Getting goods to merchants and customers involves a lot more than throwing packages on trucks and ships. So what are logistics companies? They must carefully manage and coordinate a large number of people, technology and transportation to ensure merchants and customers receive their goods on time and in good condition.
What does it take to be considered a top logistics provider? Factors like revenue and warehouse space play a big role. To curate this logistics companies list, we considered the number of warehouses each company operates as well as year-over-year growth from 2016 to 2017, using the Top 20 3PL Warehouses 2017: Growth amid change report from Logistics Management, as well as other factors, such as smaller companies managing to stand out and make their mark in areas like conservation and technology advancements.
The companies on this list service just about every industry imaginable, from automobiles to aircraft. Some of them field commercials during the Super Bowl. Others make their mark more locally. Each one shares the drive needed to continue establishing themselves as players in this industry.
The list of the largest logistics companies in the world and service providers below aren’t ranked or rated in any way. Instead, we’ve highlighted some global logistics industry and providers examples, their important facts, and statistics about each company’s growth and achievements.
1. GXO Logistics
GXO Logistics helps companies around the world find supply chain solutions suited to their needs. They spend over $450 million dollars per year on major technology investments to continue pushing the field forward.
Three key facts about GXO Logistics:
- Showed a revenue increase of 18.4% year over year from 2016 to $4.19 billion
- Looking to continue investing in robotics and automation, customer service and visibility, improving the digital freight marketplace and the area of data science.
- Ranked as 2018’s #1 Logistics Company by Transportation Topic magazine
2. DHL Supply Chain North America (Exel)
DHL allows companies to focus on their core business while they handle the process of cataloging and shipping their goods around the world. Their ready-to-go solutions help save companies a lot of time and money.
Three key facts about DHL Supply Chain North America (Exel):
- One of only 13 companies certified as a top employer by the Top Employers Institute
- Generated annual revenue of $68.31 billion in 2017
- Increased its global output by 3.1 percent in 2017
3. Americold
Americold provides temperature-controlled storage and distribution of perishable food items. They make sure goods arrive at grocery stores and restaurants around the country in pristine condition.
Three key facts about Americold:
- Recognized as the world’s largest operator and owner of temperature-controlled warehouses
- Saw its 2017 global warehouse revenue grow by 6.0% year over year
- A successful January 2018 public offering made it the first owner-operator of temperature-controlled infrastructure to be publicly traded
4. Ryder Supply Chain Solutions
Ryder manages fleet optics, transportation, and supply chain functions from behind the scenes for over 50,000 customers. They proudly tout their 99% on-time delivery rate and maintain 44 million square feet of warehouse space.
Three key facts about Ryder Supply Chain Solutions:
- Named by Forbes as one of America’s best employers in 2018 for the fourth year in a row
- Uses autonomous vehicles, drones, wearables and sensors in smart warehouses around the country
- Saw its full-year revenue increase by 8% to $7.3 billion
5. GEODIS North America (OHL)
This firm ranks among the top logistics companies in the country. They maintain warehouses for different industries throughout the US covering over 37 million square feet of space.
Three key facts about Geodis North America:
- Maintains an international network across over 120 countries, ranking number one in France
- Fulfilled over 2.3 million orders over the 2017 holidays
- Had its revenue increase by 3.1% to $12.16 billion thanks to its 3PL acquisitions
6. FedEx Supply Chain
Provides 3PL solutions for small and large companies throughout the company. They provide personalized service and technology making it easy to perform order fulfillment functions.
Three key facts about FedEx Supply Chain:
- Received recognition as a top 3PL provider from Multichannel Merchant in 2018
- Handles over 508,000 direct-to-consumer shipments each day and processes 358 million annual returns
- Developed FedEx Returns Technology geared towards simplifying the process of return management for high-volume merchants and other supply chain issues
7. Lineage Logistics
Lineage Logistics provides customized and dependable cold-chain solutions to businesses nationwide. They’re constantly expanding to make sure they’re in a position to provide logistics support to any company in need.
Three key facts about Lineage Logistics:
- Maintains a nationwide network of high-tech distribution warehouses
- Oversees over 26.5 million square feet of warehouse space
- Began construction in 2018 on its first fully automated warehouse in Sunnyvale, TX
8. Kenco Logistic Services LLC (KLS)
Kenco Logistic Services LLC (KLS) provides distribution, transportation, material handling and real estate leasing services for various industries. They actively seek partnerships with their customers in order to turn their supply chains into a competitive edge for them.
Three key facts about Kenco Supply Services LLC (KLS):
- Named as a top 10 3PL provider in logistics for five years in a row
- Maintains warehouses in 23 US states and one in Canada
- Generated over $535 million dollars in revenue since 2014
9. NFI Logistics
This international company provides 3PL services to companies ranging from Fortune 500 companies to start-ups. Their 10,000-strong workforce helps out everyone from industrial giants to clothing retailers.
Three key facts about NFI Logistics:
- Works to include sustainable green solutions in all of its warehouses
- Generated $3.09 billion in annual revenue in 2017
- Ranked #10 as a 3PL provider by Transportation Logic magazine
10. DB Schenker Logistics Americas
Provides industry support for the worldwide exchange of good with its fleet of trucks, ships and airplanes. They assist business at the top of a number of industries like automobiles and technology.
Three key facts about DB Shenker Logistics Americas:
- Partnering with Cisco Technologies to foster innovation in the logistics arena
- Found in over 2,000 locations around the world
- Managed to increase its consignment volume last year by 2.6 over 2016
11. DSC Logistics
DSC Logistics helps companies manage the complexities of supply chain management and helps them optimize their innate strengths to their advantage. The company makes themselves adaptable in order to configure solutions beneficial to their customers.
