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Top 20 Freight Forwarding Companies in India

freight - freight forwarding companies

The logistics landscape in India has been changing rapidly over the past few years, and freight forwarding companies now play a major role in connecting businesses to global markets. They act as specialised service partners who bridge the gap between shippers and carriers, coordinating the many steps involved in moving products to their final destinations.

As India grows into a strong international trade hub, freight forwarding companies in India have become essential for businesses that need reliable, efficient, and cost-effective ways to reach customers worldwide. By handling customs documentation and managing multimodal transport, these companies help Indian cargo clear borders smoothly and enter global supply chains without delays.

India’s Role in Global Freight Market

India has become an important player in the global freight forwarding industry because of its strategic location and fast-growing economy. Sitting between the East and the West, the country’s major ports handle millions of containers every year, giving it a strong advantage in international trade. This is something freight forwarding companies in India actively use to maintain smooth connections with more than 220 countries worldwide.

India’s expanding manufacturing base, the rapid rise of e-commerce, and government initiatives like Make in India have increased the need for advanced logistics solutions, making the country one of the fastest-growing freight markets in the world.

What is Freight Forwarding?

Freight forwarding is a specialised service where companies manage the transportation of goods for shippers, from the point of origin to the final destination. These logistics experts coordinate different modes of transport such as air, ocean, road, and rail to ensure cargo moves efficiently and reaches its destination on time.

For a broader overview of the profession, the Freight Forwarder page on Wikipedia explains how forwarders operate across global trade routes.

Importance of Freight Forwarding in Global Trade

  • Makes complex logistics simple: Manages international shipping rules, documentation, and other requirements that can be difficult for businesses to handle on their own.
  • Cost optimisation: Negotiates competitive rates, consolidates shipments when possible, and helps reduce overall transportation costs.
  • Risk management: Protects cargo through proper insurance and manages liability issues that may arise during transit.
  • Time efficiency: Ensures faster deliveries by selecting the best routes and coordinating multimodal transport to avoid delays.
  • Experience in customs practices: Navigates complicated customs procedures smoothly while ensuring full compliance with regulations.
  • Global network access: Connects businesses to international logistics networks and trusted partners across multiple trade routes.

According to data from the Ministry of Commerce & Industry, India’s trade activity continues to expand, increasing the demand for advanced logistics and freight forwarding services.

Why India’s Freight Forwarding Sector is Growing Fast

  • The thriving E-commerce: The fast pace of online shopping increases the need to find effective logistics and last-mile delivery solutions.
  • Growth in manufacturing: Government programs such as Make in India are enhancing the level of exports.
  • Infrastructure Development: Modernisation of ports, airports and highways, enhancing connectivity.
  • Digital Transformation: Use of technology to facilitate improved tracking, automation and efficiency.
  • Strategic Location: India is a hub that connects key trade routes, increasing transit possibilities.

Top 20 Freight Forwarding Companies in India for 2026

1. DHL Global Forwarding India

dhl - freight forwarding companies
  • Founded: 1969 (Global); India operations since the 1980s
  • Industries Served: Automotive, Healthcare, Technology, Retail, Industrial, Aerospace, Consumer Goods
  • Headquarters: Mumbai, India (India operations); Bonn, Germany (Global HQ)
  • Website: www.dhl.com/in-en
  • Rating: 4.2/5

DHL Global Forwarding is one of the most established freight forwarding companies in India and has a strong presence in India. As part of the Deutsche Post DHL Group, it provides integrated air, ocean, and road freight services across key global trade routes, connecting to more than 220 countries. In India, the company operates through major cities and ports, offering end-to-end logistics solutions supported by advanced technology, a reliable network, and strict safety standards for cargo movement.

Key Services:

• Air & Ocean Freight
• Road & Rail Transportation
• Customs Clearance Services
• Supply Chain Solutions
• Temperature-Controlled Logistics

Network & Reach: It is available in more than 35 locations all over India and internationally in 220+ countries.

Best For: Businesses that require international freight forwarding that has a vast network around the globe, as well as good delivery.

2. Kuehne + Nagel India

kuehne-nagel - freight forwarding companies
  • Founded: 1890 (Global); India operations since 1997
  • Industries Served: Aerospace, Automotive, Consumer Goods, Healthcare, High-Tech, Industrial, Perishables
  • Headquarters: Gurgaon/Mumbai, India; Schindellegi, Switzerland (Global HQ)
  • Website: www.kuehne-nagel.com/in
  • Rating: 4.1/5

With more than 130 years in global logistics, Kuehne + Nagel has built a strong reputation as one of the most dependable freight forwarding companies in India. The company is a global leader in sea and air freight and offers complete, integrated supply chain solutions tailored to multiple industries.

