Top 10 Logistics Companies in the United States of America

Introduction

Thе Unitеd Statеs is thе biggеst economy worldwidе, mostly bеcausе of its size and rеsourcеs and technology. In 2023, thе logistics markеt in North Amеrica was worth $1 and447.3 billion. Expеrts prеdict that it will grow to $1,754.2 billion by 2032, with a growth ratе of 2.1% еach yеar from 2024 to 2032. This growth is drivеn by morе intеrnational tradе, a biggеr е commеrcе industry and bеttеr tеchnology in logistics and pеoplе wanting fastеr dеlivеry. This industry hеlps makе surе products from all ovеr thе country rеach customеrs quickly.

Some of the world's largest companies for managing e-commerce shipping are based in the US, helping businesses send products to customers both in the US and abroad. But with so many options for e-commerce shipping and logistics companies in the US, it can be hard to pick the right one. So, this article is a detailed guide to help e-commerce business owners choose the top shipping companies in the USA for them.

List of Top 10 logistics companies in the USA

Whether you're a small business owner or a large enterprise, this list of top 10 logistics companies in the USA will help you find the perfect logistics partner to keep your operations running smoothly and efficiently.

UPS (United Parcel Service)

United Parcel Service (UPS) was started back in 1907 in Seattle by James E. Casey and Claude Ryan, who got a $100 loan. At first, it was a small messenger and package delivery service. Then, in 1919, it expanded to Oakland, California, and got the name UPS. This expansion marked the beginning of UPS becoming a big delivery service.

During the 20th century, UPS kept growing. By 1975, it became the first company to deliver to every address in the continental US. It also began offering international services. Today, UPS operates in over 200 countries, showing how it changed from a local messenger service to a global leader in logistics.

Services UPS Offers:

Freight Services:

For large and heavy products, UPS offers freight service. This involves LTL- less than truckload and TL- truckload freight services. They also include air and ocean freight for shipments to be placed internationally

End-to-end supply chain

For various businesses of all sizes, UPS offer end-to-end supply chain solutions. This service involves optimization of supply chain, management of inventory, fulfillment of orders, and service of distribution to increase efficiency and streamline operations.

Warehousing and Distribution:

UPS provides worldwide warehousing and distributing facilities. This service involves cross-docking, picking and packing the order, and solutions of reverse logistics to meet the needs of the customers.

Customs Brokerage:

UPS provides brokerage services for international shipments. These facilitate a seamless transfer of shipments across the borders. This service includes documentation, assisting and compliance with regulations of imports or exports.

XPO Logistics

XPO is a transportation company in the United States that handles less-than-truckload shipping across North America. It started in 1989 and was originally named Express-1 Expedited Solutions. Brad Jacobs bought the company and changed its name to XPO Logistics in September 2011.

The company is based in Greenwich, Connecticut, and has 564 locations worldwide. Boasting a workforce of over 13,000 drivers and a fleet of more than 40,000 tractors and trailers, XPO Logistics is a major player in the transportation industry. Their extensive reach covers an impressive 99% of US ZIP codes, highlighting their widespread service capabilities.

Services XPO Offers:

Reverse Logistics

Reverse logistic solutions provided by XPO logistics help the customers to manage their return and exchange of products. This service includes processing of order returns, recycling, disposal, and refurbishment as well.

Technology Solutions

To increase their control over the shipment management, XPO logistics has made an innovative approach. This service includes a TMS-transport management system. It also provides tools for tracking and monitoring and electronic data interchange (EDI). 

Intermodal Transportation

XPO Logistics offers intermodal transportation solutions, utilizing multiple modes of transportation such as rail and truck to move freight efficiently across long distances.

FedEx

FedEx Corporation, formerly known as Federal Express Corporation and later as FDX Corporation is a worldwide leader in transportation, e-commerce, and business services. It was established in 1971 by Frederick W. Smith and began operating in Memphis, Tennessee, in 1973. 

FedEx is famous for its fast delivery service, being among the first to offer overnight shipping. With more than 500,000 employees, FedEx is not just a top employer in America but also a significant contractor for the US government.

Services FedEX Offers:

Express Delivery:

FeedEX offers customers their express delivery service for shipments that are meant to be delivered urgently. This makes sure that the shipment is delivered within the given time frame. It can be delivered the same day or the next day.

Standard Delivery:

Standard delivery services are for the shipments that are not time-sensitive. It is more cost-effective, but can also take longer time than express delivery.

