Shipping your goods by sea freight can be a bit more complex.
Luckily, ocean freight forwarding companies simplify the process by ensuring your cargo reaches its destination without a hitch.
In this article, you’ll learn how an sea freight forwarder can assist you and find a list of top ocean freight forwarders to help you evaluate providers.
What is sea freight forwarding?
A sea freight forwarder is an expert that efficiently transports your cargo from one location to another by cargo ships.
Although freight forwarders typically don’t own the vehicles used for transport, such as trucks, ships, or planes, they act as intermediaries who master every detail of the complex shipping process, ensuring your goods reach their destination safely.
An ocean freight forwarder specializes in shipping goods via vessels. Their expertise in sea freight allows them to handle shipments efficiently and cultivate relationships that secure the best ocean freight rates, which they pass on to their customers.
Ocean freight forwarding services
Even the most experienced shipping professionals rely on the services of sea freight forwarding companies for their ocean shipments.
A sea freight forwarder understands which goods can be shipped, the correct procedures for shipping them, all necessary documentation, how to secure cargo on a vessel, and how to handle any issues that may arise.
With the right ocean freight forwarding services, you can rest assured that your cargo is in capable hands, allowing you to focus on the more critical aspects of your business.
Does an ocean forwarder charge less than an air forwarder?
How much are sea freight rates per kg?
The cost of sea freight varies based on several factors, including the shipping route, the weight of the cargo, and the shipping company.
For instance, the shipping cost to New York via LCL sea freight is approximately USD 30/CBM, while shipping to London costs around USD 10/CBM.
For precise shipping rates, please consult directly with our ocean freight forwarding experts.
11 Top and Best Ocean Freight Forwarders
Kuehne + Nagel
A prominent leader in the ocean freight industry, Kuehne + Nagel’s revenues are estimated to be approximately 65% higher than its nearest competitor. However, its market share is just 9.2% in a highly fragmented market.
DHL Global Forwarding
Although second in rank, DHL Global Forwarding’s ocean freight revenue is less than that of its air and truck operations. In 2023, DHL’s ocean freight revenue reached $3,850M.
Airsupply Logistics
Headquartered in Shenzhen, ASLG has integrated with EMC, ZIM, and CMA to offer cargo space at competitive discounts. ASLG also provides intermodal services, contract logistics, last-mile delivery, and other value-added services. In 2023, its ocean freight volume was 255,000 TEUs.
Sinotrans
Sinotrans is the largest freight forwarder in China and is publicly traded on the Hong Kong Stock Exchange but remains wholly government-owned. A significant portion of its ocean freight activities is concentrated in the coastal cities of Eastern China.
DB Schenker
Based in Germany, DB Schenker employs nearly 100,000 people globally. In 2023, their ocean freight volumes reached 1,942,000 TEUs.
DSV
The Danish company DSV nearly doubled its ocean freight forwarding revenues by acquiring another major sea forwarder, UTi. In 2023, DSV managed 835,487 TEUs of ocean freight, generating $1,758M in revenue.
C.H. Robinson
C.H. Robinson is a global 3PL company and supply chain solution provider, averaging 1,425,000 container volumes in ocean freight. It boasts an extensive network of over 85,000 carriers and sea freight forwarding partners.
Expeditors International
Expeditors, a leading freight forwarding services provider in the US, managed 942,500 TEUs in sea freight. In addition to logistics and transportation, it offers customized supply chain solutions, ensuring end-to-end service efficiency and optimization.
Nippon Express
Nippon Express ranks among the top 10 freight forwarders worldwide, offering comprehensive transportation solutions. Initially starting as a ground transportation business, it has expanded to provide integrated logistics services, including ocean freight, handling 756,741 TEUs.
GEODIS
GEODIS is a top-tier ocean freight forwarding services provider that processes 1,146,100 TEUs in average years. Originally a rail freight company for luggage and packages, it was acquired by an SNCF subsidiary, which expanded its services internationally.
Hellmann Worldwide Logistics
Located in Germany, Hellmann Worldwide Logistics ranks among the largest freight forwarders and international sea freight providers. It offers advanced digital services to shippers, enhancing operational efficiency and vendor management. In 2023, its sea freight volume reached 977,500 TEUs.