Since entering the Indian market in 1997, it has expanded its presence across major trade hubs and now connects businesses to more than 1,300 locations worldwide. Their approach focuses on innovation, real-time visibility, and customer-focused service, making them a reliable partner for complex international shipments.

Key Services:

• Sea & Air Freight
• Contract Logistics Solutions
• Road Transport Services
• 4PL Integrated Logistics
• E-commerce Logistics Solutions

Network & Reach: 1,300+ global destinations across nearly 100 countries.
Best For: Companies needing a unified global supply chain supported by strong air and sea freight capabilitiesloped technological features.

3. Blue Dart Express

bluedart - freight forwarding companies
  • Founded: 1983
  • Industries Served: E-commerce, Pharmaceuticals, Retail, Automotive, Technology, Healthcare, FMCG
  • Headquarters: Mumbai, Maharashtra
  • Website: www.bluedart.com
  • Rating: 3.8/5

Blue Dart Express is one of India’s leading express logistics providers and has been a subsidiary of DHL since 2005. Founded by Indian entrepreneurs, it was the first company in the country to launch dedicated express air cargo services. With its own fleet of aircraft and an extensive ground network, Blue Dart reaches more than 56,400 locations in India and connects to over 220 international destinations. The company is well known for its 99.96% service reliability, making it a trusted choice for time-sensitive and high-priority shipments.

Key Services:

• Domestic Air Express
• International Shipping Solutions
• Temperature-Controlled Logistics
• Supply Chain Services
• Cash-on-Delivery Services

Network & Reach: 56,400+ locations across India with connections to more than 220 countries.
Best For: Fast domestic deliveries and urgent shipments that require high reliability.

4. Maersk India

maersk - freight forwarding companies
  • Founded: 1904 (Global); Operating in India for 20+ years
  • Industries Served: Manufacturing, Retail, Automotive, Energy, Chemicals, Agriculture, Pharmaceuticals
  • Headquarters: Mumbai, India; Copenhagen, Denmark (Global HQ)
  • Website: https://www.maersk.com/local-information/imea/india
  • Rating: 4.0/5

A.P. Moller–Maersk is one of the world’s largest container shipping and integrated logistics providers, and its India division ranks among the most influential freight forwarding companies in India. Maersk operates across 15 ports in India and maintains offices in more than 25 key locations, offering end-to-end ocean freight and inland logistics supported by one of the biggest vessel fleets globally. Their one-stop model combines sea freight, inland transport, customs services, and warehousing, allowing businesses to move cargo efficiently from port to destination with minimal delays.

Key Services:

• Ocean Freight Services
• Inland Transportation Solutions
• Customs Brokerage Services
• Supply Chain Management
• Refrigerated Cargo Handling

Network & Reach: Operations in 130 countries with presence in 15 major Indian cities.
Best For: Large ocean freight shipments and integrated sea-to-door logistics solutions.

5. Om Freight Forwarders

omfreight - freight forwarding companies
  • Founded: 1970s (Over 40 years of experience)
  • Industries Served: Automotive, Pharmaceuticals, Engineering, Consumer Goods, Textiles, Electronics
  • Headquarters: Mumbai, Maharashtra
  • Website: https://omfreight.com/
  • Rating: 4.3/5

Om Freight Forwarders is a privately owned, third-generation global logistics company with more than four decades of industry experience. Headquartered in Mumbai, the company serves over 700 destinations worldwide through a strong network of partners across five continents. Known for its diversified service capabilities, Om Freight adheres to MTO, IATA, and FIATA standards, offering end-to-end solutions that include compliance support, storage, cargo handling, and tailored forwarding services for different business needs.

Key Services:

• Multimodal Transportation Solutions
• Project Cargo Handling
• Customs Clearance Services
• Warehousing & Distribution
• Value-Added Logistics Services

Network & Reach: Partnerships across five continents, serving 700+ domestic and international destinations.
Best For: Businesses needing customized, multi-purpose logistics solutions with strong regulatory and compliance support.

