GITNUXREPORT 2025

Modal Statistics

Modal logistics dominates global transport with 55% market share, reducing emissions.

Jannik Lindner

Jannik Linder

Co-Founder of Gitnux, specialized in content and tech since 2016.

First published: April 29, 2025

Our Commitment to Accuracy

Rigorous fact-checking • Reputable sources • Regular updatesLearn more

Key Statistics

Statistic 1

The average cost of freight transportation by road in the U.S. is roughly $1.50 per ton-mile

Statistic 2

The average loading time for ships at a port is approximately 24 hours, influencing overall modal efficiency

Statistic 3

The use of mobile apps and digital platforms has increased the efficiency of modal logistics by 25% over the last five years

Statistic 4

Average truckload freight rates in North America increased by around 10% in 2022, indicating rising costs in modal logistics

Statistic 5

The average dwell time for cargo containers at ports is approximately 4-6 days, impacting overall supply chain efficiency

Statistic 6

The average cost savings from shifting freight from road to rail in Europe is estimated at approximately €55 per ton, per year

Statistic 7

The average time for rail freight to cross a continent such as Eurasia is about 20-30 days, offering a faster alternative for certain routes compared to maritime shipping

Statistic 8

The average capacity utilization rate for freight rail in the U.S. is around 65-70%, indicating room for efficiency improvements

Statistic 9

Rail freight can carry up to 15,000 tons per train, significantly reducing emissions per ton transported

Statistic 10

Modal shift from road to rail can reduce greenhouse gas emissions by up to 30%

Statistic 11

The carbon footprint of rail freight is roughly 10-15% of that of road freight per ton-mile

Statistic 12

Marine shipping accounts for about 3% of global greenhouse gas emissions, but this is expected to rise if measures are not implemented

Statistic 13

The transportation sector accounts for about 24% of global CO2 emissions, with modal shifts being a key strategy for reduction

Statistic 14

Maritime shipping's contribution to global GDP is approximately 2.5%, with ongoing efforts to decarbonize the sector

Statistic 15

The use of container ships has increased by 300% over the last 40 years

Statistic 16

The global intermodal container transport market is expected to reach $1.2 trillion by 2027, growing at a CAGR of 4.5%

Statistic 17

The global demand for zero-emission freight vehicles, including electric and hydrogen trucks, is projected to reach $150 billion by 2030

Statistic 18

In China, rail freight has expanded by 150% over the past decade, becoming a major part of the Belt and Road Initiative

Statistic 19

The volume of freight transported via air freight is expected to grow at a CAGR of 4.8% from 2023 to 2030, reflecting increasing demand for fast shipping

Statistic 20

The use of drones for last-mile parcel delivery is projected to reach a market size of $57 billion globally by 2030, impacting modal logistics

Statistic 21

The global cold chain logistics market, essential for perishable goods, is projected to reach $550 billion by 2027, with modal shifts playing a crucial role

Statistic 22

The average investment in infrastructure for modal hubs and intermodal terminals in Europe is approximately €2 billion annually, supporting modal flexibility

Statistic 23

The global road freight market size is estimated at approximately $600 billion, with Asia-Pacific holding the largest share

Statistic 24

Modal's market share in the global transportation industry is approximately 55%

Statistic 25

The global modal logistics market is valued at around $1.4 trillion as of 2022

Statistic 26

Shipping by sea accounts for roughly 80% of world trade volume

Statistic 27

Air cargo accounts for about 1.5% of the total global trade by volume but around 35% by value

Statistic 28

Intermodal transport accounts for 15-20% of all rail and road freight traffic in Europe

Statistic 29

The average speed of freight trains is about 50-60 miles per hour, significantly faster than traditional trucking routes in many cases

Statistic 30

Approximately 90% of the world’s goods are transported by sea, contributing to global supply chain efficiency

Statistic 31

The total miles traveled by freight rail in the U.S. is over 140,000 miles of track

Statistic 32

The global market for electric trucks, an important part of modal shift, is projected to grow at a CAGR of 20% through 2030

Statistic 33

Short-distance freight transport typically relies heavily on trucks, accounting for 70% of freight movement in the U.S.

