Refrigerated Trucks Market: Smart Refrigeration Units, Real-Time Tracking & Logistics Innovation

According to IMARC Group's latest research publication, global refrigerated trucks market size reached USD 10.8 Billion in 2025. Looking forward, IMARC Group expects the market to reach USD 16.0 Billion by 2034, exhibiting a growth rate (CAGR) of 4.48% during 2026-2034.

How AI is Reshaping the Future of Refrigerated Trucks Market

• Predictive Route Optimization and Fuel Efficiency: AI analyzes traffic patterns, weather conditions, and delivery schedules to optimize routes for refrigerated trucks, reducing fuel consumption by 15-20%. Real-time data processing adjusts routes dynamically, avoiding delays while maintaining temperature integrity for perishable cargo across last-mile delivery networks.
• Intelligent Temperature Monitoring and Anomaly Detection: Machine learning systems continuously track temperature fluctuations inside refrigerated compartments, instantly alerting operators to deviations that could compromise product quality. These systems analyze sensor data from multiple zones, predicting equipment failures before they occur and preventing costly spoilage incidents during transport.
• Fleet Management and Predictive Maintenance: AI-powered telematics platforms monitor refrigeration unit performance, engine health, and component wear patterns to schedule maintenance proactively. Operators using these systems report 25-30% reductions in unexpected breakdowns, minimizing downtime and ensuring consistent availability for temperature-sensitive deliveries across pharmaceutical and food sectors.
• Load Optimization and Space Utilization: Computer vision and AI algorithms analyze cargo dimensions and weight distribution to maximize trailer capacity while maintaining proper airflow around refrigerated goods. This technology helps logistics companies increase load efficiency, reducing the number of trips required and cutting operational costs for high-volume distributors.

• Energy Management and Sustainability: AI systems optimize refrigeration cycles based on ambient temperature, cargo type, and journey duration, cutting energy consumption without compromising product safety. Companies implementing these solutions achieve 12-18% energy savings, supporting sustainability goals while reducing operational expenses in competitive markets focused on environmental responsibility.

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Refrigerated Trucks Industry Overview

North America dominates the refrigerated trucks market with advanced cold chain infrastructure supporting its massive food and pharmaceutical sectors. The Congressional Budget Office reported a 60% increase in newly approved medications between 2010-2019, peaking at 59 drugs in 2018, driving demand for temperature-controlled transport. The region's stringent food safety regulations and expanding e-commerce grocery platforms are accelerating fleet modernization. In 2024, Isuzu Commercial Truck of America launched the all-electric NRR EV with Thermo King's e300 refrigeration unit at ACT Expo, offering battery capacity up to 180 kWh and qualifying for federal incentives that reduce costs for fleet operators transitioning to sustainable logistics.

Refrigerated Trucks Market Trends & Drivers

• The explosive growth of e-commerce and online grocery delivery is transforming refrigerated truck demand across urban markets. Online grocery sales in the UK now represent 11.5% of total grocery purchases, while India's online grocery market surged 80% in 2020 to reach USD 2.66 billion, driven by lockdowns and changing consumer habits. This digital shift is pushing retailers and third-party logistics providers to invest heavily in last-mile refrigerated delivery capabilities. Companies are deploying smaller, more agile refrigerated vehicles for urban deliveries, with electric and hybrid models gaining traction in dense city centers where emission regulations are tightening. Quick-service restaurants partnering with delivery platforms are creating consistent demand for temperature-controlled transport of prepared foods, dairy products, and frozen ingredients across multiple daily delivery windows.
• Pharmaceutical industry expansion is creating specialized demand for high-precision refrigerated transport solutions. Temperature-sensitive biologics, vaccines, and specialty medications require strict cold chain compliance throughout distribution networks. Regulatory bodies worldwide are enforcing more rigorous documentation and monitoring requirements for pharmaceutical transport, compelling logistics providers to upgrade to trucks with advanced temperature recording systems and backup cooling capabilities. The COVID-19 pandemic accelerated vaccine distribution infrastructure development, with many companies maintaining enhanced cold chain capacity for ongoing immunization programs and emerging therapeutic treatments. This specialized segment commands premium pricing and operates under different parameters than food transport, with some pharmaceutical shipments requiring multi-zone temperature control in single vehicles.
• Sustainability initiatives and government incentives are accelerating the transition to electric refrigerated trucks in developed markets. GreenPower Motor Company showcased its all-electric EV Star REEFERX at Home Delivery World in Philadelphia, designed specifically for mid- to last-mile deliveries with integrated electric refrigeration. In South Korea, GS Global introduced BYD's T4K electric refrigerated truck equipped with 82 kWh lithium iron phosphate batteries, offering 205 km range under standard conditions. These electric platforms eliminate diesel refrigeration units' emissions and noise, enabling nighttime deliveries in residential areas and compliance with urban zero-emission zones. Fleet operators benefit from lower operating costs despite higher upfront investments, with federal and state incentives reducing total cost of ownership. Meanwhile, companies like SABIC are developing sustainable packaging from bio-renewable polyethylene, reducing carbon footprints by 30% across the cold chain ecosystem.

