Global trade requires global shipping transportation. And for the vast majority of cargo, that means heading seaward on ocean liners. To get there, ocean freight forwarders serve as the bridge between the importers and exporters of the world, and the ocean carriers themselves - coordinating the logistics of these complicated shipments. The top ocean freight forwarders of 2025 do this at the largest scale, with expertise and innovation as they help coordinate global trade.
Exploring the Role of Ocean Freight Forwarders in Global Trade
Ocean freight forwarders play a critical role in global trade. These forwarders handle various aspects of the shipping process, including documentation, customs clearance, and coordination of transportation.
By utilizing their expertise and knowledge of international trade regulations, ocean freight forwarders help businesses navigate the complexities of shipping goods overseas and between multiple countries. They ensure that shipments comply with customs requirements, arrange for the most efficient transportation routes, and optimize logistics operations.
Top Ocean Freight Forwarders of 2025: A Comprehensive Overview
In 2025, several ocean freight forwarders have established themselves as industry leaders. These companies excel in providing reliable and efficient shipping services, catering to the diverse needs of businesses worldwide. Many of the top ocean freight forwarders in 2025 overlap with the top airfreight forwarders (for those who've already checked out that list). They include:
Kuehne + Nagel
Location: Switzerland
Established: 1890
Website: home.kuehne-nagel.com
Sinotrans
Location: China
Established: 2002
Website: www.sinotrans.com
DHL
Location: Germany
Established: 1969
Website: www.dhl.com
DSV
Location: Switzerland
Established: 1976
Website: www.dsv.com
DB Schenker
Location: Germany
Established: 1872
Website: www.dbschenker.com
LX Pantos
Location: South Korea
Established: 1977
Website: www.lxpantos.com
Nippon Express
Location: Japan
Established: 1937
Website: www.nipponexpress.com
C.H. Robinson
Location: Eden Prairie, MN
Established: 1905
Website: www.chrobinson.com
CEVA Logistics (a CMA CGM company - also operating Bolloré Logistics)
Location: France
Established: 1946
Website: www.cevalogistics.com
Kerry Logistics
Location: Hong Kong
Established: 1981
Website: www.kerrylogistics.com
Geodis
Location: France
Established: 1990
Website: www.geodis.com
The 11 companies listed above represent a general consensus of the top worldwide ocean freight forwarders in 2025 - accounting for TEU (twenty-foot equivalent units) moved, and revenue. The industry is highly competitive, and rankings may vary (and shift) depending on specific criteria and regional factors.
Essential Services Offered by Ocean Freight Forwarders
Ocean freight forwarders - also known as sea freight forwarders - provide a comprehensive range of services to facilitate smooth and efficient international shipping. Some of the essential services offered by ocean freight forwarding services include:
- Freight Booking and Documentation: Ocean freight forwarders handle the entire booking process, from negotiating rates with shipping lines to preparing the necessary documentation for customs clearance.
- Cargo Consolidation: For businesses with smaller shipments, ocean freight forwarders offer cargo consolidation services. They combine multiple shipments into a single container, optimizing space and reducing costs.
- Customs Clearance: Ocean freight forwarders navigate the complex customs clearance process on behalf of their clients. They ensure that all necessary documents are in order and compliant with customs regulations.
- Transportation and Logistics: From arranging trucking services for inland transportation to coordinating the movement of goods from the port to the final destination, ocean freight forwarders can handle all aspects of transportation and logistics.
- Warehousing and Distribution: Many ocean freight forwarders offer warehousing and distribution services, providing businesses with a complete supply chain solution.
These services offered by ocean freight forwarders streamline the shipping process, saving businesses time, effort, and resources.
Ocean Freight Forwarder versus Ocean Carrier
While ocean freight forwarders and ocean carriers both play crucial roles in international shipping, there are distinct differences between the two:
Ocean Freight Forwarder
An ocean freight forwarder is a logistics intermediary that acts as a middleman between exporters or importers and the shipping lines. They handle various logistics tasks, including documentation, customs clearance, and transportation coordination. Ocean freight forwarders provide end-to-end solutions and work closely with their clients to ensure smooth and efficient shipping.
Ocean Carrier
An ocean carrier, also known as a shipping line or container line, is a company that operates vessels for transporting cargo across the ocean. They own or lease the ships and are responsible for the physical transportation of goods from one port to another. Ocean carriers offer space on their vessels to ocean freight forwarders or directly to exporters or importers.
In summary, ocean freight forwarders provide comprehensive logistics services and act as intermediaries, while ocean carriers focus on the physical transportation of goods. They work together, but are not one in the same.
Comparing Ocean Freight and Air Freight: Which is Best for Your Logistics Needs?
When it comes to international shipping, businesses have the option to choose between ocean freight and air freight. Each mode of transportation has its advantages and considerations:
Cost: Generally, ocean freight is more cost-effective for large-volume shipments or bulky goods. Air freight tends to be more expensive but offers faster transit times, making it ideal for time-sensitive or high-value shipments.
Speed: Air freight is significantly faster than ocean freight, with shorter transit times. If speed is a priority, especially for perishable goods or urgent shipments, air freight is the preferred choice.
Type of Cargo: When it comes to both the type of goods and the amount of them, air freight can only take you so far as there are more restricted cargo types as well as size and weight limits than ocean freight. Of course, due to the much slower transit time of a ship, some cargo won't work for that mode either.
Sustainability: Ocean freight has a significantly lower carbon footprint compared to air freight. If sustainability and environmental impact are important factors for your business, choosing ocean freight can contribute to reducing emissions.
Ultimately, the choice between ocean freight and air freight depends on the specific needs of your logistics operations, including budget, cargo type, urgency, and environmental considerations.
How to Choose the Right Ocean Freight Forwarder for Your Business
Selecting the right ocean freight forwarder is crucial for the success of your international shipping operations. Here are some factors to consider when choosing a freight forwarder:
- Knowledge and Experience: Look for a forwarder with extensive experience in handling shipments to your target markets. Their knowledge of local regulations and industry practices can help avoid delays and ensure smooth customs clearance.
- Network and Global Reach: Consider the forwarder's network and coverage. A well-established global network enables efficient coordination of transportation and access to various shipping routes.
- Services Offered: Assess the range of services offered by the forwarder. Consider whether they provide the specific services you require, such as customs clearance, cargo consolidation, or warehousing.
- Technology and Tracking Capabilities: Look for a forwarder that utilizes advanced technology and provides real-time tracking of shipments. This enables visibility and transparency throughout the shipping process.
- Customer Reviews and Reputation: Research customer reviews and testimonials to gauge the forwarder's reputation for reliability, customer service, and on-time delivery. Word-of-mouth among peers is also very useful in this regard.
By considering these factors and conducting thorough research, you can choose the right ocean freight forwarder that aligns with your business requirements and ensures seamless shipping operations.
If you need international shipping solutions, or to move your global freight to and from the ports, we can help. Drop us a line and we'll get back to you to discuss solutions unique to your business needs. Looking for more from us? Check out our Freight Guides.