6. Ocean Sky Logistics

oceanskylogistic - freight forwarding companies
  • Founded: Early 2000s (20+ years of experience)
  • Industries Served: Manufacturing, Retail, E-commerce, Automotive, Pharmaceuticals, Industrial Goods
  • Headquarters: Mumbai, India
  • Website: https://www.oceanskylogistics.in/
  • Rating: 4.2/5

Ocean Sky Logistics has grown into one of India’s well-established logistics providers, backed by more than two decades of expertise in global supply chain operations. It is known for its practical, customer-focused approach and continues to expand its presence among list of freight forwarding companies in India.

The company’s mission is to simplify complex supply chains so clients can focus on core operations while enjoying smooth, well-managed cargo movement. Ocean Sky offers a complete range of services, including ocean freight, air freight, international rail transport, and road freight, supported by a reliable network of certified global partners.

Key Services:

• Ocean Freight Services
• Air Freight Solutions
• International Rail Transport
• Customs Clearance Support
• Warehousing & Door Delivery

Network & Reach: Strong network of international partners across major global trade routes.
Best For: Companies seeking simplified logistics with a focus on air and ocean transportation.

7. APT Logistics

aptlogistic - freight forwarding companies
  • Founded: 2002
  • Industries Served: Pharmaceuticals, Automotive, E-commerce, Industrial, Technology, Consumer Goods
  • Headquarters: Mumbai, Maharashtra
  • Website: www.aptlogistics.com
  • Rating: 4.1/5

Founded in 2002, APT Logistics has grown into one of the more widely recognised freight forwarding companies in India. With 16 offices in 12 major cities including Delhi, Bengaluru, Hyderabad, Kolkata, and Chennai, the company provides flexible transport solutions for shipments moving to and from global destinations.

APT also supports clients with complete supply chain management, covering project planning, documentation, and quality control based on specific business requirements.

Key Services:

• Air & Ocean Freight
• Inland Freight Services
• Customs Clearance Solutions
• Warehousing & Storage
• Consulting Services

Network & Reach: 16 branch offices across major Indian cities with a strong network of international partners.
Best For: Businesses needing flexible freight solutions supported by a wide domestic branch network.

8. Seal Freight

sealfreight - freight forwarding companies
  • Founded: 1990
  • Industries Served: Pharmaceuticals, Textiles, Automotive, Electronics, FMCG, Industrial Equipment
  • Headquarters: Mumbai, India
  • Website: www.sealfreight.com
  • Rating: 4.0/5

Since 1990, Seal Freight has established itself as a reliable logistics partner and one of India’s well-known freight service providers. The company has built a strong reputation for trust and consistency, offering a full range of import and export solutions for large and small businesses. With integrated services covering sea, air, and land freight, Seal Freight manages both inbound and outbound shipments to major cargo hubs worldwide.

Key Services:

• International Freight Forwarding
• Cold Chain Solutions
• Project Cargo Handling
• Cargo Packaging Services
• Logistics Distribution Management

Network & Reach: Direct access to key international cargo hubs with comprehensive coverage across India.
Best For: Businesses that require combined land, sea, and air forwarding capabilities for diverse shipment needs.

9. Addax Logistics

addax - freight forwarding companies
  • Founded: 2011
  • Industries Served: Pharmaceuticals, Textiles, Engineering, Electronics, Automotive, Consumer Goods (40+ industries)
  • Headquarters: Mumbai, India
  • Website: https://addax.in/
  • Rating: 4.2/5

Addax Logistics may be relatively young, but it has quickly built a strong reputation among India’s emerging freight forwarding companies in India. Since its start in 2011, the company has expanded through customised, cost-efficient logistics solutions designed for businesses across more than 40 industries.

Addax focuses on helping companies reduce transportation expenses through strategic planning and offers a wide service range that includes freight forwarding, exhibition logistics, personal cargo handling, and project cargo management, all tailored to each client’s needs.

Key Services:

• Freight Forwarding Services
• Exhibition Logistics Solutions
• Personal Cargo Clearance
• Project Cargo Logistics
• Dedicated Customer Assistance

Network & Reach: Supports 40+ industries with operations across major logistics hubs in India.
Best For: Companies looking for affordable, customised logistics support, especially for project cargo and exhibition shipments.

