Please Wait.....
Report
US Air Freight Transport - Market Share Analysis, Industry Trends & Statistics, Growth Forecasts (2025 - 2030)
Market Report I 2025-04-28 I 150 Pages I Mordor Intelligence
The US Air Freight Transport Market size is estimated at USD 58.78 billion in 2025, and is expected to reach USD 73.42 billion by 2030, at a CAGR of 4.55% during the forecast period (2025-2030).
Key Highlights
- The US air freight transport market is mainly driven by the surge in e-commerce activities and surge in demand for FMCG.
- E-commerce's explosive growth continues to drive air freight demand. This surge has led to an increased need for prompt deliveries, pushing logistics providers to bolster their capabilities and streamline operations to align with consumer expectations for swift shipments.
- In June 2024, air freight between the US and global destinations rose by 5% from 2023, totaling 1,036,907 tons. US airlines were responsible for transporting 47% of this international freight, with charter services making up 21% of the total traffic.
- For the year ending June 2024, the leading international gateways for US freight were China, South Korea, Japan, Hong Kong, and Germany. Among the top 25 country markets, 14 saw an increase in freight traffic, while 11 experienced a decline. Notably, Belgium, among the declining markets, recorded the steepest drop at 12% compared to 2023. The US flag share dynamics varied: it decreased in 14 markets, remained steady in four, and saw an uptick in seven others.
- Technological advancements are significantly transforming air freight operations, improving efficiency and reliability. In July 2024, Siemens Digital Industries Software revealed that Natilus, a US-based aerospace firm, has integrated the Siemens Xcelerator suite into its operations. With a vision to revolutionize global supply chains via its innovative blended-wing-body aircraft, Natilus has leveraged Siemens software to slash its inaugural prototype's development time by half.
US Air Freight Transport Market Trends
US Air Freight Market Set for Growth Amid Rising International Trade Demand
In 2024, the US air freight transport market is poised for significant growth in international trade demand, driven by factors such as economic recovery, the expansion of e-commerce, and shifting geopolitical dynamics.
In recent years, the US e-commerce sector has witnessed unprecedented growth. By 2023, sales surpassed the USD 1 trillion mark, propelled by industry giants like Amazon and Walmart, alongside smaller platforms such as Etsy and eBay.
In 2023, US freight trade with Canada and Mexico reached a value of USD 1.57 trillion. This trade accounted for a total weight of 2,484.7 million tons. Although the weight of the freight saw an 8.8% increase from 2022, the dollar value of North American freight held steady in 2023.
For over 25 years, the United States has championed the expansion of international aviation markets through its "Open Skies" policy. These bilateral and multilateral agreements eliminate government-imposed limitations on airline operations between countries. They dictate the number of airlines permitted, the routes they can take, the pricing strategies they can adopt, and the aircraft they must utilize. Furthermore, these agreements foster collaboration between US and foreign airlines, enabling US cargo and express delivery carriers to transport freight and parcels seamlessly. The scope of Open Skies spans passenger and cargo aviation, covering both scheduled and charter flights. Thus far, the US has forged Open Skies agreements with over 125 partners, spanning every continent and developmental stage.
US Electrical Machinery and Electronics Trade: A Year of Growth Amidst a Trade Deficit
In August 2024, the US exported USD 19.8 Billion worth of electrical machinery and electronics, while imports reached USD 40.9 Billion, leading to a trade deficit of USD 21 Billion. From August 2023 to August 2024, US exports in this sector rose by USD 2.32 Billion (13.3%), climbing from USD 17.5 Billion to USD 19.8 Billion. In contrast, imports saw a USD 3.26 Billion (8.68%) uptick, moving from USD 37.6 Billion to USD 40.9 Billion.
In August 2024, the US primarily exported electrical machinery and electronics to Mexico (USD 5 Billion), Canada (USD 2.44 Billion), China (USD 1.67 Billion), Malaysia (USD 1.65 Billion), and Hong Kong (USD 702 Million). Conversely, imports were predominantly sourced from China (USD 10.4 Billion), Mexico (USD 7.85 Billion), Vietnam (USD 3.37 Billion), Chinese Taipei (USD 3.03 Billion), and Malaysia (USD 2.38 Billion).
The year-on-year rise in US exports of electrical machinery and electronics in August 2024 was largely driven by boosts in shipments to Mexico (USD 383 million or 9.62%), Canada (USD 350 million or 17.9%), and Poland (USD 165 million or 122%). On the import side, the uptick was mainly due to increased purchases from Mexico (USD 816 million or 14.3%), Thailand (USD 687 million or 67.8%), and India (USD 521 million or 150%).
