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The Top 10 Freight Forwarding Companies In 2025

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Did you know that freight forwarding companies are rapidly growing due to increasing global trade, the rise of e-commerce, and advancements in supply chain technology? In fact, the value added in the freight forwarding market amounted to $4 trillion in 2024, reflecting its crucial role in global commerce.

But what is freight forwarding all about?

Freight forwarding is the process of arranging and managing the transportation of goods from one place to another. Freight forwarding companies handle this process efficiently, saving businesses time, money, and effort by taking care of complex logistics, customs documentation, and shipping regulations.

Moreover, freight forwarding is carried out across various transportation modes, including air, road, rail, pipeline, global waterborne, and domestic waterborne routes.

Now that you have an idea of what freight forwarding is, let’s explore the best freight-forwarding companies based on their revenues.

Top 10 Freight Forwarding Companies In The World

Freight Forwarding Company	Revenue	Market Cap
United Parcel Service	$90.68 Billion	$98.68 Billion
DHL	$90.59 Billion	$47.03 Billion
Kuehne+ Nagel	$27.30 Billion	$27.60 Billion
DSV	$23.48 Billion	$47.58 Billion
Hapag-Lloyd	$19.53 Billion	$27.22 Billion
C. H. Robinson	$17.76 Billion	$11.65 Billion
Nippon Yūsen	$16.29 Billion	$14.93 Billion
Nippon Express	$15.64 Billion	$4.23 Billion
Kerry Logistics Network	$11.09 Billion	$1.55 Billion
Expeditors	$9.92 Billion	$15.78 Billion

1. United Parcel Service (UPS) Freight Forwarding Services

Freight Forwarding Companies: United Parcel Service

Founded In: 1907
Headquarters: Seattle, Washington, USA
Revenue: $90.68 Billion

UPS is one of the largest premier package delivery companies and a key player in global supply chain management. The UPS Supply Chain Solutions, provide services to simplify freight shipping and are also the top freight forwarders in 2025. Additionally, in 2023, UPS handled 5.7 billion packages with a total revenue of $91.0 billion, serving over 200 countries and territories.

UPS offers the following freight services:

Air Freight – Time-sensitive, door-to-door delivery across 220+ countries.
Ocean Freight – Reliable shipping across 2,300+ global routes.
Ground Freight – Less-than-truckload (LTL) and truckload (TL) services for domestic and cross-border shipping.
Multimodal Freight – A cost-effective option, combining different transport modes for efficiency.

As of January 2025, UPS reported a market cap of $98.68 Billion and has a TTM revenue of a staggering $90.68 Billion.

Recently, UPS and The UPS Store were named to USA Today’s America’s Best Customer Service List, while Fortune ranked UPS No. 35 on the World’s Most Admired Companies list once again.

2. DHL Supply Chain & Global Forwarding

Founded In: 1969
Headquarters: Bonn, Germany
Revenue: $90.59 Billion

DHL is the world’s leading logistics company with over 600,000 employees in more than 220 countries and territories. Moreover, it offers customized and integrated solutions for various industries. DHL is part of the DHL Group — one of the top freight forwarding companies as it strives for excellence, sustainability, and innovation.

The company offers the following services:

Freight: Air, Ocean, Road, and Rail
Domestic Freight
Global Events
Industrial Projects
Order Management
Multimodal Solutions
Value-added services: Custom Services, Cargo Insurance, GoGreen

DHL Freight has officially opened its new logistics terminal in Berlin. Spanning 5,200 sq. meters, the facility features 48 loading docks and advanced infrastructure. This new site replaces the previous Berlin location, which had outgrown its capacity.

Moreover, DHL reported a market cap of $47.03 Billion as of January 2025 and has a TTM revenue of $90.59 Billion.

3. Kuehne+ Nagel

Freight Forwarding Companies: Kuehne+ Nagel

Founded In: 1890
Headquarters: Schindellegi, Feusisberg, Switzerland
Revenue: $27.30 Billion

Kuehne + Nagel operates in over 100 countries with 79,000 employees and nearly 1,300 locations. As the leading global sea and air freight forwarder, it prioritizes customer needs and sustainability. Moreover, Kuehne + Nagel reported a revenue of $27.30 Billion and a market cap of $27.60 Billion in 2025.

As one of the top freight forwarding companies, it offers the following services:

Transportation: Sea, Air, Road Warehousing and Distribution
Project Logistics
Customer Clearance
Insurance
E-commerce
Supply Chain Management Service
Digital: Explore shipping options, Choose the best route for your shipment, Track the status of shipments, Optimize your overall logistics plan, Data integration, and Consulting

Recently, Kuehne + Nagel said it’s working to electrify its trucking fleet and reduce CO2 emissions. With its innovative ‘Book and Claim’ solution, customers can claim the carbon savings of electric trucks, even if they can’t use them due to infrastructure or capacity limitations. This solution also applies to those purchasing renewable biofuels like HVO, making Kuehne + Nagel the first logistics provider to offer such a sustainable approach to decarbonizing road transport.

