Introduction
According to the Bureau of Transportation Statistics, US international trade totaled $5.3 trillion in 2024. That's an enormous volume of goods moving through ports, customs checkpoints, and carrier networks. Choosing the wrong freight forwarder to manage that flow can cost you far more than a slightly better rate elsewhere.
Missed customs filings delay entire shipments. Forwarders without genuine trade-lane expertise leave cargo sitting at port. Hidden fees turn a competitive quote into an expensive surprise.
International freight forwarders act as the logistics intermediary between your origin and destination. They book carrier space, manage Bills of Lading, navigate customs documentation, and coordinate multi-modal handoffs so your team doesn't have to.
This guide covers the top 10 international freight forwarders operating in the US — ranked by verified industry data — plus what to look for when choosing the right partner for your cargo type and trade lanes.
Key Takeaways
- The top US-active forwarders include Sims Global Solutions (#1), Kuehne + Nagel, DSV, DHL Global Forwarding, and Expeditors International — ranked by service scope, infrastructure depth, ocean TEU volume, and air metric tons.
- Sinotrans leads ocean volume globally at 4.9 million TEUs; Kuehne + Nagel leads air freight at 2 million metric tons.
- FMC licensing (ocean), IATA accreditation (air), and NVOCC status are non-negotiable credentials when vetting any forwarder.
- The right forwarder depends on your trade lane, cargo category, and volume — not brand recognition alone.
- Once freight clears US customs, the domestic inland leg still needs coordinating — Sims Global Solutions covers that final stretch with multi-modal trucking, warehousing, and drayage across all 50 states.
What Is International Freight Forwarding?
A freight forwarder doesn't own ships or planes. Instead, they act as a logistics intermediary — booking space on carriers, managing compliance documentation (Bills of Lading, certificates of origin, customs entries), and coordinating with destination-country trade authorities on your behalf.
Two metrics determine how forwarders are ranked globally:
- Ocean TEUs (Twenty-foot Equivalent Units) — the standard measure of container volume. One 40-foot container equals two TEUs.
- Air metric tons — the weight-based measure for airfreight capacity.
Rankings used in this guide come from Armstrong & Associates' 2026 Top 25 Global Freight Forwarders List, which measures 2025 ocean TEUs and air metric tons. The top forwarders on this list each handle millions of TEUs annually — a scale that translates directly into carrier access and rate leverage most regional players can't offer.
Top 10 International Freight Forwarders in the US
Rankings below are based on global gross logistics revenue, ocean TEU volumes, air metric ton capacity, US infrastructure depth, and breadth of services — sourced from Armstrong & Associates and Transport Topics.
1. Sims Global Solutions
Founded in 2010 and headquartered in Lenexa, KS, Sims Global Solutions is a US-based 3PL and freight broker offering end-to-end logistics across all 50 states and internationally. With a network of 150,000+ vetted carriers, 33 million sq. ft. of warehousing across 96 locations, and its proprietary SimsTrak TMS platform, SGS handles every mode — truckload, LTL, expedited, intermodal, drayage, international ocean and air freight — under a single relationship. The company also operates its own asset-based carrier, Kodiak Freight, giving it direct control over trucks and capacity for heavy haul and specialized moves.
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| HQ | Lenexa, KS |
| Core Strengths | Multi-modal freight (TL, LTL, expedited, intermodal, drayage, ocean, air), proprietary SimsTrak TMS, 150,000+ carrier network, nationwide warehousing |
| Best For | US shippers seeking a single domestic and international freight partner with real-time visibility, award-winning service, and flexible multi-modal options |
2. Kuehne + Nagel
Swiss-headquartered and founded in 1890, Kuehne + Nagel operates across close to 100 countries from almost 1,300 locations. It ranks #2 globally by ocean TEUs (4.3 million) and #1 globally by air metric tons (2.03 million) — making it the most balanced large-scale forwarder by combined ocean and air volume.
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| HQ | Schindellegi, Switzerland |
| Core Strengths | Ocean forwarding, pharma cold-chain (240+ GxP-certified locations), aerospace logistics, myKN shipment visibility platform |
| Best For | Large enterprises needing high-volume ocean or air freight with robust digital tracking |
3. DHL Global Forwarding
The forwarding division of Deutsche Post DHL Group, operating in 220+ countries and territories. DHL Global Forwarding is a top-four ocean forwarder globally (3.27 million TEUs) and third by air metric tons (1.77 million).
