Find the Best Freight Forwarding Services Companies

As a new business, you’re perhaps still learning the ropes on how you ship goods from overseas markets to a 3PL warehouse. You’re maybe still in the process of trying to find the perfect 3PL that can effectively ship and store your products. But importing (and exporting) goods is frequently a complicated process involving protracted steps and exorbitant fees.

No business should attempt to take on all the paperwork and regulations alone when importing goods becomes necessary. Fortunately, you’ll discover most businesses use a process called freight forwarding to take care of the above complex procedures.

With international exporting and importing a major part of business today, you need to know what a freight forwarder is. In addition, you should know their process, including what occurs through customs clearance and drayage from the port to the warehouse.

Let’s take a look at how you can define a freight forwarder and how to find a quality one.

What is a Freight Forwarder and What Services do They Perform?

You’ll find a lot of lengthy explanations online for what a freight forwarder does, yet you can basically define it as an intermediary who arranges the importing or exporting of your goods for a fee.

“A freight forwarder acts as an intermediary between a shipper and various transportation services such as ocean shipping on cargo ships, expedited air courier, and trucking. Their main responsibility is to organize and coordinate freight shipments, ensuring that goods arrive safely, quickly, and economically at their destination. Freight forwarders handle the logistics and paperwork necessary for international shipping, making them invaluable to companies dealing in international trade.”

You may have to work closely with a customs broker or brokerage who is an “agent of the importer”. Customs brokers are frequently the importer’s only point of contact with the U.S. Customs Service and advises on the technical requirements of importing, preparing and filing entry documents, obtaining the necessary bonds, depositing U.S. import duties, securing release of the goods and arranging delivery to the importer’s premises or warehouse.

Freight forwarders focus on coordinating shipping and customs clearance services from the overseas manufacturer to the local warehouse. Typically, they don’t do the actual shipping but instead have relationships with any number of carriers. Freight forwarders usually leverage their pre-existing relationships with shipping carriers, such as air freight, rail freight ocean freight and truck freight, so that they can deliver the best pricing for their clients.

Furthermore, freight forwarding companies typically don’t offer storage and shipping services once the product arrives locally, although there are a few that do. For those companies looking to bring product from overseas and who utilize an outsourced fulfillment service, it’s important to choose the best option for managing these related but specialized services. Clearly, fulfillment services are far different than Freight Forwarding services, but you may wonder if fulfillment companies offer freight forwarding. There is no single answer. Should your company utilize separate companies for each step? Are there companies that perform both services underneath one roof? If you utilize one company, what things should you look for in making the best decision? Below, we’ll explore the answers to these questions so that you can make the best decision for importing and distributing your products.

One thing they don’t do is actually do the transporting of goods. They work closely with those who provide transportation, including ocean cargo shippers, truckers, air freighters, and rail services.

All of these have complex fees involved in the moving of goods to your warehouse. A freight forwarder works as your advocate to negotiate better prices on the transportation. They do this through a bidding process so you can get the best possible price out of numerous transportation choices.

The operative word is “organizes” the entire shipping process. The freight forwarder (also known as shipping and forwarding agents) doesn’t actually move the goods but handles the logistics of their movement. This involves relationships with various shippers, by land (trucks and railroads), air and water. Any movement may involve multiple modes and shippers. Freight forwarding includes all associated paperwork, including data collection, and for international shipments, preparing and processing customs. Freight forwarders also have expertise in regulations and legal issues, and they should assist your business in optimizing the shipping process, including planning and other strategies to avoid shipping delays.

Specific papers a freight forwarder reviews on international shipments include  commercial invoices, the shipper’s export declaration, the bill of lading and other documents required by the carrier or country of export or import. The work of the freight forwarder doesn’t end when a shipment enters the country. Drayage refers to picking up an ocean container from the port or rail ramp, delivering it to the 3PL warehouse, and returning the container.

While this is a general overview, you should learn about each procedure in detail and how much knowledge the best freight forwarders have to make importing simpler.

Customs Clearance Services

Working with an experienced freight forwarding service helps you navigate the frequently complex steps involved in customs clearance. They understand import documentation, which frequently involves handling the purchase order of the buyer, the sales invoice of the supplier, the bill of entry, and the bill of lading.

