United States Short Haul Road Freight Transport Market Report by Vehicle Type, Destination, End User, States and Company Analysis, 2025-2033

United States Short Haul Road Freight Transport Market Size and Forecast

United States Short Haul Road Freight Transport Market is expected to reach US$ 202 billion by 2033 from US$ 147.83 billion in 2024, with a CAGR of 3.53% from 2025 to 2033. The U.S. short haul road freight transport market is driven by a number of factors, including growing e-commerce, the need for on-time delivery, urbanization, the expansion of small and medium-sized businesses, cold chain logistics, fleet management technology, and government programs that support infrastructure upgrades.

United States Short Haul Road Freight Transport Industry Overview

The term "short haul road freight transport" describes the transportation of goods over comparatively short distances, usually less than 300 miles, usually within a region or between adjacent towns. It is essential to timely transportation of both perishable and non-perishable items, supply chain efficiency, and last-mile delivery. In order to provide flexible and affordable logistics solutions, this mode depends on trucks, vans, and light commercial vehicles. Compared to long-distance trucking, short haul transport offers quicker delivery cycles, which benefits the manufacturing, retail, and e-commerce industries. In order to maximize overall freight distribution networks, it also connects with rail, aviation, and maritime logistics.

The quick growth of e-commerce, which necessitates quicker and more frequent deliveries to urban and suburban areas, is driving the short haul road freight transport market in the United States. The need for regional freight solutions is further increased by the expansion of small and medium-sized enterprises and just-in-time inventory management. Last-mile delivery requirements are fueled by urbanization and population increase, while cold chain logistics facilitate the transportation of perishable commodities. Efficiency and dependability are increased by technological innovations including fleet telematics, route planning software, and real-time tracking. The U.S. short haul freight sector is growing as a result of government investments in road infrastructure and regulations that assist logistics modernization. These measures also increase operating capacity.

Growth Drivers for the United States Short Haul Road Freight Transport Market

E-commerce Expansion

One of the main factors propelling the short-haul road freight transport business in the US is the explosive rise of e-commerce. The need for quick, frequent, and dependable deliveries to urban, suburban, and regional locations has grown dramatically as a result of online shopping platforms. Due to consumer expectations of same-day or next-day delivery, short haul freight networks are increasingly relied upon for regional and last-mile distribution. The rise in e-commerce also increases demand for more compact, adaptable cars that can move through crowded cities and deliver cargo quickly. Short-distance transit needs are further increased by promotional events, seasonal peaks, and an increase in online shopping and food delivery. To accommodate this demand, retailers and third-party logistics companies are growing their fulfillment centers and regional hubs. As a result, the growth of e-commerce keeps pushing investments in infrastructure, technology, and automobiles to enable efficient and economical short-haul freight operations throughout the US.

Technological Advancements

By increasing productivity, visibility, and operational control, technological developments are revolutionizing the short-haul road freight transport industry in the United States. Logistics companies can now more precisely arrange deliveries, consume less fuel, and improve customer satisfaction thanks to advancements in fleet telematics, GPS tracking, route optimization software, and warehouse automation. In order to scale FedEx Fulfillment using a completely autonomous 3PL model, FedEx teamed with and invested in Nimble, an AI robotics and autonomous e-commerce fulfillment technology firm, in September 2024. FedEx, which has more than 130 warehouse and fulfillment facilities in North America and processes 475 million returns a year, used Nimble's technology to assist omnichannel and e-commerce companies in making quicker and more informed supply chain choices. This strategy demonstrated how cutting-edge technology maximizes short haul operations and boosts the effectiveness of regional freight networks across the US by enabling companies to combine functions, improve agility, and speed up click-to-door speed.

