Logistics is now a vital component of the wider supply chain, a very important aspect of local and global trade. Businesses continually tap into more effective strategies that improve transportation, storage, and inventory management among other areas like information systems and security.
Logistics companies provide services that help many businesses handle their logistics needs.
Here we look at what logistics companies near me are, how to find a logistics company near you and the benefits of using a logistics provider ‘near me.’ We also tell you who the biggest logistics companies in the world in 2020 are, as well as a list of the top courier companies globally.
What is a Logistic Company?
A logistics company is a service provider that offers services targeted towards supply chain activities. In most cases, a logistics company will be one that specializes in services such as freight transportation, storage, and warehousing. They may also provide services in the imports and exports industry.
Logistics companies endeavor to deliver value to their customers, a task that often sees them build a huge network of service providers across the supply chain. If it’s a freight service company, the network may extend across all modes of transportation. Here it would be surprising to find a trucking company connected in a way to rail, sea, and air transport.
Logistics Companies Near Me
A typical search engine result page for the query “logistics companies near me” should give you a list of all the major logistics companies in your area, state, region or country. That would be the case if, for instance, you are in Texas, United States and looked for top logistics companies.
As well as an online search, a look at the local classifieds and asking for referrals should see you access information on the top logistics providers near you. A lot of these companies are likely to be FIATA members- a check there is also a good idea.
But that alone isn’t everything there is for you to do if you need to get a provider that is right for you. You should be asking yourself this:
What Should I Consider About Logistics Companies Near Me?
Getting a logistics company won’t take you long, but deciding whether that provider is good for you is the most important part. Do you need a local trucking service or is it an international freight forwarder? Or maybe you are after a top courier service or even a 3PL provider.
What do you need in all these situations? Know what you want and what to look for in a logistics company.
Here is what you need to check to pick a good logistics company near you:
- The logistics company’s reputation – check background for information on their reliability
- Type of shipment handled – is it suited to your needs?
- What’s their level of experience– established company or new in the game?
- Get the cost estimates- in a written contract
- What kind of insurance do they offer for your freight?
- Can you track your shipment while in transit?
- Safety record – if it’s a trucking service, choose a provider whose safety record is good. Start by searching here where you can find reports like this one.
What Are the Advantages of Using Logistics Companies Near Me?
Some advantages you are likely to enjoy when you use logistics companies near you are:
- Greater control
Larger multinational logistics companies might offer more, including monitoring shipments. But when you use a logistics company from your locality, you have that added advantage of ‘dropping in’ to see what’s happening in case it’s come to that. - Reduces supply chain costs
If you choose a logistics provider near you, chances are your overall costs would be far less compared to using an international company. - Increased revenue
It’s really simple- if you choose the right logistics provider from your area, you are going to spend less on logistics. In the long run, you are likely to convert potential expenses into revenue. - Get global quality services but tailored for the local market
A good logistics company near you should offer the quality services you want. However, there is that added benefit of getting services tailor-made to suit the neighborhood. That includes the best mode of transportation for you.
Types of Logistics Companies
Logistics companies provide vital service to businesses that may otherwise struggle with challenges in their shipping. When a company finds a good logistics provider, for instance in transportation logistics, the support often saves time and money. But more importantly, it is pertinent that shipments reach their final consumption point (customers) on time and in good shape.
There are various types of logistics companies, many with services spread all over the world. There are smaller ones that may offer logistics services only in a certain locality. As such, the choice of one or the other depends on the type of logistics provider and business seeking its services.
Here are examples of logistics companies:
- Freight services
Freight companies offer services in the movement of freight, whether domestically or internationally. The choice of a freight transportation service will depend on the type of freight as well as its location. Companies in this industry can handle freight shipping via trucks, railroad, air, or sea.Carriers also provide these services, trucking being one of the most popular freight shipping modes. Companies can choose between full truckload (FTL) and less-than-truckload (LTL) services. - Courier Services
Companies that provide courier services handle logistics needs for businesses and individuals shipping smaller loads, time-critical orders or highly sensitive goods. Courier services offer you the advantage of safety and speed, with a high rate of customer satisfaction. - Freight Forwarders
Freight forwarders work with freight companies to find shipping methods that are most efficient and most cost-effective. In most cases, you go for a freight forwarder when handling international shipments. Such companies will help you handle customs paperwork and negotiate shipping rates among other vital tasks. - Third-party logistics providers (3PLs)
Third-party logistics (3PL) companies are those that offer outsourced logistics that another company needs. The services provided may vary depending on the provider and your supply chain needs. So you can have services in freight transportation or warehousing or information systems and so on.
Who Are The Top 10 Logistics Companies by Size?
