Discover the top 20 UK freight forwarders for air and sea freight, including MDS Cargo and Afodel. Compare their services and choose the best for you.
If you’re in the business of importing and exporting goods, you’ll know that finding a reliable freight forwarder is crucial for your success. Freight forwarders take care of the logistics of moving goods from one country to another, ensuring that they arrive safely and on time.
The UK is home to many freight forwarders, making it challenging to choose the right one for your needs. That’s why we’ve put together a list of the top 20 UK freight forwarders that provide air and sea freight services, including London freight services. These companies offer a range of services, from customs clearance to storage and distribution.
As the world becomes more interconnected, international trade has become a key driver of economic growth. However, shipping goods across borders can be a complex and time-consuming process. That’s where UK freight forwarders come in. These companies specialize in arranging the transportation of goods from one country to another, handling everything from customs clearance to delivery.
Freight Services
When it comes to shipping goods internationally, there are two main modes of transport: air freight and sea freight. Air freight is typically faster and more expensive than sea freight, making it a good option for time-sensitive or high-value goods. Sea freight, on the other hand, is slower but more cost-effective, making it ideal for bulk shipments of goods.
UK freight forwarders offer a range of freight services, including air freight and sea freight. These companies work with a network of carriers and logistics providers to ensure that your goods are transported safely and efficiently.
London Freight Services
As one of the largest cities in the world, London is a major hub for international trade. UK freight forwarders based in London have access to a wide range of carriers and logistics providers, making it easier for them to find the most cost-effective and efficient shipping solutions for your business.
London freight services can handle a wide range of shipments, from small parcels to full container loads. These services can also provide customs clearance, warehousing, and delivery services, making it easier for businesses to manage their supply chains.
Why Choose a UK Freight Forwarder?
Working with a UK freight forwarder can help businesses streamline their shipping processes, reduce costs, and improve their supply chain efficiency. Freight forwarders can handle everything from paperwork to transportation, allowing businesses to focus on what they do best.
In addition, UK freight forwarders have expertise in international trade regulations and customs clearance procedures. This knowledge can be invaluable when it comes to navigating complex trade agreements and ensuring that your goods are transported legally and efficiently.
Top 20 UK Freight Forwarders
| Company Name | Description | Website |
|---|---|---|
| DHL Global Forwarding | Offers air, sea, and road freight services, customs clearance, and warehousing. | https://www.dhl.com/gb-en/home/our-divisions/global-forwarding.html |
| Kuehne + Nagel | Provides air and sea freight services, customs brokerage, and supply chain solutions. | https://www.kuehne-nagel.com/ |
| DB Schenker | Offers air, ocean, and land freight services, contract logistics, and supply chain management. | https://www.dbschenker.com/gb-en/ |
| Panalpina | Specializes in air and ocean freight, customs brokerage, and supply chain solutions. | https://www.panalpina.com/ |
| Agility | Offers air, ocean, and road freight services, warehousing, and supply chain solutions. | https://www.agility.com/ |
| UPS Supply Chain Solutions | Provides air and ocean freight services, customs brokerage, and logistics solutions. | https://www.ups.com/gb/en/services/global-freight-forwarding.page |
| DSV Panalpina | Offers air and ocean freight, road transport, and logistics services. | https://www.dsv.com/en-gb |
| Expeditors | Specializes in air and ocean freight, customs brokerage, and supply chain solutions. | https://www.expeditors.com/ |
| CEVA Logistics | Provides air, ocean, and ground transportation, contract logistics, and supply chain solutions. | https://www.cevalogistics.com/ |
| Geodis | Offers air, ocean, and road transportation, contract logistics, and supply chain optimization. | https://geodis.com/gb-en |
| Bolloré Logistics | Specializes in air and ocean freight, customs brokerage, and supply chain solutions. | https://www.bollore-logistics.com/ |
| Hellmann Worldwide Logistics | Provides air, ocean, and road freight services, contract logistics, and supply chain solutions. | https://www.hellmann.com/ |
| Nippon Express | Offers air and ocean freight, logistics solutions, and customs clearance services. | https://www.nipponexpress.com/ |
| Yusen Logistics | Provides air and ocean freight, road transport, and supply chain solutions. | https://www.yusen-logistics.com/en/europe/ |
| Dachser | Offers air and ocean freight, road transport, and contract logistics. | https://www.dachser.co.uk/ |
| DPDgroup | Specializes in road transport and parcel delivery services. | https://www.dpdgroup.co.uk/ |
| Dimerco | Provides air and ocean freight, road transport, and logistics solutions. | https://www.dimerco.com/ |
| MDS Cargo | Offers air and ocean freight, customs clearance, and logistics services. | https://mdscargo.com/ |
| Afodel | Provides air and ocean freight, road transport, and supply chain solutions. | https://afodel.com/ |
| Ligentia | Offers air and ocean freight, customs clearance, and supply chain solutions. | https://www.ligentia.com/ |
Choosing the right freight forwarder is crucial for businesses involved in international trade. The top 20 UK Freight Forwarders listed above are some of the most reliable and experienced companies in the industry, offering a wide range of services to help businesses transport their goods across the globe.