US Air Freight Transport Industry Overview
The US air freight transport market landscape is fragmented, with a mix of regional and international players. Key players in the market include DHL, United Parcel Services Inc., Expeditors International, Hellmann Worldwide Logistics, DB Schenker, etc.
As companies embrace technology-driven solutions and seek efficient distribution channels, they find themselves strategically positioned to seize emerging opportunities in the industry.
As of October 2024, DHL Express and DHL Global Forwarding are advancing their sustainability initiatives by renewing a contract with IAG Cargo, the cargo handling arm of International Airlines Group (IAG). This partnership will see the use of an extra 60 million liters of Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) for DHL's operations. Spanning the years 2024 and 2025, the renewed contract is projected to cut down greenhouse gas emissions by roughly 165,000 metric tons of CO2e.
Additional Benefits:
- The market estimate (ME) sheet in Excel format
- 3 months of analyst support
1 INTRODUCTION
1.1 Study Assumptions and Market Definition
1.2 Scope of the Market
2 RESEARCH METHODOLOGY
3 EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
4 MARKET INSIGHTS AND DYNAMICS
4.1 Market Overview
4.2 Market Dynamics
4.2.1 Drivers
4.2.1.1 Surge in cross border trade relations driving the market
4.2.1.2 The market is significantly driven by economic growth
4.2.2 Restraints
4.2.2.1 Geopolitical factors hindering the market
4.2.2.2 Consumer Behaviour affecting the market
4.2.3 Opportunities
4.2.3.1 Technological advancements driving the market
4.3 Government Initiatives and Regulations
4.4 Supply Chain/Value Chain Analysis
4.5 Industry Attractiveness - Porter's Five Forces Analysis
4.5.1 Threat Of New Entrants
4.5.2 Bargaining Power Of Buyers
4.5.3 Bargaining Power Of Suppliers
4.5.4 Threat Of Substitute Products
4.5.5 Degree Of Competition
4.6 Technology Snapshot and Digital Trends
4.7 Spotlight on Key Commodities Transported by Air
4.8 Elaboration on Air Freight Rates
4.9 Spotlight on Heavy Cargo/Project Logistics in the Air Cargo Industry
4.10 Insights into Key Ground Handling Equipment in Airports
4.11 Review and Commentary on Standards and Regulations on the Safe Transport of Dangerous Goods
4.12 Brief on Cold Chain Logistics in the Air Cargo Sector
4.13 Impact of Geopolitics and Pandemic on the Market
5 MARKET SEGMENTATION
5.1 By Service
5.1.1 Freight Transport (Cargo and Mail)
5.1.2 Freight Forwarding
5.1.3 Other Value-added Services
5.2 By Service
5.2.1 Forwarding
5.2.2 Airlines
5.2.3 Mail
5.2.4 Other Services
5.3 By Destination
5.3.1 Domestic
5.3.2 International
5.4 By Carrier Type
5.4.1 Belly Cargo
5.4.2 Freighter
6 COMPETITIVE LANDSCAPE
6.1 Market Concentration Overview
6.2 Company Profiles
6.2.1 DHL
6.2.2 United Parcel Services Inc.
6.2.3 Expeditors International
6.2.4 Hellmann Worldwide Logistics
6.2.5 DB Schenker
6.2.6 Kuehne + Nagel
6.2.7 DSV
6.2.8 Nippon Express
6.2.9 Kerry Logistics
6.2.10 Ceva Logistics*
6.3 Other Companies
7 FUTURE OF THE MARKET
8 APPENDIX
8.1 Macroeconomic Indicators (GDP Distribution, by Activity, Contribution of the Transport and Storage Sector to Economy)
8.2 External Trade Statistics - Exports and Imports, by Product
8.3 Insights into the Key Export Destinations and Import Origin Countries
- Not Sure / Need Reassuring
- Confirm Content
-
Content is provided by our partners and every effort is made to make Market Report details as clear as possible. If you are not sure the exact content you require is included in this study you can Contact us to double check. To do this you can:
Use the ‘? ASK A QUESTION’ below the license / prices and to the right of this box. This will come directly to our team who will work on dealing with your request as soon as possible.
Write to directly on support@scotts-international.com with details. Please include as much information as possible including the name of report or link so our staff will be able to work on you request.
Telephone us directly on 0048 603 394 346 and an experienced member of team will be on hand to answer.
-
- Sample Pages
-
With the vast majority of our partners we can obtain Sample Pages to support your decision. This is something we can arrange without revealing your personal details.
It is important to note that we will not be able to provide you the exact data or statistics such as Market Size and Forecasts. Sample pages usually confirm the layout or the Categories included in Charts and Graphs, excluding specific data.
To ask for Sample Pages by contact us through ‘? ASK A QUESTION’, support@scotts-international.com, or by telephoning 0048 603 394 346.
