Global Shipping Containers Market Expands with Rising E-commerce Fulfillment and Pharma Cold Chain Growth, Valued at USD 12.77 Billion by 2030 | Mordor Intelligence

The shipping containers market is experiencing sustained growth, shaped by surging cross-border e-commerce activity, growing preference for tailored containers among D2C brands, and the widespread corporate push toward ESG-aligned reusable container systems.

Hyderabad, India, Nov. 10, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — According to Mordor Intelligence, the shipping containers market size is valued at USD 10.27 billion in 2025 and is expected to be worth USD 12.77 billion by 2030, progressing at a 4.46% CAGR. Growth is supported by expanding e-commerce fulfillment, a rising pharmaceutical cold-chain footprint, and improved intermodal efficiency. With containerized cargo moving most of the world’s trade, operators are turning to digital tracking tools and smarter designs to reduce port delays and improve asset turnover. Sustainability priorities are also steering manufacturers toward lighter composite materials, while evolving carrier alliances are influencing capacity planning across key routes. Although geopolitical shifts introduce short-term uncertainty, they further underscore the need for diversified trade lanes and adaptable routing strategies. 

Regional Market Overview 

Asia-Pacific remains the strongest contributor to market activity, supported by a mix of established manufacturing in China and rising production shifts into Southeast Asia. Large port development programs in markets like Malaysia and India are increasing overall throughput and strengthening feeder routes, while favorable trade conditions are encouraging regional leasing firms to expand their container pools. 

North America is benefiting from nearshoring trends that bring electronics and automotive production closer to major consumer hubs. Significant investments by U.S. ports in dredging, berth upgrades, and electrification are improving competitiveness, while the expansion of rail intermodal corridors across the Midwest is enabling faster cross-country connectivity and increasing demand for container types suited to long-haul land transport. 

Key Market Insights 

Rising Cold-Chain Needs Boost Adoption of Next-Generation Reefers 

Pharmaceutical companies are increasingly shifting long-distance shipments from air to ocean to reduce costs and emissions, supported by refrigerated containers capable of maintaining precise temperature stability with real-time monitoring. Fresh food exporters are following the same path as they target distant markets with lower spoilage risk. Manufacturers offering energy-efficient, low-impact refrigeration units are seeing stronger pricing power as sustainability rules tighten. With online grocery expanding across more regions, demand for advanced reefers is growing faster than traditional cargo equipment. 

D2C Companies Boost Demand for Customized, Brand-Focused Container Designs 

Direct-to-consumer brands are increasingly turning containers into mobile retail spaces and compact fulfilment hubs, especially during peak seasons. This shift is driving demand for one-trip units with custom finishes, branded exteriors, and tailored interior setups. Though the segment is still niche, it offers higher margins and encourages closer collaboration between container manufacturers and creative agencies. The push for experiential retail is also increasing interest in side-door and tunnel-style configurations, broadening the range of customized specifications within the container market. 

Major Segments of Shipping Containers Covered in this Report     

By Size 

• 20-ft (TEU) 

• 40-ft (FEU) 

• 40-ft High-Cube 

• Others (>45-ft, etc.) 

By Container Type 

• Dry Storage (Standard) 

• Refrigerated (Reefer) 

• Tank (ISO Tank, Cryogenic) 

• Flat-Rack & Open-Top 

• Special Purpose (Side-Door, Tunnel, Insulated, Collapsible) 

By Material 

• Corten Steel 

• Stainless Steel 

• Aluminium Alloy 

• FRP & Composite 

• Others 

By End-Use Industry 

• Consumer Goods & Retail 

• Food & Beverage 

• Industrial Machinery & Automotive 

• Chemicals & Petroleum 

• Pharmaceuticals & Healthcare 

• Others 

By Mode of Transport 

• Maritime Deep-Sea 

• Short-Sea & Coastal 

• Rail Intermodal 

• Road Inland Haulage & Off-Site Storage 

By Geography 

• North America 

• South America 

• Asia-Pacific 

• Europe 

• Middle East and Africa 

Overview – Shipping Containers Industry 

Shipping Containers Companies Covered in this Research Report   

• China International Marine Containers (CIMC) 

• Dong Fang International Containers 

• CXIC Group (CSSC) 

• Maersk Container Industry A/S 

• Singamas Container Holdings 

• W&K Container 

• Sea Box Inc. 

• TLS Offshore Containers 

• Storstac Inc. 

• CARU Containers B.V. 

• China Eastern Containers 

• Valisons & Co. 

• YMC Container Solutions 

• American Intermodal Container Manufacturing 

• Triton International 

• Textainer Group Holdings 

• Florens Container Services 

• CAI International 

• Touax Group 

• UES International 

Get in-depth industry insights on the shipping containers industry report: https://www.mordorintelligence.com/industry-reports/shipping-containers-market?utm_source=globenewswire 

Explore related reports from Mordor Intelligence 
 
Rail Freight Transport Market: Rail freight transport market is segmented by cargo type: containerized/intermodal, dry bulk, liquid bulk, and break-bulk and project cargo, by service type: transportation, and services allied to transportation (maintenance of railcars and rail tracks, switching of cargo, and storage), by end-user industry: mining and minerals, oil, gas and chemicals, agriculture and food, manufacturing and automotive, retail and FMCG, and construction materials and forestry, by traction type: diesel, electric, hybrid/hydrogen and LNG, by destination: domestic, international/cross-border and geography. 
https://www.mordorintelligence.com/industry-reports/rail-freight-transport-market?utm_source=globenewswire 

Dropshipping Market: Dropshipping market is segmented by product: fashion, electronics and media, toys, hobby and DIY, furniture and appliances, health, beauty and personal care, and others such as pet and auto, by destination: domestic and cross-border/international, by sales channel: online marketplaces, branded e-commerce stores, and social-commerce platforms, by business model: B2C, B2B/wholesale dropship, and C2C/resale, with geographic coverage included in the report.

Cold Storage Market: Cold Storage Market is segmented by service type: public warehousing and private warehousing. by temperature type: chilled, frozen, ambient, and deep-frozen or ultra-low. by automation level: conventional facilities and automated cold stores such AS/RS and robotics. by application: fruits and vegetables, meat and poultry, fish and seafood, dairy and frozen desserts, bakery and confectionery, ready-to-eat meals, pharmaceuticals and biologics, vaccines and clinical trial materials, chemicals and specialty materials, and other perishables, with geographic segmentation included in the report. 

About Mordor Intelligence:     
  
Mordor Intelligence is a trusted partner for businesses seeking comprehensive and actionable market intelligence. Our global reach, expert team, and tailored solutions empower organizations and individuals to make informed decisions, navigate complex markets, and achieve their strategic goals.     
     
With a team of over 550 domain experts and on-ground specialists spanning 150+ countries, Mordor Intelligence possesses a unique understanding of the global business landscape. This expertise translates into comprehensive market analysis and research reports as well as syndicated and custom research offerings that cover a wide spectrum of industries, including aerospace & defence, agriculture, animal nutrition and wellness, automation, automotive, chemicals & materials, consumer goods & services, electronics, energy & power, financial services, food & beverages, healthcare, hospitality & tourism, information & communications technology, investment opportunities, and logistics.  

CONTACT: For any inquiries, please contact:   [email protected] https://www.mordorintelligence.com/contact-us

Disclaimer: The above press release comes to you under an arrangement with GlobeNewswire. DailyIndiaNews.com takes no editorial responsibility for the same.