Freight Forwarding Services Industry Profile

The US freight forwarding services industry includes about 20,000 establishments (single-location companies and units of multi-location companies) with combined annual revenue of about $50 billion. Major companies include CH Robinson Worldwide, Expeditors International of Washington, FedEx Trade Networks, UPS Supply Chain Solutions, and UTi Worldwide. The US industry is fragmented: the top 50 companies account for about a third of revenue.

The global freight forwarding services industry generates annual revenue of more than $200 billion. Major companies based outside the US include DHL Supply Chain and DB Schenker (Germany); Kuehne + Nagel and Panalpina (Switzerland); CEVA Logistics and SDV (France); DSV Solutions (Denmark); and Nippon Express and NYK Logistics (Japan).

Freight forwarding services providers arrange the transportation of goods by various modes on behalf of shippers. Customs brokers are included in the industry. The industry doesn't include freight carriers, logistics consultants, or supply chain management software manufacturers. A separate Warehousing & Storage profile covers that industry.

COMPETITIVE LANDSCAPE

Demand is driven by domestic manufacturing output and levels of international trade. The profitability of individual companies depends on efficient operations, extensive relationships in shipper and carrier networks, and industry expertise. Large companies have advantages in account relationships and access to advanced logistics technologies. Small operations can compete effectively by serving a local market, specializing in cargo transfer with specific countries, and facilitating the transport of unusual goods.

PRODUCTS, OPERATIONS & TECHNOLOGY

Major services are freight forwarding and customs brokering. ...