This 2024 Transportation Industry Outlook provides an overview of the changing global mobility, highlighting key trends, developments, and challenges in the sector. It presents an analysis of the growing interest in sustainable and electric transportation solutions. The report examines the impact of digitalization, from autonomous vehicles to smart infrastructure. It also provides firmographic data and insights into investment trends within the industry.
This report was last updated in July 2024.
This transportation report serves as a reference for stakeholders within the industry, investors, policymakers, and economic analysts, providing a snapshot of the industry’s health to map its trajectory for innovation and growth in the coming years.
StartUs Insights Transportation Industry Outlook 2024
- Executive Summary
- Introduction to the Transportation Industry Report 2024
- What data is used in this Transportation Industry Report?
- Snapshot of the Global Transportation Industry
- Funding Landscape in the Transportation Industry
- Who is Investing in the Transportation Industry?
- Emerging Trends in the Transportation Industry
- 5 Transportation Startups impacting the Industry
Executive Summary: Transportation Sector Outlook 2024
This report is created using data obtained from the Big Data and AI-powered StartUs Insights Discovery Platform, covering more than 4.7 million global companies, as well as 20K+ technologies and emerging trends. We also analyzed a sample of 6000+ transportation startups developing innovative solutions to present five examples from emerging transportation industry trends.
- Industry Growth Overview: The transportation sector experienced a slight decline of -1.23% in growth rate last year, with over 250000 companies listed.
- Manpower & Employment Growth: The sector employs a global workforce of over 32 million, with an increase of 1.4 million employees in the previous year.
- Patents & Grants: It has over 155000 patents and more than 14000 grants, indicating a focus on innovation and research development.
- Global Footprint: The industry has a global presence with hubs in the US, Germany, the UK, India, and France, and major cities like London, New York City, Sydney, Melbourne, and Singapore
- Investment Landscape: The investment scene is active with an average investment value of USD 71.5 million, over 13000 investors, and more than 34000 funding rounds.
- Top Investors: Investors such as Warburg Pincus, SoftBank Vision Fund, Goldman Sachs, and more have collectively invested over USD 12 billion into the industry.
- Startup Ecosystem: Highlights five innovative startups, such as Senior Automation (unmanned transportation), SEM-B Mobility (shared electric mini-bus), Curbhub ( transportation orchestration), Trans-IT (AI copilot), and HyPoint Solutions (remote sensing).
- Recommendations for Stakeholders: Capitalize on the trends of electrification, digitalization, and sustainability to navigate the future landscape of the transportation industry.
Explore the Data-driven Transportation Industry Report for 2024
The transportation industry outlook for 2024 uses data from the Discovery Platform and encapsulates the key metrics that underline the sector’s dynamic growth and innovation. The industry experienced a -1.23% growth last year, indicating a slight downturn. Our database includes over 250000 companies worldwide. The sector employs a global workforce of over 32 million, with an addition of 1.4 million in the last year.
The top five country hubs for the industry include the US, Germany, the UK, India, and France. The main city hubs are London, New York City, Sydney, Melbourne, and Singapore. There is substantial intellectual property activity, with over 155000 patents and more than 14000 grants, highlighting the sector’s focus on research and development.
What data is used to create this transportation industry report?
Based on the data provided by our Discovery Platform, we observe that the transportation industry ranks among the top 5% in the following categories relative to all 20K topics in our database. These categories provide a comprehensive overview of the industry’s key metrics and inform the short-term future direction of the industry.
- News Coverage & Publications: The transportation industry has seen considerable attention, with over 147000 publications in the past year.
- Funding Rounds: Our database records more than 34000 funding rounds.
- Manpower: The industry employs more than 32 million workers and added over 1 million new employees last year.
- Patents: The sector has a strong record of innovation, with more than 155000 patents.
- Grants: It also received substantial support, with over 14000 grants awarded.
- and more. Book a demo to explore all data points used in this report.
A Snapshot of the Global Transportation Industry
The data indicates that the transportation industry is a dynamic and expansive sector, marked by steady growth and significant employment opportunities. With a workforce of over 32 million individuals, this industry plays a crucial role in global commerce and is a major employer worldwide. The past year has seen a notable addition of talent, with 1.4 million new employees. Further, the industry’s vastness is underscored by the presence of over 250000 companies, each contributing to the complex mix of logistics, freight, passenger services, and innovative transport solutions.
Explore the Funding Landscape of the Transportation Industry
The transportation industry shows a dynamic landscape of investment activity. It draws financial commitments with an average investment value of USD 71.5 million, reflecting confidence in its growth opportunities and the transformative technologies shaping its future. Over 13000 investors support this level of investment. Further, the industry has closed more than 34000 funding rounds, showing the active investment environment. These investments extend to over 15000 companies, highlighting the range of innovation within the transportation ecosystem.
Who is Investing in the Transportation Industry?
The top investors in the transportation industry have collectively invested more than USD 12 billion. Here’s the list of notable investors:
- Warburg Pincus has invested USD 1.5 billion into 19 companies, demonstrating a strong commitment to promoting innovation and growth within the sector.
- SoftBank Vision Fund has invested USD 1.6 billion across 9 companies, showcasing its belief in the transformative potential of these businesses.