The forward freight company also needs to deal with the packing list, and certificate of origin. However, this is frequently just the start because different regulations from the importer, or financial institutions, can complicate documentation further.

Sometimes businesses go through customs brokers to handle the customs clearance processes. Nevertheless, freight forwarders with extensive experience should already know the details.

It works easier when you properly communicate information to your freight forwarder. The importer needs to make sure their shipping containers are properly loaded. Also, be sure to provide accurate paperwork to your freight forwarder so there aren’t any mistakes.

Drayage from the Port

If you’re still unfamiliar with the term drayage, it means trucking service transporting your goods from a port to another destination. In your case, it could mean transporting directly to your 3PL warehouse in another part of the country.

Many freight forwarders work near ports, and they’ll negotiate the fees involved with those transportation services. It doesn’t always mean trucking services and can often mean negotiating prices with rail services or air freight.

Thanks to a freight forwarder’s knowledge of pricing in this industry, they’ll know which price is the best for you. Their experience also tackles complicated banking procedures involved with payment to importers.

What Are the Different Types of Freight Forwarding Services?

There are two ways to get goods shipped internationally: air freight forwarding services and sea and ocean freight forwarding services. The primary differences between the two freight shipping methods are time and cost.

Air Freight Forwarding Services

Air freight forwarding services are when freight is sent worldwide by plane. Air freight is the fastest method of moving items around the globe since you can get goods from one country to another in less than a day. Your air freight services usually take only a few days when factoring in the warehouse and customs processing times.

Sometimes, companies will ship items on special planes made just for cargo. Other times, carriers place the cargo in passenger planes when there is room below the cabin.

The primary issue with air freight services is the challenge of shipping large or heavy products. The items companies ship by air needs to fit in a way that will not compromise the plane’s balance during flight.

In nearly all cases, shipping by sea is cheaper since it is less costly to the shipping companies, even though it takes longer. The high cost of air freight is especially true when you have large objects. In some cases, smaller and lighter products may ship cheaper by air, depending on the shipping company and the destination of the goods.

Sea Freight Forwarding Services & Ocean Freight Forwarding Services (FCL and LCL)

The other method you can use to ship goods overseas is sea freight forwarding, also called ocean freight forwarding. Sea freight forwarding is when goods placed in large shipping containers are sent internationally by boat, usually across the ocean.

Sea freight forwarding takes longer than air freight forwarding. Depending on the shipping port, the destination, and the boat and sea conditions, it can take as long as a couple of months for products to ship across the sea.

However, sea freight is typically cheaper since boats are cheaper to run, and there is less time expectation. You can generally predict how long it will take for cargo to ship across an ocean, but companies often provide a time range in case of delays.

There are two essential terms regarding sea freight: FCL and LCL. Each one is a method of shipping goods across the sea.

FCL (Full Container Load)

A full container load is when a company has enough goods going to one destination to fill an entire container. Having an FCL may be difficult for small companies. Larger corporations often benefit from using FCLs, primarily if they regularly ship to the same port.

LCL (Less Than Container Load)

On the other hand, a less than container load (lcl shipping) is when a company ships a container across the sea, but it is not complete. Typically this happens when one company uses a container to ship their goods, but they do not have enough to fill a container. If companies have a joint shipping arrangement, they will often combine LCLs to make shipping more efficient and create FCLs.

Useful Freight Forwarding Terminology

The following list isn’t exhaustive but provides a few basic terms to assist as you consider whether to handle freight forwarding internally or delegate it to a third-party.

3461: U.S. Customs and Border Protection Application for Entry/Immediate Delivery. This form details the content of cargoes entering the U.S.

BOL: Bill of Lading. The carrier issues this document and provides details of a shipment.

Customs Status: Customs Clearance status on a shipment, required before release into the U.S.

Drayage: Picking up an ocean container from the port or rail ramp and returning the empty container.

OBL: Ocean Bill of Lading, used by a steamship line to show receipt of cargo and associated details.

OBL status: Steamship lines require payment before releasing cargoes.

POD: Proof of Delivery. Used by carrier to show that cargo delivery.

