Choosing the right freight forwarder for international shipping is one of the most important decisions a small business can make. The global freight forwarding market is vast and complex. In 2024, it was valued at over USD 150 billion, driven by growing international trade and global supply chain demand, and is expected to expand steadily through the decade.
Industry rankings consistently highlight major players like DHL Global Forwarding, Kuehne + Nagel, DB Schenker, and Sinotrans for their global reach and sheer logistics volume. DHL’s network spans more than 220 countries and territories, making it one of the most internationally extensive forwarding operations. Kuehne + Nagel and Sinotrans routinely appear near the top of ocean freight rankings based on container throughput, while DB Schenker is known for integrated multimodal logistics across Europe and beyond.
At the forefront of innovation for small and medium-sized businesses is Ship4wd, a digital-first freight forwarder that has reimagined how smaller shippers access global logistics services. Following Ship4wd, the list includes well-established global leaders offering comprehensive freight solutions for larger and more complex operations.
1. Ship4wd
Ship4wd stands out in the freight forwarding world as a digital-first solution designed to make global logistics accessible to small and medium-sized businesses (SMBs). As a Ship4wd freight forwarder for small business, the platform focuses on removing the traditional barriers that often prevent smaller companies from competing in international trade.
The ZIM Group, a top 10 ocean carrier with 80 years of shipping experience, backs Ship4wd. This blend of industry expertise and modern digital tools helps them provide enterprise-level shipping services through an intuitive platform built for smaller businesses.
The platform makes shipping simple yet powerful. Booking a shipment works like booking a flight. You get instant shipping quotes for your route. You can book with just a few clicks after adding your shipment details and business information. The same interface lets you add services like customs clearance, cargo insurance, or pre-shipment inspection.
Ship4wd gives businesses these key features for international shipping:
- Guaranteed Container Space: They guarantee container space for all imports, unlike other freight forwarders who favor big shippers
- Extended Price Lock: You can lock ocean freight rates and space up to 45 days ahead for FCL and 14 days for LCL shipments
- Live Tracking: The all-in-one dashboard shows shipment status from pickup to delivery
- Multi-Modal Options: They cover FCL, LCL, and air freight for different shipping needs
Their customer service sets them apart. Ship4wd’s support team works 24/7, even on weekends and holidays. Glik explains, “Most small businesses don’t have a logistics or procurement department. They might need support at midnight or on a Saturday. That’s where our 24/7 accessibility makes a real difference”.
2. Kuehne + Nagel
Kuehne + Nagel, a 134-year-old Swiss-based freight forwarding giant, has grown into one of the world’s leading logistics providers. The company delivers detailed solutions throughout the supply chain spectrum. Their reputation rests on reliability and global reach that few competitors can match.
The company employs nearly 85,000 people at almost 1,300 sites in close to 100 countries, serving about 400,000 customers in a variety of industries. This massive network helps them tackle logistics challenges of any scale or complexity. Their dominant market position shows in their shipping volumes—they manage over 4.3 million TEU of ocean freight yearly.
Exceptional sea freight capabilities form the heart of Kuehne + Nagel’s service portfolio. They customize ocean logistics services for both full container loads (FCL) and less than container loads (LCL). Sea logistics experts guide customers to pick the most efficient shipping options that ensure on-time cargo delivery. These services come with:
- Unrivaled global reach with premier carriers
- Optimized performance through integrated systems and real-time tracking
- Flexible and reliable schedules with guaranteed space allotments
- Detailed door-to-door service with integrated transportation options
Advanced technology sets Kuehne + Nagel apart from competitors. Their 4PL platform combines leading technology with proven expertise to deliver measurable results. The platform’s data-centric architecture brings together over 40 technology partners into one accessible interface that makes shared collaboration possible across stakeholders. The myKN digital platform lets customers monitor cargo in real-time 24/7.
Environmental responsibility stands as another key aspect of their operations. The company provides carbon-reduction transport options that support environmental goals. Sea logistics customers can choose from CO2-optimized routing to environmentally responsible biofuels. Air logistics services include a “book and claim” system where customers can replace fossil fuels with sustainable aviation fuel for all shipments.
3. DHL Global Forwarding
DHL Global Forwarding, a 209-year-old company, ranks among the top freight forwarders worldwide. The company connects businesses with global markets through reliable and efficient delivery services that reach every part of the globe.
The size of DHL Global Forwarding’s operations shows its power in the freight forwarding industry. The company helps more than 167,000 customers with their shipping needs daily. Their worldwide network employs over 30,000 experts. DHL moves an impressive 2.1 million tons of air freight and 3.1 million TEUs (Twenty-foot Equivalent Units) of ocean freight each year.
