Top UK Freight Forwarders

The UK sees a huge flow of goods crossing its ports, with trillions of dollars in imports and exports every year. 

Keeping everything moving smoothly is no small feat, and that’s where freight forwarders come in. Freight forwarders simplify shipping, handle customs, and take the stress out of getting goods where they need to go. But with so many forwarders to choose from, how do you find the right one for your business?

To help you get started, we’ve listed some of the best freight forwarders for importing from and exporting to the UK. Read on to learn which company might be a great fit for you – and to see how Freightos.com makes finding a forwarder simple. 

List of top UK freight forwarders

We’ve picked these top companies for their expertise, global reach, and reputation for reliable, efficient service. Here’s a closer look at some of the best:

Kuehne + Nagel

Kuehne + Nagel is a global leader in logistics, operating in over 100 countries and offering services in all freight modes. The company places special focus on integrated digital solutions. 

Services: 

• Sea and air freight
• Road logistics
• Contract logistics
• Supply chain solutions

Expertise: Known for its digital supply chain management and data integration, which enhance supply chain efficiency.

Regions: Operates globally, with a strong presence in Europe, the UK, the Americas, and Asia-Pacific.

Industries: Aerospace, automotive, retail, pharma, and more.

DHL Global Forwarding

DHL Global Forwarding specializes in international air and ocean freight forwarding services. They provide service worldwide.

Services:

• Air and ocean freight
• Warehousing
• Supply chain consulting

Expertise: Combines global reach with local expertise for customized logistics solutions.

Regions Served: Worldwide coverage, including a robust UK network.

Industries Served: Retail, industrial manufacturing, and healthcare.

Expeditors International

A global logistics company with over 350 locations across six continents.

Services: 

• Air and ocean freight forwarding
• Customs brokerage
• Warehousing
• Time-definite transportation.

Expertise: Expeditors emphasizes tightening inventory control, increasing supply chain visibility, and mitigating risks.

Regions: Global operations 

Industries: Aerospace, automotive, retail, healthcare, and technology.

UPS Supply Chain Solutions

UPS Supply Chain Solutions, a division of UPS, offers logistics and supply chain management in over 220 countries.

Services:

• Freight forwarding
• Supply chain design
• Contract logistics

Expertise: Leverages the vast UPS global network to provide tailored logistics solutions.

Regions Served: Operates worldwide, with strong representation in the UK.

Industries Served: Healthcare, automotive, retail, and more.

Image source: Ed Wingate, Unsplash

Davies Turner & Co

Davies Turner & CO is a UK-based freight forwarding and logistics company specializing in air, road, and sea transportation. It has branches across the UK with a London head office. 

Services: 

• Ocean and air freight
• European road freight
• Warehousing
• Supply chain management

Expertise: Known for reliability and customer-centric solutions.

Regions: UK-based with global service. 

Industries: Retail, e-commerce, and manufacturing.

EV Cargo

EV Cargo provides international supply chain services across various industries worldwide.

Services: 

• Air and ocean freight
• Warehousing
• Distribution
• E-commerce solutions.

Expertise: End-to-end supply chain solutions with a focus on technology.

Regions: Strong UK and Asian presence, with global operations.

Industries: Fashion, retail, and consumer goods.

Ligentia

Ligentia is a global supply chain management company specializing in international freight and data-driven supply chain solutions. 

Services: 

• Freight forwarding
• Warehousing
• A proprietary digital tool called Ligentix that provides visibility across the supply chain

Expertise: Excels in technological integration and customized solutions.

Regions: Globally active, with a strong presence in the UK.

Industries: Retail, healthcare, and industrial manufacturing.

The significance of major freight forwarders in the UK

The UK’s central location and advanced infrastructure make it a major player in global logistics. And freight forwarders are the backbone of this system, ensuring smooth and efficient trade for businesses of all sizes by navigating customs, coordinating transportation, and providing warehousing and distribution services. 

How Freightos.com can help you find the best freight forwarder in the UK

At Freightos.com, we understand how critical it is to choose the right logistics partners. Our platform lets you compare quotes from vetted freight forwarders in seconds, which means you can skip the phone calls, emails, and waiting for responses.

Once you find a quote that suits your needs, you can book, pay for, and manage your shipment right on the platform. 

Want to see how it works? Click below and we’ll walk you through it. 

The information provided on this page is for the user’s convenience. While Freightos tries to provide accurate information, obtained from sources believed to be reliable, it does not guarantee the accuracy and completeness of the information presented here. Company names are trademarks of their respective holders. Use of them does not imply any affiliation with them, or endorsement by or of them.