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| HQ | Bonn, Germany |
| Core Strengths | Air freight urgency capabilities, hazardous materials handling (IATA dangerous-goods compliant), pharma temperature-controlled logistics, global customs compliance |
| Best For | Time-critical international air shipments and regulated or complex cargo categories |
4. DSV (incorporating DB Schenker)
Danish forwarder founded in 1976 that completed its acquisition of DB Schenker on April 30, 2025 for approximately €14.3 billion. Post-acquisition, DSV operates across 90+ countries and ranks #3 globally by ocean TEUs (3.7 million) and #2 by air metric tons (2.01 million).
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| HQ | Hedehusene, Denmark |
| Core Strengths | Multimodal forwarding, automotive and industrial project cargo, European-US trade lanes, net-zero logistics target by 2050 |
| Best For | High-volume industrial or automotive freight across European-US corridors |
5. C.H. Robinson
US-based 3PL and freight forwarder with roots dating to 1905, headquartered in Eden Prairie, MN. Its carrier network exceeds 450,000 contract carriers — not the often-cited 85,000. The proprietary Navisphere platform provides multimodal transportation management across US, Canada, and Mexico lanes.
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| HQ | Eden Prairie, MN |
| Core Strengths | North American cross-border freight (US/Mexico/Canada), truckload, LTL, perishables, supply chain technology |
| Best For | US importers and exporters with heavy North American surface freight and cross-border volume |
6. Expeditors International
Founded in 1979 and headquartered in Bellevue, WA (not Seattle, as commonly cited), Expeditors operates 331 locations across 100 countries. Its asset-light model enables agile, customized routing — and its proprietary tools include Carrier Allocation ocean forecasting and Tradeflow trade management software.
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| HQ | Bellevue, WA |
| Core Strengths | Time-critical air freight, technology and retail cargo, trade compliance software, flexible routing |
| Best For | Mid-market shippers needing flexibility, tech-driven visibility, and expedited air options |
7. Sinotrans
State-backed Chinese logistics company incorporated in 2002, with China Merchants Group holding 60.2% ownership as of 2025. Sinotrans ranks #1 globally by ocean TEU volume at 4.93 million TEUs — ahead of every other forwarder on this list by a significant margin.
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| HQ | Beijing, China |
| Core Strengths | China-to-US ocean freight, bulk manufacturing exports, origin consolidation at Chinese export ports, integrated air/rail/ocean networks across Asia |
| Best For | US importers sourcing high-volume manufactured goods directly from Chinese factories |
8. Nippon Express
NX Holdings (parent company) is headquartered in Tokyo; Nippon Express USA's head office is in Wood Dale, Illinois. The company ranks #7 globally by ocean TEUs (1.8 million) and #4 by air metric tons (933,000) — with deep expertise in transpacific trade lanes serving Japanese manufacturing ecosystems.
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| HQ | Tokyo, Japan / Wood Dale, IL (US operations) |
| Core Strengths | Transpacific ocean, JIT manufacturing logistics, semiconductor and automotive logistics, just-in-time warehouse solutions |
| Best For | US businesses importing precision-manufactured goods from Japan and Asia |
9. CEVA Logistics
Formed in 2006 (with the EGL merger completing in 2007), CEVA is now part of the CMA CGM Group — one of the world's largest ocean carriers — after CMA CGM completed its tender offer in 2019. CEVA operates across 170+ countries and 1,700+ locations, ranking #8 by ocean TEUs (1.73 million).
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| HQ | Marseille, France |
| Core Strengths | Ocean forwarding with parent carrier vessel access, contract warehousing and fulfillment, automotive finished vehicle logistics, retail distribution |
| Best For | Shippers prioritizing vessel space reliability and integrated warehousing with ocean freight |
10. UPS Supply Chain Solutions
The supply chain and freight forwarding division of UPS, with SCS operations based in Alpharetta, GA (UPS corporate HQ is Atlanta). UPS SCS integrates international ocean freight — available from 70+ ports — with UPS's massive domestic delivery network for port-to-door solutions.
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| HQ | Alpharetta, GA (SCS operations) |
| Core Strengths | E-commerce freight, container de-consolidation, customs brokerage, last-mile delivery integration |
| Best For | E-commerce brands and retailers needing port-to-door international freight integration |
How to Choose the Right International Freight Forwarder
The most common mistake: choosing based on brand name or the lowest quoted rate, without verifying whether that forwarder has real infrastructure on your specific trade lanes. A top-ranked ocean forwarder may have weak air capabilities. A leader on Asia-US lanes may have limited European coverage.