Most Popular International Destinations for Bringing Products Into the US From Overseas

Now, let’s look at some countries where sending sea freight to the US is popular. There are three popular international destinations for bringing products into the US from overseas

• China
• Vietnam
• Taiwan

Some factors can affect the time it takes to transport goods between these three popular Asian shipping destinations and the US.

Sea Freight From China to the US

First is China, one of the world’s most high-volume sea freight routes. The time it takes to ship goods from China to the US varies depending on what you are shipping and whether or not you pay for express shipping times.

How Long Does Sea Freight Take from China to the US?

Sea freight between China and the US can take anywhere from 3 to 60 days. While this is an extensive range, you can expect the biggest and heaviest goods to take closer to 60 days. The smaller and lighter items typically arrive quicker.

The exact timing depends on where the sea freight is being sent in the US and the weather conditions the freight liner experiences at sea.

If you need to get something shipped between the two countries quicker, you can pay extra fees for expedited shipping, which will send your package in about three days. If you have a larger package, expedited shipping will cost more. However, this also means you will receive your items in significantly less time.

Sea Freight From China to the US Cost

The cost to ship goods by sea from China to the US has increased recently as the supply chain continues to have issues and move slowly. Today, it costs approximately $20,000 to ship a 40-foot shipping container from China to the US.

If you are shipping containers worth of goods, that is quite a high price, especially if you are shipping multiple containers. But, for a small package, the cost is much lower, and you will only have to pay a small portion of the thousands of dollars it costs to ship the whole container.

Sea Freight From China to the US Time

Sea freight from China to the US can take up to two months. But, there is also the possibility that your goods ship across the ocean in just a few days.

You should see how long it is estimated to take when you ship something. If it is too long for you, you can add on expedited shipping if available. Or, you can choose a different shipping method other than sea freight if your shipment is time sensitive.

Sea Freight From Vietnam to the US

Vietnam is another country in Asia where a lot of sea freight to the US comes from. As with China, shipping goods by sea is the cheapest option, but it takes the longest.

How Long Does Sea Freight Take from Vietnam to the US?

Sea freight between Vietnam and the US can take a while, as it is the slowest way to get products between Vietnam and the US. The average time it takes goods to ship from Vietnam to the US by sea is 37 to 41 days.

However, despite the extended shipping times, shipping by sea is the cheapest way to get goods between Vietnam and the US.

Sea Freight From Vietnam to the US Cost

Sea freight costs from Vietnam to the US are much cheaper than shipping from China. To ship a 40-foot container to Los Angeles, you can expect to pay two to three thousand dollars. And, it is only one or two thousand dollars more if you are shipping to other parts of the US like New York.

These rates are for the average weighted container. You will have to pay more than these rates if you have a significantly heavier container. But, it will likely still be cheaper than if you were shipping from China.

You can always pay more to expedite your shipment, but the larger it is, and the faster you need it shipped, the more it will cost. And the expedited shipping cost is on top of the cost you are paying to ship the item in the first place.

Sea Freight From Vietnam to the US Time

The amount of time it takes goods to ship over the sea from Vietnam to the US varies depending on how big the goods are. The bigger and the heavier the goods are, the longer it will take to ship them.

Small goods will ship the fastest since they are easy to transport and can usually be sent out on the next available ship. But, the larger the goods, the longer it will take to ship them. Large shipments and items need to go on certain boats where you know the cargo will not exceed the weight limit. And the cargo loads need to be evenly distributed for large shipments for weight reasons on the boat.

Sea Freight From Taiwan to the US

Another popular place that products ship from to the US is Taiwan. Sea freight is a common way to transport goods between the two countries, and the shipping cost and time can vary, which I detail in this section.

How Long Does Sea Freight Take from Taiwan to the US?

It can take 24 to 28 days to ship goods between Taiwan and the US by sea. Shipping goods by sea is the slowest method, so it is not a good way to send important or timely goods worldwide.

But, if you are not in any hurry to send your items, you should ship them by sea to save money. And it is better for the environment.

Sea Freight From Taiwan to the US Cost

Even though shipping by sea is the slowest method, it is also the cheapest way to ship goods between Taiwan and the US. The cost to ship to the US from Taiwan is similar to that of shipping from Vietnam.

