The digital freight brokerage market is entering a strong growth phase, fueled by the surge of automated freight matching systems and technology platforms based on real-time data. According to the latest report from Global Market Insights, Inc., this market's size is projected to increase from its current USD 4.9 billion to over USD 8.6 billion by 2035.

This growth is primarily driven by shippers' increasing reliance on automated matching systems and digital tools that provide instant access to carrier capacity. Cost optimization remains a key driver as businesses turn to online platforms to streamline processes, reduce manual operations, and cut transportation expenses.

The cloud-based platform segment held a 64.3% market share in 2025, driven by the widespread shift towards cloud-integrated transportation management systems. Most new freight management platforms are built on cloud architecture, leveraging global investments in digital infrastructure to modernize logistics operations.

A driver checks documents before a vehicle departs, ensuring the transportation process proceeds as planned and is transparent at each stage. Photo: Drazen AdobeStock

Mobile application-based platforms also accounted for a 61.3% market share in 2025. The widespread adoption of smartphones and driver interaction tools enables quick access to order information, electronic documents, and real-time location-based matching features.

In the US, the digital freight brokerage market accounted for an 86.2% regional market share, generating USD 1.76 billion in revenue in 2025. Developed digital infrastructure, high volumes of road freight, and increasing demand for last-mile delivery are strongly supporting the adoption of digital platforms. Independent drivers and small fleets are increasingly utilizing mobile load notifications and telematics connections to maintain a steady flow of freight.

Leading companies are solidifying their position by investing in artificial intelligence-driven matching engines, predictive analytics, and automated pricing tools. These investments aim to enhance accuracy and shorten the connection time between freight and vehicles. Concurrently, these companies are expanding their cloud-native platforms to improve scalability and reliability for both shippers and carriers.

The integration of telematics data, real-time tracking, and digitized documents is helping to form a closed-loop operational process from order placement to delivery. Strategic partnerships with carriers, logistics service providers, and supply chain software companies continue to expand network density and order availability on these platforms.

The development trend of "mobile-first" solutions is being accelerated to increase driver interaction and shorten transaction times. Innovations in compliance automation, platform security, and user experience are becoming competitive differentiators, contributing to customer retention in the rapidly growing digital freight brokerage market.

Digital freight brokerage is an intermediary model that connects shippers and carriers through online technology platforms, replacing traditional brokerage methods via phone, email, or manual paperwork. Instead of brokers manually finding vehicles and negotiating prices, the digital system uses software, real-time data, and algorithms to automatically match orders with suitable drivers or fleets. Shippers can post their transportation needs, track routes, manage documents, and make payments all on a single platform.

Unlike traditional brokerage, this model often integrates technologies such as artificial intelligence for optimized matching, data analytics for freight rate forecasting, and GPS tracking for real-time delivery status updates. This results in a more transparent process, reduced processing times, and lower operating costs.

Hai My (Source: FoodLogistics)