Key Findings

• Class 8 trucks, defined by a Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) of over 33,000 lbs, are the backbone of long-haul freight transportation in North America and are increasingly gaining ground in emerging economies.

• These heavy-duty vehicles are essential for industries such as logistics, construction, mining, and manufacturing due to their high payload capacity and rugged performance in varied terrain.

• Diesel engines continue to dominate, but the segment is rapidly transitioning with investments in electric, hydrogen fuel cell, and natural gas-powered Class 8 truck platforms.

• Stringent emission regulations in the U.S., Europe, and China are driving OEMs toward cleaner drivetrains and aerodynamic designs that improve fuel economy and compliance.

• The integration of advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS), telematics, and predictive maintenance platforms is transforming Class 8 trucks into intelligent mobile assets.

• Fleet electrification initiatives from Amazon, Walmart, and FedEx are accelerating demand for electric Class 8 trucks, creating opportunities for Tesla, Nikola, Volvo, and Daimler.

• Supply chain bottlenecks and raw material price fluctuations continue to challenge production schedules and cost structures in the Class 8 manufacturing ecosystem.

• The market is witnessing growing consolidation among fleet operators and leasing companies, increasing the demand for customized, fleet-managed Class 8 truck solutions.

• Autonomous Class 8 truck development is progressing through pilot deployments on fixed routes, with commercial-scale adoption expected in the next 5–10 years.

• North America accounts for the largest share due to the density of logistics operations, while Asia-Pacific is expected to witness the fastest growth over the forecast period.

Market Overview

The Class 8 truck market plays a pivotal role in the global freight and logistics industry. Characterized by vehicles with a GVWR exceeding 33,000 pounds, Class 8 trucks serve as the primary movers for long-haul, heavy-load transportation across continents. These trucks are typically powered by high-torque diesel engines and feature sleeper cabins, aerodynamic enhancements, and robust chassis systems designed for endurance and efficiency.

The market has been historically led by established OEMs like Freightliner, Kenworth, Volvo Trucks, and Peterbilt. However, the landscape is evolving rapidly due to growing pressure to reduce emissions and improve operational efficiency. Technological innovations in electric drivetrains, autonomous navigation, and digital fleet management are reshaping product strategies, with a strong focus on lifecycle value, safety, and sustainability.

The increasing demand for e-commerce fulfillment, just-in-time (JIT) manufacturing, and cold chain logistics further amplifies the strategic importance of Class 8 trucks in global supply networks. Simultaneously, rising fuel costs and driver shortages are prompting fleet operators to look for smarter, lower-maintenance, and digitally integrated truck solutions.

Class 8 Truck Market Size and Forecast

The global Class 8 truck market was valued at USD 52.3 billion in 2024 and is projected to reach USD 84.6 billion by 2031, growing at a CAGR of 7.1%during the forecast period.

Market expansion is primarily driven by increasing industrial freight volume, the expansion of highway infrastructure in developing regions, and the growing penetration of electric and connected truck platforms. The adoption of over-the-air software updates, driver coaching systems, and powertrain optimization technologies are also enhancing the lifecycle value of modern Class 8 vehicles.

North America, particularly the U.S., holds the largest market share due to the extensive use of Class 8 trucks in long-haul applications. Meanwhile, China and India are emerging as high-growth markets owing to large-scale infrastructure projects, increasing freight activity, and growing regulatory oversight of emissions and fuel efficiency.

Future Outlook

The future of the Class 8 truck market will be defined by electrification, autonomy, connectivity, and sustainability. OEMs are investing heavily in alternative fuel technologies, including battery-electric trucks for regional haulage and hydrogen fuel cell vehicles for long-distance applications. Regulatory mandates and carbon neutrality goals will drive further transition away from diesel.

Autonomous Class 8 trucks will become commercially viable within the next decade, especially on dedicated freight corridors with high traffic density and predictable routing. The digital twin concept, combining real-time telematics, vehicle diagnostics, and predictive analytics, will enable fleet operators to optimize uptime and reduce total cost of ownership (TCO).

Furthermore, partnerships between truck OEMs, battery suppliers, charging infrastructure providers, and fleet management platforms will define the competitive dynamics of the future Class 8 truck ecosystem.

Class 8 Truck Market Trends

• Electrification of Long-Haul Trucks
  OEMs are rolling out battery-electric Class 8 trucks for regional and urban freight routes. Tesla’s Semi, Volvo VNR Electric, and Freightliner eCascadia represent early efforts toward zero-emission logistics. While range limitations currently restrict long-haul operations, improvements in energy density, charging speed, and battery lifecycle are expanding the addressable market.

• Integration of Advanced Telematics and Predictive Maintenance
  Telematics systems are increasingly embedded in Class 8 trucks to monitor location, fuel consumption, braking behavior, and mechanical health. Combined with predictive analytics, these systems enable early detection of component wear, reducing downtime and improving safety. OEMs and fleet operators are using this data to optimize asset utilization and reduce operational costs.

• Autonomous Truck Pilots and Route Optimization
  Companies like TuSimple, Embark, and Aurora are piloting Level 4 autonomous Class 8 trucks on U.S. highways. These trials focus on fixed routes with minimal human intervention. As the regulatory framework matures, commercial-scale deployments are expected, especially in hub-to-hub models where freight is transferred between major logistics centers.