Shipping one container from Taiwan to the US costs between $1,500 and $3,500. The lower cost compared to Vietnam and China is the fastest shipping time between the two countries. So, the less time needed to ship the goods, the cheaper the cost.

Sea Freight From Taiwan to the US Time

Sea freight between Taiwan and the US takes less than a month, usually between 24 to 28 days. The time it takes to ship something between Vietnam and the US depends on many factors.

Weather can cause some delays in the shipping time. And, the heavier and bigger the shipments, the longer it will take to transport them across the ocean to the US safely.

Top US Inbound Freight Forwarding Ports

There are five major ports that freight ships to via sea in the US. The five top US inbound freight forwarding ports are:

1. The Port of Los Angeles
2. The Port of Long Beach
3. The Port of New York and New Jersey
4. The Port of Savannah
5. The Northwest Seaport Alliance of Seattle and Tacoma

The Port of Los Angeles

This port is the largest in the US, with most goods from China, Vietnam, and Taiwan getting shipped to the port. The port is big, but with all the goods coming in, the port often gets congested, especially with all the supply chain issues.

The Port of Long Beach

This port is just south of the Port of Los Angeles. The two California ports are the cheapest to ship to from China and the rest of Asia since they are the closest; therefore, goods have less distance to travel.

The Port of New York and New Jersey

This is the biggest port on the east coast of the US. Similar to the port in LA, the port of NY and NJ is experiencing high volumes, and the amount of shipment arriving continues to increase. The port can welcome large shipments and containers thanks to its massive container cranes.

The Port of Savannah

After the port of NY and NJ, the Port of Savannah handles the most incoming international shipments on the east coast. The port is in the southeast part of the country, so it handles shipments coming into the south so the ships do not have to go further up the coast.

The Northwest Seaport Alliance of Seattle and Tacoma

The third largest port on the west coast is the NWSA which handles shipments coming into the northwestern part of the country.

All five of these ports have seen an increase in volume in 2021 as consumer demand increases and the number of goods shipped to the US increases. As the volume increases, so does the time it takes to get goods into the ports. These ports are big and were made to handle a lot of cargo, and they have taken steps to reduce the amount of time it is taking goods to enter the ports and the number of ships delayed at these ports.

Do I Need a Freight Forwarder Near Me?

Many businesses ask the simple question, do I need to find freight forwarding companies near me? Unlike choosing a 3PL warehouse, freight forward services  absolutely do not need to be near you. In fact, freight forward services and shipping services are easily negotiated online and by phone. Unlike inspecting a 3PL warehouse to see how the operation runs and being able to view your inventory and create relationships, freight forward companies do not need to be visited in order to run an effective shipping solution for your business. In fact, it is more important to visit and tour your 3PL warehouse instead.

The idea of requiring freight services nearby mainly stems from the desire to personally inspect and observe operations, something more pertinent to 3PL warehousing. The operational nature of freight forwarders doesn’t mandate physical inspections. Most interactions and transactions can be executed seamlessly online or over the phone, eliminating geographical constraints.

Distance and proximity to a freight forwarder is not a crucial factor:

• Freight forwarders operate globally, and their services can be availed from anywhere, focusing more on international networks rather than local proximity.
• The capability to efficiently negotiate shipping services and manage logistics remotely enables businesses to choose freight forwarders based on expertise, reliability, and suitability rather than location.

Freight forwarding companies offer robust online management:

• Numerous freight forwarders offer advanced online platforms allowing for easy management and tracking of shipments, which reduces the importance of physical proximity.
• Real-time updates and effective communication channels render geographical locations irrelevant in availing quality freight forwarding services.

What are the Things to Consider When Choosing the Best Freight Forwarder

You can find various sources online that help you track down the best freight forwarders across the United States or abroad. What you’ll appreciate is that many of them charge modest rates, even though this can vary depending on their expertise.

Choosing the right freight forwarder is a crucial decision for businesses involved in international shipping. A few important considerations can help make the process of selecting the ideal partner easier and more effective.

