europe is expected to register a substantial growth rate by 2032. The users of e-commerce platforms, e-retailers, and marketplaces are increasingly growing in Europe. According to a poll by the European Union (EU), 94% of people accessed the internet in 2024, with 77% purchasing or ordering goods or services online. As a result, the need for efficient, technology-driven freight matching platforms is anticipated to scale across Europe over the forecast period.

Moreover, governments across the region are investing substantially in the logistics and transportation sector, and this trend will significantly drive revenue growth in the digital freight matching market by 2032. On 17^th July 2024, he European Commission approved funding for 134 transport projects, allocating USD 7.64 billion through the Connecting Europe Facility (CEF).

Competition Analysis:

The Digital Freight Matching (DFM) Market is characterized by numerous players, with major players competing across segments and regions. The list of major players included in the Digital Freight Matching Market report are:

• Uber Freight Holding Corporation
• Transfix, Inc.
• DAT Solutions, LLC.
• Amazon Logistics, Inc.
• Freight Technologies, Inc
• CEVA Logistics
• Beacon Technologies Ltd.
• XPO Inc
• Cargomatic Inc.
• Flexport, Inc

Strategic Developments in the Digital Freight Matching (DFM) Market:

• On 28^th July 2025, DAT Freight & Analytics has entered into an agreement to acquire the Convoy Platform from Flexport, enhancing its portfolio with advanced automation capabilities and state-of-the-art digital freight-matching technology. It serves as a strategic complement to DAT One, DAT’s flagship subscription-based load board, which features close to 700,000 daily load postings.
• On 8^th July 2024, Freight Technologies, Inc. announced the official launch of Waavely. This advanced platform transforms ocean freight booking and management for companies moving containers between North America and global ports. Fr8App optimizes the connection between shippers and carriers, enabling more efficient use of time and resources.

Key Advantages for Stakeholders:

Navistrat Analytics’ industry report provides an in-depth quantitative analysis of various market segments, historical and current trends, market forecasts, and dynamics within the global market. The historical years covered in this report are 2022 to 2023, with 2024 serving as the base year for market size calculations. The forecast period extends from 2025 to 2032.

The report includes an executive summary and a comprehensive overview of market drivers, restraints, opportunities, and challenges (DROC), along with insights into regulatory standards. It features detailed analyses such as PORTER’s Five Forces, SWOT, and PESTLE, as well as assessments of technological trends and the competitive landscape.

PORTER’s Five Forces analysis helps stakeholders evaluate the impact of new entrants, competitive rivalry, supplier power, buyer power, and substitution threats, enabling them to assess the level of competition and the attractiveness of the global market. The competitive landscape provides stakeholders with a clear understanding of the current market positions of key players, offering valuable insights into their competitive environment.

Scope And Key Highlights of The Digital Freight Matching Market Report:

The Digital Freight Matching Market report offers a detailed analysis of market size, including historical revenue (in USD Billion) data for 2022-2023 and revenue forecasts for 2025-2032 across the following segments:

• Platform Type Outlook (Revenue, USD Billion; 2022-2032)
  • Web-based
  • Mobile App
    • Android
    • iOS

• Mode of Transportation Outlook (Revenue, USD Billion; 2022-2032)
  • Road
  • Rail
  • Air
  • Maritime

• Service Type Outlook (Revenue, USD Billion; 2022-2032)
  • Core Freight Matching Services
  • Value-Added Services

• Freight Type Outlook (Revenue, USD Billion; 2022-2032)
  • Full Truckload (FTL)
  • Less than Truckload (LTL)
  • Intermodal
  • Cold Chain
  • Others

• Industry Vertical Outlook (Revenue, USD Billion; 2022-2032)
  • E-commerce & Retail
  • Food & Beverage
  • Agriculture
  • Manufacturing
  • Automotive
  • Healthcare & Pharmaceuticals
  • Others

• Regional Outlook (Revenue, USD Billion; 2022-2032)
  • North America
    • U.S.
    • Canada
    • Mexico
  • Europe
    • Germany
    • France
    • U.K.
    • Italy
    • Spain
    • Benelux
    • Nordic Countries
    • Rest of Europe
  • Asia Pacific
    • China
    • India
    • Japan
    • South Korea
    • Taiwan
    • Oceania
    • ASEAN Countries
    • Rest of APAC
  • Latin America
    • Brazil
    • Rest of LATAM
  • Middle East & Africa
    • GCC Countries
    • South Africa
    • Israel
    • Turkey
    • Rest of MEA

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) About the Digital Freight Matching Market Report