Just-in-Time Inventory Practices

One major factor propelling the U.S. short haul road freight transport market's expansion is the implementation of just-in-time (JIT) inventory policies. By refilling stock only as needed, businesses using JIT systems seek to reduce the costs associated with keeping inventory, which necessitates regular and dependable regional supplies. Lean supply chain operations are supported by short haul transport, which allows businesses to move items rapidly between manufacturing sites, retail locations, and distribution centers. In sectors like automotive, electronics, and fast-moving consumer goods, where demand and production schedules change often, this strategy is especially crucial. By using short-distance freight, cash flow is improved and storage expenses are decreased while resources and products are supplied exactly when needed. The need for quick, adaptable, and digitally enabled short range road freight services is increasing as more businesses implement JIT methods to boost productivity and competitiveness, highlighting the service's crucial position in contemporary supply chain management.

Challenges in the United States Short Haul Road Freight Transport Market

Rising Fuel Costs

Since fuel is one of the biggest operating costs for trucking companies, rising fuel prices offer a serious threat to the short-haul road freight transport market in the United States. Profitability is directly impacted by fluctuating oil prices, especially for small and medium-sized businesses with tight budgets. Short haul routes often involve frequent stops, idling in traffic, and lower fuel efficiency compared to long-haul operations, further amplifying costs. The demand for services may be impacted if operators pass these costs on to clients. Furthermore, budgeting, route planning, and long-term investment decisions-such as fleet upgrades-are made more difficult by shifting fuel prices. Although businesses are looking at alternative fuels, fuel-efficient cars, and route optimization technologies to lessen the impact, high fuel prices continue to be a hindrance to competitive and economical short-haul freight operations.

Traffic Congestion and Urban Restrictions

In the US, short-haul road freight has significant obstacles from urban distribution limitations and traffic congestion. Heavy traffic on city highways caused by growing urbanization delays delivery and lowers fleet efficiency. For freight carriers, route planning is made more difficult by the stringent delivery windows, vehicle size limitations, and low-emission zones enforced by many cities. Congested roadways, few parking spaces, and frequent stops raise labor expenses, fuel consumption, and operational complexity. For last-mile delivery, where prompt and reliable service is essential, these characteristics are especially difficult to manage. To effectively negotiate urban constraints, businesses need to make investments in smaller or electric cars, real-time tracking, and sophisticated route optimization. Congestion and legal restrictions continue to be major barriers in spite of these tactics, affecting delivery time, service dependability, and overall short-haul freight performance.

California Short Haul Road Freight Transport Market

California, as the most populous U.S. state with a robust economy, is a key market for short haul road freight transport. High consumer demand, dense urban centers like Los Angeles and San Francisco, and a thriving e-commerce sector drive frequent regional deliveries. The state's strong manufacturing, agriculture, and tech industries further boost short-distance freight movement. However, traffic congestion, strict emissions regulations, and limited urban delivery windows pose challenges for operators. Companies are increasingly adopting route optimization, electric and low-emission vehicles, and advanced fleet management solutions to improve efficiency. California's infrastructure investments and focus on sustainability create opportunities for innovation in short haul logistics, making the state a critical hub for regional freight operations.

Texas Short Haul Road Freight Transport Market

Texas, with its large land area and strong industrial base, represents a significant market for short haul road freight transport. Major cities like Houston, Dallas, and Austin drive demand for regional deliveries in e-commerce, manufacturing, and retail sectors. The state's energy, petrochemical, and agricultural industries also rely heavily on short-distance freight for timely supply chain operations. Expanding highway infrastructure supports efficient transportation, but long distances between urban centers and occasional congestion in metropolitan areas present challenges. Technological adoption, including telematics, GPS tracking, and fleet optimization, is enhancing operational efficiency. Texas's business-friendly environment, growing population, and rising demand for fast, cost-effective deliveries contribute to sustained growth in short haul freight transport across the state.