Leading Companies Operating in the Global Refrigerated Trucks Industry

• Chereau
• Eicher Motors Limited
• Hyundai Hong Kong Co. Limited
• Mahindra & Mahindra Limited
• Tata Motors Limited

Refrigerated Trucks Market Report Segmentation

By Type:

• Light Commercial Vehicle
• Medium Commercial Vehicle
• Heavy Commercial Vehicle

Light commercial vehicle represents the largest class, offering flexibility and cost advantages for short-range and last-mile delivery of temperature-sensitive items like fresh produce, dairy, and pharmaceuticals in urban environments.

By Tonnage Capacity:

• Less Than 10 Tons
• 10-20 Tons
• More Than 20 Tons

Based on the tonnage capacity, the market has been segmented into less than 10 tons, 10-20 tons, and more than 20 tons.

By Application:

• Food and Beverage
• Pharmaceuticals
• Chemicals
• Others

Food and beverage have the largest market share, accounting for 72.5% in 2025, owing to the critical need to maintain freshness and quality of perishable items during transport while meeting strict safety regulations.

Regional Insights:

• North America (United States, Canada)
• Asia Pacific (China, Japan, India, South Korea, Australia, Indonesia, Others)
• Europe (Germany, France, United Kingdom, Italy, Spain, Russia, Others)
• Latin America (Brazil, Mexico, Others)
• Middle East and Africa

North America exhibits clear dominance in the refrigerated trucks market, holding over 32.5% market share in 2025, due to advanced cold chain infrastructure, stringent food safety regulations, and strong pharmaceutical demand.

Recent News and Developments in Refrigerated Trucks Market

• September 2024: Yellowings Delivery Services partnered with Jubilant FoodWorks to unveil India's first fully electric reefer pickup truck, marking a significant commitment to sustainability in cold chain logistics and aiming to reduce carbon emissions while promoting workforce inclusivity.
• June 2024: South Korea's GS Global Corp. introduced BYD Company's 1-ton T4K electric refrigerated truck, equipped with an 82 kWh lithium iron phosphate blade battery, offering a range of 205 km under standard conditions and 164 km in colder environments.
• June 2024: Mullen Automotive collaborated with Emerald Transportation Solutions and Pap Group to introduce a refrigerated upfit for its Class 3 electric vehicle, the Mullen THREE. Created for transporting perishable items with loads exceeding 5,300 lbs, the solution qualifies for state and federal incentives.
• 2024: Isuzu Commercial Truck of America unveiled its all-electric NRR EV truck featuring a Thermo King e300 electric transport refrigeration unit at ACT Expo in Las Vegas. This Class 5 refrigerated vehicle provides battery options reaching 180 kWh for emission-free transport.
• 2024: GreenPower Motor Company revealed a cutting-edge all-electric refrigerated truck at Home Delivery World in Philadelphia. Part of the EV Star line, the vehicle is designed for mid- to last-mile deliveries, emphasizing sustainability and cost efficiency for cargo and delivery operations.

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