H2: Introduction
Effective movement of freight is critical for the proper functioning of any business’s supply chain. This makes it highly important to choose the best freight forwarders in the region. Certain factors need to be considered while making this choice, and in this blog, we will be evaluating these factors. Moreover, we will be listing out the top 10 freight forwarders in Australia. The selection will be based on the service, global network, and additional features provided by the freight forwarders.
Criteria for Choosing the Best Freight Forwarders
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Experience and reputation: Reputed freight forwarders should be given priority while choosing your freight company. Best freight forwarding companies gain their reputation through experience in handling freight of different sizes and types.
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Range of services: Best buy freight forwarders offer a wide range of services that complement the core activity of freight forwarding. Look for services that add value to your business.
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Global network and partnerships: Often, businesses choose freight forwarders for the long term. By choosing freight forwarders with a global network and partnerships, businesses do not have to change their service provider too often.
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Pricing and value: Multiple forwarding companies are active in the market, and one parameter that can be used to identify the best option is pricing. Low pricing does not necessarily mean low quality; it can also be achieved by optimising the operations. Choose a forwarding company with prices that justify their value.
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Customer support and technology integration: Movement of freight is bound to face difficulties in the form of delays, customs issues, and damages. In such a situation, effective customer support is necessary to keep the customer aware and updated. Use of technology in the process should also be a deciding factor.
Top 10 Best Freight Forwarders in Australia
Let’s take a look at the best freight forwarders in Australia:
1. DTDC Australia
DTDC Australia provides interstate shipping across all major cities at affordable rates without compromising service quality. The agency undertakes 12 million deliveries per month through the extensive global network spanning across 240 countries. With 32,000 outlets in Asia, Europe, and the Americas, DTDC Australia offers features like compare & choose, same-day & next-day delivery, real-time tracking, and international courier services.
Customer feedback for the company has been largely positive, with the customers highlighting the agency to handle bulk freight and confidential documents. All at the same time, providing high service quality and customer support, making it one of the best freight forwarding companies in Australia. DTDC Australia has partnerships with all the top courier services in Australia. With DTDC Australia, you can compare the prices and services of different freight forwarders and also get a discount on the prices.
2. Think Global Logistics (TGL)
Founded in Australia, TGL is a global freight forwarding company with air, sea, and domestic freight services. The global network of the company covers more than 60 countries. With operations starting in 2014, the company has come a long way to establish itself as a trusted couriers partner among Australians.
TGL provides global solutions like custom clearance, warehouse 3PL, supply chain consultancy, and oversized cargo. Tech-driven processes of the organization allow it to provide exceptional customer service.
3. DHL Global Forwarding
DHL is among the biggest freight forwarding companies in the world, with 167,000+ customers serviced daily. The company is operational in nearly 220 countries with a combined revenue of €84.2 billion in 2024.
In addition to air, sea, and domestic freight expertise, the company’s GoGreen initiatives set it apart from its competitors. But the company does not have a similar level of influence in Australia as it has on the global stage, making it the 3rd company in the list.
4. DB Schenker Australia
The company is a subsidiary of the global giant DB Schenker and partners with its parent firm to create a vast global network. Operating in more than 130 countries, the company employs 72,000 people around the world. With technological expertise like 4PL logistics services, the company also provides advanced land, air, and ocean freight services. The corporate sustainability initiatives of the company are visible from the carbon neutrality goal set by the company for 2040.
5. Mainfreight
Providing complete end-to-end supply chain solutions, Mainfreight has emerged as a popular freight forwarding company in Australia. With a legacy of 100 years, the company has an extensive network in Europe and 330 branches worldwide. Technological advancement like a dedicated mobile app enhances the customer experience by acting as a one-stop solution for all customer needs. Mainfreight has shown strong financial performance in the year 2024.
6. Kuehne + Nagel
Kuehne + Nagel was founded in 1890, and over the last 130 years the company has grown from a traditional shipping company to a global freight forwarding giant. Main focus of the company is customer fulfillment and this can be seen from the 400,000 customers. Along with sea, air, and land freight forwarding, the company also provides supply chain consulting and order management. Additionally, the company focuses on specific industries like aerospace, healthcare, and automobiles.
7. CEVA Logistics
Ceva Logistics is one of the largest freight forwarding companies with 160,000 employees. Operations of the company span across 170+ countries with 400 offices across the world.
Apart from ocean and air freight, the company also provides train freight for interstate freight forwarding. In addition to this, the company also offers contract logistics, project logistics, and finished vehicle logistics.
8. FedEx Trade Networks
Started with 186 deliveries and today the company is dealing with about 14.5 million. FedEx is known for bringing innovations to the logistics network. With a global ISO 9001 certification, the company meets every customer and regulatory requirement consistently. Technological advancements like data analytics and AI are used by the company to strengthen its operations.
9. BCR Australia
Headquartered in Sydney, BCR Australia has been operating in the logistics sector for more than 130 years. Over the years, the company has emerged as a major player in freight forwarding, customs clearance, and third-party logistics. The company has offices in all major Australian cities like Sydney, Melbourne, Darwin, Townsville, among others. By partnering with Seaway Group, the company has further expanded its global operations.
10. Freight People
Comparatively, a younger company that was established in 1987, and still Freight People, was able to make an impact by combining technology, automation, and innovation. The company looks beyond pricing and aims to provide value-added services to its customers.
The company primarily operates in Australia with a network of over 300 carriers. With the technology platform Cario, the company provides seamless integration between these carriers and the customers.
Conclusion
If you are someone looking for freight forwarding services within Australia, you can choose any of the companies from the above list. But before making your decision, keep in mind the criteria mentioned in the blog. Always plan for the long term and only associate with a reputed freight forwarding company. For instance, a company like DTDC Australia is more likely to enhance the value of your business when compared to a cost-cutting company.