-
- Check for Alternatives
-
Whilst we try to make our online platform as easy to use as possible there is always the possibility that a better alternative has not been found in your search.
To avoid this possibility Contact us through ‘? ASK A QUESTION’, support@scotts-international.com, or by telephoning 0048 603 394 346 and a Senior Team Member can review your requirements and send a list of possibilities with opinions and recommendations.
-
- Confirm Content
- Prices / Formats / Delivery
- Prices
-
All prices are set by our partners and should be exactly the same as those listed on their own websites. We work on a Revenue share basis ensuring that you never pay more than what is offered elsewhere.
Should you find the price cheaper on another platform we recommend you to Contact us as we should be able to match this price. You can Contact us though through ‘? ASK A QUESTION’, support@scotts-international.com, or by telephoning 0048 603 394 346.
-
- Discounts
-
As we work in close partnership with our Partners from time to time we can secure discounts and assist with negotiations, this is part of our personalised service to you.
Discounts can sometimes be arranged for speedily placed orders; multiple report purchases or Higher License purchases.
To check if a Discount is possible please Contact our experienced team through ‘? ASK A QUESTION’, support@scotts-international.com, or by telephoning 0048 603 394 346.
-
- Available Currencies
-
Most Market Reports on our platform are listed in USD or EURO based on the wishes of our Partners. To avoid currency fluctuations and potential price differentiations we do not offer the possibility to change the currency online.
Should you wish to pay in a different currency to that advertised online we do accept payments in USD, EURO, GBP and PLN. The price will be calculated based on the relevant exchange rate taken from our National Bank.
To pay in a different above currency to that advertised online please Contact our team and a quotation will be sent within a couple of hours with payment details.
-
- Licenses
-
License options vary from Partner to Partner as is usually based on the number of Users that will benefitting from the report. It is very important that License ordered is not breached as this could have potential negative consequences for you individually or your employer.
If you have questions or need confirmation about the specific license we recommend you to Contact us and a detailed explanation will be provided.
-
- Global Site License
-
The Global Site License is the most comprehensive license available. By selecting this license, the Market Report can be shared with other ‘Allowed Users’ and any other member of staff from the same organisation regardless of geographic location.
It is important to note that this may exclude Parent Companies or Subsidiaries.
If you have questions or need confirmation about the specific license we recommend you to Contact us and a detailed explanation will be provided.
-
- Formats
-
The most common format is PDF, however in certain circumstances data may be present in Excel format or Online, especially in the case of Database or Directories. In addition, for certain higher license options a CD may also be provided.
If you have questions or need clarification about the specific formats we recommend you to Contact us and a detailed explanation will be provided.
-
- Delivery
-
Delivery is fulfilled by our partners directly. Once an order has been placed we inform the partner by sharing the delivery email details given in the order process.
Delivery is usually made within 24 hours of an order being placed, however it may take longer should your order be placed prior to the weekend or if otherwise specified on the Market Report details page. Additionally, if details have been not fully completed in the Order process a delay in delivery is possible.
If a delay in delivery is expected you will be informed about it immediately.
-
- Shipping Charges
-
As most Market Reports are delivered in PDF format we almost never have to add additional Shipping Charges. If, however you are ordering a Higher License service or a specific delivery format (e.g. CD version) charges may apply.
If you are concerned about additional Shipping Charges we recommend you to Contact us to double check.
-
- Prices
- Ordering
- By Credit Card
-
We work in Partnership with PayU to ensure payments are made securely in a fast and effortless way. PayU is the e-payments division of Naspers.
Naspers operates in over 133 International Markets and ranks 3rd Globally in terms of the number of e-commerce customers served.
For more information on PayU please visit: https://www.payu.pl/en/about-us
-
- By Money Transfer
-
If you require an invoice prior to payment, this is possible. To ensure a speedy delivery of the Market Report we require all relevant company details and you agree to maximum payment terms of 30 days from receipt of order.
With our regular clients deliver of the Market Report can be made prior to receiving payment, however in some circumstances we may ask for payment to be received before arranging for the Market Report to be delivered.
-
- By Credit Card
- Security
- Website security
-
We have specifically partnered with leading International companies to protect your privacy by using different technologies and processes to ensure security.
Everything submitted to Scotts International is encrypted via SSL (Secure Socket Layer) and all personal information provided to Scotts International is stored on computer systems with limited access in controlled environments.
-
- Credit Card Security
-
We partner with PayU (https://www.payu.pl/en/about-us) to ensure all credit card payments are made securely in a fast and effortless way.
PayU offers 250+ various payment channels and eWallet services across 4 continents allowing buyers to pay electronically, whether on a computer or a mobile device.
-
- Website security