Top 10 Logistics Companies in the World

Over the last decade, logistics has shifted from being a back-office function to a strategic lever for global trade. What used to be a question of transport availability is now a far more complex equation—one that includes regulatory compliance, network resilience, multimodal coordination, and the ability to respond when disruptions occur.

As supply chains became more distributed after 2020, businesses began leaning more heavily on large logistics providers that could operate across regions, industries, and transport modes without constant reconfiguration. That shift is reflected in how often certain companies now appear in discussions around the top logistics companies in the world, the largest logistics companies by revenue, and global rankings of freight forwarders and third-party logistics providers.

This article looks at those companies through a practical lens. Rather than marketing claims or one-dimensional rankings, it focuses on scale, reach, and operational relevance—the factors that actually determine whether a logistics provider can support complex, cross-border supply chains.

Which Is the #1 Logistics Company in the World?

This question comes up frequently, and the honest answer is usually unsatisfying: there is no single “number one” logistics company in every context.

In logistics, rankings depend heavily on what is being measured. Some companies lead in express and parcel delivery. Others dominate contract logistics and warehousing. Some are strongest in freight forwarding, while a smaller group combines shipping, forwarding, and supply chain execution under one structure.

Because of this, any serious comparison has to separate category leadership from overall scale. The sections below do exactly that.

How These Logistics Companies Are Evaluated?

The criteria behind the rankings

The companies featured here are evaluated using a combination of factors commonly referenced in global logistics comparisons:

— Revenue and operational scale, based on the most recent publicly available figures
— Geographic coverage, including the depth of regional networks
— Service breadth, such as freight forwarding, contract logistics, customs brokerage, and value-added services
— Industry exposure, particularly in sectors that demand specialised handling
— Operational maturity, including standardisation, compliance processes, and use of logistics technology

No single metric defines leadership. In practice, the strongest logistics companies perform consistently across several of these dimensions rather than excelling in just one.

A note on what this list represents

This article focuses on logistics companies, not only shipping lines or courier brands. Some of the companies listed own aircraft, vessels, or truck fleets. Others operate primarily as coordinators, managing transport through partner networks.

Both models play important roles in global supply chains, but they solve different problems. Understanding that distinction is often more useful than looking at revenue rankings alone.

Top 10 Logistics Companies in the World (2026 Ranking)

Based on scale, reach, and breadth of services, the following companies are most often cited among the global leaders.

1. DHL Supply Chain & Global Forwarding

In most global logistics comparisons published over the last decade, DHL tends to appear at or near the top. That position is largely driven by its ability to operate at scale across multiple logistics functions simultaneously.

Its supply chain division manages thousands of warehouses worldwide, while its forwarding arm handles large volumes of air and ocean freight. What sets DHL apart is not just size, but consistency—particularly for businesses operating across regions with very different regulatory and infrastructure environments.

That said, global coverage does not always mean uniform service quality. Like other large providers, DHL relies on a mix of owned operations and regional partners, which can lead to variation at the local level.

2. Kuehne + Nagel

Kuehne + Nagel has long been one of the most influential names in freight forwarding. Its strength lies primarily in air and ocean cargo, where it manages significant volumes through established carrier relationships.

Unlike some competitors, the company has remained relatively focused on forwarding rather than expanding aggressively into parcel or last-mile delivery. That focus has helped it maintain deep trade-lane expertise and strong customs capabilities, particularly for complex international movements.

3. DSV

DSV’s growth over the last several years has been shaped by acquisition, but its operational success has depended on how effectively those acquisitions were integrated.

Today, DSV offers road transport, air and sea freight, and contract logistics across a broad global footprint. Compared to more asset-heavy operators, its strength lies in coordination and consolidation rather than ownership of infrastructure.

4. DB Schenker

DB Schenker brings a strong transport heritage into global logistics. Its land transport network remains one of the most extensive in Europe, complemented by air and ocean freight services.

The company has traditionally been strong in industrial and manufacturing supply chains, particularly those that depend on reliable rail and road connectivity across borders.

5. UPS Supply Chain Solutions

UPS is widely known for parcel delivery, but its supply chain division plays a significant role in contract logistics and freight management.

It is often chosen by organisations that value process discipline and standardisation. That makes it particularly relevant for regulated industries and large retail operations, although it may feel less flexible for niche or highly customised logistics requirements.

6. FedEx Logistics

FedEx Logistics builds on the company’s global express network, extending into freight forwarding and customs brokerage.

Speed and reliability remain its primary strengths. For time-critical shipments, particularly air freight, FedEx continues to be a preferred option. For bulk or long-term warehousing needs, however, other providers may offer more cost-efficient solutions.

7. CEVA Logistics

CEVA has established a strong position in industrial, automotive, and aerospace logistics. Its operations are often embedded deep within manufacturing supply chains that require precise coordination rather than rapid delivery.

The company tends to be selected for environments where execution accuracy and compliance matter more than speed alone.