4. DSV

Founded In: 1976
Headquarters: Hedehusene, Denmark
Revenue: $23.48 Billion

DSV is a global transport and logistics company that was founded in Denmark by ten owner-operated haulers. Today, it operates in over 90 countries, employs more than 75,000 people, and is one of the top freight forwarding companies. DSV’s vision and strategy are to be a leading global supplier, fulfilling customer needs for transport and logistics services.

Moreover, DSV’s TTM 2024 revenue was reported at $23.48 Billion and the market cap was at $47.58 Billion in 2025.

DSV provides the following services:

Freight: Air, Sea, Road, Rail
Customs Clearance
Insurance
Project Cargo
Road Transport
Warehousing and Distribution
Supply Chain Management
Contract Logistics
Supply Chain Consulting
Value Added Services
Green Logistics

In August 2024, DSV reached an agreement with Volvo Trucks to acquire 300 electric trucks. This order is one of the largest commercial purchases of Volvo electric trucks to date and marks a significant milestone in DSV’s efforts to cut emissions and take a leading role in the green transition within the transport industry.

5. Hapag-Lloyd

Founded In: 1970
Headquarters: Hamburg, Germany
Revenue: $19.53 Billion

Hapag-Lloyd AG is a leading global container shipping company. Operating a fleet of 292 modern vessels, the company transports approximately 11.9 million TEU (Twenty-foot Equivalent Units) annually and employs around 16,700 staff across more than 400 offices in 139 countries.

Hapag-Lloyd in 2024 reported a TTM revenue of $19.53 Billion and has a market cap of $27.22 Billion in 2025.

Hapag-Lloyd offers a comprehensive range of services, including:

Containerized Cargo Transport: Specializing in the transportation of dry cargo, refrigerated (reefer) cargo, and special cargo.

Inland Services: Providing tailored solutions for the final leg of transportation via truck, train, and barge, with a dense network of inland depots and terminals.

Global Routes and Trades: Offering an extensive network of optimized shipping routes to meet diverse customer needs.

Online Business Suite: Enabling customers to manage their shipping processes seamlessly through a fully featured online platform.

In its latest news released in 2025, Hapag-Lloyd announced plans to finance 24 new large container ships through green financing. These vessels will collectively have a capacity of 312,000 TEU, with a total investment of approximately USD 4 billion.

6. C. H. Robinson

Founded In: 1905
Headquarters: Eden Prairie, Minnesota, USA
Revenue: $17.76 Billion

C.H. Robinson is a global logistics platform that improves the world’s transportation and supply chains. It has $30 billion in freight under management and 20 million shipments annually, plus 100,000 customers and 96,000 contract carriers. Furthermore, C.H. Robinson operates in various business segments, such as North American Surface Transportation, Global Freight Forwarding, and Robinson Fresh.

As of 2025, C.H. Robinson has a market cap of $11.65 Billion and a TTM revenue of $17.76 Billion.

C.H. Robinson provides the following services to clients:

Air Freight
Drop Trailer
Expedited Freight
Flatbed
Intermodal
Less than Container Load
Consolidation
Cross-Border
Customs Brokerage
Freight Brokerage Services
Managed Procurement Services (MPS)
Managed Services, Project Logistics, etc.

C.H. Robinson has established a Program Management Office to support strategic initiatives, led by lean process expert Jim Reutlinger. Reporting to CEO Dave Bozeman, Reutlinger will help implement lean processes to improve operations amid a freight recession and digital challenges. Additionally, the company has agreed with activist investor Ancora to renominate two board members, with no further changes for the next year.

7. Nippon Yūsen

Founded In: 1885
Headquarters: Tokyo, Japan
Revenue: $16.29 Billion

Nippon Yūsen (NYK) is a prominent Japanese shipping company with a strong presence in the global logistics and transport sectors. By expanding into the energy sector and investing in businesses focused on decarbonization, NYK is actively pushing the boundaries of value creation beyond traditional logistics while tackling global societal challenges on a planetary scale.

Nippon Yūsen services includes:

Liner Trade Business
Logistics Business
Automotive Business
Dry Bulk Business
Energy Business
And Other Business

In the latest update, NYK and MTI have filed a patent application for technology designed to enhance the safety and quality of reduced iron transportation by bulk carriers. This innovation contributes to the decarbonization of the steel industry and aims to improve working conditions for seafarers.

Lastly, Nippon Yūsen has a market cap of $14.93 Billion in 2025 and reports a TTm revenue of $16.29 Billion.

8. Nippon Express

Founded In: 1937
Headquarters: Tokyo, Japan
Revenue: $15.64 Billion

Nippon Express (NX) is a global logistics provider with a robust presence across 57 countries and regions, offering comprehensive transportation solutions worldwide. With over 3,000 locations, including logistics facilities outside Japan, and 319 group companies employing more than 78,000 people, Nippon Express delivers a wide range of services tailored to optimize supply chains.

