Logistics is a critical part of any company’s supply chain as it ensures optimal flow of things between the point of origin and the point of consumption. The term logistics encompass not only the physical items like materials, equipment, and vehicles but also abstract terms such as time and information. Businesses usually manage their own logistics or outsource it to third-party logistics service providers (3PL) for their needs. Logistics companies depict expertise in material handling, integrating information flow, inventory management, packaging, warehousing, production, and security. Most logistics companies handle various aspects of logistics including inbound logistics, outbound logistics, procurement logistics, distribution logistics, disposal logistics, reverse logistics, green logistics, emergency logistics, and digital logistics. Since logistics is such a vital function for every business, who are the top logistics companies in the world?

Top Logistics Companies in the World

DHL Logistics

Today, DHL has become a household name when it comes to logistics services. DHL serves both individuals and business customers with solutions which includes warehousing and distribution, customs, insurance, supply chain solutions, freight transportation, and industry sector solutions. With its vision as “The Logistics company for the World,” DHL employs 325,000 people across three significant regions namely the Americas, Asia Pacific, and Europe. People trust DHL across the world to send urgent documents or goods reliably in a very short time. The company is now focused on developing green solutions by providing Green Express Shipment, Green Mail, and Parcel Shipments. In the fiscal year of 2016, the company reported worldwide revenues of 57 billion euros.

UPS Supply Chain Solutions

UPS Supply Chain Solutions is an American messenger company started by James Casey in 1907. Initially, it started out by delivering packages, but now it offers services including contract logistics, consulting services, industry solutions, transport and freight, and customs brokerage. The company offers its services to industries such as healthcare, industrial manufacturing, aerospace and defense, automotive, customer services, professional services, and hi-tech. They believe in the importance of business sustainability and thus have increased their efforts to help small start-ups and e-commerce business by taking care of their supply chain. The company has grown significantly with numerous merger activities which include Haulfast, Menlo Worldwide, Carryfast, and Parcel Pro.

FedEx

FedEx is the company giving serious challenge to the market leader DHL operating with a fleet of 325,000 employees across the world. Their service range includes post-delivery, express mail, third-party logistics, and freight forwarding. The company is known for shipping packages overnight and inventing real-time package tracking system which can find lost packages as well. In order to expand its global operations, the company has undergone mergers and acquisitions with companies such as GENCO, Bongo International, Supaswift, Opek Sp.z o.o., TATEX, and Rapidão Cometa. As a part of sustainability measures, FedEx has installed solar panel fields at certain facilities to reduce carbon radiations and also built all-electric trucks under their EarthSmart initiative.

SNCF (Société Nationale des Chemins de fer Français)

The SNCF Group is France’s state-owned railway company that employs 180,000 people across the world. The company provides full range mobility solutions including Proximities, SNCF Infra, Logistics, Voyages, and Connexions. Its logistics division formerly operated under the name SNCF Geodis. It is amongst the top transport and logistics companies in France and fourth overall in Europe. The company has accumulated expertise in road transport, supply chain optimization, freight forwarding, distribution, contract logistics, and express delivery over the years. The company has transports 3 million vehicles every year with 3200 trucks and wagons in their STVA fleet.

Kuehne + Nagel

Kuehne + Nagel was started by August Kühne and Friedrich Nagel in 1890 in Bremen, Germany. The company is currently headquartered in Switzerland and provides supply chain solutions to industries like aerospace, FMCG, hotels, marine, and forests. Their product and services portfolio include airfreight, sea freight, over-land, contract logistics, and integrated logistics. The company is also considered one of the best sea freight forwarder in the world achieving double-digit growth year on year. The company also earned Global Cargo 2000 Phase 2 certification for their cargo forwarding works. Apart from sea freight forwarding the company is also a close market leader in contract logistics and lead logistics.

For more information on top logistics companies in the world, contract logistics, freight forwarding, reverse logistics, integrated logistics, and supply chain management:

Related Articles:

• Top 5 Trends in Digital Procurement
• CRM Software: Giving A Digital Edge to Procurement Processes
• The Rise of AI, Machine Learning, Big Data, and Blockchain – Are Machines Threatening the Job of a Supply Chain Manager?