- Encap Flatrock Midstream has invested USD 1.3 billion in 11 companies, highlighting the importance of infrastructure and midstream services in the transportation ecosystem.
- Goldman Sachs has directed USD 1.3 billion towards 18 companies, reinforcing its position as a key player in financing industry progress.
- The European Investment Bank, with investments of USD 1.2 billion in 22 companies, reflects the strategic importance of transportation to economic development and connectivity on a global scale.
- International Finance Corporation has invested USD 1.1 billion in 22 companies.
- BlackRock has allocated USD 1 billion across 10 companies, underscoring its confidence in the sector’s growth path.
- Insight Partners has invested USD 923.6 million in 16 companies, highlighting the diverse opportunities within the industry.
- JP Morgan has directed investments of USD 915.1 million in 13 companies.
- D1 Capital Partners has committed USD 934.5 million to 3 companies, indicating a focused approach to high-potential investments.
Together, these investors are contributing to financial growth and are also crucial in promoting innovation, efficiency, and sustainability in the transportation landscape.
Explore Firmographic Data for All Transportation Industry Trends
- Sustainable transportation is a shift towards reducing environmental impact and promoting sustainability in mobility solutions. It is highlighted by 700+ companies dedicated to eco-friendly and sustainable practices. These companies employ 110K+ individuals collectively, with an addition of 8K+ new employees over the last year. It has an annual trend growth rate of 12.3%.
- Multimodal transportation is crucial in optimizing logistics, enhancing efficiency, and providing flexible transportation solutions. With 800+ companies leading this trend, it is redefining how goods and people move across different forms of transportation. It employs 200K+ people, with 8K+ new hires in the past year. Further, it demonstrates a slight decline in its growth trajectory with an annual trend growth rate of -0.53%.
- Electric transportation, represented by 300+ companies, is at the forefront of the transportation industry’s electrification. It employs 60K+ employees and saw an increase of 3K+ new employees last year. With an annual trend growth rate of 17.2%, this trend exemplifies the rapid adoption and development of electric vehicles (EVs) and infrastructure, driven by the need for cleaner, more efficient transportation options.
5 Top Examples from 6000+ Innovative Transportation Startups
The five innovative startups showcased below are picked based on data including the trend they operate within and their relevance, founding year, funding status, and more. Book a demo to find promising startups, emerging trends, or industry data specific to your company’s needs and objectives.
Senior Automation facilitates Unmanned Transportation
Chinese startup Senior Automation develops an unmanned transportation system. Its product, HiMizar Safety Domain Control Unit, ensures the operational safety of autonomous vehicles. Alongside, the HiPolaris Positioning and Timing Module provides navigation capabilities for these vehicles. The startup’s platform integrates real-time monitoring, intelligent scheduling, and data analysis to make effective operational decisions. This technology facilitates a steering wheel-free future with options for modular customization.
SEM-B Mobility offers a Shared Electric Mini-Bus
Canadian startup SEM-B Mobility provides an on-demand, electric mini-bus service, offering a more environmentally friendly option for urban transport. Each electric mini-bus features solar panels and regenerative braking to increase its range and reduce its environmental footprint. The startup uses semi-autonomous technology and AI to enhance safety and optimize routing. SEM-B Mobility reduces the reliance on private vehicles and offers a practical, cost-effective, and eco-friendly commuting alternative.
Curbhub optimizes Last Mile Delivery
US-based startup Curbhub offers a transportation orchestration solution, with a focus on last-mile delivery. The solution enhances delivery efficiency through the use of collaborative transportation. It tackles operational inefficiencies and taps into the capabilities of emerging delivery technologies. Further, transshipment contributes to better unit economics and fleet utilization. The startup’s solution also contributes to a decrease in pollution, congestion, and safety incidents by reducing the number of delivery trucks on the roads.
Trans-IT offers Transport Management AI Copilot
Belgian startup Trans-IT offers a transportation management software solution. Its platform leverages AI to automate tasks and optimize logistics. It also tailors planning to meet specific needs. The startup’s platform manages fleet, personnel, and vital documents. It includes chats with drivers and suppliers to maintain communication. It also offers real-time updates for seamless transitions and ongoing updates on the status of each transport.
HyPoint Solutions enables Remote Sensing
US startup HyPoint Solutions improves transportation safety by collecting precise data on vehicles and infrastructure with LIDAR sensors and cameras. HawkScan, one of their products, detects large vehicles by using LIDAR and high-precision cameras to measure the 3D dimensions of moving vehicles. Falcon, the startup’s other product, uses a new method for overheight warning systems, combining LIDAR with high-resolution imagery to efficiently identify and reroute large vehicles. This system also improves traffic monitoring by categorizing vehicles and tracking their speeds in real-time. HyPoint Solutions also provides a bridge collision notification system, bridge clearance measurements, and more.
Gain Comprehensive Insights into Transportation Trends, Startups, or Technologies
The transportation industry report highlights a sector that is moving towards electrification, automation, and digitization due to growing environmental concerns and technological advancements. Key trends including the rise of electric vehicles, the integration of autonomous driving technologies, and more, signal a transition to a more efficient and sustainable transportation ecosystem. Get in touch to explore all 6000+ startups and scaleups, as well as all industry trends impacting transportation companies.