In 2023, the transport of empty containers and swap bodies in the UK stood just below 151,000 units. Forecasts from 2024 to 2028 indicate a steady decline, moving from 150.88 to 148.19 thousand units in 2028. The year-on-year percentage decrease is consistent, showing an average drop of around 0.44% annually, leading to a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of approximately -0.45% over five years.

Future trends to watch for include:

Environmental policies influencing transport efficiency and container reuse.
Advancements in logistics technology potentially reducing the need for empty transportation.
Changes in trade volumes due to geopolitical factors impacting container demand.