UK Freight and Logistics Market Analysis in Numbers
The UK freight and logistics market is a key sector that plays a vital role in the country’s economy. Here are some key statistics that reflect the current state of the market:
| Category | Statistic | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Air freight | £9.3bn | The value of air freight transported in and out of the UK in 2020. |
| Sea freight | 469m tonnes | The total weight of sea freight handled by UK ports in 2020. |
| Road freight | £52.2bn | The value of road freight transported within the UK in 2020. |
| Rail freight | 17.6bn tonne-km | The total distance covered by rail freight in the UK in 2020. |
| Logistics | £125bn | The estimated value of the UK logistics sector in 2020. |
| Employment | 2.5 million | The number of people employed in the UK logistics sector in 2020. |
These numbers highlight the significant role that the freight and logistics industry plays in the UK economy. Despite the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic, the industry has remained resilient and continues to adapt to the changing landscape. The growth of e-commerce and increased demand for home delivery services has led to an increase in demand for logistics services, while innovations in technology are driving efficiencies across the sector.
As the UK continues to navigate the post-Brexit landscape, the freight and logistics industry will be critical in ensuring the smooth flow of goods in and out of the country. As such, it is expected that the industry will continue to grow and adapt to meet the evolving needs of businesses and consumers alike.
UK Freight And Logistics Market Trends
As the world’s economies continue to grow, so does the need for efficient freight and logistics services. In the UK, the freight and logistics market has seen significant growth in recent years, driven by the expansion of e-commerce and the rise of globalization.
One of the key trends in the UK freight and logistics market is the increasing demand for air freight services. Air freight provides a faster and more reliable shipping option for time-sensitive and high-value goods. This demand has led to the expansion of air freight services, with the UK seeing the growth of several cargo airlines, such as DHL Aviation and FedEx Express.
Another trend in the UK freight and logistics market is the growth of sea freight services. Sea freight remains a cost-effective shipping option for larger and bulkier goods, and as the global supply chain becomes more complex, sea freight services are playing an increasingly important role in connecting international markets. The UK has several major ports, including the Port of Felixstowe, the Port of Southampton, and the Port of London Gateway, which are all major hubs for sea freight services.
The rise of e-commerce has also had a significant impact on the UK freight and logistics market, as the need for fast and reliable shipping options has become more important. This has led to the growth of last-mile delivery services, which connect logistics providers with end customers. In addition, e-commerce has led to the development of innovative technologies, such as drone deliveries and autonomous vehicles, which are poised to revolutionize the industry.
Overall, the UK freight and logistics market is poised for continued growth in the coming years, driven by these key trends and the ongoing expansion of international trade. As such, companies operating in this space must remain nimble and adaptable in order to take advantage of these opportunities and remain competitive in a rapidly changing market.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
How many freight forwarders are there in the UK?
As of 2021, there are approximately 4,000 registered freight forwarders in the UK, ranging from small, independent companies to large multinational corporations. This number is constantly changing as new companies enter the market and others cease trading.
Who is the best freight forwarder?
There is no one-size-fits-all answer to this question as the best freight forwarder depends on the specific needs and requirements of each individual customer. It is important to research and compare multiple companies before choosing one to ensure they offer the services, expertise, and experience required for the specific shipment.
What is a freight forwarder?
A freight forwarder is a company or an individual that arranges shipments for individuals or businesses to get products from the manufacturer or producer to a market, customer or final point of distribution. They handle the logistics involved in the transportation of goods, including arranging and coordinating shipments, negotiating shipping rates, preparing customs documentation, and ensuring compliance with regulations.
How many freight forwarders are there?
As of 2021, there are approximately 4,000 registered freight forwarders in the UK.
What is the biggest freight company in the UK?
The biggest freight company in the UK is DHL Supply Chain, followed by Kuehne + Nagel and DB Schenker.
Who regulates freight forwarders in the UK?
In the UK, freight forwarders are not subject to direct regulation. However, they are required to comply with various laws and regulations, such as customs laws and health and safety regulations. Some freight forwarders may choose to become members of professional organizations such as the British International Freight Association (BIFA) to demonstrate their commitment to compliance and best practices.
What is a freight forwarder UK?
A freight forwarder UK is a company or individual based in the United Kingdom that arranges the transportation of goods on behalf of individuals or businesses. They handle various aspects of the logistics process, including arranging shipments, negotiating shipping rates, preparing customs documentation, and ensuring compliance with regulations.