8. Nippon Express (NX Group)

Nippon Express plays a central role in Asian supply chains, particularly in Japan and neighbouring markets. Its services range from domestic transport to international forwarding and contract logistics.

The company’s close alignment with manufacturers makes it especially relevant in electronics and industrial sectors, although its presence is less dominant outside Asia.

9. Sinotrans

Sinotrans is one of the largest logistics providers operating within China, with a growing international footprint. Its domestic scale gives it a strong position in managing China-centric trade flows.

For companies with significant exposure to Chinese manufacturing, Sinotrans often serves as a gateway into broader international logistics networks.

10. CMA CGM Logistics

CMA CGM’s logistics arm reflects a wider industry trend: shipping companies expanding into end-to-end logistics.

By combining maritime transport with forwarding and warehousing, CMA CGM is gradually increasing its control over the logistics value chain. While its non-shipping services are still evolving, its ocean network provides a solid foundation.

Biggest Logistics Companies in the World (By Revenue)

Revenue rankings offer one way to measure size, but they rarely tell the full story.

Companies with large contract logistics operations or asset-heavy transport networks often generate higher revenue than specialized forwarders. That does not automatically make them better suited for every logistics requirement.

What revenue rankings reveal—and what they don’t

— High-revenue companies often manage long-term warehousing and distribution contracts
— Volume-driven operators may move millions of shipments with relatively low margins
— Industry specialists may appear smaller on paper but control critical supply chains

For most businesses, fit matters more than rank.

Logistics Companies by Region

United Kingdom

The logistics landscape in the United Kingdom is shaped largely by contract logistics and domestic transport. Providers such as DHL, XPO Logistics, DB Schenker, and Wincanton play central roles in retail and manufacturing distribution.

Europe

Europe’s logistics network is highly interconnected. Cross-border transport is a defining feature, with DHL, DSV, Kuehne + Nagel, DB Schenker, and Geodis forming the backbone of many regional supply chains.

India

India’s logistics market blends large domestic operators with international providers. Companies such as Delhivery, Blue Dart, DTDC, and Allcargo Logistics support both internal distribution and export-oriented trade.

Canada

Canada’s logistics ecosystem combines domestic operators with multinational firms, supporting trade flows across North America and overseas markets.

Middle East, Africa, and Asia-Pacific

Regions such as the Middle East and Asia-Pacific rely heavily on logistics hubs. Providers like DP World Logistics, Aramex, Kerry Logistics, and regional subsidiaries of global operators act as connectors between continents.

Final Thoughts

Choosing a logistics partner is rarely about picking the biggest name. It is about understanding fit—industry requirements, geographic exposure, service complexity, and risk tolerance.

The companies outlined here shape global trade not because they are interchangeable, but because each solves logistics problems at scale in different ways. Recognising those differences is often the deciding factor between a logistics strategy that merely functions and one that holds up under pressure.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Which is the biggest logistics company in the world by revenue in 2024–2025?

The answer depends on how “logistics company” is defined.

If we look at global logistics groups that combine parcel delivery, freight forwarding, and contract logistics, DHL Group is widely regarded as the largest. Its scale comes from operating across express parcels, air and ocean freight, supply chain management, and e-commerce logistics in more than 220 countries.

If we look strictly at gross logistics or 3PL revenue, some industry rankings place Amazon at the top due to the size of its internal logistics and fulfillment operations.

In short:
— DHL Group leads as the world’s largest diversified logistics group
— Amazon ranks highest in some lists based on gross logistics revenue
The “biggest” label changes depending on the measurement used.

2. Who is the number 1 logistics company in the world—and how is that ranking decided?

There is no single universal ranking for the “number 1 logistics company” because rankings depend on methodology.

Common criteria include:
— Total revenue vs logistics-only revenue
— Business type (3PL, freight forwarder, parcel carrier, ocean carrier)
— Geographic coverage
— Shipment volume, TEUs, air tonnage, or warehouse footprint

For example, a parcel-focused ranking will favor express integrators, while a 3PL ranking will prioritize companies with large forwarding and contract logistics operations.

The most credible rankings clearly state what is being measured and why. Without that context, “#1 logistics company” claims are often misleading.

3. What are the top 10 logistics companies in the world in 2025 for global shipping and supply chain management?

When focusing on integrated global logistics and supply chain services, top rankings consistently feature companies that operate across forwarding, warehousing, distribution, and multimodal transport.

Names that frequently appear in global top-tier lists include:
— DHL Group
— Kuehne+Nagel
— DSV
— DB Schenker
— CEVA Logistics
— Nippon Express
— Sinotrans

Exact rankings vary year to year, but these companies are consistently recognized for operating at global scale with multi-continent capabilities.

4. What are the top 20 logistics companies in the world, and which are strongest in air, ocean, and contract logistics?

Instead of a flat list, it’s more accurate to group leaders by core strength:

Air & Ocean Freight Forwarding
Companies known for managing high global volumes, carrier procurement, and customs coordination include Kuehne+Nagel, DHL Global Forwarding, DSV, DB Schenker, Sinotrans, and Nippon Express.