International Shipping:

FeedEX also provides international shipping. This allows the customers to send their goods internationally across the borders. These can be with custom clearance and the cost can depend upon delivery destination. These may have different time-frames for deliveries.

Tracking:

FeedEx provides tracking services to its customers. This lets the customer monitor the where-about and status of his delivery. This offers transparency between the sender and customer.

J.B.Hunt Transportation

J.B. Hunt Transport Services is a transportation and logistics company from Lowell, Arkansas, USA. It was started by Johnnie Bryan Hunt and Johnelle Hunt on August 10, 1961. By 1983, J.B. Hunt had become the 80th largest trucking firm in the US, making $623.47 million in revenue.

They mainly use large semi-trailer trucks and offer services across the continental U.S., Canada, and Mexico. Currently, they have over 24,000 employees and operate more than 12,000 trucks, along with a fleet of over 145,000 trailers and containers.

Services J.B. Hunt Offers:

Intermodal Transportation

J.B hunt provides intermodal transportation services to its customers. These include using various ways of transporting, such as rail and truck. These modes are used for movement of freight. This service is thus cost-effective and environmentally friendly as well.

Truckload Transportation

If you have a shipment that involves full truck load, J.B Hunt provides services for that as well. This service includes transferring of products from the customer to the destination by using these trucks.

Dedicated Contract Services

J.B Hunt offers customized transportation solutions according to the needs of customers. These are called dedicated contract services and include dedicated fleets, drivers or shipments.

Final Mile Delivery

Large and bulky items require careful handling. J.B hunt provides last-mile delivery to meet this requirement. For furniture, they provide white glove delivery service. It also applies for high-value goods and appliances.

DHL

DHL is a major American logistics company that started in 1969. In 2001, it was bought by Deutsche Post Group, a big postal company. Since then, DHL has grown into one of the biggest international carriers globally. It has over 600,000 employees worldwide and handles more than 1.8 billion shipments every year. With its huge network, businesses in the USA can deliver to customers in over 220 countries.

Services DHL Offers:

E-commerce Solutions

As the ecommerce market increases day by day, DHL has also diversified. It provides special solutions for businesses or retailers that are selling their products online. This service can include last-mile delivery, warehousing and order fulfillment as well.

Customs Clearance

DHL helps its customers with the process of custom clearance for international shipments. It assures customers compliance with the regulations of imports and exports. They also facilitate seamless procedures of clearance and customs documentations as well.

Tracking and Monitoring

DHL provides diversified tracking abilities to its customers. IT allows customers to know the whereabouts to their parcel and status in real-time. This ensures the customer of transparency and visibility.

Value-added Services

DHL also provides various value-added services. These include shipment’s insurance options, services for packaging, and special care for handling of fragile items. These services also include reverse logistics and return management.

Industry-specific Solutions

DHL provides its services to various businesses and industries. Thus, it also provides them diversified solutions that are customized according to the needs of individuals. These services include healthcare logistics, technology logistics and automotive logistics as well.

Kuehne+Nagel

Kuehne + Nagel International AG, also known as Kühne + Nagel, is a big transport and logistics company headquartered in Schindellegi, Switzerland. It started back in 1890 in Bremen, Germany, by August Kühne and Friedrich Nagel. They offer services like sea freight and airfreight forwarding, contract logistics, and overland transportation. 

In 2010, Kuehne + Nagel were the top global freight forwarder, handling about 15% of the world's air and sea freight business by revenue. They have around 1,300 offices in over 100 countries and employ nearly 79,000 people.

Services Kuehne + Nagel Offers: 

Freight Forwarding 

Kuehne+Nagel provides a wide range of freight services to its customers. These can include services for air, roads and sea as well. This involves the shipment of imports and exports, and their management. This also includes documentation services and custom clearance.

Contract Logistics

Keuhne+Nagel offer customized contract logistics solutions. These solutions are tailored to meet the needs of the customer. It can include warehousing, inventory management, and value-added services as well.

Supply Chain Management:

Keuhne+Nagel optimize the supply chain management of their customers by offering them supply chain management services. These can involve supply chain consulting, inventory optimization, designing of networks and planning of transport.

Integrated Logistics Solutions

Keuhne+Nagel offer integrated logistics solutions that include various services that together create an efficient end-to-end transport and logistics solutions to the individuals.

C.H.Robinson

C.H. Robinson is an American transportation company that provides third-party logistics (3PL) services. It started over 119 years ago, in 1905. The company is based in Eden Prairie, Minnesota, and has more than 300 offices with over 15,000 employees across North America, Europe, Asia, and South America.