Experience of the Freight Forwader and Expertise in Handling Specific Types of Shipments

When it comes to shipping goods internationally, the experience and expertise of the freight forwarder in handling specific types of shipments can’t be underestimated. Some freight forwarders specialize in certain kinds of shipments, like perishable goods, hazardous materials, or oversized cargo. It is important to choose a forwarder who has:

• Proven experience in handling shipments similar to your
• Knowledge of the rules and regulations governing your type of cargo
• Established relationships with carriers who handle specific types of goods

Reputation and Customer Reviews of the Freight Forwarder

Reputation is another key factor when choosing a freight forwarder. A well-regarded freight forwarder can be an asset to your business. Here’s what to look for:

• Positive customer reviews and testimonials can offer insights into the forwarder’s reliability and professionalism.
• Recommendations from other businesses in your industry
• Quick resolution of customer complaints, indicating a commitment to customer satisfaction

Network and Global Reach of the Freight Forwarder

A freight forwarder’s network and global reach are crucial in ensuring smooth shipping processes. Freight forwarders with extensive networks are likely to have better access to shipping routes and carrier relationships, aiding in the swift and efficient transport of goods. Consider whether the forwarder:

• Has connections with reliable carriers in your shipping destinations
• Offers services to and from the locations you are interested in
• Can handle the logistics at both the origin and destination points, ensuring seamless transitions through various transportation modes

Technology and Tracking Capabilities of the Freight Forwarder

Technology and tracking capabilities are indispensable components of freight forwarding services. It’s essential to ensure that the freight forwarder you choose employs advanced technology to track shipments in real-time and manage logistics effectively. Look for a forwarder who:

• Provides real-time tracking and updates on the shipment’s location and status
• Uses technology to optimize routes and improve efficiency
• Offers easy-to-use online platforms for booking and managing shipments

Freight Forwarder Pricing and Transparency

Transparent and well-structured pricing is crucial when selecting a freight forwarder. Having a clear understanding of the pricing ensures you are not caught off-guard by any hidden or additional costs. Here’s what you should look for:

• Offer detailed quotations outlining all the services and their corresponding costs.
• Clarify any possible additional fees that might arise due to unforeseen circumstances, such as delays or changes in routes.
• Don’t focus solely on the cost; instead, assess the value provided by the forwarder’s services.

Considerations for Finding a Freight Forwarder When You Outsource Logistics

If you run your own warehouse, then you’ll be responsible for finding a freight forwarder on your own. But if you outsource fulfillment and logistics with a 3PL service, there are a couple of ways you can land the best freight forwarding solution.

What Happens if You Choose a Fulfillment Company That Doesn’t Offer Freight Forwarding?

Some fulfillment companies do not offer freight forwarding services because (as you can see) it can be complicated and even labor intensive. In that case, you would need to hire a separate freight forwarding service. That is not, necessarily a bad thing. On the upside, you get to enjoy the benefits of the expertise of both firms, and as one focuses on brining product in from overseas, and the other on storing and shipping upon arrival, it can mean substantial savings. On the downside, it means two relationships to manage and high prices if you are not a bulk importer.

In this case, you can choose the best freight forwarding company based upon research and/or recommendations from others. While you won’t necessarily receive bulk discounts unless you have a large volume of import shipments, you can choose the company that you’re most comfortable with and you can certainly use the bidding process to leverage a better overall rate. If you don’t have any referral sources, you can either research companies individually or through the use of an online quoting service. Nonetheless, be sure to pay attention to these points:

• Make sure you’re comparing “apples to apples” on your quotes, especially with regard to origin and destination terms of the agreement. Some companies will offer port to door (meaning that it doesn’t include freight from the factory to port of origin), some companies will offer door to door (from factory to warehouse), etc. Make sure you include all costs on each proposal to make the best decision.
• Make sure each quote includes ALL fees. Similar to door to door versus other methods of quoting, freight forwarding companies may not include all fees on their proposal. Some important fees to look out for are customs fees, demurrage fees, insurance fees, courier and documentation fees, overweight container fees, and many others. Especially if this is your first international shipment, take your time to ask questions of any fees that you don’t understand so that you don’t get surprises when your final bill is received.
• Make sure you check into the track record of the freight forwarder. To the extent possible, be sure to check into the financial and professional background of any potential international shipper. Have others been happy with the service? Your product is far too important to use an unreliable company just because they quoted the best rate.

