Truck Platooning Market By Platooning Type (Driver-Assisted, Autonomous); By Communication Technology (V2V, V2I, V2X); By Fleet Type (Private Fleets, 3PLs, Public Operators); By Component (Hardware, Software, Services); By Geography, Segment Revenue Estimation, Forecast, 2024–2030

1. Introduction and Strategic Context

The Global Truck Platooning Market is forecast to grow at a robust CAGR of 19.7% , starting at USD 3.4 billion in 2024 and likely reaching USD 10.1 billion by 2030 , according to Strategic Market Research.

 

Truck platooning refers to the use of connected vehicle technologies—primarily vehicle-to-vehicle (V2V) communication and autonomous driving systems—to allow two or more trucks to follow each other in a tightly coordinated convoy. While the lead truck is typically driven manually or semi-autonomously, the trailing trucks sync their speed, braking, and acceleration automatically in real-time.

 

This isn’t a fringe concept anymore. Between 2024 and 2030, growing pressure on logistics networks, driver shortages, decarbonization mandates, and rising diesel costs are pushing freight operators to seriously consider platooning. And unlike past AV buzzwords, this tech has near-term ROI—cutting fuel use by 7–10% per vehicle , reducing driver fatigue, and increasing lane capacity without new infrastructure.

 

Truck OEMs, logistics firms, and technology companies are now at the center of this shift. Stakeholders include:

• OEMs such as Volvo, Daimler Truck, Scania, and PACCAR developing platoon-capable trucks.

• Tier-1 tech firms working on sensor fusion, radar, and connectivity modules.

• Fleet operators and 3PL companies investing in pilot deployments to reduce operational costs.

• Regulators and transport ministries evaluating safety frameworks and cross-border platoon protocols.

• Investors backing startups focused on autonomous convoying and AI-based fleet intelligence.

The timing here is strategic. The U.S., Germany, Japan, and the Netherlands are already running real-world platooning pilots. Meanwhile, Southeast Asia and the Middle East are exploring highway freight corridors that could integrate platooning from the ground up. From ESG compliance to real-time logistics optimization, this market sits at the intersection of automation, sustainability, and freight economics.

One factor making this even more compelling? The plateauing of Level 4 autonomous truck deployment. Platooning offers a lower-risk, more gradual pathway toward autonomy—while still unlocking meaningful performance gains.

To be honest, truck platooning may be the most commercially realistic step toward autonomous freight we’ll see this decade.

 

2. Market Segmentation and Forecast Scope

The truck platooning market cuts across several dimensions — ranging from enabling technologies to fleet ownership models. These segments reveal how adoption varies depending on use case, geographic terrain, connectivity infrastructure, and operator readiness.

Let’s break it down:

By Platooning Type

• Driver-Assisted Platooning (DAP): The current commercial reality, where only the lead truck has an active driver, while trailing trucks operate in semi-autonomous or closely monitored modes.

• Autonomous Platooning (AP): A future-forward setup where at least one or more trailing trucks operate without human input. Trials are underway, but widespread rollout will hinge on regulatory approvals.

In 2024, driver-assisted platooning holds over 84% of market share. But autonomous configurations are expected to scale rapidly post-2027, especially on controlled-access highways.

By Communication Technology

• Vehicle-to-Vehicle (V2V)

• Vehicle-to-Infrastructure (V2I)

• Combined V2X (Vehicle-to-Everything)

Most real-world deployments today rely on V2V — enabling trucks to sync instantly via short-range communication. However, the V2X model is gaining ground as smart highways emerge in countries like Germany, Singapore, and South Korea.

By Fleet Type

• Private Fleets

• Third-Party Logistics (3PLs)

• Public Freight Operators

Private fleets — especially in food, fuel, and retail — are the early adopters. But the big shift may come from 3PLs , who are now being pushed by shippers to offer sustainable, cost-efficient long-haul solutions.

By Component

• Hardware (Sensors, Radars, LiDAR, ECUs, Connectivity Modules)

• Software (Platooning Algorithms, Driver Interfaces, AI Analytics)

• Services (Platoon-as-a-Service Models, Retrofitting, Maintenance, Cybersecurity)

Hardware still accounts for a larger portion of the 2024 market value, but the real margin lies in software and services — particularly retrofitting kits that turn existing trucks into platoon-ready vehicles.