10. Stockarea

stockarea - freight forwarding companies
  • Founded: Early 2000s (20+ years of experience)
  • Industries Served: E-commerce, Manufacturing, Retail, Automotive, Pharmaceuticals, Industrial
  • Headquarters: Mumbai, India
  • Website: www.stockarea.io
  • Rating: 4.3/5

Stockarea has grown steadily over the past two decades and is now considered one of the more dynamic freight forwarding companies in India. Known for its customer-focused approach, the company offers customised air and ocean freight solutions designed to meet the specific needs of different industries.

Stockarea maintains a presence across major Indian ports and provides complete supply chain support, including freight forwarding, customs clearance, domestic transportation, warehousing, and distribution. Their strength lies in offering smooth, end-to-end execution for both importers and exporters.

Key Services:

• Air Freight Services
• Ocean Freight Solutions
• Customs Clearance Support
• Warehousing & Distribution
• Inland Transportation

Network & Reach: Present across major Indian ports with a strong domestic logistics network.
Best For: Businesses needing complete port-to-door logistics and coordinated import-export support.

11. LORDS Freight India

lordfreight - freight forwarding companies
  • Founded: Part of Mahindra Logistics
  • Industries Served: Automotive, Engineering, Pharmaceutical, Fashion, Retail, Telecom, Electronics, Industrial
  • Headquarters: Mumbai, India
  • Website: https://lordsfreight.com/
  • Rating: 4.1/5

LORDS Freight India is a fully owned subsidiary of Mahindra Logistics and specialises in both air and ocean import-export services. The company offers a wide range of solutions including air express, containerised freight, customs handling, project cargo, and FCL/LCL shipments.

Backed by the strong reputation and operational expertise of the Mahindra Group, LORDS serves multiple industries with dependable logistics systems and maintains strong relationships with major global carriers and shipping lines.

Key Services:

• Air & Ocean Freight
• Customs Brokerage Services
• Project Cargo Solutions
• FCL/LCL Services
• Industry-Specific Logistics

Network & Reach: Pan-India presence with global connectivity through the Mahindra Logistics network.
Best For: Businesses needing specialised industry-focused freight solutions with the reliability and support of the Mahindra Group.

12. Airborne International

ariborneinternational - freight forwarding companies
  • Founded: 2001 (ISO 9001:2015 certified since inception)
  • Industries Served: Pharmaceuticals, E-commerce, Retail, Manufacturing, Technology, Healthcare
  • Headquarters: Mumbai, India
  • Website: www.airborneinternational.in
  • Rating: 4.0/5

Airborne International has steadily built its reputation as one of the more dependable freight forwarding companies in India offering both logistics and courier services. Known for its focus on speed and reliability, the company provides timely delivery solutions backed by strong customer support. With an extensive domestic network and more than 400 international associations, Airborne ensures safe and efficient transport for businesses of all sizes, from small parcels to large commercial shipments.

Key Services:

• International Express Services
• Express Freight Solutions
• Customs Clearance Support
• Warehousing Services
• Door-to-Door Delivery

Network & Reach: Wide domestic coverage with global partners in key international gateway cities.
Best For: Fast courier services and urgent express freight that require consistent speed and reliability.

13. SVP Logistics

cargosvp - freight forwarding companies
  • Founded: 2018
  • Industries Served: E-commerce, Pharmaceuticals, Fashion, Electronics, Manufacturing, Perishables
  • Headquarters: Delhi/Mumbai, India
  • Website: https://www.cargosvp.com/
  • Rating: 4.2/5

Founded in 2018, SVP Logistics has quickly emerged as one of the more agile and innovative freight forwarding companies serving India’s fast-growing air cargo sector. Despite being relatively new, the company has built a strong presence by offering a wide mix of services, including air, sea, and land freight, warehousing, packaging, export-import support, consolidation, customs brokerage, and door-to-door delivery. SVP also handles sensitive and specialised cargo such as perishables and pharmaceuticals with high precision.

Key Services:

• Air Cargo Services
• Sea & Land Freight
• Customs Brokerage Solutions
• Import-Export Consolidation
• Door-to-Door Services

Network & Reach: Expanding network across major Indian cities with flexible pricing options.
Best For: SMEs looking for adaptable, fast, and innovative logistics support.

