The Italian freight forwarding sector is an integral part of the European trading system, utilizing the country’s strategic position as a gateway between Southern Europe, North Africa and major international shipping routes. The logistics market as a whole is valued at more than $231 billion in 2025, and projected to reach roughly $366 billion by 2035, with a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of approximately 4.7%. The Italian freight forwarding market alone is worth more than EUR 29 billion and supported by nearly 8,000 active companies. With expanding global trade and e-commerce, the Italian freight forwarding market is poised for growth, aided by digitization, infrastructure upgrades, and increased emphasis on sustainability.
Key Factors driving growth and demand for the market
E-commerce Expansion and Retail Logistics
Europe’s booming e-commerce market is a significant driver for the freight forwarding sector, especially concerning last-mile delivery and international shipments. The Courier, Express, and Parcel (CEP) sector, one of the fastest-growing sectors in freight forwarding, is projected to expand by over 4% CAGR in the years to come, highlighting the growing need for tracking, automation, and fast distribution processes for freight forwarders.
Geographical Significance and Trade Volume
Situated at a strategic junction in the Mediterranean, Italy plays a pivotal role in the international shipping routes. Processing over 500 million tons of goods each year, the country’s numerous ports represent a significant part of global supply chains. The large volumes of exports of goods manufactured in Italy, contributing over 30% to logistics demand, also stimulate the freight forwarding industry.
Infrastructure Development and Digital Transformation
Substantial investments in logistics infrastructure, such as ports, railways, and intermodal transportation, will lead to a greater level of efficiency across the logistics chain. Further, increasing utilization of digital freight platforms, AI-driven route optimization tools, and automation technology will bring down costs, enhance supply chain visibility and support growth in the Italian forwarding market up to 2035.
Government Support and Strategic Initiatives
In line with the EU’s National Recovery and Resilience Plan (NRRP), the Italian government has set aside over EUR 30 billion to fund infrastructure development, focusing on sustainable transport. Key projects include the expansion of rail freight, modernization of ports and the development of green logistics initiatives like fleet electrification. Industry 4.0 support is helping Italian freight forwarders invest in upgrading their operations and embracing new technologies.
Market Competition and Key Players
The Italian freight forwarding market is moderately fragmented and can be described as a market with both global logistics players and smaller, local entities. Global organizations such as DHL, DB Schenker, Kuehne + Nagel and FedEx dominate the international forwarding and express logistics segments. Many SMEs also operate within road freight, niche segments and are expected to remain active. The number of nearly 8,000 companies registered in Italy confirms a relatively intense market, with key factors influencing success being specialized service offering, use of technology and network reach.
Market Challenges
Infrastructure Congestion and Costs
Despite increased investment,port congestion and urban transport infrastructure challenges are causing inefficiencies in transit.Rising operational costs, resulting from increased fuel and labor prices, also contribute to these issues for freight forwarders.
Regulatory and Sustainability Demands
Strict regulatory demands and growing environmental awareness present additional challenges for freight forwarders. The requirement for fleet modernization, investment in emission reduction and greener logistics practices can present difficulties, particularly for smaller enterprises.
Future Outlook
The Italian freight forwarding market is forecast to grow steadily through 2035 and should mirror the predicted expansion of the overall logistics sector to over $366 billion. Increased use of digitization, automation, and green logistics will drive forward the transformation of the sector, with intermodal and cold chain logistics expected to be particular growth areas. In a rapidly evolving international supply chain, Italian freight forwarders will need to focus on enhanced service offerings, real-time supply chain visibility and sustainability.
Consultants at Nexdigm, in their latest publication “Italy Freight Forwarding Market Outlook to 2035,” analyze the sector by System Type (Air Freight Forwarding, Ocean Freight Forwarding, Road Freight Forwarding, Rail Freight Forwarding), By Platform Type (Domestic Logistics Platforms, International Trade Corridors, Intermodal Transport Platforms), and By Fitment Type (In-house Freight Forwarding Operations, Third Party Logistics Integration, Digital Freight Forwarding Platforms). Nexdigm suggests that businesses should align their strategies with evolving market dynamics by incorporating market-relevant context, including regulatory shifts, technological advancements, and changing customer expectations, to remain competitive and resilient in the long term.
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Harsh Mittal
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