Their impressive total revenue of $17.6 billion in 2023 underscores their significant impact in the industry. Serving over 90,000 customers and partnering with more than 450,000 contract carriers on their platform.

Services C.H. Robinson Offers:

Dynamic Route Optimization

C.H Robinsons always dynamically optimize the routes of their services. It is done by employing innovative algorithms and real-time data analytics. This service ensures the customers of cost friendly and very efficient solutions for delivery.

Customized Freight Packaging Solutions

All shipments are not meant to be treated the same way, Understanding this, C.H Robinson logistics has created a customized packaging option. This involves packaging solutions according to the size and fragility of the product. This specific attention given to the shipment packaging ensures a safe cargo of goods, even if the environment is challenging.

Proactive Risk Management

C.H Robinson logistics has thought beyond the traditional ways of risk management. It offers proactive risk management services. They go through the predictive analysis and plan the whole scenario. They identify any risk factors that can take place and make their contingency plans according to it. This decreases the impact of risk factors and ensures smooth operations for their customers.

Kerry Logistics

Kerry Logistics was founded in 1981 and is headquartered in Kwai Chung, Hong Kong.

With a presence in 59 countries and territories around the world, Kerry Logistics Network has a strong position in many emerging markets. Its infrastructure is diverse, covering international gateways and utilizing local expertise. They operate in regions such as mainland China, India, Southeast Asia, the CIS, the Middle East, LATAM, and other areas.

In 2022, Kerry Logistics Network generated revenue of over HK$86.6 billion. It's listed on the Hong Kong Stock Exchange with the stock code 0636. HK and is part of the Hang Seng Corporate Sustainability Benchmark Index.

Services Kerry Logistics Offers:

Pan Asian Expertise

Kerry logistic has a deep understanding of the markets in Asia. It also holds a strong presence and a wide network that spans all over the region. This quality of Kerry logistics helps them to navigate the various complexities of the Asian supply chain market. It thus provides the clients with the customized solutions that meet their needs.

Multimodal Transportation solutions

Kerry logistics provides its customers with a wide range of transport services. These include rail freight, ocean, air and road freight as well. By using different types of transportation ways, Kerry logistics provides the customers with solutions that are flexible according to their needs. These also optimize costs, reliability and speed according to the diversified needs of the customers.

CEVA Logistics

CEVA Logistics is a worldwide company that handles logistics and supply chains for both freight management and contract logistics. It's headquartered in Marseille, France, and was formed in 2007 when TNT Logistics and EGL Eagle Global Logistics merged. This merger made CEVA Logistics the fourth largest third-party logistics (3PL) company globally.

CEVA Logistics offers a wide range of customized solutions for logistics contracts and transportation by air, ocean, ground, and finished vehicle transport. They have a massive workforce of 110,000 employees and operate more than 1,300 facilities in over 170 countries. CEVA Logistics is affiliated with the CMA CGM Group, a leading company in shipping and logistics.

Services CEVA Logistics Offers:

End-to-End Supply Chain Solutions

CEVA logistics offers customized end-to-end supply chain solutions that are created according to the needs of its customers. This includes the manufacturing and distribution and also aftermarket support to the supply chain. This allows the customers to streamline their operations, as these comprehensive services span the whole supply chain.

Global Network of Experts

CEVA Logistics has a worldwide network of individuals that are experts in supply chain. These experts have a deep knowledge of industry experiences and regional experiences both. CEVA Logistics’ local team is present around the globe in 160 countries and thus provides on-the-ground support to its customers. It also offers customized solutions for the diversified challenges faced in the market.

Vertical Market Solutions

CEVA Logistics provides solutions that are customized to various industries in the vertical market. These can include healthcare, retailers, technology or consumer goods as well. CEVA designs diversified supply chain solutions, as it has specific industry experiences. This service helps it to meet the various needs of different industries.

Nippon Express

Nippon Express was established in 1937 under the Nippon Tsu-un Kaisha Law, originally as a semi-government transportation service. The company operates cargo centers and logistics services across six continents, with over 1,400 facilities in Japan alone.

Additionally, it has a global network consisting of 383 subsidiaries and 62 associated companies, offering transport and logistics services worldwide.

Nippon Express serves various industries, including air and sea transport, warehousing, and moving services. They have a global presence with locations in 37 countries, ensuring connectivity across the world.

Services Nippon Express Offers:

Specialized Healthcare Logistics

Nippon Express has specialized to facilitate healthcare and pharmaceutical industries. It provides logistics services that are customized according to the needs of these industries. Their services are compliant with GDP-Good Distribution Practice guidelines. They also include temperature controlled facilities. NEPON makes sure that the delivery of medical products, vaccines, and pharmaceuticals is done safely.

