Top 10 3PL companies in the world 2020

Regardless of what your business might be, chances are excellent that your business model has nothing to do with warehousing, shipping or logistics. 

Unfortunately, if your business requires any type of delivery beyond your next-door neighbor, the logistics of shipping and warehousing can play a critical role in your success. Outsourcing these tasks to third-party logistic companies, known in the industry as 3PLs, offers the opportunity to concentrate on your core business while leveraging the logistical expertise and substantial infrastructure of a 3PL.

Such companies provide a myriad of logistical support, including transportation, warehousing, packing and order fulfillment, to streamline your business. In the same manner that you might outsource IT responsibilities to a company specializing in information technology or your tax preparation to a certified accountant, 3PL companies provide expertise in the logistics space.

Keep reading to learn more about the top 10 3PL companies with a worldwide reputation in helping others get their goods to market.

DHL Supply Chain

Bonn, Germany-based DHL Supply Chain and Global Forwarding Divisions provide freight forwarding services throughout Europe, Russia and the Middle East via rail, air and road. From transportation and warehousing to industry-specific solutions designed to streamline worldwide logistics for its clients, the company has a global reach.

Services include:

• Dedicated freight management
• Warehousing
• Customs services
• Freight security
• Warehouse management systems
• Green transportation solutions
• Supply chain management
• Air, road and sea shipments

DHL Supply Chain and Global Forwarding

Deutsche Post AG Headquarters

Platz der Deutschen Post

53113 Bonn, Germany

Tel: +49 228-1820

Kuehne + Nagel

Based in Schindellegi, Switzerland, Kuehne+Nagel, which operates out of more than 1,300 offices in 109 nations, serves as a global logistics and transportation company with operations centered on air, sea and land freight forwarding. In addition to these transportation assets, the company also offers supply chain services from warehousing and order management to supply chain consulting and expos. With more than a century of specialization in the transportation space, Kuehne+Nagel serves a myriad of industries, which include the high tech sphere, industrial products, perishables, pharmaceutical and health care industries.

Services include:

• Order management
• Warehousing and storage
• Supply chain consulting
• Project management
• Air, rail and sea cargo
• Expo and events

Kuehne+Nagel Management AG

Dorfstrasse 50 Schindellegi,

8834 Switzerland

Tel: 41 44 788-9511

DB Schenker

DB Schenker, the logistics division of German rail operator Deutsche Bahn AG, provides an array of logistical and supply chain consulting services designed to help clients streamline their delivery and warehousing functions. With more than 75,000 employees in 2,000 offices, DB Schenker has clients throughout the automobile, technology, consumer goods, special transport and trade fair logistic industries. Ensuring that goods flow seamlessly is the hallmark of the company.

Services include:

• E-commerce solutions
• Fulfillment logistics
• Lead logistics services
• Intermodal transportation

DB Schenker

Richard-Wagner Strausse

Essen, Germany

Tel: +49 (0) 201 8781-4990

Nippon Express

A Japanese logistics firm based in Tokyo, Nippon Express was first established in 1937. Today, it operates in more than 40 countries, with overseas transit facilities in Thailand, Indonesia and Malaysia, among other locations. Offering an array of supply chain solutions, as well as warehousing and specialized transit options, the company serves the fashion, automotive, consumer, hi-tech and perishable items industries throughout Asia, North America and Europe.

Services include:

• Warehouse management
• Distribution solutions
• Cross border freight hauling
• Fine arts transport
• Moving services

Nippon Express

Higashi-shimbashi 1-9-3

Minato-ku, Tokyo

Tel: 81-3-6251-1111

C.H. Robinson

Minnesota-based logistic team, C.H. Robinson offers a bevy of business solutions when it comes to supply distribution, shipping and warehousing options. A Fortune 500 firm, it offers transportation management solutions, storage, brokerage and warehousing options with flexibility in mind. As such, C.H. Robinson utilizes multiple lines of freight including air, sea, rail and road, and it also offers less-than-truckload options.

Services include:

• Ocean, air and road transport
• Supply chain consulting
• Warehousing and distribution
• Less-than-truck shipments
• Customs brokerage
• Project lead

C.H. Robinson

14701 Charlson Road

Eden Prairie, MN 55347

Tel: 952-683-2800

DSV Global

Danish-based DSV Global, headquartered just outside of the nation's capital of Copenhagen, offers worldwide warehousing and transportation solutions for companies looking for supply chain solutions across the global stage. Servicing North America and Europe, it offers scalability with full truckloads, as well as less-than-truckloads, to the aeronautics, fashion, automotive and retail industries, among others.

Services include:

• Warehousing
• Order fulfillment
• Intermodal transport options
• Air, sea and rail shipments
• Supply chain innovation

DSV + Panalpina

Hovedgaden 630

2640 Hedchusene, Denmark

Tel: +45 43 20 30 40

XPO Logistics

North American-based XPO Logistics, headquartered in Greenwich, Connecticut, operates throughout North America and Europe, with its European operation based in Lyon, France. The company features innovative transportation solutions for a myriad of industries. With more than 100,000 employees working in over 30 nations, XPO Logistics has the reach to make most shipping solutions easy and affordable.

Services include:

• Warehousing and storage
• Supply chain consulting
• Project management
• Air, rail and sea cargo
• Intermodal transport options

XPO Logistics

2211 Old Earhart Road Suite 100

Ann Arbor, Michigan 48105

Tel: 713-994-6600

SinoTrans Limited

Chinese operated Sinotrans Limited, headquartered in Beijing, with offices throughout Asia and the Pacific Rim, features transportation solutions for companies looking to operate and expand their businesses to Asian markets. From warehousing to getting goods to their final destination, Sinotrans offers an array of support services that include trucking and marine transportation throughout Asia and the Pacific Rim.

Services include:

• Warehouse management
• Distribution solutions
• Cross border freight hauling
• Intermodal transport
• Project lead
• Innovative supply solutions

SinoTrans Limited

6F Suite B Waiyun Building

Building 10 Yard 5 Anding Road

Beijing, China 100020

Tel: 86 10-5229-5600

United Parcel Service (UPS)

North American-based United Parcel Service (UPS) is a supply chain management and package delivery company with a worldwide footprint. In addition to a freight-based trucking fleet, the company also operates an air cargo service division and provides deliveries in over 175 nations and territories.

Services include:

• Freight forwarding
• Shipping
• Less-than-truck flexibility
• Warehousing
• Supply chain consulting
• Supply chain management
• Global shipping network

United Parcel Service (UPS)

55 Glenlake Parkway NE

Atlanta, Georgia 30328

Tel: 404-828-7123

Ninjavan

Singapore-based Ninja Van bills itself as the gateway to Southeast Asia with an array of services designed to help its clients operate, utilizing its custom-built logistical services. Specializing in last-mile transportation, with an eye on the specific needs of e-commerce and SME businesses, Ninja Van features real-time tracking, flexible payment methods and a fully automated logistics process.

Services include:

• Final mile delivery
• E-commerce solutions
• Fulfillment logistics
• Lead logistics services
• Intermodal transportation
• Warehousing and distribution

Ninja Van

62 Collyer Quay OUE Link No. 02-08

Singapore 049325

Tel: 02 82711501