14. Intoglo

intoglo - freight forwarding companies
  • Founded: 2010s
  • Industries Served: E-commerce, Cross-border Trade, Amazon FBA, Retail, Manufacturing
  • Headquarters: Mumbai, India
  • Website: www.intoglo.com
  • Rating: 4.4/5

Intoglo has grown into one of the more prominent freight forwarding companies in India, known for its strong global network and technology-driven logistics solutions. The company specialises in international and domestic delivery, providing services such as Amazon FBA shipments, ocean freight, warehousing, and overall supply chain management. Intoglo is particularly active in the cross-border e-commerce space, leveraging modern digital tools and partnerships with major shipping lines like ZIM, Hapag-Lloyd, MSC, Maersk, and CMA CGM.

Key Services:

• Amazon FBA Shipments
• Ocean Freight Solutions
• Warehousing Services
• Supply Chain Management
• E-commerce Logistics

Network & Reach: Global reach supported by top international shipping lines.
Best For: E-commerce brands and Amazon FBA sellers needing dependable cross-border logistics.

15. Darekar Logistics

darekarlogistic - freight forwarding companies
  • Founded: 1980s (30+ years of experience)
  • Industries Served: Pharmaceuticals, Automotive, Engineering, Consumer Goods, Perishables
  • Headquarters: Mumbai, Maharashtra
  • Website: www.darekarlogistics.com
  • Rating: 4.0/5

Darekar Logistics is a pan-India logistics provider with more than three decades of experience across major air and sea ports. With branches at key airport and seaport locations, the company focuses on freight forwarding and end-to-end supply chain management.

Over the years, Darekar has built strong expertise in handling diverse types of cargo and offers a complete set of solutions including customs clearance, vessel chartering, airfreight, ocean freight, and international courier services. Their operations prioritise reliability and consistent service quality.

Key Services:

• Air & Ocean Freight
• Customs Clearance Services
• Vessel Chartering
• Global Courier Services
• Supply Chain Management

Network & Reach: Established network across major Indian air and sea ports built over 30+ years.
Best For: Businesses with traditional logistics needs that require strong customs knowledge and vessel chartering capabilities.

16. Shipping Corporation of India (SCI)

shipindia - freight forwarding companies
  • Founded: 1961
  • Industries Served: Oil & Gas, Bulk Cargo, Containerized Goods, Project Cargo, Coastal Shipping
  • Headquarters: Mumbai, Maharashtra
  • Website: www.shipindia.com
  • Rating: 3.9/5

The Shipping Corporation of India (SCI) is one of the country’s most established state-owned maritime organisations and remains a significant name among list of freight forwarding companies in India. Since 1961, SCI has played a key role in strengthening India’s maritime infrastructure.

What began with a fleet of 19 ships has grown into a major global presence, handling a large share of the nation’s commercial shipping across international routes. SCI provides a wide range of freight forwarding and vessel-related services, supported by government-backed reliability and extensive operational experience.

Key Services:

• Ocean Freight Services
• Vessel Operations Management
• Coastal Shipping Solutions
• Bulk Cargo Handling
• Project Cargo Services

Network & Reach: Government-supported maritime network connecting major global shipping routes.
Best For: Large-scale bulk freight and ocean shipments requiring strong reliability and long-distance sea transport.

17. Fourstar Worldwide Services

fourstarcargo - freight forwarding companies
  • Founded: 1997
  • Industries Served: Manufacturing, Retail, Automotive, Pharmaceuticals, Engineering, Electronics
  • Headquarters: Mumbai, India
  • Website: https://www.fourstarcargo.com/
  • Rating: 4.1/5

Fourstar Worldwide Services has built a strong reputation within India’s logistics sector and continues to stand out among established freight forwarding companies. Handling more than 18,500 TEUs annually, the company is an authorized Customs House Agent (CHA) and specialises in international freight forwarding, customs clearance, and shipment management.

Its strong relationships with major global shipping lines and its presence across key ports and ICDs—including Mumbai, Gujarat, Chennai, and Kanpur—make it a dependable logistics partner for businesses with high customs activity.

Key Services:

• International Freight Forwarding
• Customs Clearance (CHA)
• Shipment Management Services
• FCL/LCL Operations
• Port & ICD Services

Network & Reach: Active across major ports and ICDs such as Mumbai, Gujarat, Chennai, and Kanpur.
Best For: Companies with heavy customs requirements that need certified CHA support.

18. EFG Express

efggroup - freight forwarding companies
  • Founded: 2000s
  • Industries Served: E-commerce, Manufacturing, Pharmaceuticals, Retail, Technology
  • Headquarters: Mumbai, India
  • Website: https://efggroup.pl/lang_en.html
  • Rating: 4.0/5 (Estimated)

EFG Express has steadily grown into a notable name among India’s emerging freight forwarding companies, offering specialised logistics solutions tailored to modern business needs. The company focuses on speed, efficiency, and flexibility, providing complete forwarding services for various industries.