Some Fulfillment Companies Have Freight Forwarding Referrals

Of course, some fulfillment houses, create partnerships with a freight forwarding firm that they recommend if you are importing or exporting as part of your e-commerce work for managing import transportation. Again, there are pros and cons to consider. The upside is that you have a more streamlined approach, and if you encounter problems, you can contact the fulfillment center as well as the freight forwarder. Both have reputations at stake. Of course, you may not get the best pricing because one might earn a referral bonus or commission off the other. You also need to double check references. Though you might like the fulfillment center, it does not mean their preferred freight forwarder is all you need or the best fit. Again, you also have two separate relationships, but there is a connectedness that is of benefit to you.

Is an All-In-One Solution the Best for Your Company?

Lastly, there are some fulfillment centers that actually have “divisions” operating as freight forwarding firms. This means a single relationship with a range of departments or experts that offer the individualized services. The downside to such opportunities is that they are usually much larger companies if they can afford to have a completely separate freight forwarding and international shipping division. This means, of course, that they may only focus on larger volume accounts with larger companies. While this isn’t always the case, it may present challenges for smaller shippers and e-commerce companies.

This integrated approach can appear enticing, given the convenience of having a single point of contact for various services. However, companies, especially smaller ones, need to weigh the benefits against potential drawbacks.

Convenience and Efficiency:

• Having a singular relationship for various services could streamline processes, reduce the hassle of managing multiple contacts, and ensure more cohesive operations.
• The uniformity in services can lead to better understanding and management of logistical needs, offering a seamless experience.

Volume and Specialization:

• Typically, companies offering integrated solutions are larger and might prioritize high-volume accounts or bigger enterprises, possibly overlooking smaller e-commerce companies.
• Specializing in various sectors could lead to expertise in multiple fields, ensuring high-quality services across the board.

Consideration and Evaluation:

• While the convenience of integrated solutions is undeniable, businesses should consider their specific needs, volumes, and the nature of their operations before opting for such services.
• Evaluating the pros and cons, scrutinizing the overall costs, and understanding the logistics involved are crucial in determining whether an all-in-one solution aligns with the company’s objectives.

So, a fulfillment center can help with customs brokering and freight forwarding, but it pays to find out what the overall pros and cons are of the different approaches. Before you make a decision on your import solution, consider the various relationships that are involved. Take the time to find your freight forwarding, customs brokering and fulfillment center providers to be clear about all of the costs, logistics and demands involved in your ecommerce enterprise.

Who are the Top 11 Best Freight Forwarders to Consider?

When considering freight forwarders, it’s essential to weigh factors such as reputation, experience, global reach, and technological capabilities. Below are some of the top freight forwarders that are renowned for their exemplary services in the logistics sector:

1. DHL Global Forwarding

DHL Global Forwarding is a division of the German logistics company Deutsche Post DHL Group. It’s one of the leading international providers of air, sea, and road freight services.

Strengths:

• Offers extensive global reach with presence in over 220+ countries and territories
• Provides a range of solutions, including standard freight, intermodal, and multimodal transport
• Known for its reliable and timely services

Services:

• Specializes in air and ocean freight forwarding services, customs brokerage, and international trade compliance

2. Kuehne + Nagel

Kuehne + Nagel is based in Switzerland and is one of the world’s leading logistics companies, offering sea freight and air freight forwarding services.

Strengths:

• Has a strong global network with offices and logistics centers around the world
• Provides efficient and sustainable logistics solutions with an emphasis on environmental responsibility

Services:

Expertise in contract logistics, integrated logistics, and overland services with value-added logistical services

3. DB Schenker

DB Schenker is a division of the German rail operator Deutsche Bahn AG, specializing in international transportation and logistics services.

Strengths:

• Offers a comprehensive range of logistics solutions, including land transport, air, and ocean freight
• Emphasizes innovation and sustainability in its operations, promoting eco-friendly logistics solutions

Services:

• Provides supply chain management, contract logistics, and lead logistics provider services to various industries

4. Expeditors International

Expeditors International, headquartered in the United States, is a global logistics company offering various customized logistics services.

Strengths:

• Prioritizes customer service, offering tailored solutions to meet individual client needs
• Maintains a wide global network with numerous offices worldwide, ensuring extensive reach

Services:

• Specializes in air and ocean freight forwarding, order management, customs brokerage, and logistics solutions across multiple industries

5. UPS Supply Chain Solution

UPS Supply Chain Solution is a subsidiary of United Parcel Service, Inc., offering a comprehensive range of logistics and supply chain management services.

