Global Freight Forwarder Ranking 2025: Top 25 Air & Ocean Freight Companies

5 min read. Updated May 2026
The 2025 Global Freight Forwarder Rankings released by Armstrong & Associates highlight major shifts in the international logistics landscape, with Chinese freight forwarders strengthening their global market position. Among the most notable results, BSI Global Logistics ranked No.17 worldwide in air freight forwarding, reinforcing its growing influence in global air cargo operations. This report analyzes the latest rankings across air freight, ocean freight, and overall logistics performance, while exploring what these changes mean for importers, exporters, and cross-border e-commerce businesses seeking reliable logistics partners.

Global Freight Forwarder Ranking 2025


Chinese Forwarders Rise Strongly, BSI Global Logistics Ranks Top 20 in Air Freight

In April 2026, the globally recognized logistics research firm Armstrong & Associates (A&A) officially released the 2025 Global Freight Forwarder Rankings, covering three key categories:

  • Global Freight Forwarders (by total revenue)
  • Air Freight Forwarders (by cargo volume)
  • Ocean Freight Forwarders (by container volume)

The rankings are based on three core metrics: annual revenue, ocean freight TEUs, and air cargo tonnage, providing a comprehensive view of the evolving global logistics landscape.

👉 A key takeaway from this year’s ranking:
Chinese freight forwarders are rapidly transitioning from scale-driven players to globally competitive logistics providers.



Global Top 25 Freight Forwarders: Chinese Freight Companies Expanding Global Business

In the overall ranking, global logistics giants continue to dominate:

Top 10 Global Freight Forwarders:

  • Kuehne + Nagel
  • DSV
  • DHL
  • Sinotrans
  • Nippon Express
  • CEVA Logistics
  • Expeditors
  • KLN
  • C.H. Robinson
  • GEODIS

Chinese Companies on the List:

A total of five Chinese forwarders made the Top 25:

  • Sinotrans
  • KLN
  • CTS
  • AWOT
  • CMIC

👉 This reflects a clear trend: Chinese forwarders are evolving into integrated global supply chain service providers.



Air Freight Top 25: BSI Global Logistics Ranks #17 Worldwide

The air freight ranking is based on annual cargo tonnage, a key indicator of a company’s capability in time-critical and high-value logistics.

Top 10 Global Air Freight Forwarders:

  • Kuehne + Nagel
  • DSV
  • DHL Supply Chain
  • Nippon Express
  • Expeditors
  • Sinotrans
  • KLN
  • UPS
  • AWOT
  • CEVA


⭐ Strong Presence of Chinese Air Freight Forwarders (7 in Top 25):

  • Sinotrans (#6)
  • KLN (#7)
  • AWOT (#9)
  • Morrison Express (#13)
  • CTS (#15)
  • BSI Global Logistics (BSI) (#17)
  • Dimerco (#21)


Why BSI Global Logistics Ranked Among the Global Top 20?

As a Top 20 global air freight forwarder, BSI Global Logistics stands out with the following strengths:

1. Secured Airline Capacity

  • Long-term partnerships with major airlines
  • Reliable space allocation during peak seasons👉 Minimizes risks of cargo delays and rollovers

2. Global Air Freight Network

  • Coverage across North America, Europe, the Middle East, and Southeast Asia
  • Multi-origin operations across East China, South China, and Hong Kong

3. Time-Critical Logistics Solutions

Ideal for:

  • E-commerce replenishment
  • High-value electronics
  • Urgent shipments

4. End-to-End Air Freight Services

  • Door-to-door delivery (DDP/DDU/DAP)
  • Air freight + customs clearance + last-mile delivery
  • FBA shipping solutions
  • Oversized and special cargo handling

👉 For overseas clients, this translates into:
greater reliability, cost control, and reduced supply chain risk.



Ocean Freight Top 25: Chinese Players Lead the Market

In ocean freight, Chinese companies demonstrate even stronger dominance.

Top 10 Ocean Freight Forwarders:

  • Sinotrans (#1)
  • Kuehne + Nagel
  • DSV
  • DHL
  • COSCO SHIPPING Logistics
  • Ningbo Port Southeast Logistics Gr
  • Nippon Express
  • CEVA Logistics
  • LX Pantos
  • C.H. Robinson

Chinese Companies: 8 in Top 25

👉 Key advantages:

  • Strong port resource integration
  • Massive TEU volumes
  • Competitive cost structures


Industry Trends & Insights (What It Means for Shippers)

1️⃣ Competition Shifts Beyond Price

The industry is moving toward:

  • Global network coverage
  • Capacity control
  • Compliance & customs expertise
  • End-to-end supply chain solutions


2️⃣ Air Freight Becomes a “Supply Chain Insurance”

More companies are using air freight for:

  • Urgent replenishment
  • Avoiding stockouts
  • Improving inventory turnover

👉 Air freight is no longer just about speed —
it’s about
risk management.



3️⃣ Chinese Forwarders Enter Global Competition Stage

From cost advantage to:

  • Service standardization
  • Digital operations
  • Global fulfillment capability


Conclusion: What This Ranking Means for Your Logistics Strategy

The A&A rankings are more than industry recognition —
they are a
key benchmark for selecting logistics partners.

For global brands, importers, and e-commerce sellers:

Choosing a ranked freight forwarder means:

✔ More reliable capacity
✔ Stronger global network
✔ Predictable delivery performance



The Value of BSI Global Logistics

As a Top 20 Global Air Freight Forwarder (#17),
BSI Global Logistics delivers:



FAQ: 2025 Global Freight Forwarder Ranking

1. Q: What is the Armstrong & Associates global freight forwarder ranking?

A :The global freight forwarder ranking published by Armstrong & Associates is one of the most recognized benchmarks in the logistics industry. It evaluates freight forwarders based on key metrics such as annual revenue, air cargo volume, and ocean freight TEUs, providing a reliable comparison of global logistics providers.



2. Q: Which companies are in the Top 25 global freight forwarders in 2025?

A: The 2025 Top 25 includes major global logistics providers such as DSV, DHL Supply Chain, Kuehne + Nagel, and Sinotrans. The ranking reflects a mix of European, American, and increasingly competitive Chinese freight forwarders.



3. Q: Why is BSI Global Logistics ranked #17 in global air freight?

A: BSI Global Logistics achieved its Top 20 position due to its stable airline capacity agreements, strong global air freight network, and expertise in time-critical shipments. These capabilities enable the company to deliver reliable and efficient logistics solutions for cross-border e-commerce, urgent cargo, and high-value goods.



4. Q: How should I choose a reliable freight forwarder for international shipping?

Q: When selecting a freight forwarder, consider:

  • Global network coverage
  • Capacity stability (especially for air freight)
  • Customs clearance expertise
  • End-to-end service capability

Working with a ranked company like BSI Global Logistics can reduce risks and improve delivery reliability, especially for international and time-sensitive shipments.



5. Q: Is air freight better than ocean freight for international shipping?

It depends on your business needs:

  • Air freight is ideal for urgent shipments, high-value goods, and e-commerce replenishment
  • Ocean freight is more cost-effective for large-volume, non-urgent cargo

Many businesses use a combination of both to balance cost, speed, and supply chain risk.


Questions?

We are here to provide answers
Speak with an expert
Talk to a BSI Global Logistics expert for professional logistics solutions