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.
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.
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:
Location: Switzerland
Established: 1890
Website: home.kuehne-nagel.com
Location: China
Established: 2002
Website: www.sinotrans.com
Location: Germany
Established: 1969
Website: www.dhl.com
Location: Switzerland
Established: 1976
Website: www.dsv.com
Location: Germany
Established: 1872
Website: www.dbschenker.com
Location: South Korea
Established: 1977
Website: www.lxpantos.com
Location: Japan
Established: 1937
Website: www.nipponexpress.com
Location: Eden Prairie, MN
Established: 1905
Website: www.chrobinson.com
Location: France
Established: 1946
Website: www.cevalogistics.com
Location: Hong Kong
Established: 1981
Website: www.kerrylogistics.com
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.
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:
These services offered by ocean freight forwarders streamline the shipping process, saving businesses time, effort, and resources.
While ocean freight forwarders and ocean carriers both play crucial roles in international shipping, there are distinct differences between the two:
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.
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.
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.
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:
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.