Three key facts about DSC Logistics:
- Ranked #28 on Transportation Logic magazine’s list of top 3PL companies
- Customer base includes Kellogg Co, Sega, Starbucks, Yahama and Whirlpool
- Made $415 million in revenue in 2017
12. UPS Supply Chain Solutions
UPS Supply Chain Solutions provides a one-stop shop for companies seeking help with managing the logistics of getting their products around the company. Their well-known brand gives them an edge in gaining the trust of new customers.
Three key facts about UPS Supply Chain Solutions:
- Currently ranked #2 on Transportation Logic Magazine’s Top 50 Logistics companies
- Ended 2017 with net revenues of $12 billion dollars
- Posted a profit of $1.1 billion in 2017
13. CEVA Logistics North America
CEVA Logistics provides companies with both LTL and FTL transportation services for their products around the country. Their ocean and air freight capabilities allow them to expand their reach around the world.
Three key facts about CEVA Logistics North America:
- Finished 2017 with revenue totaling $7 billion
- Experienced in handling logistics in many industries aerospace, retail logistics, consumer packaged goods and electronics
- Averages 8,000 loads on the ground per month
14. Saddle Creek Logistics Services
Saddle Creek Logistics Services gives companies access to flexible warehouse storage, synchronized inventory distribution and efficient and cost-effective transportation services. They work to help companies find solutions suited to the industry they work in.
Three key facts about Saddle Creek Logistics Services:
- Key customers include Sam’s Club, Pepsi Cola North America, Proctor and Gamble and Lowe’s
- Increased its warehouse square footage by 2.3%
- Generated a net revenue of $510 million in 2017
15. DSV North America
DSV North America helps businesses side-step the complications of logistics project management by installing seamless solutions for all of the moving parts involved. They’ve helped everyone from healthcare companies to renewable energy providers.
Three key facts about DSV North America:
- Saw a 42.5% increase in earnings in 2017 vs. 2016
- Generated an overall net revenue of $74.9 million in 2017
- Has over 40,000 employees in 80 countries
16. Penske Logistics
Penske Logistics provide companies with efficient supply logistics solutions. They step in to manage everything from warehouse management and distribution to transportation services.
Three key facts about Penske Logistics:
- One of the major companies looking into using blockchain technology to manage logistics data
- Makes over $400 million per year in revenues
- Services customers including BMW, Daiman, Sony and General Motors
17. Kuehne + Nagel, Inc. (The Americas)
Kuehne + Nagel’s placement of its logistics offices at strategic points around the world allow it to take advantage of the global desire for goods from around the world. Their customers come from industries ranging from oil and gas to marine logistics.
Three key facts about Kuehne + Nagel, Inc:
- Named as the number one ocean freight forwarder by Transportation Logic magazine
- Listed by Forbes as one of the U.S.’s top employers in 2017
- Made $22 billion in revenue worldwide in 2017
18. WSI Supply Chain Solutions
WSI Supply Chain solutions support their nationwide logistics solutions from their home base in Appleton, WI. They companies achieve cost efficiency by shortening lead times and increasing efficiency.
Three key facts about WSI Supply Chain Solutions:
- One of the largest privately held 3PL providers in the country
- Ranked as one of the top 50 dry storage warehouses in the country
- Had 52 warehouses located around the US in 2017
19. Warehouse Services, Inc.
Warehouse Services, Inc prides themselves on delivering bottom-line value while reducing the overall costs of their customers. They continue to expand their presence throughout various regions of the country.
Three key facts about Warehouse Services, Inc:
- Recycles over 14 million tons of wood and foam materials every year
- Named as a Certified Women’s Business Enterprise
- Moving towards eliminating the need for paper in logistics management
20.  APL Logistics North America
API Logistics North America prides itself on being an innovator since establishing itself back in 1980. They introduced the concept of the guaranteed LCL/LTL service, changing the way things got done in the industry.
Three key facts about APL Logistics North America:
- Specializes in services including air freight forwarding, purchase order management and customs brokerage
- Offer door-to-door delivery in key ports from the US to Asia
- Provide comprehensive NAFTA intermodal services
Honorable Mentions
These growing logistics companies may not be the largest in terms of revenue or number of locations, but we think their substantial growth and achievements make them worth a mention.
1. Barrett Distribution
While it may not be the largest logistics company overall, Barrett Distribution has grown to over 400 employees and a network of more than 3 million square feet of state-of-the-art warehousing capacity, strategically located across the US. A privately held company, high performance teams serve more than one hundred and fifty customers in an array of industries, from fast-moving consumer goods to the highly demanding automotive parts and online retail markets.
Three key facts about Barrett Distribution:Â
- As a trusted advisor to customers since 1941, Barrett provides customized third party logistics, omni-channel distribution and direct-to-consumer fulfillment services.
- Barrett has invested in technology and systems, developed their people, and created a proprietary process methodology they call the Barrett Blueprint®
- Barrett has warehouses in the Northeast, Southeast, Mid- Atlantic and Southern California
2. ACT Fulfillment
ACT Fulfillment has grown rapidly, with growth between 20% and 25% each year for the first seven years since the company was founded in 1994. But the company’s growth didn’t stop there. In 2013, the company had expanded to more than one million square feet, with plans to expand to a third facility. ACT Fulfillment provides warehousing and fulfillment services including receiving, handling, shipping, and more with the goal of building relationships with customers and going above and beyond what’s offered by other third-party distribution and fulfillment warehouses.
Three key facts about ACT Fulfillment:Â
- Began in 1994 with 5,000 feet of fenced-off warehouse space
- Served as the West Coast Distribution Center for Burlington Coat Factory from 2000 to 2006
- Burlington Coat Factory accounted for 70% of gross revenue and 41% of gross revenue in 2005 and 2006, respectively, but the company still achieved revenue growth of 12.5% in 2007
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