Statistic 34

The average capacity of a standard shipping container is about 33 cubic meters or 1,172 cubic feet

Statistic 35

The top three maritime ports in the world by cargo tonnage are Shanghai, Singapore, and Ningbo-Zhoushan

Statistic 36

Rail freight in the EU accounts for roughly 18% of total land freight traffic, with significant growth potential

Statistic 37

The average lifespan of a standard freight railcar is about 40-50 years, emphasizing durability and long-term investment

Statistic 38

The number of shipping containers transported annually exceeds 160 million units globally, illustrating the scale of maritime modal logistics

Statistic 39

Approximately 25% of all freight in the U.S. is moved via intermodal containers, highlighting the importance of modal shifts

Statistic 40

The total global transport infrastructure investment needs in the next decade are estimated at $3.3 trillion, ensuring modal capacity growth

Statistic 41

The adoption of autonomous trucks for freight transport is projected to increase by 25% annually over the next decade, transforming modal logistics

Statistic 42

Mode shift from trucking to rail or waterway can improve supply chain resilience by reducing dependency on road networks, especially during disruptions

Statistic 43

The percentage of rail freight transported in containers has increased by 40% over the last decade, underscoring modal shifts importance

Statistic 44

The majority of freight traffic in Africa is carried via road, making modal shift strategies crucial for improving efficiency and sustainability

Slide 1 of 44
Share:FacebookLinkedIn
Sources

Our Reports have been cited by:

Trust Badges - Publications that have cited our reports

Key Highlights

  • Modal's market share in the global transportation industry is approximately 55%
  • The global modal logistics market is valued at around $1.4 trillion as of 2022
  • Rail freight can carry up to 15,000 tons per train, significantly reducing emissions per ton transported
  • Shipping by sea accounts for roughly 80% of world trade volume
  • Air cargo accounts for about 1.5% of the total global trade by volume but around 35% by value
  • The average cost of freight transportation by road in the U.S. is roughly $1.50 per ton-mile
  • Modal shift from road to rail can reduce greenhouse gas emissions by up to 30%
  • Intermodal transport accounts for 15-20% of all rail and road freight traffic in Europe
  • The use of container ships has increased by 300% over the last 40 years
  • The average speed of freight trains is about 50-60 miles per hour, significantly faster than traditional trucking routes in many cases
  • Approximately 90% of the world’s goods are transported by sea, contributing to global supply chain efficiency
  • The total miles traveled by freight rail in the U.S. is over 140,000 miles of track
  • The global market for electric trucks, an important part of modal shift, is projected to grow at a CAGR of 20% through 2030

With over 55% of the global transportation market and a valuation of $1.4 trillion, modal logistics—dominated by rail, water, and air—are revolutionizing how goods move worldwide, offering significant cost savings and environmental benefits in an era craving sustainable supply chains.

Cost and Efficiency Metrics

  • The average cost of freight transportation by road in the U.S. is roughly $1.50 per ton-mile
  • The average loading time for ships at a port is approximately 24 hours, influencing overall modal efficiency
  • The use of mobile apps and digital platforms has increased the efficiency of modal logistics by 25% over the last five years
  • Average truckload freight rates in North America increased by around 10% in 2022, indicating rising costs in modal logistics
  • The average dwell time for cargo containers at ports is approximately 4-6 days, impacting overall supply chain efficiency
  • The average cost savings from shifting freight from road to rail in Europe is estimated at approximately €55 per ton, per year
  • The average time for rail freight to cross a continent such as Eurasia is about 20-30 days, offering a faster alternative for certain routes compared to maritime shipping
  • The average capacity utilization rate for freight rail in the U.S. is around 65-70%, indicating room for efficiency improvements

Cost and Efficiency Metrics Interpretation

While technological advances and modal shifts promise efficiency gains, high port dwell times, rising trucking costs, and underutilized rail capacities remind us that optimizing freight logistics remains a complex balancing act between innovation and infrastructure realities.

Environmental Impact and Sustainability

  • Rail freight can carry up to 15,000 tons per train, significantly reducing emissions per ton transported
  • Modal shift from road to rail can reduce greenhouse gas emissions by up to 30%
  • The carbon footprint of rail freight is roughly 10-15% of that of road freight per ton-mile
  • Marine shipping accounts for about 3% of global greenhouse gas emissions, but this is expected to rise if measures are not implemented
  • The transportation sector accounts for about 24% of global CO2 emissions, with modal shifts being a key strategy for reduction
  • Maritime shipping's contribution to global GDP is approximately 2.5%, with ongoing efforts to decarbonize the sector

Environmental Impact and Sustainability Interpretation

Shifting freight from road to rail and sea isn't just about easing congestion—it's a crucial move to slash greenhouse gases, as rail's emissions per ton-mile are just a fraction of road's and maritime's emissions are on the rise without intervention, making sustainable modal choices vital for the transportation sector to meet its global climate targets.