Nippon Express services are as follows:

Transportation: A global network of air, sea, rail, and ground freight, offering optimal delivery solutions for diverse business needs.
Cross-border Freight: With 915 locations in over 56 countries, Nippon Express provides a powerful, multi-mode global forwarding system.
Air Freight: Fast and reliable delivery services, with high-quality support and secure warehousing.
Ocean Freight: Dependable services for industries requiring small-lot shipments to the Americas, Europe, and Asia.
Ground Freight: Fast, safe, punctual, and cost-effective ground transportation routes supporting supply chain optimization.
Railway Freight: Tailored rail transport services through reliable partnerships worldwide.

In its latest news, NX Logistics India has opened a new warehouse in Bengaluru and began working with Zepto, one of India’s largest emerging quick-commerce companies.

Moreover, Nippon Express has a trailing twelve months revenue of $15.64 Billion and a market cap of $4.23 Billion in 2025

9. Kerry Logistics Network

Founded In: 1981
Headquarters: Hong Kong, China
Revenue: $11.09 Billion

Kerry Logistics Network (KLN) is an Asia-based global third-party logistics provider with a diverse business portfolio and a strong presence across Asia. With operations in 60 countries and territories, KLN has established a strong presence in many emerging markets worldwide. Its extensive infrastructure, strategic international gateways, and local expertise cover key regions, including Mainland China, India, Southeast Asia, the CIS, the Middle East, LATAM, and beyond.

The company offers a wide range of supply chain solutions, including integrated logistics, international freight forwarding, e-commerce, industrial project logistics, and infrastructure investment.

KLN’s Freight Forwarding services span across:

Air Freight
Ocean Freight
Road Freight
Rail Freight
Multimodal Freight

In November 2024, KLN received recognition for its sustainability and ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) efforts, earning awards from the Hong Kong Sustainability Award and Bloomberg Businessweek/Chinese Edition.

According to KLN’s latest financial reports, its revenue stands at $11.09 Billion and market cap is $1.55 Billion.

10. Expeditors

Founded In: 1979
Headquarters: Seattle, USA
Revenue: $9.92 Billion

Expeditors is a Fortune 500 logistics company headquartered in Seattle, USA, with over 340 locations in 100+ countries and 19,000 employees. Founded in 1979, it provides customized supply chain solutions using integrated technology. Unlike traditional carriers, Expeditors owns no aircraft, ships, or trucks, allowing flexibility in finding the best transport options. With a strong work culture and a commitment to exceeding customer expectations, its slogan is: “You’d be surprised how far we’ll go for you.”

As one of the best freight forwarding companies, Expeditors provides the following services to its customers:

Logistics Services
Design and Optimization
Order Management
Security
Risk Management & Insurance
Delivery Management
Total Container Management
Freight: Air, Ocean, Road
Project and Energy Services
Customs and Compliance Services

As of 2025, Expeditors has a market cap of $15.78 Billion and a TTm revenue of $9.92 Billion.

Well, we have reached the end of our list of the top freight forwarding agencies in 2025. Now let’s take a look at some detailed insights on this list.

Expert Takeaways

*Market Cap Beyond Revenue*	Discrepancies in Market Cap vs. Revenue ratios indicate that valuation factors go beyond just current revenue (growth potential, profitability, business model, investor sentiment).
*Longevity & Experience Matter*	Most companies were founded decades ago (many pre-1970s); This emphasizes established players and long-term adaptation in the industry.
*Sustainability is Core & Growing*	News updates highlight sustainability initiatives across multiple companies (electric trucks, carbon reduction, ESG); this reflects customer demand and future competitiveness.
*Diversification is Key*	Companies offer broad service portfolios beyond basic forwarding (SCM, warehousing, customs, project logistics); Maybe because pure forwarding is insufficient for the top tier.

Maria Isabel Rodrigues

FAQs

Who uses freight forwarders?

Ans: Freight forwarders are used by businesses of all sizes that need to transport goods efficiently, including manufacturers, exporters, importers, wholesalers, and e-commerce companies.

Why should I use a freight forwarder instead of handling shipping myself?

Ans: Freight forwarders save you time, money, and hassle. They have expertise in logistics, documentation, customs regulations, and negotiation with carriers. This is especially valuable for international shipping, allowing you to focus on your core business.

What is the difference between freight forwarding and shipping?

Ans: Shipping refers to the actual transportation of goods by companies that own and operate vessels, trucks, or planes. Freight forwarders, on the other hand, don’t typically own these assets. Instead, they act as intermediaries or organizers. They contract with various transportation companies (carriers) to move your goods.

How to choose the right freight forwarder for my business?

Ans: Consider factors like: your shipping needs (type of goods, destinations, speed requirements), your budget, the forwarder’s specialization (industry, mode of transport), their experience, reputation, customer service, and technology platform.