| Study Period | 2020 - 2030 |
| Base Year For Estimation | 2024 |
| Forecast Data Period | 2025 - 2030 |
| Market Size (2025) | USD 1.50 Billion |
| Market Size (2030) | USD 1.81 Billion |
| CAGR (2025 - 2030) | 3.93 % |
| Market Concentration | Low |
Major Players
*Disclaimer: Major Players sorted in no particular order |
France Rail Freight Transport Market Analysis
The France Rail Freight Transport Market size is estimated at USD 1.50 billion in 2025, and is expected to reach USD 1.81 billion by 2030, at a CAGR of 3.93% during the forecast period (2025-2030).
Ambitious sustainability goals and strategic policy initiatives are driving significant developments in the French rail freight transport market. In 2023, rail freight accounted for approximately 10% of the nation's total freight transport, underscoring the sector's growth potential. The government has set an ambitious target to double this share by 2030. Recent months have witnessed key infrastructure investments and policy shifts aimed at modernizing the system. For instance, in October 2024, a fund worth EUR 1.5 billion (USD 1.58 billion) was launched to enhance rail freight competitiveness and promote multimodal transport integration.
A pivotal move is the introduction of the National Master Plan for combined transport. This blueprint focuses on expanding multimodal terminal capacity and upgrading crucial rail corridors. The overarching goal is to seamlessly integrate rail and road logistics, thereby reducing dependence on road transport and minimizing emissions. In June 2024, a regional study in Ile-de-France has identified sites for new multimodal hubs, underscoring the push for eco-friendly logistics. At the same time, Fret SNCF's restructuring, in accordance with EU regulations, opens up both challenges and opportunities for private operators.
With a growing alignment to EU green transport policies and accompanying financial incentives, the future looks bright. As modernization and sustainability efforts continue, the French rail freight market is poised to be a cornerstone of the nation's logistics and environmental strategy in the coming years.
Overall, the French rail freight market has experienced fluctuations influenced by various economic and environmental factors. Despite recent declines, strategic investments and policy support suggest a positive outlook for the sector. The emphasis on sustainability and efficiency highlights the critical role of rail transport in the future of logistics and environmental stewardship.
France Rail Freight Transport Market Trends
Focus on Combined Transport and Sustainability in French Rail Freight
In 2024, France's rail freight market is increasingly leaning towards combined transport, which merges rail with road and maritime logistics, aiming to boost sustainability and efficiency. Highlighting this trend, the National Master Plan for Combined Transport, unveiled in October 2024, emphasizes upgrading multimodal terminals and broadening strategic rail corridors. Major hubs, particularly Île-de-France, are spearheading these initiatives, with new terminal projects emerging to cater to the rising demand for eco-friendly freight solutions. Moreover, the EUR 1.5 billion (USD 1.58 billion) rail freight competitiveness fund, introduced in July 2024, has played a crucial role in bolstering investments in combined transport infrastructure. This fund aims to enhance the competitiveness of rail freight by providing financial support for infrastructure development, technological advancements, and operational improvements.
This trend is significant as it dovetails with France's ambition to double the modal share of rail freight by 2030, all while meeting EU carbon emission reduction mandates. By leveraging rail for long hauls and road for final deliveries, combined transport not only presents a cost-effective logistics model but also alleviates road congestion and curbs emissions. These advancements respond to the rising customer demand for sustainable and dependable freight services, cementing combined transport's role as a foundational element of France's contemporary logistics framework. The integration of different transport modes ensures a seamless transition of goods, optimizing the supply chain and reducing transit times. Additionally, the focus on multimodal terminals facilitates the efficient transfer of cargo between different transport modes, enhancing overall logistics efficiency.
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Restructuring and Privatization of Fret SNCF
In 2024, the French rail freight market is being significantly shaped by the ongoing restructuring of Fret SNCF, the state-owned rail freight operator. This move comes in response to a European Commission mandate aimed at addressing competition concerns and ensuring compliance with EU state aid regulations. Unveiled in January 2024, the restructuring plan entails transferring Fret SNCF's lucrative operations to private entities. Simultaneously, the operator's market share will be curtailed to foster heightened competition. These strategic shifts are set to reshape the competitive landscape, driving innovation and efficiency within the rail freight sector.