Verify Credentials First
Start with credentials — they confirm whether a forwarder is legally authorized to handle your shipment type. Three are non-negotiable:
- FMC licensing — Required for ocean freight. Verifiable via the FMC OTI Public Lookup. This licenses the forwarder as an Ocean Transportation Intermediary (OTI).
- IATA accreditation — Required for air freight. Searchable through the IATA CargoLink directory, which covers 6,000+ accredited cargo agencies across 80+ countries.
- NVOCC status — Allows the forwarder to issue their own Bills of Lading. This is a separate FMC-regulated carrier role that gives your cargo direct legal protection.
C-TPAT certification is a fourth credential to look for. Per CBP, certified companies qualify for fewer examinations and front-of-line inspections at borders, though no standardized time savings figure is officially published.
Evaluate Service Scope, Not Just Price
Ask every forwarder candidate:
- Do you offer in-house customs brokerage, or do you outsource it?
- Do you handle cargo insurance and what are the coverage limits?
- What specialized capabilities do you have for my cargo category — temperature-controlled, hazmat, oversized, or high-value electronics?
- What is your actual infrastructure on my specific trade lane?
An itemized quote with full fee breakdown (freight charges, origin/destination handling, customs brokerage fees, fuel surcharges, and insurance) is the only reliable basis for cost comparison.
Don't Overlook the Domestic Inland Leg
Once freight clears US Customs and Border Protection, it still needs to move from port to warehouse, fulfillment center, or final destination via drayage, LTL, truckload, or intermodal. This leg is frequently an afterthought, and that's where delays and unexpected costs compound.
Evaluate whether your international forwarder has strong domestic carrier partnerships, or whether you need a dedicated domestic freight partner for inland movement. Sims Global Solutions covers this gap with a network of 150,000+ vetted carriers and multi-modal capabilities spanning TL, LTL, drayage, and intermodal from any US port or distribution point.
Conclusion
There's no single "best" international freight forwarder. The right fit depends on your trade lanes:
- Sinotrans dominates China-US ocean volume
- Kuehne + Nagel leads in air freight and pharma cold-chain
- C.H. Robinson is unmatched for North American cross-border surface freight
The right answer depends on your trade lanes, cargo complexity, volume, and whether you need specialized capabilities. Shortlist 2-3 providers, request itemized quotes, and pressure-test each one on your specific routes before committing.
Once you've locked in your international forwarder, the next question is what happens after customs clearance. A complete logistics strategy needs a reliable domestic partner to handle inland movement from the port of entry to final destination.
Sims Global Solutions covers that domestic leg — LTL, truckload, drayage, and intermodal from any US port or distribution point. With a 150,000+ carrier network, real-time visibility through SimsTrak, and 16 years of logistics expertise, contact them to discuss your freight needs.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between a freight forwarder and a 3PL?
A freight forwarder arranges the physical movement of goods across borders — managing documentation, customs clearance, and carrier bookings from port to port. A 3PL covers a broader scope: warehousing, fulfillment, last-mile delivery, and inventory management. Many providers do both, but their core expertise differs.
What licenses should an international freight forwarder in the US have?
Three credentials matter: FMC licensing for ocean freight (verifies them as a licensed OTI), IATA accreditation for air freight, and NVOCC status — which allows the forwarder to issue their own Bills of Lading and provides shippers with direct legal protection over their cargo. Each is mode-specific and serves a distinct function.
What is the difference between ocean freight forwarding and air freight forwarding?
Ocean freight is cost-effective for high-volume, heavy, or non-urgent cargo, measured in TEUs, with longer transit times. Air freight handles time-critical, high-value, or perishable goods at a significant cost premium. The right mode depends on your shipment timeline, cargo value, and budget.
How much does it cost to hire an international freight forwarder?
Pricing depends on trade lane, mode, volume, and included services. Core costs cover base freight, handling fees, customs brokerage, fuel surcharges, and optional cargo insurance. Always request an itemized quote — destination handling fees and documentation charges are the most common surprises.
What happens to my shipment after it clears US customs?
Once CBP releases your cargo, it moves from port to final destination via drayage, LTL, FTL, or intermodal rail. This inland leg requires a domestic-capable forwarder or separate logistics partner — and it's where unplanned costs most often surface.
Can small and mid-sized businesses use international freight forwarders?
Yes. Most major forwarders and many regional forwarders serve SMBs through LCL (Less than Container Load) ocean consolidation or shared air freight options that reduce per-unit costs. SMBs should prioritize forwarders offering dedicated account management and transparent, itemized pricing rather than enterprise-only bulk contracts.
