Top Freight Forwarding Companies in China
Comprehensive analysis of leading domestic and international freight forwarding companies operating in China's logistics market.
Market Overview
China's freight forwarding market features both powerful domestic firms and the full array of major global logistics companies, all competing to manage shipments in and out of China.
The market includes state-backed giants, private domestic specialists, and household-name multinational forwarders, each bringing distinct advantages and service offerings.
China liberalized foreign investment in freight forwarding by removing many restrictions in 2019, enabling global forwarders to operate via Chinese subsidiaries or joint ventures.
Market Players by Category
Leading Chinese Forwarders
State-owned and private Chinese companies leveraging domestic market knowledge and carrier relationships
World's #2 ocean freight forwarder (2024 ranking)
Market Position
China's largest freight forwarder and logistics company (part of China Merchants Group)
Specializations
- • Ocean freight forwarding
- • Air freight services
- • Rail freight coordination
- • State-linked cargo handling
Services
- • Air, sea, and rail forwarding
- • 3PL services
- • Warehousing and distribution
- • Trucking and inland transport
- +1 more
Key Strengths
- • Extensive domestic network
- • International office coverage
- • Close COSCO carrier relationships
- • Government and state-enterprise connections
Client Base
Market Position
Originally courier/express giant expanding into international freight forwarding
Specializations
- • International freight forwarding
- • Contract logistics
- • E-commerce logistics
- • Express delivery integration
Services
- • Air and ocean freight
- • Domestic distribution network
- • International shipping
- • Supply chain management
Key Strengths
- • Strong domestic network
- • Technology integration
- • E-commerce expertise
- • End-to-end solutions
Client Base
Market Position
Specialized and regional players serving specific market segments
Specializations
- • Regional expertise
- • Specialized cargo types
- • SME services
- • Niche market focus
Services
- • Air cargo specialization (CTS International)
- • Regional logistics (CJ Logistics China)
- • Rail shipping (China Railway Logistics)
- • Shipping services (China Shipping Logistics)
Key Strengths
- • Specialized knowledge
- • Regional relationships
- • Flexible service offerings
- • Competitive pricing
Client Base
Global Multinational Forwarders
International logistics giants with sophisticated global networks and standardized processes
World's largest sea freight forwarder
Market Position
Consistently ranked as global #1 sea freight forwarder handling millions of TEUs
Specializations
- • Ocean freight forwarding
- • Air freight services
- • Contract logistics
- • Integrated supply chain
Services
- • Multimodal transport
- • Supply chain management
- • Warehousing and distribution
- • Industry-specific solutions
Key Strengths
- • Global network coverage
- • Advanced technology platforms
- • Industry expertise
- • Multiple offices in China's major cities
Client Base
Typically #1 by gross revenue globally
Market Position
Part of Deutsche Post, substantial China-derived revenue with integrated operations
Specializations
- • Air and ocean freight
- • Supply chain management
- • Contract logistics
- • Technology industry focus
Services
- • Freight forwarding
- • Distribution center management
- • Supply chain solutions
- • Industry-specific logistics
Key Strengths
- • Global brand recognition
- • Technology integration
- • Multinational client relationships
- • Comprehensive service portfolio
Client Base
Market Position
Result of DSV-Panalpina merger, strong presence in China across all modes
Specializations
- • Air, sea, and road freight
- • Supply chain solutions
- • Industry specialization
- • Global connectivity
Services
- • Integrated transport solutions
- • Warehousing and distribution
- • Supply chain consulting
- • Industry-specific expertise
Key Strengths
- • Global network integration
- • Industry specialization
- • Technology platforms
- • Comprehensive modal coverage
Client Base
Market Position
Major global forwarders with significant China operations and local partnerships
Specializations
- • DB Schenker (rail and logistics)
- • Expeditors (technology focus)
- • C.H. Robinson (digital platforms)
- • CEVA Logistics (contract logistics)
Services
- • Multimodal forwarding
- • Technology-enabled logistics
- • Contract logistics
- • Regional specialization
Key Strengths
- • Global reach and connectivity
- • Technology innovation
- • Industry expertise
- • Standardized processes
Client Base
Mid-size and Niche Forwarders
Specialized companies serving SMEs and specific market segments with competitive and flexible services
Market Position
Shanghai-headquartered forwarder known for technology integration and personal service
Specializations
- • Digital tracking
- • Personalized service
- • SME focus
- • Transparent operations
Services
- • Ocean and air freight
- • Digital shipment tracking
- • Customer service
- • Flexible solutions
Key Strengths
- • Digital tracking capabilities
- • Personalized customer service
- • Competitive pricing
- • SME expertise
Client Base
Market Position
Shenzhen-based with 20+ years experience, serving Amazon sellers and SMEs
Specializations
- • China-USA shipping
- • Amazon FBA logistics
- • Transparent pricing
- • SME services
Services
- • Ocean and air freight
- • FBA shipping solutions
- • Warehousing services
- • E-commerce logistics
Key Strengths
- • Transparent pricing model
- • Amazon FBA expertise
- • Long-term experience
- • SME focus
Client Base
Market Position
Serving the 40%+ of global e-commerce parcels originating from China
Specializations
- • Cross-border e-commerce
- • Parcel consolidation
- • International packet forwarding
- • Fulfillment services
Services
- • 4PX Express (international packets)
- • Yanwen (cross-border parcels)
- • E-commerce fulfillment
- • Small parcel consolidation
Key Strengths
- • E-commerce expertise
- • Small parcel specialization
- • Technology integration
- • Cross-border experience
Client Base
Industry Trends
Industry consolidation is gradually increasing with largest forwarders growing faster than the market through global M&A (DSV acquired Panalpina, SF Holding acquired Kerry Logistics).
Forwarders often join alliances or networks (WCA, JCtrans) to extend their reach and capabilities while maintaining independence.
Growing specialization by commodity type, geographic region, transport mode, and industry vertical to differentiate in competitive market.
Significant growth in e-commerce logistics specialization, with many forwarders developing dedicated cross-border e-commerce services and fulfillment capabilities.
Selection Guidance
- Deep local expertise and market knowledge
- Better rates through carrier relationships
- Understanding of local procedures and regulations
- Cost advantages for domestic operations
- Global integrated networks and connectivity
- Standardized processes and procedures
- Advanced technology platforms
- Multinational client expertise