• Fuel Efficiency and Aerodynamic Enhancements
  Traditional diesel-powered Class 8 trucks are being equipped with idle-reduction systems, predictive cruise control, low-rolling-resistance tires, and enhanced aerodynamics (side skirts, roof fairings) to improve fuel efficiency. Combined with lightweight materials and transmission optimization, these improvements help operators meet tightening emissions regulations and reduce fuel costs.

• Rise of Flexible Leasing and Subscription Models
  Fleet operators are increasingly adopting leasing, financing, and subscription-based ownership models to reduce capital expenditure. These models include comprehensive service packages with maintenance, telematics, and software upgrades, offering operational flexibility and reducing the financial burden of truck ownership.

Market Growth Drivers

• Growth in E-commerce and Retail Distribution
  The exponential rise of e-commerce has led to a sharp increase in freight movement across regional and national corridors. Class 8 trucks play a crucial role in first-mile and linehaul freight transfer, especially for warehousing, sorting hubs, and last-mile distribution centers.

• Infrastructure Development in Emerging Markets
  Investments in national highway networks, logistics parks, and industrial corridors in countries like India, Brazil, and Southeast Asia are expanding the use of heavy-duty trucks for construction material, machinery, and goods movement. This trend supports long-term demand for Class 8 trucks in developing regions.

• Environmental Regulations and Incentives
  Emission norms such as the U.S. Phase 2 GHG standards, Euro VI, and China VI are pushing OEMs to upgrade engine technology and introduce alternative fuel variants. Incentives and subsidies for electric trucks, including grants for zero-emission freight corridors, further stimulate the market.

• Digital Fleet Management and IoT Adoption
  Connected fleet management platforms provide real-time tracking, driver performance analytics, maintenance scheduling, and energy consumption data. This digital transformation helps fleet managers make informed decisions and maximize asset productivity, thereby boosting demand for high-tech Class 8 trucks.

• Rise in Intermodal and Cross-border Trade
  Expanding international trade and intermodal transportation (rail-truck combinations) require high-capacity trucks that can seamlessly integrate with port and rail infrastructure. Class 8 trucks, with their higher payload and long-haul capabilities, are ideally suited for such logistics networks.

Challenges in the Market

• High Initial Cost of Electric and Autonomous Trucks
  Despite long-term savings in fuel and maintenance, the upfront cost of electric or autonomous Class 8 trucks remains significantly higher than conventional diesel models. This price differential continues to hinder large-scale adoption, especially among small and mid-size fleet operators.

• Inadequate Charging and Hydrogen Refueling Infrastructure
  The rollout of electric Class 8 trucks is limited by the availability of megawatt-level charging stations and hydrogen refueling points. Without widespread infrastructure, long-haul electric freight remains logistically difficult and time-consuming, affecting fleet route planning and efficiency.

• Driver Shortages and Workforce Challenges
  The trucking industry faces an acute shortage of trained drivers, particularly for long-haul routes. High stress, long working hours, and lack of modern amenities make driver retention a persistent issue, impacting overall freight capacity.

• Component Supply Chain Disruptions
  Ongoing semiconductor shortages and disruptions in the global supply of axles, transmissions, and power electronics have affected Class 8 truck production volumes. Volatility in steel and aluminum prices also affects manufacturing margins and vehicle pricing.

• Regulatory Complexity and Compliance Costs
  Differing emission and safety standards across geographies require manufacturers to produce region-specific variants, increasing design complexity and development costs. Additionally, compliance with electronic logging devices (ELDs), weight regulations, and fuel economy standards adds to the regulatory burden.

Class 8 Truck Market Segmentation

By Propulsion Type

• Diesel

• Battery Electric

• Hydrogen Fuel Cell

• Natural Gas

• Hybrid Electric

By End-user

• Logistics and Freight

• Construction and Mining

• E-commerce and Retail

• Oil and Gas

• Agriculture

• Government and Defense

By Application

• Long Haul

• Regional Haul

• Vocational/Construction

• Refuse and Utilities

• Specialized Transport

By Sales Channel

• OEM

• Aftermarket

• Leasing and Fleet Services

By Region

• North America

• Europe

• Asia-Pacific

• Latin America

• Middle East & Africa

Leading Players

• Daimler Truck AG

• PACCAR Inc. (Kenworth, Peterbilt)

• Volvo Group

• Navistar International (Traton Group)

• Tesla Inc.

• Nikola Corporation

• Hyundai Motor Company

• Scania AB

• CNH Industrial (IVECO)

• Hino Motors

Recent Developments

• Tesla began limited production of its Semi electric Class 8 truck, delivering units to major fleet operators and expanding charging pilot programs for megachargers.

• Daimler Truck North America launched the Freightliner eCascadia into full production, with integrated telematics and customizable charging software.

• Nikola Corporation partnered with Plug Power to develop hydrogen refueling corridors and initiated production of its hydrogen fuel cell truck variant.

• Volvo Trucks expanded its electric truck lineup with the VNR Electric targeting regional haul routes in the U.S., supported by turnkey fleet transition programs.

• PACCAR introduced predictive cruise and over-the-air (OTA) updates across its Class 8 truck models to enhance fleet performance and compliance.