By Region

• North America

• Europe

• Asia Pacific

• Latin America

• Middle East & Africa

Europe currently leads in regulation-readiness and real-world deployments. But Asia Pacific is showing the fastest growth rate — driven by national freight corridors, aggressive smart mobility policies, and OEM-led pilot projects in China, Japan, and South Korea.

Scope Note: While truck platooning is fundamentally a tech-driven market, it’s increasingly shaped by fleet digitization, route electrification , and real-time logistics orchestration platforms. This means segmentation isn’t just about trucks — it’s about how trucks plug into smarter ecosystems.

 

3. Market Trends and Innovation Landscape

Truck platooning isn’t riding on hype anymore. It’s entering a phase of pragmatic, tech-driven expansion — especially as logistics networks grapple with fuel costs, driver shortages, and carbon targets. A few years ago, it was mostly R&D. Now it’s moving into pilot fleets and procurement plans.

Here’s what’s shaping the current innovation landscape:

Connected Autonomy Is Getting Realistic

Autonomous trucks may still be years from full adoption, but platooning offers a modular step forward . Companies are pushing toward Level 2 and 3 autonomy within convoys — where following trucks handle adaptive cruise, braking, and steering with limited human input. Players like Einride , Plus , and Locomation are integrating these features as part of fleet optimization platforms.

What’s different now? The ecosystem is becoming modular. Instead of waiting for fully autonomous trucks, OEMs are offering platooning retrofits — allowing fleets to trial convoying with partial autonomy, before going all-in.

AI and Predictive Routing Are Becoming Critical

Platooning is no longer just about keeping trucks close. It’s about keeping them smart. Software platforms now use real-time weather, traffic, and terrain analytics to adjust platoon behavior . AI helps predict when to split, rejoin, or reroute trucks — without compromising safety or fuel savings.

According to a fleet operations lead at a U.S.-based 3PL, “The real ROI isn’t in the convoy — it’s in the orchestration. AI tells us when it’s smarter to stay solo.”

Cybersecurity Is Moving to the Forefront

Connected convoys create attack surfaces — especially when platoon commands are issued wirelessly between trucks. So cybersecurity is becoming a key R&D focus. OEMs and tech firms are embedding multi-layered encryption , real-time anomaly detection, and secure over-the-air (OTA) updates into platoon stacks.

The shift is clear: cyber is no longer optional. In fact, some countries (notably Germany and South Korea) now require platoon platforms to pass vehicular cybersecurity certification before road trials.

Regulatory Sandbox Programs Are Scaling Globally

Governments are starting to treat platooning as a distinct tech vertical, not just a subset of autonomous driving. In the past two years:

• The EU launched the ENabling SafE multi-Brand pLatooning for Europe (ENSEMBLE) project.

• Japan opened its Shin-Tomei Expressway for multi-truck platooning under close supervision.

• The U.S. saw Florida, Texas, and Utah expand legal platooning distances to below 15 meters.

These programs are attracting OEMs and logistics majors who want to test cross-brand platoons and refine their driver training programs.

Battery-Electric Truck (BET) Platooning Is Emerging

Here’s a new twist: electric truck makers are exploring platooning as a range-extending strategy . Since trucks in a platoon face less wind resistance, they consume less energy — which means longer ranges per charge.

Tesla’s Semi , Volvo’s FH Electric , and China’s XCMG EV trucks are all being studied in this context. Expect more R&D in EV-specific platooning protocols over the next 3–5 years.

Bottom line? Truck platooning has quietly become one of the most active areas for applied AI, V2V innovation, and fleet software development. It’s no longer just a technical challenge — it’s a systems design puzzle, and the players solving it are the ones creating real value for fleets.

 

4. Competitive Intelligence and Benchmarking

This market may not be overcrowded, but the players in truck platooning are highly strategic — and increasingly specialized. Success here depends less on building trucks and more on building ecosystems : integrating connectivity, AI, autonomy, and cyber resilience into a synchronized logistics model.

Let’s break down how the leading firms are positioning themselves.

