Top 10: Freight Forwarders

Scope 3 emissions represent a new frontier in supply chain sustainability and their impact is enormous for freight forwarders.

Freight forwarders play a pivotal role in two main areas: upstream transportation (moving goods to clients) and downstream distribution (reaching end customers).

As navigators of global shipment routes, freight forwarders have a unique vantage point into the transportation footprint across its clients' networks.

With tighter regulations like the EU's Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive approaching, more shippers rely on freight forwarders to track and report its Scope 3 emissions.

Freight transport alone contributes about 30% of all transport-related emissions, equating to more than 7% of total global emissions. Addressing Scope 3 emissions therefore allows freight forwarders to make a significant environmental impact.

Beyond regulatory compliance, reducing Scope 3 emissions offers freight forwarders a competitive edge. By optimising cargo loads, refining transport routes and recommending greener options, they can help clients meet growing demands for sustainable logistics and foster loyalty along the way.

10 | Hellmann Worldwide Logistics

Revenue: US$3.5bn
Employees: 12,237
CEO: Jens Drewes
Founded: 1871

Hellmann Worldwide Logistics, a significant global freight forwarding and logistics company, has a rich history dating back to 1871. With headquarters in Osnabrück, Germany, it offers integrated solutions across air, sea, rail and road freight to optimise transportation efficiency and potentially reduce emissions.

Its digital services and specialised industry solutions improve operational efficiencies and enable sustainable supply chain operations.

With a presence in more than 173 countries, Hellmann provides localised logistics to minimise transportation distances. Additionally, their sustainability focused supply chain optimisation tools and contract logistics expertise position Hellmann to help clients address and reduce Scope 3 emissions throughout the value chain.

9 | Kerry Logistics

Revenue: US$6.1bn
Employees: 47,000
CEO: Vic Cheung
Founded: 1979

Kerry Logistics, with a presence in excess of 60 countries and a focus on emerging markets, is making strides toward supply chain sustainability through technology. Its proprietary platform, KerrierVISION, is a standout feature which provides layered track-and-trace options tailored to each customer's needs.

The platform offers robust tools to tackle Scope 3 emissions. With detailed tracking and tracing, KerrierVISION gives clients visibility over transportation and distribution emissions — critical elements of Scope 3. The data it gathers on shipments and routes can also support precise emissions calculations.

Through route optimisation and customised reporting, Kerry Logistics is helping clients meet ambitious sustainability goals.

8  | Expeditors International

Revenue: US$8.9bn
Employees: 13,000
CEO: Jeffrey Musser 
Founded: 1979

Expeditors International, a global logistics leader based in Seattle, operates across 340 locations in 101 countries, offering diverse services from air and ocean freight forwarding to customs brokerage and bespoke logistics solutions.

Expeditors' SEA+AIR / AIR+SEA service uniquely addresses Scope 3 emissions by combining ocean and air freight to optimise cost, speed and environmental impact. Its hybrid approach offers a balanced alternative: faster than pure sea freight and more cost-effective than air freight, reducing emissions without sacrificing efficiency.

Enhanced tracking through its exp.o® platform gives clients real-time visibility to measure emissions accurately.

Expeditors' focus on sustainability shines through in tailored solutions, industry-specific expertise and data-driven route optimisation. The multimodal service positions Expeditors as a vital partner for clients aiming to reduce Scope 3 emissions in global transportation.

7  | Sinotrans

Revenue: US$14.93
Employees: 32,935
CEO: Rong Song
Founded: 2002

Sinotrans integrates air and ocean freight with supply chain management, providing tailored logistics solutions and value-added services, positioning it to help clients address Scope 3 emissions effectively.

Sinotrans can streamline routes and optimise transportation modes through multimodal transportation, reducing overall emissions. Its industry-specific focus — such as green supply chain solutions for chemicals and specialised cold chain logistics — demonstrates its commitment to sustainable practices across sectors.

Additionally, Sinotrans' tech-enabled customisation supports route optimisation and cargo consolidation, minimising emissions further. This end-to-end visibility across logistics makes Sinotrans a valuable partner for clients seeking to manage Scope 3 emissions within its supply chains.

6  | C.H. Robinson

Revenue: US$17.6bn
Employees: 15,000
CEO: Dave Bozeman
Founded: 1905

C.H. Robinson, a global leader in third-party logistics, provides transportation and supply chain solutions across a network of 450,000 carriers. With over a century of industry experience, the company manages 90,000 customers globally.

A standout feature of C.H. Robinson's approach to sustainability is its advanced technology platform, Navisphere, which streamlines multimodal transportation and optimises efficiency. It connects 200,000 companies, giving clients real-time insights and visibility across its supply chain.

The company notes: "We have the most data on shipments, routings and carriers in the world", providing customers with data-driven insights for efficiency and potential Scope 3 emissions reduction.

C.H. Robinson's focus on visibility and exception management helps clients track emissions across its operations. With tools like a detailed analytics module and end-to-end shipment tracking, clients can make informed, sustainability-focused supply chain decisions. The platform further offers multimodal optimisation, allowing clients to choose lower-emission routes.

Recognised as one of the "Most Responsible Companies," C.H. Robinson's dedication to efficiency and innovation makes it a strong partner for reducing Scope 3 emissions in global supply chains.