DHL Global Forwarding’s air freight services excel in range and adaptability. Their air freight network features selected carrier schedules on major global routes, giving businesses options that line up with their delivery needs. DHL SameDay meets time-critical needs through immediate collection with door-to-door delivery. Their standard air freight products include:
- DHL Air Priority for expedited shipments
- DHL Air Tailored Lift for customized solutions
- DHL Air Economy for cost-efficient options
The myDHLi platform sets DHL apart from other freight forwarding companies. This logistics portal gives customers complete control and visibility of their shipments. The system works as a digital window to the entire logistics process with fast quotes, booking options, immediate tracking, document management, and analytics. Businesses can track vital shipments and share information naturally with colleagues, customers, and suppliers.
DHL’s network spans 190 countries, creating true global reach. This extensive coverage enables imports and exports from almost anywhere worldwide. Door-to-door services, including pre-carriage and on-carriage, make international shipping easier.
4. DB Schenker
DSV acquired DB Schenker, a German logistics powerhouse, in April 2025 for €14.3 billion. This marked a turning point for DB Schenker, which had been a Deutsche Bahn subsidiary since 2002.
The 153-year-old company has evolved into one of the world’s leading freight forwarders. DB Schenker now has 72,700 professionals worldwide and operates from more than 1,850 locations across 130 countries. This strong network helps them manage logistics operations for industry giants like Apple, Procter & Gamble, Dell, ASML, and BMW.
DB Schenker’s service portfolio covers four main areas:
- Air freight handling
- Land transport (with exceptional strength across Europe)
- Ocean freight management
- Contract logistics
The sort of thing I love about DB Schenker is their exceptional ability to handle complex project logistics. They excel at helping businesses with challenging shipping needs. Their motto says it best: “your go-to solution when it’s complex or critical”. Their project logistics teams take on intricate challenges that many competitors simply can’t handle.
On top of that, DB Schenker has invested heavily in digital solutions to boost customer experience. Their DB SCHENKER connect platform lets customers book ocean shipments with a few clicks. Customers get immediate rates, schedules, and door-to-door transit times. The platform offers complete transparency and visibility throughout the supply chain.
Businesses looking for a freight forwarding partner with detailed capabilities can expect these advantages from DB Schenker:
- Extensive global network with strong European presence
- Specialized expertise in handling complex project logistics
- Advanced digital platforms providing end-to-end visibility
- Integrated services spanning the entire supply chain
- Strong focus on sustainability and renewable energy
5. Expeditors International
Technology drives Expeditors International’s global logistics approach. This Fortune 500 service-based logistics company, headquartered in Bellevue, Washington, has built its reputation by utilizing advanced systems as a strategic advantage in the freight forwarding industry.
Expeditors International stands out from many top freight forwarders with its non-asset model. They don’t own transportation equipment used in operations. This strategy gives them remarkable flexibility in supply chain management and helps them find the best routing and pricing options without physical asset constraints.
The company reaches far and wide through a network of over 340 locations across more than 100 countries on six continents. This reach lets Expeditors deliver tailored supply chain solutions to clients worldwide. They moved their listing to the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE) under the ticker symbol “EXPD” from NASDAQ in November 2023.
Their technology-driven approach sets Expeditors apart from other freight forwarding companies. “At Expeditors, our development of technology and systems represents our core business strategy and strength that set us apart”. Their digital platforms serve as the life-blood of their service offerings:
- EXP.O – A centralized dashboard providing immediate shipment tracking, document access, and performance metrics that allows users to customize views and alerts for agile supply chain management
- Delivery Management – A managed service offering active oversight of all container activity from vessel departure through delivery and empty return to the terminal
- Order Management – Connects factory to market through data excellence, offering visibility to shipment starts
- Cargo Signal – An IoT-enabled sensor platform tracking location, temperature, humidity, shock, and light with immediate alerts
Expeditors puts client needs first when designing solutions. “At Expeditors, before we design a custom solution for your supply chain, we listen. We want to gain a complete understanding of your supply chain to see where challenges and opportunities exist”. This user-focused approach has earned them trust from major clients.
The Freight Partner That Shapes Your Next Growth Stage
Picking a freight forwarder is not just a logistics decision. It is a decision about reliability, cash flow, customer trust, and how confidently you can expand into new markets. The five companies in this list succeed for different reasons. Some win on global scale and carrier access, some win on deep industry specialization, and some win on technology that makes complex shipping feel manageable.
What stands out in 2026 is how quickly expectations are changing. Businesses now want instant quoting, clear documentation, real time visibility, and support that does not disappear outside office hours. They also want options that reduce waste and emissions as sustainability standards tighten across supply chains.
If you are an SMB building international lanes, Ship4wd is designed to remove friction and make global freight feel attainable. If you need breadth, capacity, and mature infrastructure across multiple regions, the long established global providers can be a strong fit. The best choice is the one that keeps shipments predictable, keeps costs transparent, and lets your team spend less time firefighting and more time growing.
Editor’s Note: The opinions expressed here by the authors are their own, not those of Impakter.com — In the cover photo: Freight Forwarders expert — Cover Photo Credit: Sander Weeteling.