Volvo Group

Volvo Trucks has been among the most aggressive OEMs in platooning R&D. They’ve conducted multi-year pilots in Europe, backed by EU-funded consortia like ENSEMBLE. Volvo’s edge? An integrated approach — combining V2V comms, adaptive cruise control, AI braking systems , and real-time vehicle monitoring via its Dynafleet platform. They’re also pushing into electric truck platooning, especially in the Nordics.

Daimler Truck

Through its Freightliner and Mercedes-Benz divisions, Daimler has tested platooning in both the U.S. and EU. Their strategy leans on in-house autonomy development via Torc Robotics , which allows Daimler to stack platooning into a broader Level 4 roadmap. In Japan, their FUSO brand is also working with local authorities to deploy platoons along high-density freight corridors.

What sets Daimler apart is their long game: they’re not rushing autonomy but using platooning as a bridge to it.

Scania (part of TRATON Group)

Scania is arguably the most regulatory-savvy player. They’ve been deeply involved in policy-shaping around multi-brand platooning and have piloted platoons on long-haul routes across Sweden, Germany, and the Netherlands. Their innovation focus includes platoon merging algorithms , edge-based control systems, and OTA cyber-protection layers — all designed for mixed-OEM convoying.

Peloton Technology

One of the earliest U.S.-based players focused purely on truck platooning. Peloton pioneered the platoon-as-a-service model, bundling hardware, telematics, and fleet support into one offering. Their patented system allows for tight following gaps (under 10 meters) with real-time redundancy checks. Though their activity has slowed in recent years, Peloton remains influential, especially in North American policy discussions.

Plus

Known for its autonomy-first approach, Plus has shifted its focus toward practical autonomy — and truck platooning is at the core. Their PlusDrive system is being adapted for convoy use, combining sensor fusion with predictive platoon formation software. The company has partnered with Chinese OEMs like FAW and long-haul fleets in the U.S. to field test this tech under both human- and software-led scenarios.

Locomation

This Pittsburgh-based startup is making waves with its Human-Guided Autonomy model. They deploy two-truck platoons where one driver leads while the second truck operates autonomously — a system proven in trials with Wilson Logistics and others. Locomation's pitch? Incremental, regulatory-compliant autonomy that generates fuel and labor savings today — not in 2030.

Competitive Takeaways:

• Volvo, Daimler, and Scania dominate Europe with deeply integrated, policy-aligned deployments.

• Peloton and Locomation drive most U.S. pilot activity, each with distinct tech stacks.

• Asian markets are seeing growing influence from Plus , FAW , and Japanese OEMs like Hino , especially for platooning in electric and hybrid trucks.

• The real moat isn’t just autonomy — it’s in fleet orchestration , telemetry analytics , and compliance-as-a-service .

At this point, truck OEMs aren’t just selling vehicles. They’re selling convoy intelligence.

 

5. Regional Landscape and Adoption Outlook

The truck platooning market isn’t growing evenly — it’s evolving in distinct regional clusters shaped by regulation, freight demand, infrastructure, and digital maturity. Some countries are already running daily platoons. Others are still debating the legal following distance between two trucks.

Here’s the global picture:

North America

The U.S. leads in pilot mileage and operational readiness , driven largely by long-haul freight volume, private highway infrastructure, and public–private testing corridors. States like Texas, Florida, Utah, and Georgia have legalized short-distance platooning, and fleets are actively integrating it into linehaul routes.

Companies like Locomation , Peloton Technology , and Daimler Freightliner are actively collaborating with logistics players to test two-truck convoys across thousands of miles.

But while regulation is favorable in parts of the U.S., fragmented state laws and insurance hurdles still slow cross-border operations. Canada is lagging in real-world trials but catching up through OEM partnerships and corridor modernization.

Europe

Europe is arguably the global benchmark in regulatory coordination and OEM-led trials. The ENSEMBLE Project , involving Volvo, Scania, Daimler, DAF, MAN, and IVECO, proved multi-brand platooning across national borders was not only viable but scalable.

Germany and the Netherlands are ahead of the curve, with dedicated smart lanes and 5G highway corridors enabling real-time V2V platoon formation. Nordic countries are also investing in EV platoons to support green freight goals.

The EU’s strength lies in its standardization: cross-border platooning protocols, cybersecurity rules, and uniform vehicle data frameworks are allowing OEMs to test and scale fast.