Contract Logistics (Warehousing & Distribution)
Companies with extensive warehouse networks, fulfillment centers, and value-added services include DHL Supply Chain, CEVA Logistics, GXO, GEODIS, and similar operators.

Most “top 20” global players appear because they are strong in one or more of these areas, not necessarily all of them equally.

5. Who are the top freight forwarders in the world in 2024–2025—and what’s the difference between a forwarder and a 3PL?

A freight forwarder specializes in arranging international transportation — air, ocean, customs clearance, and documentation.
A 3PL typically offers forwarding plus warehousing, fulfillment, returns, and domestic distribution.

Globally recognized freight forwarders include Kuehne+Nagel, DHL Global Forwarding, DSV, DB Schenker, Sinotrans, and Nippon Express.

Businesses shipping internationally often use freight forwarders for cross-border complexity and 3PLs when they need end-to-end supply chain execution.

6. What are the top 5 freight forwarding companies in the world for international shipping?

Based on recurring appearances in global forwarding rankings, the following companies are often cited among the top tier:

1. Kuehne+Nagel

2. DHL Global Forwarding

3. DSV

4. DB Schenker

5. Sinotrans

These companies are known for large air and ocean volumes, customs expertise, and global carrier networks. Rankings may vary slightly by year and region.

7. Which are the best shipping companies in the world for international cargo?

This question often mixes two different categories:

Ocean carriers operate ships and control vessel capacity. They are evaluated on sailing schedules, port coverage, and equipment availability.

Logistics providers and freight forwarders manage routing, customs, multimodal transport, and door-to-door coordination.

For most businesses, the “best” option depends on whether they need capacity ownership or end-to-end logistics management.

8. What are the top 10 logistics companies in Europe, and which are the top transport companies in the UK?

In Europe, major logistics operators are headquartered in Germany, Switzerland, France, Denmark, and the Netherlands. These companies typically offer pan-European and global coverage.

In the UK, “top transport companies” can mean different things — road haulage, parcel delivery, or contract logistics. Rankings vary depending on whether the focus is domestic transport or international logistics services.

Clarifying the service type is essential before comparing providers.

9. What are the top logistics companies in the USA, and how do the top 50 compare by service type?

In the US, top logistics companies are usually segmented by function:

— Parcel and express delivery
— Asset-based trucking and intermodal freight
— Freight brokerage
— Warehousing and fulfillment
— International freight forwarding

The largest US logistics companies typically dominate one category, rather than all of them. Comparing them by service type gives a more accurate picture than a single national ranking.

10. What are the top 10 logistics companies in India, and which is the biggest logistics company in India?

India’s logistics landscape includes express parcel networks, freight transporters, warehousing operators, and international forwarders.

The “biggest” logistics company in India depends on whether the comparison is based on parcel volumes, freight movement, or end-to-end enterprise logistics. Because of this diversity, Indian rankings often differ significantly by category.

11. Which logistics providers specialize in international shipping and multi-continent operations?

Providers that truly specialize in global operations typically offer:
— Air and ocean freight forwarding
— Customs brokerage across regions
— Bonded and non-bonded warehousing
— Multimodal port-to-door execution

Companies with these capabilities usually appear in global 3PL and freight forwarding rankings and operate across multiple continents with standardized processes.

12. Which logistics providers are best for pharmaceutical logistics and GDP-compliant cold chain shipping?

Pharmaceutical logistics is evaluated less on size and more on process maturity.

Key criteria include:
— GDP-compliant SOPs
— Temperature-controlled handling and packaging validation
— Lane qualification and risk management
— End-to-end traceability and audit readiness
— Scalable cold chain infrastructure

Providers meeting these standards are typically preferred over general-purpose logistics companies.

13. Who offers the best chemical logistics services worldwide?

Chemical logistics requires specialized handling. Leading providers are evaluated on:
— Dangerous goods certifications
— Regulatory documentation expertise
— Multimodal transport experience
— Incident response and compliance controls

Rather than a single “best” provider, companies usually shortlist logistics partners based on chemical class, geography, and regulatory exposure.

14. Which global logistics providers are most trusted for high-value or sensitive cargo?

Trust in high-value logistics comes from risk controls, not marketing claims.

Key indicators include:
— Secure facilities and access controls
— Chain-of-custody tracking
— Trained and vetted personnel
— Insurance and claims transparency
— Proven incident-management processes

Providers that demonstrate these capabilities consistently are considered reliable for sensitive shipments.

15. How should businesses evaluate the best global logistics companies for C-level decision-making?

At the executive level, logistics partners are evaluated on three dimensions:

Pricing
— Total landed cost visibility
— Clear surcharge and accessorial structures
— Predictable long-term pricing models

Leadership and governance
— Defined escalation ownership
— SLA management and review cadence
— Compliance and audit readiness

Implementation fit
— Integration with existing systems
— Global rollout capability
— Change management and operational maturity

The “best” logistics company is ultimately the one that aligns with a business’s scale, risk profile, and growth strategy.