In the realm of international trade and logistics, the landscape of freight forwarding witnessed significant domination and diverse expertise, particularly within the Alpine Region of Central Europe. The top 10 freight forwarders of 2020, curated by Global Trade, showcased a blend of global giants specializing in comprehensive transportation solutions across various industries.
- Kuehne + Nagel: With over a century of experience in the transportation sector, Kuehne + Nagel stands as a pinnacle, serving diverse industries such as high tech, industrial products, perishables, pharmaceuticals, and healthcare. Their spectrum of services includes order management, warehousing, supply chain consulting, project management, and extensive air, rail, and sea cargo operations. Based in Schindellegi, Switzerland, they can be reached at Tel: 41 44 788-9511.
- DHL: Renowned for its Supply Chain and Global Forwarding Divisions, DHL provides extensive freight forwarding services spanning Europe, Russia, and the Middle East through rail, air, and road networks. Offering global logistics solutions, their services encompass dedicated freight management, warehousing, customs services, supply chain management, and efficient air, road, and sea shipments. Headquartered in Bonn, Germany, they can be contacted at Tel: +49 228-1820.
- DB Schenker: As the logistics arm of Deutsche Bahn AG, DB Schenker offers a wide array of logistical and supply chain consulting services across multiple sectors, including automobile, technology, consumer goods, special transport, and trade fair logistics. Their services range from e-commerce solutions to intermodal transportation, with a base in Essen, Germany. Contact them at Tel: +49 (0) 201 8781-4990.
- (tie) DSV Global: Situated near Denmark’s capital, Copenhagen, DSV specializes in comprehensive warehousing and transportation solutions, catering to European and North American companies seeking global supply chain solutions. Their services encompass full or less-than-truckloads, warehousing, order fulfillment, intermodal transport, and innovative supply chain solutions. Located in Hedchusene, Denmark, contact them at Tel: +45 43 20 30 40.
- (tie) Sinotrans Limited: Operating across Asia and the Pacific Rim, Sinotrans offers versatile transportation solutions ranging from warehousing to final destination delivery. Their services include warehouse management, distribution solutions, cross-border freight hauling, intermodal transport, and innovative supply solutions. Based in Beijing, China, they can be reached at Tel: 86 10-5229-5600.
- Expeditors: Positioned as a Fortune 500 service-based logistics company, Expeditors thrives on flexibility in supply chain management by not owning aircraft, ships, or trucks, enabling adaptability across six continents. Their services cover supply chain design, order management, warehousing, customs brokerage, and efficient air, sea, and ground transportation. With a base in Sumner, WA, USA, contact them at Tel: (253) 863-5502.
- (tie) GEODIS: Aiming to be a growth partner, GEODIS offers expertise in supply chain optimization, freight forwarding, contract logistics, distribution & express, and ground transport. Situated in Levallois-Perret, France, they can be contacted at Tel: +33 1 56 76 26 00.
- (tie) Bolloré Logistics: As a global leader in international transport & logistics, Bolloré is committed to delivering reliable, flexible, and innovative solutions across transport, trade compliance, contract logistics, global supply chain, e-commerce, and customer care. Located in Puteaux, France, contact them at Tel: +33 (0)1 46 96 44 33.
- Nippon Express: Established in 1937, Nippon Express operates in over 40 countries, providing services such as warehousing, distribution, cross-border freight hauling, fine arts transport, and moving services. Based in Minato-ku, Tokyo, contact them at Tel: 81-3-6251-1111.
- Hellmann Worldwide Logistics: From its humble origins in 1871, Hellmann has evolved into a global network, offering logistics, insurance, security, technology, and comprehensive road, air, rail, and marine transportation solutions. Located in Osnabrück, Germany, contact them at Tel: 49-541-605-6450.
The compilation of this list stemmed from a meticulous consideration of three primary reports released in 2020. Armstrong & Associates, Inc. (A&A) provided key insights, particularly focusing on ocean freight forwarders’ rankings based on various metrics, including TEUs and logistics gross revenue. The merger of DSV and Panalpina in 2019, followed by the global impact of COVID-19, necessitated a detailed analysis of responses to the pandemic across the industry.
360 Research Reports’ analysis of the Global Ocean Freight Forwarding Market Size, Status, and Forecast 2020-2026, released pre-pandemic, focused on 25 companies and contributed valuable insights to the selection process. Additionally, TradeGecko’s release of the top 10 3PLs in the world, part of Intuit QuickBooks, played a crucial role in validating and finalizing the top freight forwarders’ rankings.
While the highlighted freight forwarders predominantly serve global markets and maintain facilities worldwide, there is an anticipated shift in dynamics. Insights from A&A President Evan Armstrong suggest potential changes in rankings for U.S. companies in 2021. Factors such as reevaluation of overseas options and ongoing trade tensions with China could influence increased shipping and sourcing activities in North America, potentially impacting future rankings.
Despite some U.S. companies missing the top 10, notable entities like C.H. Robinson, XPO Logistics, United Parcel Service (UPS), Yusen Logistics, Mallory Alexander, Odyssey Logistics and Technology, and Horizons Air Freight could easily secure positions within the top 50, reflecting the dynamic nature of the global freight forwarding landscape.