The world’s biggest logistics companies get their stellar reputation from their experience and service provision. They are known for their reliability, speed, accuracy and overall benefit to their customers in terms of efficiency and cost-effectiveness.
The top 10 logistics companies globally:
- United Parcel Service Inc
UPS is a U.S-based logistics provider that also offers package delivery, courier services, and freight transportation. The company is currently valued at $106.6 billion. The company employs close to 500,000 people across the globe. - Deutsche Post AG
Better known is the company’s DHL Supply Chain division. The German-based Deutsche Post AG is the second-largest logistics company in the world with a market cap of over $56 billion. DHL employs more than 360,000 people worldwide.DHL customers include Nike, Chrysler, Lego, and Bayer Healthcare. - FedEx Corporation
FedEx has consistently ranked among the top 20 logistics providers in the world. The U.S.-based company provides logistics services in courier; consumer and transportation services. FedEx employs over 425,000 people. - DSV
Headquartered in Denmark, DSV is one of the world’s top logistics companies. It also offers freight transportation services. - Kuhne+Nagel International AG
Kuhne is headquartered in Switzerland and offers transportation and logistics services all over the globe. - XPO Logistics Inc.
XPO Logistics operates as a 3PL provider and has grown in recent years to become one of the largest logistics companies. The company has over 100,000 employees spread across the world. - ZTO Express
ZTO Express has its headquarters in China and is a leading logistics provider. The firm also offers services in freight transportation. As of January 2020, the company’s market valuation was $18.7 billion. - Expeditors International of Washington Inc
Value Today ranks this company 9th overall in the category of the largest logistics companies. Apart from transportation, Expeditors International of Washington also offers services in freight forwarding. - B. Hunt Transport Services
J.B. Hunt Transportation Services is a top U.S.-based logistics company that also offers trucking services. The firm has over 25,000 employees and serves a growing number of customers. - H. Robinson Worldwide
C.H. Robinson Worldwide has been in operation since 1905, growing to become one of the largest providers of 3PL and transportation services. The company provides freight forwarding services – air, sea, road, and rail.
What is the Biggest Courier Company in the World?
One that is sure in global trade is its ever-increasing competition, with overall advancement meaning that companies work extra hard to stay ahead of the competition. It is the same in the courier services industry, where some of the companies that started as local providers have consistently forged ahead to become global giants.
The biggest courier company in the world today is DHL International GmbH. The company was founded in San Francisco, CA in 1969 by Adrian Dalsey Larry Hillblom and Robert Lynn. DHL has locations in over 220 countries and was acquired by Deutsche Post AG, a leading German-based logistics company.
DHL’s competitors in the courier services sector are UPS and FedEx. United Parcel Service is a U.S. headquartered logistics company founded in 1907. It offers package delivery and courier services in most countries in the world, handling over 15 million parcels daily. FedEx Corporation was founded in 1971 and has a presence in over 220 countries.
Other top 10 courier companies are:
United States Postal Service
- Schenker AG
- SF Holdings Co.
- Yunda Corp
- Yamato Holdings Co., Ltd
- YTO Express Group
- YRC Worldwide Inc
Who is the Biggest Transport Company in the World?
An explosion in global trade has seen key players in transportation create an ever-growing network that spans the global transport industry.
Although there are top companies all across the globe, American providers dominate the top 10 list of the largest transport companies in the world. Some of the major players completely dominate air, sea, railway or road transport.
Here are the biggest transportation companies in the world today:
- Union Pacific Corporation
- United Parcel Service
- Delta Airlines
- CSX Transport Company
- East Japan Railway Company
- Norfolk Souther Corporation
- Canadian National Railway Company
- Deutsche Post
- General Dynamics Corporation
- American Airlines
How Big is the Trucking Industry in the U.S.?
The U.S. is home to some of the largest trucking companies in the world. Revenue from the trucking industry has consistently topped $700 billion since 2018, with more than 3.5 million drivers working for either short haul or long haul companies.
Truckers move over 10 billion tons of freight every year, accounting for over 70 percent of all freight transported across the country, Canada and Mexico.
Some of the biggest trucking companies in the U.S. include Knight-Swift, JB Hunt Transportation, Schneider National, Werner Enterprises, and XPO Logistics (formerly Con-way Inc.)
Do Local Trucking Companies Still Provide Long Haul Services?
The trucking industry employs thousands of people, with long haul truck drivers one of the best-paid people in the country. Local trucking drivers are home after the shift ends every day, while long haul truckers often spend weeks on the road.
Many large trucking companies offer both local and long haul transportation services. However, a company specializing in local trucking services would not offer OTR services.
