Top 10 Logistics Companies In The World In 2017

The top 10 logistics companies in the world in 2017 are global names having a wide international footprint, extensive distribution networks, and impeccable reputation. These are renowned names from different parts of the world – the U.S.A., Germany, France, Switzerland and Japan.

Logistics can be defined as the efficient and effective transportation and storage of goods from one place to another. Without a proper distribution of resources, society could cease to function in a sane manner. Logistics is the backbone of an economy and as the global economy expands, logistics is becoming increasingly important. Today logistics involves more than the mere transportation of goods – good infrastructure and record-keeping also ensure promptness, seamless and effective deliveries. Growth in the international trade agreement is one of the most significant factors contributing towards the progression of logistics market.

Favorable government trade policies, burgeoning e-commerce growth, technological innovation are few important growth drivers for the global logistics market. Increasing shopping activity across borders is expected to account for 20% of e-commerce by 2022. Technavio estimates that the global logistics market is expected to grow at 7% CAGR by 2021.

Every industry uses logistics – manufacturing, retail, government, healthcare, media and entertainment, telecommunication, banking, and information technology etc. But retail and manufacturing industries have been the major growth drivers in recent years. Based on the various logistics model types, the logistics market is segmented into first party logistics, second party logistics, third party logistics and others. 3PLs have been particularly gaining traction in the emerging economies which have witnessed an impressive growth in the logistics industry over the past decade. Based on the type of transport infrastructure logistics could be categorized into four types – roadways, waterways, railways, and airways. Road transport is the most favorable mode of logistic transport.

E-commerce and technology will reshape the logistics market to a great extent.  The top logistics companies in the world in 2017 will be required to come up with more innovative solutions to deliver goods ordered online. A fully-integrated supply chain management solution is the need of the hour and technology will have a major role to play in this area. Electronic data interchange (EDI), electronic ordering system, emphasis on waste reduction, inventory control, consistent operations etc. are other pre-requisites.

Starting on the next page, we have listed the top 10 logistics companies in the world in 2017 and ranked on the basis of their revenue for the latest 12-month period.

Head to the next page to begin the list. You might also want to check out our list of the 10 Biggest Logistics Companies in the World.

10. Panalpina – Switzerland

Annual Revenue – $5.3 billion

The Panalpina Group provides air freight, ocean freight, logistics, and supply chain solutions to its customers over six continents. It is one of the world’s leading providers of end-to-end supply chain solutions. The company has 500 offices in more than 70 countries, and partners in over 90 other countries. It is also expanding into IT and Energy solutions. Panalpina caters to the needs of nine core industries ranging from automotive, chemicals and retail to fashion, healthcare and perishables.

9. CEVA Inc. (NASDAQ:CEVA) – Netherlands

Annual Revenue – $6.65 billion

In just a decade of its existence, CEVA Inc. (NASDAQ:CEVA) has become one of the top 10 logistics companies in the world in 2017. CEVA Logistics is one of the world’s leading non-asset- based supply chain management companies providing freight management and contract logistics services. CEVA Inc. (NASDAQ:CEVA) serves clients in the automotive, consumer & retail, energy, healthcare, industrial & aerospace, and technology sectors in 160 countries worldwide.

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8. SNCF Logistics – France

Annual Revenue – $11.75 billion

SNCF Logistics, is a business line of the SNCF Group, and is the number one Transport and Logistics operator in France.  The company has operations in more than 120 countries in Europe, Asia and Oceania. SNCF Logistics offers customized multimodal solutions through its four divisions Geodis, STVA, TFMM and Ermewa Group.

7. C.H. Robinson Worldwide Inc. (NASDAQ:CHRW)

Annual Revenue – $13.1 billion

With more than a century of industry experience, C.H. Robinson Worldwide Inc. (NASDAQ:CHRW) one of the world’s largest third party logistic providers. The company serves a wide range of industries, markets, and sizes and delivers innovative supply chain solutions to more than 113,000 customers across the world.

6. DHL – Germany

Annual Revenue – $16.43 billion

With over $16 billion in annual revenue, DHL ranks sixth on our list of top 10 logistics companies in the world in 2017. DHL is a leading provider of freight transportation, warehousing and distribution, and supply chain solutions. It is a part of the world’s leading postal and logistics company Deutsche Post DHL Group. DHL has a presence in over 220 countries and territories across the globe and operates the most extensive and comprehensive global network.

5. Nippon Express – Japan

Annual Revenue – $17.07 billion

Nippon Express is a global logistics company having operations in the Americas, EMEA, Japan and other parts of Asia. The company serves through diverse logistics modes like land, air, and marine, meeting the needs of customers in diverse business categories. Nippon Express transports cargo over a global network of more than 1,000 air routes and is proficient in transporting heavy goods, and handling installation and construction projects in Japan and many other countries.

4. DB Schenker – Germany

Annual Revenue – $17.7 billion

DB Schenker is the world’s leading global logistics provider, offering land transport, worldwide air and ocean freight, contract logistics and supply chain management services. The company has operations at 2,000 locations around the world. DB Schenker has a global network and advanced logistics solutions covering 430 land transportation branches across Europe, ocean freight capacity shipping more than 5,500 containers a day to ports all around the world and an air freight network extending in 130 countries.

3. Kuehne + Nagel – Switzerland

Annual Revenue – $20.5 billion

The Kuehne + Nagel Group is one of the world’s leading logistics companies with operations at 1,300 locations in over 100 countries. The company is known for its IT-based integrated logistics solutions covering sea freight, airfreight, contract logistics and overland businesses. With over 125 years in business, Kuehne + Nagel Group has successfully attained the No.1 and No.2 global positions as the sea freight and air cargo forwarder, and contract logistics provider.

2. FedEx Corporation (NYSE:FDX) – Tennessee

Annual Revenue – $60.3 billion

FedEx Corporation (NYSE:FDX) is a global leader in providing express deliveries. FedEx Express is the world’s largest express transportation company, providing fast and reliable delivery of more than 5.5 million packages each business day. The company has an extensive worldwide network extending to five regions outside the U.S. and serves more than 220 countries.  FedEx Corporation (NYSE:FDX) is also consistently ranked among the world’s most admired and trusted employers.

1. United Parcel Service, Inc. (NYSE:UPS) – Seattle

Annual Revenue – $60.9 billion

With more than $60 billion in annual revenue, United Parcel Service Inc. (NYSE:UPS) is the No.1 company on our list of top 10 logistics companies in the world in 2017. It is the world’s largest package delivery company and one of the leading global providers of transportation and logistics services. It provides a broad range of solutions including transporting packages and freight (air, sea, ground, rail) and logistics and distribution. United Parcel Service Inc. (NYSE:UPS) has a well-established global delivery system serving every address in North America and Europe and more than 220 countries worldwide. There are over 4,900 UPS stores and more than 1800 operating facilities.

Disclosure: None