The restructuring has paved the way for private operators to bolster their foothold in the market. Notably, companies like DB Cargo and Euro Cargo Rail are capitalizing on the voids created by Fret SNCF's scaling back. This evolution not only cultivates a more diverse and competitive ecosystem but also propels service modernization through private investments. Yet, the reforms haven't been without contention; unions have voiced concerns over potential workforce cuts and operational upheavals, introducing challenges to the market's equilibrium.
Nonetheless, this transition marks a pivotal move towards bolstering competitiveness and weaving French rail freight more intricately into the expansive European logistics tapestry. With private players spearheading service enhancements and aligning with EU regulations, the market stands on the brink of a transformative journey, promising heightened efficiency and customer satisfaction in the foreseeable future.
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France Rail Freight Transport Industry Overview
The France Rail Freight Transport Market is partially fragmented and highly competitive with the presence of major international players. Major players include SNCF Logistics, NVO Consolidation SAS, Martin Bencher Group, Ace-Trans Transportation and Logistics, Med Europe Terminal, and many others. The market is mainly dominated by regional and global players providing maximum services to their customers. The shifting of transporters towards rail freight in European countries due to fuel price surge is driving the market and attracting new players to enter the market.
France Rail Freight Transport Market Leaders
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SNCF Logistics
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NVO Consolidation SAS
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Martin Bencher Group
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Ace-Trans Transportation and Logistics
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Med Europe Terminal
- *Disclaimer: Major Players sorted in no particular order
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France Rail Freight Transport Market News
- September 2024: The French government announced a EUR 160 million (USD 171 million) investment to bolster rail freight along the Mediterranean corridor, with an emphasis on pivotal ports such as Sète and Perpignan. This initiative is a segment of a broader EUR 300 million (USD 321 million) infrastructure blueprint by SNCF Réseau Occitanie, targeting enhanced trade and sustainability in the region.
- August 2024: In a bid to double rail freight's market share from 9% to 18% by 2030, the French government, alongside the "Alliance 4F" (a coalition representing the French Rail Freight Industry), has rolled out a comprehensive strategy. Central to this plan are measures like slashing track access charges, providing subsidies for intermodal transport, and channeling substantial investments into infrastructure. Through these efforts, the initiative aims to enhance the competitiveness of rail transport, all while staying in tune with the EU's sustainability goals.
France Rail Freight Transport Industry Segmentation
Rail freight transport is the usage of railroads and trains to transport cargo on land. It can be used for transporting various kinds of goods or some of the way between the shipper and the intended destination. A complete background analysis of the France Rail Freight Transport Market, including the assessment of the economy and contribution of sectors in the economy, market overview, market size estimation for key segments, emerging trends in the market segments, market dynamics, and geographical trends is included in the report.
The France rail freight transport market is segmented by cargo type (containerized (intermodal), non-containerized, and liquid bulk) and by service type (transportation and services allied to transportation). The report offers the market size and forecast value (USD billion) for all the above segments.
| By Cargo Type | Containerized (Intermodal) |
| Non-containerized | |
| Liquid Bulk | |
| Service Type | Transportation |
| Services Allied to Transportation |
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France Rail Freight Transport Market Research FAQs
How big is the France Rail Freight Transport Market?
The France Rail Freight Transport Market size is expected to reach USD 1.50 billion in 2025 and grow at a CAGR of 3.93% to reach USD 1.81 billion by 2030.
What is the current France Rail Freight Transport Market size?
In 2025, the France Rail Freight Transport Market size is expected to reach USD 1.50 billion.
Who are the key players in France Rail Freight Transport Market?
SNCF Logistics, NVO Consolidation SAS, Martin Bencher Group, Ace-Trans Transportation and Logistics and Med Europe Terminal are the major companies operating in the France Rail Freight Transport Market.
What years does this France Rail Freight Transport Market cover, and what was the market size in 2024?
In 2024, the France Rail Freight Transport Market size was estimated at USD 1.44 billion. The report covers the France Rail Freight Transport Market historical market size for years: 2020, 2021, 2022, 2023 and 2024. The report also forecasts the France Rail Freight Transport Market size for years: 2025, 2026, 2027, 2028, 2029 and 2030.
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France Rail Freight Transport Industry Report
Statistics for the 2025 France Rail Freight Transport market share, size and revenue growth rate, created by Mordor Intelligence™ Industry Reports. France Rail Freight Transport analysis includes a market forecast outlook for 2025 to 2030 and historical overview. Get a sample of this industry analysis as a free report PDF download.