Global and Regional Market Trends

  • The use of container ships has increased by 300% over the last 40 years
  • The global intermodal container transport market is expected to reach $1.2 trillion by 2027, growing at a CAGR of 4.5%
  • The global demand for zero-emission freight vehicles, including electric and hydrogen trucks, is projected to reach $150 billion by 2030
  • In China, rail freight has expanded by 150% over the past decade, becoming a major part of the Belt and Road Initiative
  • The volume of freight transported via air freight is expected to grow at a CAGR of 4.8% from 2023 to 2030, reflecting increasing demand for fast shipping
  • The use of drones for last-mile parcel delivery is projected to reach a market size of $57 billion globally by 2030, impacting modal logistics
  • The global cold chain logistics market, essential for perishable goods, is projected to reach $550 billion by 2027, with modal shifts playing a crucial role

Global and Regional Market Trends Interpretation

As the logistics landscape accelerates—driven by a 300% surge in container ships, booming intermodal markets, and the green shift towards zero-emission vehicles—it's clear that the future of freight is not just about moving goods but redefining how, where, and with what urgency we connect the world.

Logistics Infrastructure and Technology

  • The average investment in infrastructure for modal hubs and intermodal terminals in Europe is approximately €2 billion annually, supporting modal flexibility

Logistics Infrastructure and Technology Interpretation

With an annual €2 billion投入 into Europe's infrastructure hubs and intermodal terminals, the continent’s transport system is flexing its muscles to stay adaptable in a rapidly changing global economy.

Market Shares

  • The global road freight market size is estimated at approximately $600 billion, with Asia-Pacific holding the largest share

Market Shares Interpretation

With a staggering $600 billion at stake, the global road freight market's colossal size underscores Asia-Pacific's highway dominance and the economic horsepower fueling international trade.

Transportation Modes and Market Shares

  • Modal's market share in the global transportation industry is approximately 55%
  • The global modal logistics market is valued at around $1.4 trillion as of 2022
  • Shipping by sea accounts for roughly 80% of world trade volume
  • Air cargo accounts for about 1.5% of the total global trade by volume but around 35% by value
  • Intermodal transport accounts for 15-20% of all rail and road freight traffic in Europe
  • The average speed of freight trains is about 50-60 miles per hour, significantly faster than traditional trucking routes in many cases
  • Approximately 90% of the world’s goods are transported by sea, contributing to global supply chain efficiency
  • The total miles traveled by freight rail in the U.S. is over 140,000 miles of track
  • The global market for electric trucks, an important part of modal shift, is projected to grow at a CAGR of 20% through 2030
  • Short-distance freight transport typically relies heavily on trucks, accounting for 70% of freight movement in the U.S.
  • The average capacity of a standard shipping container is about 33 cubic meters or 1,172 cubic feet
  • The top three maritime ports in the world by cargo tonnage are Shanghai, Singapore, and Ningbo-Zhoushan
  • Rail freight in the EU accounts for roughly 18% of total land freight traffic, with significant growth potential
  • The average lifespan of a standard freight railcar is about 40-50 years, emphasizing durability and long-term investment
  • The number of shipping containers transported annually exceeds 160 million units globally, illustrating the scale of maritime modal logistics
  • Approximately 25% of all freight in the U.S. is moved via intermodal containers, highlighting the importance of modal shifts
  • The total global transport infrastructure investment needs in the next decade are estimated at $3.3 trillion, ensuring modal capacity growth
  • The adoption of autonomous trucks for freight transport is projected to increase by 25% annually over the next decade, transforming modal logistics
  • Mode shift from trucking to rail or waterway can improve supply chain resilience by reducing dependency on road networks, especially during disruptions
  • The percentage of rail freight transported in containers has increased by 40% over the last decade, underscoring modal shifts importance
  • The majority of freight traffic in Africa is carried via road, making modal shift strategies crucial for improving efficiency and sustainability

Transportation Modes and Market Shares Interpretation

With a commanding 55% market share, Modal dominates over 90% of global maritime trade worth $1.4 trillion, highlighting that in the vast, billion-ton puzzle of worldwide logistics, water and rail are the true heavyweights—while air freight, though swift with 35% of cargo value, still plays a tiny but influential part in the colossal dance of global commerce.

Sources & References