Best Freight Forwarder Services for Manufacturers and Shippers

GEODIS is a French logistics leader with €11.3B revenue operating in 166+ countries. Features Own Control Network aircraft, IRIS digital platform for 24/7 booking, GDP-compliant pharma logistics, and Science-Based Targets for 42% emissions reduction by 2030.

Maersk is a Danish integrated logistics provider offering end-to-end freight forwarding in 190+ countries. Features ocean, air, and ground freight, AI-powered Logistics Hub, 95%+ on-time LTL delivery, and industry-leading net-zero target by 2040.

Nippon Express is the 5th largest freight forwarder worldwide with operations in 57 countries and 3,000 locations. Features air, ocean, and rail freight forwarding, GDP-compliant healthcare logistics, and free carbon offset for all ocean LCL shipments.

Expeditors International is a Fortune 500 global freight forwarder with $10.6 billion in 2024 revenue, ranked #299 on the Fortune 500 and among top 10 global forwarders. Headquartered in Bellevue, Washington, the company operates 340+ locations across 100+ countries with 18,000+ employees. As a non-asset-based provider, Expeditors focuses on Asia-North America trade lanes with airfreight (34% of revenue), ocean freight (30%), customs brokerage, and warehousing services. The company achieved 54% EPS growth in Q4 2024, maintains a 10.5% average operating margin, and delivers industry-leading 40% return on invested capital.

CEVA Logistics is a global third-party logistics provider and subsidiary of CMA CGM Group with $18.3 billion in 2024 revenue. Headquartered in Marseille, France, the company operates in 170+ countries with approximately 110,000 employees and 1,500 facilities. CEVA provides comprehensive services including ocean freight (600+ routes, 289 carrier partnerships), air freight, ground and rail transport, and contract logistics across 800 warehouse sites totaling 11 million square meters. The company serves automotive, consumer, healthcare, aerospace, and e-commerce sectors with industry-leading digital platforms including CargoWise integration and Manhattan WMS.

Sinotrans is China's largest integrated logistics company handling 7.9M+ TEUs sea freight annually. Features comprehensive China-Europe Railway Express coverage with 13,000+ international train trips, cross-border e-commerce expertise, and chemical/project logistics specialization.

DHL Global Forwarding is a leading freight forwarding division of Deutsche Post DHL Group with EUR 19.65 billion in 2024 revenue. Operating an asset-light model across 810 sites in 190+ countries with 31,000+ employees, DHL brokers air, ocean, and overland transport services without owning ships or planes. The company transported 1.8 million metric tons of air freight in 2024 (up 6.8% YoY) and provides specialized solutions for automotive (150+ facilities), pharmaceuticals, technology, and energy sectors. Digital tools include myDHLFreight portal, Control Tower visibility, and comprehensive CO2 reporting through GoGreen programs.

DSV is the worlds largest freight forwarder following its EUR 14.3 billion acquisition of DB Schenker in April 2025. The Danish company reported DKK 167.1 billion ($23.1 billion) in 2024 standalone revenue with 160,000+ employees in 80+ countries. Post-acquisition, DSV operates with 160,000+ employees and combined revenue exceeding EUR 40 billion. The company leads in air and sea freight forwarding (62% of revenue), operates 50,000+ trucks daily in road transport, and manages 17 million sqm of contract logistics warehouse space. DSV was named Supply Chain CEO of the Year and Global 3PL of the Year at Supply Chain Asia Awards 2024.

UPS Supply Chain Solutions provides comprehensive freight forwarding services in 175+ countries with 100+ years of customs expertise. Features international air and ocean freight, Trade Direct consolidation, cold chain solutions, and the UPS Forwarding Hub digital platform for real-time visibility.

DB Schenker (now part of DSV) was a leading global freight forwarder with EUR 19.2 billion in 2024 revenue before its EUR 14.3 billion acquisition by DSV completed in April 2025. Previously owned by Deutsche Bahn, the company operated across 1,850+ locations in 130+ countries with 71,100 employees. DB Schenker provided services in land transport, air freight, ocean freight, and contract logistics, serving major clients including Apple, BMW, Procter and Gamble, and ASML. The DSV acquisition creates the worlds largest freight forwarder with combined pro forma revenue of EUR 40+ billion.

Kuehne+Nagel is the worlds #1 sea freight forwarder with CHF 24.8 billion ($28.5 billion) in 2024 revenue. Founded in 1890 and headquartered in Schindellegi, Switzerland, the company operates 1,300+ offices in 100+ countries with 80,000 employees. Kuehne+Nagel commands 11% global sea freight market share (4.4 million TEU in 2024) and 9% air freight share (2.1 million tonnes). The company serves aerospace, automotive, healthcare, high-tech, and retail sectors with end-to-end logistics including sea, air, road, and contract logistics. Digital platforms include seaexplorer.com for real-time ocean tracking and myKN customer portal.