Digital Freight Brokerage has rapidly redefined the logistics landscape in recent years, becoming a linchpin for agile, tech-driven supply chain strategies. Harnessing real-time data, process automation, and smart freight matching, digital brokers connect shippers with carriers through intuitive digital interfaces that promise transparency, efficiency, and cost-cutting across continents. The industry now stands as an engine of innovation, supporting the breakneck evolution of global e-commerce and supply chains amidst increased demand for flexible, streamlined transport solutions.

According to Straits Research, the global digital freight brokerage market size was valued at USD 3.97 billion in 2024 and is projected to grow from USD 5.21 billion in 2025 to reach USD 45.99 billion by 2033, growing at a CAGR of 31.3% during the forecast period (2025–2033). This surge underscores how digital technology has moved from being an advantage to a necessity in the freight sector.

Major Growth Factors and Regional Highlights

Digitalization is dismantling the old gatekeeping of traditional freight brokering, welcoming a diverse mix of global participants. North America, especially the United States, emerges as a dominant hub with robust infrastructure and a highly competitive digital ecosystem. Major American players such as Uber Freight, J.B. Hunt Transport Services, and C.H. Robinson are investing heavily in AI, real-time visibility, and blockchain for transparent and predictive operations. Meanwhile, Canada is doubling down on operational efficiency, with government initiatives aimed at supporting logistics modernization.

Europe’s digital freight brokerage sector is powered by cross-border trade within the European Union and policy frameworks like the EU Digital Single Market, pushing companies toward multimodal, AI-enhanced logistics platforms. Germany and the UK are notable for their rapid adoption, with industry leaders integrating real-time analytics and IoT for enhanced service quality.

Competitive Dynamics and Key Players

The competitive scene features established titans—Uber Freight (US), J.B. Hunt (US), C.H. Robinson (US)—alongside disruptive new entrants such as Convoy (US) and RXO Inc. (US), with the latter rapidly expanding its proprietary RXO Connect platform in North America and Europe. Echo Global Logistics and Mode Global leverage global scale and analytics, while European innovator Coyote Logistics (UK/DE) and France’s CEVA Logistics drive regional digitization.

Asia-Pacific, led by China, India, and Japan, is recording explosive adoption rates driven by e-commerce growth and government support for logistics tech. For example, India is experiencing double-digit growth as small and medium enterprises embrace low-barrier freight apps for market access.

Trends and Technology Shaping the Sector

  • Increased use of AI for freight matching, price optimization, and predictive route planning

  • Real-time supply chain visibility enabled by IoT devices and digital dashboards

  • Blockchain for verifiable, tamper-proof transactions

  • Green logistics, with platforms optimizing loads to reduce fuel consumption and emissions

  • Ongoing mobile device proliferation, with over 4.8 billion global smartphone users accessing freight management tools

Mergers, acquisitions, and strategic partnerships are accelerating: WWEX Group consolidates regional digital networks, and Uber Freight continues aggressive expansion through cross-border collaboration and tech investment in predictive analytics.

Country-Specific and Global Updates

  • The US Department of Transportation expanded its FLOW program in 2024, advancing nationwide digital freight optimization.

  • Full Truck Alliance of China (Yunmanman/Huochebang) reports rising digital brokerage volumes amidst platform upgrades for real-time capacity matching.

  • European players are rapidly modernizing, with Coyote Logistics and DB Schenker enhancing multimodal and cross-border offerings.

  • India’s freight sector welcomes new entrants and growing adoption, particularly among SMEs, as the government champions digital logistics.

Recent Industry News

  • RXO announced a broad platform upgrade in mid-2025 to support seamless, multi-country digital transactions and capacity optimization in Europe and North America.

  • Freight Technologies, a prominent US-Mexico broker, achieved profitability in Q2 2025 despite tariff challenges, leveraging operational efficiencies.

  • C.H. Robinson expanded its API integrations in 2025, allowing shippers granular, real-time control over loads and payments.

Three-line Article Summary

Digital Freight Brokerage is transforming logistics with digital-first solutions, AI-powered efficiency, and real-time visibility. Global and regional competition is intense, with players innovating platforms, embracing sustainability, and expanding partnerships. The sector’s digital maturity and international expansion promise continued rapid growth through 2033.