Asia Pacific

This region is the fastest-growing by CAGR — and it’s not just China. South Korea, Japan, and Singapore are all running state-backed platooning trials on designated expressways. Japan’s METI has supported multi-year trials on the Shin-Tomei Expressway , including semi-autonomous trailing trucks.

China, meanwhile, is taking a hybrid route: integrating platooning with electric trucks and smart logistics zones. Plus and FAW are leading active deployments, especially in the Guangdong–Hong Kong–Macau corridor.

The biggest challenge? Inter-city variation in regulation and uneven 5G coverage. But governments are fast-tracking “freight innovation zones” where platooning can be tested with relaxed restrictions.

Middle East and Africa (MEA)

Platooning is in its early stages here, but gaining strategic relevance — especially in the Gulf region . Saudi Arabia and the UAE are exploring truck platoons for fuel transport along desert corridors, tied into their smart mobility and Vision 2030 programs.

Africa remains limited by road infrastructure, but South Africa and Kenya have both signaled interest in future-proofing freight corridors. Here, platooning may evolve alongside mobile telematics and retrofit platforms , rather than fully new fleets.

Latin America

Brazil and Mexico are the main adopters in this region. Brazil is exploring platooning as a solution to driver fatigue and route efficiency across its vast agricultural exports network. But without widespread 5G or smart highways, adoption is still niche.

That said, logistics firms in Chile and Colombia are eyeing platooning for mine-to-port routes , where repeatable terrain and closed-loop roads offer a testing ground without full public exposure.

Summary of Regional Dynamics:

• Europe : Best mix of regulation, funding, and cross-brand coordination.

• North America : Fastest pilot deployment but faces fragmented laws.

• Asia Pacific : Highest growth potential — led by Japan, China, and South Korea.

• MEA : Early-stage interest, especially in freight-heavy Gulf states.

• LATAM : Selective use cases, especially in mining, agribusiness, and port logistics.

What matters isn’t just where platooning works technically — it’s where it fits into the bigger freight modernization story.

 

6. End-User Dynamics and Use Case

In the truck platooning market, the value equation changes depending on who’s driving adoption — and what they’re optimizing for. From owner-operators to multinational fleets, the motivations vary: some want fuel savings, others want safety, and a growing number just want fewer drivers on the payroll.

Let’s break down the key end-user groups:

Private Freight Fleets

These are vertically integrated companies—think retailers, grocers, fuel distributors, and beverage makers—who own their own trucks. They’re the earliest adopters of platooning, mainly because:

• They control their routes and schedules.

• They can afford to retrofit or upgrade at scale.

• They care deeply about fuel costs per mile.

For a company like Walmart or Shell , shaving 8–10% off fuel bills by platooning a dozen trucks on high-frequency routes is a no-brainer.

That said, the biggest constraint here is driver management . Even with advanced systems, they still need trained drivers to operate the lead truck and handle detachment scenarios.

Third-Party Logistics (3PL) Providers

3PLs operate on tight margins, but the platooning use case fits neatly into their shift toward digitization. These firms move goods across thousands of miles—often under tight delivery windows. Platooning offers:

• Predictable fuel savings , especially on repeat lanes.

• Automated convoys to ease labor pressure during driver shortages.

• A selling point for shippers demanding sustainable freight practices .

Companies like XPO Logistics , DB Schenker , and J.B. Hunt are testing platooning in regions where legal following distances and V2V tech are already mature.

What they need is scale — and that’s where platoon-as-a-service models come in.

Public Sector and Government Logistics Units

Some governments are now using platooning in state-run or semi-autonomous logistics services—particularly for fuel, defense , and disaster supplies. In Japan, platooning is being piloted on ministry-controlled freight roads . The U.S. military has explored similar convoys for automated resupply missions .

Here, the focus is less on cost and more on:

• Safety in hazardous zones

• Reduced personnel risk

• Continuous convoy movement without fatigue breaks

Small and Medium Fleets

These players are cautiously optimistic. Most aren’t ready to commit to new trucks, but many are interested in retrofit solutions — platooning kits with plug-and-play sensors, basic V2V modules, and fleet training programs.

Their needs are simple:

• Make platooning affordable.

• Make it interoperable across brands.

