Top 10 Companies Shaping the Global Freight & Logistics Market

Updated On: October 28, 2025 |

 

Recent findings from Proficient Market Insights indicate that the freight & logistics market is projected to grow from about US$ 18,634 million in 2025 to US$ 33,014.65 million by 2034, at a CAGR of ~7.41%.
In this dynamic, technology-enabled, international trade-driven environment, a number of global players stand out. Below is a list of ten leading firms and a quick snapshot of what makes each significant.

  1. DHL Supply Chain & Global Forwarding (Germany)

A globally recognised brand in freight forwarding, express parcel and contract logistics, DHL is a major part of Deutsche Post DHL Group. According to commentary on top logistics companies, DHL is often cited at the top of the list for its global reach, digital investments and sustainability focus.
Why it matters:

  • Operates in 220+ countries/territories.
  • Strong in digital & last-mile logistics.
  • Well positioned to benefit from e-commerce boom, one of the key drivers identified in the market report.
  1. Kuehne + Nagel International AG (Switzerland)

Consistently ranked among the major forwarders, Kuehne + Nagel combines large volume ocean/air freight with a growing contract logistics and digital supply-chain platform business.
Highlights:

  • Strong in integrated forwarder + contract logistics services.
  • Emphasising sustainability (carbon-neutral shipping options) and real-time visibility (MyKN platform).
  • Positioned well to cope with the market’s trend towards digital supply-chain transformation.
  1. DB Schenker (Germany)

A major European logistics player offering air/sea freight, land transport and contract logistics.
What to watch:

  • Its multimodal land/rail strength in Europe addresses one of the infrastructure-challenge sectors mentioned in the market report.
  • Digital visibility initiatives (e.g., Connect 4.0) help meet rising customer expectations.
  1. United Parcel Service (UPS) (United States)

Known globally for parcel delivery and logistics services, UPS plays a key role in freight & logistics especially in the retail, e-commerce and last-mile segments.
Strengths:

  • Strong brand & network in North America, a region cited as “top performing” in the report.
  • E-commerce tailwinds favour its business model.
  1. FedEx Corporation (United States)

Another global logistics giant with strong express, freight and forwarding operations.
Relevance:

  • High global reach, capable of serving shipper demands for fast, reliable delivery, one of the reported growth drivers.
  • Technological investments and network density help mitigate rising cost pressures.
  1. XPO Logistics (United States)

While more known in North America, XPO is emerging as an important player in managed transportation and freight-brokerage services.
Why to include:

  • The “value-added services and others” segment in the market report includes services like kitting, customisation and fulfilment—areas XPO targets.
  • Growth in e-commerce and distribution demand plays to its strengths.
  1. Nippon Express Holdings, Inc. (Japan)

A major Japanese logistics and freight forwarding company, often cited in global rankings.
Key points:

  • Balanced across modes (air, sea, road) and strong in Asia-Pacific—a region flagged for rapid growth.
  • Good strategic fit for shippers in Asia manufacturing & export flows.
  1. Maersk Group (Denmark)

Originally shipping‐container focus, Maersk has significantly grown its logistics & supply-chain services, becoming a full-service freight & logistics provider.
Why noteworthy:

  • Strong container shipping backbone gives unique positioning across freight transport type (sea/land) in the market segmentation.
  • Scale and integrated end-to-end supply-chain solutions align with the “freight & logistics” catch-all nature of the market report.
  1. C.H. Robinson Worldwide, Inc. (United States)

Well regarded in the freight-forwarding, brokerage and 3PL space, C.H. Robinson is cited in forwarder rankings.
Importance:

  • Focused on technology-driven freight brokerage, matching carriers & shippers—linking to the “digital freight matching” trend noted in the report.
  • Flexibility makes it relevant for companies seeking agile logistics solutions.
  1. 2GO Express (Philippines)

As cited in the Proficient report’s list of “Top Freight & Logistics Companies”.
Why this matters:

  • Though smaller in scale compared to global giants, it illustrates how regional players matter in markets like Southeast Asia, which are part of the growth story (Asia region highlighted in the report).
  • Good example for companies looking at emerging-market logistics opportunities.

Why these companies make the cut

  • The market report emphasises global trade growth, e-commerce expansion, and technological/automation adoption as key drivers.
  • All the companies above either have a global footprint, digital/automation orientation, or serve high-growth regional corridors (or a combination).
  • They span the key “By Type” segments of the report: freight transport; freight forwarding; warehousing & value-added services.

How you can use this for your blog

  1. Expand each company slide: Add recent revenue figures, region-specific presence (especially relevant to India/Asia), and digital/logistics innovation highlights.
  2. Localise for your audience: Since you’re based in India/Mumbai, consider how these global names compete or partner with Indian/logistics regional players.
  3. Link to report themes: Use the segmentation and regional insights from the report (Asia growth, infrastructure challenges, e-commerce tailwinds) and tie to how each company positions.
  4. Call-out challenges & opportunities: For example the report notes infrastructure limitations and regulatory compliance as restraints. Discuss how companies mitigate those.
  5. Visuals & infographics: Consider adding a table ranking the companies, their headquarters, key strengths, and link to the growth segments to give your readers a clear comparative snapshot.