New Short Haul Road Freight Transport Market

New York's short haul road freight market is driven by dense urbanization, high consumer demand, and a thriving e-commerce ecosystem. The New York City metropolitan area generates substantial last-mile delivery requirements, supporting frequent regional freight operations. Industries such as retail, fashion, food distribution, and healthcare rely on short haul transport for timely replenishment and supply chain efficiency. However, heavy traffic congestion, limited urban parking, strict delivery time regulations, and environmental compliance pose operational challenges. To address these issues, logistics providers are investing in route optimization software, smaller vehicles, and electric fleets. Despite these hurdles, New York remains a high-demand market for short haul freight, with opportunities for technology-driven efficiency improvements and specialized urban logistics solutions.

Florida Short Haul Road Freight Transport Market

Florida's short haul road freight market is expanding due to rapid population growth, booming tourism, and a strong retail and e-commerce sector. Key cities like Miami, Orlando, and Tampa generate significant demand for regional deliveries, including last-mile logistics for perishable goods, consumer products, and pharmaceuticals. The state's ports and distribution centers also facilitate short haul movement to nearby urban areas. While traffic congestion, seasonal weather events, and regulatory requirements pose challenges, companies are increasingly adopting telematics, GPS-based tracking, and route optimization to enhance delivery efficiency. Florida's strategic location, expanding infrastructure, and rising consumer demand support sustained growth in short haul freight transport, making it an essential hub for regional logistics and supply chain operations.

Recent Developments in United States Short Haul Road Freight Transport Market

• August 2024 - FedEx: FedEx launched new digital visibility products designed to enhance the shipping experience for both shippers and recipients by integrating essential data with advanced digital solutions. These paid offerings addressed growing demand for sophisticated data analytics, enabling businesses to leverage near real-time insights and predictive analytics to optimize the post-purchase customer experience. Additionally, FedEx introduced paid data integration solutions, providing third-party providers access to shipment tracking information through tools such as the Track API, Track EDI, and new webhook subscriptions. These solutions are aimed at improving premium post-purchase tracking and supply chain visibility for businesses across various sectors.
• August 2024 - CEVA Logistics: CEVA Logistics and Bollore Logistics began operating under a unified brand, CEVA Logistics, consolidating air, ocean, ground, rail transport, contract logistics, finished vehicle logistics, project logistics, and customs services. The rebranding process is expected to complete by the end of 2024. The integration enhances CEVA's scale and expertise, particularly in air and ocean freight, and combines operations to leverage best practices and technology investments, including the full implementation of CargoWise.

United States Short Haul Road Freight Transport Market Segments:

Vehicle Type

• Light Commercial Vehicles (LCVs)
• Heavy Commercial Vehicles (HCVs)

Destination

• Domestic
• International

Price Range

• Manufacturing
• Retail
• Wholesale
• Construction
• Agriculture
• Fishing & Forestry
• Oil and Gas
• Mining and Quarrying
• Others

Distribution Channel

• Home Centers
• Specialty Furniture Stores (including exclusive brand outlets)
• Online
• Other (includes hypermarkets, supermarkets, teleshopping, warehouse clubs, departmental stores, etc.)

States-Market breakup in 29 viewpoints:

• California
• Texas
• New York
• Florida
• Illinois
• Pennsylvania
• Ohio
• Georgia
• New Jersey
• Washington
• North Carolina
• Massachusetts
• Virginia
• Michigan
• Maryland
• Colorado
• Tennessee
• Indiana
• Arizona
• Minnesota
• Wisconsin
• Missouri
• Connecticut
• South Carolina
• Oregon
• Louisiana
• Alabama
• Kentucky
• Rest of United States

All companies have been covered from 5 viewpoints:

• Company Overview
• Key Persons
• Recent Development & Strategies
• SWOT Analysis
• Sales Analysis

Key Players Analysis

• Schneider National, Inc.
• DHL Group
• FedEx
• United Parcel Service of America, Inc. (UPS)
• XPO, Inc.
• Landstar System Inc.
• PS Logistics
• Knight-Swift Transportation Holdings Inc.
• Ryder System, Inc.