Strengths:

• Provides diverse logistics solutions catering to various sectors, including healthcare, high-tech, retail, and more
• Leverages advanced technology to enhance supply chain visibility and improve efficiency

Services:
• Offers services in freight forwarding, distribution, customs brokerage, and international trade consulting

6. C.H. Robinson

C.H. Robinson is a global logistics company headquartered in the United States, offering a broad range of logistics services.

Strengths:

• Extensive carrier network enabling flexible and varied logistics solutions
• Utilizes advanced technology to provide real-time tracking and logistics management

Services:

• Offers freight forwarding, transportation, supply chain, and produce sourcing services to various industries

7. CEVA Logistics

CEVA Logistics is a global logistics and supply chain company headquartered in Switzerland, providing end-to-end design, implementation, and operational solutions in freight management and contract logistics.

Strengths:

• Operates in more than 160 countries, ensuring a wide-ranging global network
• Emphasizes operational excellence and offers innovative solutions

Services:

• Specializes in freight management, contract logistics, transportation, and distribution services

8. Nippon Express

Nippon Express is a Japanese-based global logistics company offering various services, including transport, warehouse, and distribution.

Strengths:

• Strong presence in Asia and offers a diverse range of logistics solutions globally
• Known for its reliability and efficiency in logistics services

Services:

• Provides logistics services such as air and ocean freight forwarding, rail transport, and supply chain management

9. Hellmann Worldwide Logistics

Hellmann Worldwide Logistics is based in Germany and provides a comprehensive array of logistics services serving various sectors.

Strengths:

• Offers a global network and customized logistics solutions to meet client needs
• Places emphasis on sustainability and innovation in its operations

Services:

• Offers services like air and sea freight, contract logistics, and customs clearance, catering to industries like healthcare, fashion, and automotive

10. Bolloré Logistics

Bolloré Logistics is a global leader in international transport and logistics, headquartered in France, and operates in 107 countries.

Strengths:

• Provides multimodal transport solutions with a focus on optimizing costs, transit times, and inventories.
• Strong emphasis on corporate social responsibility and sustainable development

Services:

• Offers a range of services, including international transport, customs and regulatory compliance, and logistics consulting

11. GEODIS

GEODIS is a global supply chain operator based in France, offering various logistics services spanning transport, logistics, and supply chain optimization.

Strengths:

• Employs innovative solutions to improve supply chain efficiency and visibility
• Offers a wide range of logistics solutions catering to diverse industries

Services:

• Provides freight forwarding, supply chain optimization, distribution, and logistics services to industries like automotive, retail, and healthcare

Make the Right Freight Forwarding Decisions for Your Business

Selecting the right freight forwarder is crucial for businesses looking to ship goods internationally. A freight forwarder serves as a guiding partner through the intricate processes of global shipping, offering solutions that guarantee the safe and speedy transport of goods worldwide. This role is especially critical in today’s dynamic market, where consumer demands and supply chain challenges are ever-evolving. When choosing a freight forwarder, it’s vital to consider several factors, such as experience, reputation, global reach, technology, and pricing transparency.

Contact us to learn more about what to look for in 3PL’s and in freight forwarders, both of whom need to work in tandem.

FAQs about the Best Freight Forwarders

Who is the Largest Freight Forwarding Company?

The largest freight forwarding company is DHL Global Forwarding, a division of the German logistics company Deutsche Post DHL Group, specializing in air and ocean freight services globally.

Who is the Best Freight Forwarding Company?

Determining the best freight forwarding company is subjective. It depends on specific needs, but DHL Global Forwarding consistently ranks high for its extensive network, reliability, and range of services, making it a strong contender for the best freight forwarder.

What Does a Forwarder Do?

A forwarder, or freight forwarder, organizes shipments for individuals or corporations to get goods from the manufacturer or producer to a market, customer, or final point of distribution. They negotiate with various carriers to achieve optimal logistics solutions and ensure the smooth, timely delivery of goods, handling all the related paperwork and shipping requirements.

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