5  | CEVA Logistics

Revenue: US$20.2bn
Employees: 110,000
CEO:  Mathieu Friedberg
Founded: 1946

CEVA Logistics, a global leader in supply chain solutions under the CMA CGM Group, operates 1,500+ facilities in 170 countries. With expertise in industries such as automotive, retail, healthcare and technology, it offers innovative services tailored to each sector.

One standout feature is CEVA's containerised vehicle shipment service, which leverages CMA CGM's shipping network to support Scope 3 emissions reduction. Through a network of 42 linked ports, it can efficiently transport vehicles via optimised multimodal routes that cut down emissions. Real-time tracking from factory to delivery provides transparency, supporting clients' emission goals.

The service's flexibility—delivering to dealerships, fleet owners, or consumers — further aligns with sustainability efforts, especially as electric vehicle shipments grow. CEVA's approach combines innovation and logistics expertise, positioning the company as a vital partner in clients' journeys to reduce Scope 3 emissions in transportation.

4 | DHL Supply Chain & Global Forwarding

Revenue: US$21.89bn
Employees:  600,000
CEO: Oscar de Bok
Founded: 1969

DHL Supply Chain & Global Forwarding, a Deutsche Post DHL Group division, delivers tailored logistics solutions worldwide. Uniting DHL Supply Chain's contract logistics expertise withDHL Global Forwarding's international freight capabilities, the division serves a diverse client base, spanning Auto-Mobility, Consumer, Healthcare, Technology and more.

A standout feature is its GoGreen solutions, a sustainability-driven suite supporting Scope 3 emissions reduction with options for all transport modes.

Key components include:

• Industry-specific solutions: Sector-focused logistics tailored to reduce emissions within each supply chain.
• Multimodal optimisation: Extensive air, sea, road and rail offerings optimise routes for lower emissions.
• Global network & local reach: Operating in across 220 countries, DHL provides localised solutions that shorten transit distances.
• Technology & visibility: Advanced tools enhance route efficiency and enable comprehensive shipment tracking, further cutting emissions.

DHL's GoGreen solutions and global expertise position it as a key partner in tackling Scope 3 emissions in transportation and logistics.

3  |  Nippon Express

Revenue: US$22m
Employees: 106,000
CEO:  Satoshi Horikiri
Founded: 1937

Nippon Express, a global logistics powerhouse based in Japan, serves industries across 49 countries through a network of 739 locations. Known for its agile, end-to-end supply chain services, Nippon Express has emerged as a key player in sustainable logistics, especially in the automotive sector.

A core aspect of Nippon Express's approach is its strategic support for automotive production. By situating warehouses close to automaker plants in Asia, North America and Europe, Nippon Express ensures seamless parts supply to 24/7 production lines, adapting transport modes to match demand.

As noted, its mission is "optimal logistics that sustain continuous production", which is crucial for the automotive industry's efficiency needs.

Nippon Express highlights resilience through its Business Continuity Planning (BCP) system, which ensures supply continuity during disruptions. The system supports Scope 3 goals by helping clients maintain stable, efficient operations even in emergencies.

Additionally, with EV trucks in Thailand, sustainable logistics for the space sector and a CO2 reduction target, Nippon Express's initiatives reflect a strong commitment to lowering emissions across its extensive operations — helping clients cut down on Scope 3 emissions in its supply chains.

2 | DSV

Revenue: US$27.58bn
Employees: 75,000
CEO: Jen H. Lund
Founded:  1876

DSV, a Danish-founded global logistics giant, operates in more than 80 countries with 75,000 employees and is one of the largest freight forwarders worldwide. Known for its Green Logistics program, DSV takes an integrated approach to reducing Scope 3 emissions.

Key aspects include:

• Multimodal transportation optimisation: DSV leverages air, sea, road and rail to select efficient, lower-emission routes.
• Advanced technology: DSV employs tech-driven route optimisation and cargo consolidation to cut emissions.
• Extensive global network: More than 1,600 offices enable localisation, potentially shorter routes, reducing emissions.
• Industry-specific solutions: Expertise across sectors like automotive and healthcare supports tailored emissions strategies.
• Real-time visibility: Clients gain full control over shipments, identifying emission-cutting opportunities.

DSV's multimodal options and sustainability focus equip clients to manage Scope 3 emissions in logistics efficiently, demonstrating the company's commitment to innovative, sustainable supply chain solutions.

1  |  Kuehne + Nagel

• Revenue: US$27.7bn
• Employees: 80,000
• CEO: Stefan Paul
• Founded: ​​​​​​​1890

Kuehne + Nagel is a global powerhouse in logistics, renowned for its expertise in air, sea, road and contract logistics. Founded in Bremen, Germany, in 1890, it now operates in nearly 100 countries and employs a robust team of over 80,000 professionals.

What truly sets Kuehne + Nagel apart is its forward-thinking approach to Scope 3 emissions, seamlessly integrated within its logistics ecosystem. Through its Control Tower technology and ControLOG supply chain management suite, Kuehne + Nagel offers unparalleled visibility and data integration.

The Control Tower centralises management, pulling data from eight global hubs to give clients full command of its supply chains. Meanwhile, the cloud-based ControLOG platform provides real-time insights and predictive analytics, empowering clients to choose efficient, lower-carbon routes and reduce emissions. 

Its commitment to sustainability is highlighted by its membership in the Science Based Target Initiative (SBTi), which aims to support clients with low-carbon logistics solutions.

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