• Make it easy to manage without a 10-person IT team.

Vendors that simplify deployment and offer platooning as a monthly service —with no CAPEX—could win big here.

Use Case Spotlight:

A Midwest-based 3PL managing retail freight between Chicago and Dallas faced spiraling fuel costs and frequent driver turnover. They partnered with a platooning tech vendor to install a retrofit solution across 20 trucks on the I-55 corridor.

The setup allowed two trucks to operate as a digital pair, with the trailing truck following autonomously at a 12-meter distance. After just 8 months:

• Fuel savings hit 9.1% per trip.

• Driver turnover dropped by 25%.

• The firm negotiated a new sustainability-linked contract with a major retail customer, citing reduced emissions per mile.

This wasn’t just about trucks following each other. It was about making freight operations smarter, leaner, and more resilient.

 

7. Recent Developments + Opportunities & Restraints

Recent Developments (Past 2 Years)

• Volvo Group and DHL launched a live platooning trial in Sweden (2023) using semi-autonomous electric trucks along a 150 km corridor. Early results indicated fuel savings above 10% and zero reported safety incidents.

• Locomation completed a 16-week pilot with Wilson Logistics (2024) , deploying two-truck platoons across Interstate 84 and reducing delivery time by 6.8%. The system used its proprietary Human-Guided Autonomy™ model, gaining praise from regulators for its compliance-friendly design.

• The EU wrapped up the ENSEMBLE project in late 2023 , showcasing the first successful multi-brand platoon convoy across Germany, France, and the Netherlands. The trial involved trucks from Scania, MAN, and IVECO, demonstrating seamless communication across OEMs.

• Plus and FAW initiated the first electric truck platooning pilot in China (2024) . The project aimed to combine platooning with real-time battery usage optimization and is being monitored by the Ministry of Transport for national rollout potential.

• Japan's Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism (MLIT) approved live platooning for commercial freight on two expressways starting Q2 2025. Mitsubishi Fuso and Isuzu are among the participants.

 

Opportunities

• Retrofit Market Expansion Many fleets aren’t buying new trucks, but they’re open to upgrading existing ones. This opens a huge window for retrofit platooning kits — especially if bundled with fleet software, V2V modules, and compliance tools.

• Cross-Border Freight Corridors Freight-heavy regions like EU–EEA, China–ASEAN, and U.S.–Mexico trade routes are ideal for multi-truck platooning. As regulations align, cross-border convoys could become mainstream — especially for just-in-time logistics and perishable goods.

• ESG + Fuel Economy Pressure Retailers and shippers are pushing 3PLs to reduce emissions and improve fuel efficiency. Platooning delivers on both — and could become a requirement in procurement contracts for high-volume, repeat-route shipments.

 

Restraints

• Legal and Liability Grey Zones Who’s at fault if a trailing truck in a platoon crashes? Liability frameworks for autonomous behavior are still murky, especially in multi-brand, multi-driver configurations. This is slowing insurance adoption and fleet sign-off.

• Interoperability Challenges While single-brand platooning works, real-world freight operations often mix trucks from different OEMs. Without robust cross-brand communication standards, fleet-wide deployments are difficult to scale.

 

7.1. Report Coverage Table

Report Attribute	Details
Forecast Period	2024 – 2030
Market Size Value in 2024	USD 3.4 Billion
Revenue Forecast in 2030	USD 10.1 Billion
Overall Growth Rate	CAGR of 19.7% (2024 – 2030)
Base Year for Estimation	2024
Historical Data	2019 – 2023
Unit	USD Million, CAGR (%)
Segmentation	By Platooning Type, By Communication Technology, By Fleet Type, By Component, By Region
By Platooning Type	Driver-Assisted Platooning, Autonomous Platooning
By Communication Technology	V2V, V2I, Combined V2X
By Fleet Type	Private Fleets, Third-Party Logistics Providers, Public Freight Operators
By Component	Hardware, Software, Services
By Region	North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific, Latin America, Middle East & Africa
Country Scope	U.S., Canada, Germany, Netherlands, China, Japan, South Korea, Brazil, UAE
Market Drivers	- Fuel efficiency and emissions mandates - Shortage of qualified drivers - Government-backed autonomous freight programs
Customization Option	Available upon request