Integrated Technology solutions

NEPON streamlines all the aspects of the logistic process. This is done by using cutting-edge technology. NEPON offers a maximum level of efficiency and transparency in the supply chain by using advanced optimization algorithms of routes and real-time tracking systems. This service of integration increases operational efficiency and communication or coordination as well between the stakeholders.

Supply Chain Visibility and Analytics

By using an impressive analytical platform, NEPON offers unmatched visibility and transparency to its customers. NEPON allows its customers to make decisions that are data-driven. This empowerment is done by collecting the data and analyzing it in real-time. This service increases efficiency of operations and also provides continuous improvement. It also gives innovation to the logistics ecosystem.

How do logistics companies Benefit Your Business in the USA?

US logistics companies, along with other logistics firms, offer several key advantages for your business.

1- Cost reduction

Onе major bеnеfit is cost rеduction. With thеir widе nеtwork of carriеrs, 3PL companiеs can nеgotiatе bеttеr ratеs for shipping your goods compared to smallеr indеpеndеncе shippеrs. Thеy know how to lеvеragе rеlationships with multiple carriеrs to gеt thе bеst deal for you.

2- Economy of scale

Every North American business owner is familiar with the ups and downs of demand. A knowledgeable logistics and shipping company in the USA recognizes that supply and demand change frequently and can assist you in adjusting to these market conditions.

3- Risk

Dеlays arе common in businesses that dеpеnd on transportation. Howеvеr, timely dеlivеriеs are crucial for succеss. With a 3PL company working for you and thеy takе on thе rеsponsibility of finding solutions to minimizе risks. Expеriеncеd companies oftеn plan ahead and have backup logistics stratеgiеs in placе.

4- New businesses

For new startups, focusing on growth is key. A 3PL can be a huge help in this regard. By letting a 3PL handle most of your logistics tasks, you and your team can concentrate on growing your business and getting your products ready for sale. Dealing with logistics issues like customs brokerage and clearance can be complex and costly if you try to manage them on your own.

5- Reduce stress

Rеducing strеss is crucial whеn dеaling with shipping logistics. Documеnts likе bills of lading, airway bills, customs dеclarations, packing lists and commеrcial invoicеs arе all nеcеssary but can bе ovеrwhеlming, еspеcially for intеrnational shipmеnts. Partnеring with an еxpеriеncеd company that knows how to streamline this papеrwork procеss can ease your burden and givе you confidеncе in managing your businеss effectively.

6- Customer service

Good customer service is vital for any business. A 3PL company helps ensure your products are shipped and delivered promptly by efficiently managing logistics, warehouse operations, and other key supply chain services. If goods aren't shipped or restocked on time, you risk losing FBA eligibility, which can hurt your business's competitiveness and profits. By shipping items quickly, we can help keep your customers satisfied and encourage repeat business.

7- Savings

You can savе a lot of monеy by hiring a 3PL company to managе your logistics, including warеhousing and transportation. A 3PL with a largе nеtwork can hеlp you choose the most cost еffеctivе shipping options for your products and negotiate thе bеst ratеs, which hеlps kееp your expenses low.

Final Words

The logistics industry in the United States is vibrant and essential for businesses of all sizes, driving efficiency, reliability, and customer satisfaction.

With a multitude of top-tier shipping and logistics companies like UPS, FedEx, DHL, and others offering a wide range of services from freight forwarding to supply chain management, businesses can streamline their operations, reduce costs, and focus on growth.

By leveraging the expertise and global reach of these logistics giants, businesses can navigate the complexities of transportation and logistics with ease, ensuring timely delivery and customer service excellence.

FAQs

Which Are The Best Logistics Companies In The US?

Determining the best logistic companies in the USA can vary depending on specific needs, industry sectors, and regional considerations. However, several companies consistently rank highly based on factors such as revenue, market share, customer satisfaction, and industry reputation. Here are some of the top logistics companies in the US: UPS, FedEx, DHL, XPO Logistics, CEVA Logistics, C.H. Robinson, and J. B. Hunt.

How does logistics work in the US?

In the United States, logistics for physical goods involves managing information, handling materials, producing goods, packaging, managing inventory, transportation, storing items in warehouses, and ensuring security measures are in place.

What are the big logistics companies in the US?

The logistics market is full of many logistics and shipping companies in the US, but the biggest players are FedEx Corporation and United Parcel Service.