With a presence across major metropolitan cities, EFG Express supports businesses through customised delivery models that meet specific supply chain requirements and ensure timely cargo movement.

Key Services:

• Freight Forwarding
• Express Delivery Services
• Customs Support
• Warehousing Solutions
• Supply Chain Optimization

Network & Reach: Operations across key metropolitan cities in India.
Best For: Businesses that need competitive, fast, and adaptable logistics solutions.

19. Cargo Consol India

cargoconsol - freight forwarding companies
  • Founded: 2000s
  • Industries Served: Manufacturing, Retail, E-commerce, Automotive, Industrial Equipment
  • Headquarters: Chennai, Tamil Nadu
  • Website: https://cargoconsol.in/
  • Rating: 4.2/5

Cargo Consol India is a competitive NVOCC (Non-Vessel Operating Common Carrier) headquartered in Chennai, serving major coastal gateways and inland container depots across the country. The company has built a strong reputation for reliability by providing consistent service quality and comprehensive port coverage.

Specialising in container logistics, Cargo Consol ensures smooth local and international transportation through its structured network and expertise in containerised cargo movement.

Key Services:

• NVOCC Services
• Container Freight Solutions
• Coastal Shipping Services
• Inland Container Depot Operations
• Port-to-Port Transportation

Network & Reach: Active across key Indian ports and major inland container depots.
Best For: Container shipping needs that require strong NVOCC capabilities and coastal route expertise.

20. Lancer Container Lines

lancerline - freight forwarding companies
  • Founded: 2010s (10+ years of experience)
  • Industries Served: Manufacturing, Import-Export, Retail, Construction, Agriculture
  • Headquarters: Mumbai, Maharashtra
  • Website: https://www.lancerline.com/
  • Rating: 4.6/5

Lancer Container Lines has grown steadily over the past decade and now holds a respected position among India’s established freight forwarding companies. Based in Mumbai, the company operates as both a freight forwarder and an NVOCC, supported by its own container yard that offers seamless access to rail, road, and ocean transportation.

This infrastructure allows Lancer to manage container movement efficiently across the hinterland and ICDs, earning strong ratings for reliability, service quality, and consistent multimodal handling capabilities.

Key Services:

• NVOCC Operations
• Container Yard Services
• Multimodal Transportation
• One-Way Container Handling
• Container Repositioning Services

Network & Reach: Rail, road, and ocean connectivity supported by an in-house container yard for streamlined operations.
Best For: Container logistics that require dependable NVOCC services and direct access to yard facilities.

Choosing the Right Freight Forwarding Partner

  • Industry experience: Choose forwarders who have experience in your business line and of your cargo type.
  • Network Coverage: Assess their national as well as international network coverage on the destination of your business.
  • Technology Integration: Evaluate their digital capacity to track, record and real time visibility.
  • Certifications: Look check IATA, FIATA, ISO and other industry certifications.
  • References: want the testimonials of other clients in the same industries or trade lanes.

Is Freight Forwarding Profitable in India?

  • Supportive Market Demand: India’s rising trade volumes continue to create steady and consistent business opportunities for freight forwarders.
  • E-business Growth: The rapid expansion of online shopping has increased the need for efficient logistics, contributing significantly to revenue for the sector.
  • Margin Potential: Experienced forwarders earn solid returns through service charges, carrier agreements, and various value-added logistics services.
  • Technology Advantage: Digital tools help companies reduce operational costs while improving efficiency, visibility, and overall service quality.
  • Government Interventions: Investments in infrastructure and supportive trade policies have strengthened the profitability and long-term stability of the logistics sector.
  • Threats: Intense competition, pressure on margins in standardised services, and challenges related to working capital remain major concerns.

Conclusion

India’s freight forwarding industry is entering a dynamic phase shaped by globalisation, new technology, and rapidly increasing trade activity. Over the years, freight forwarding companies have evolved from simple intermediaries into strategic supply chain partners that deliver end-to-end solutions. From major players like DHL, Kuehne + Nagel, Intoglo, and Stockarea to a wide range of specialised service providers, the industry now supports businesses of every size and sector.

When choosing a partner in this space, it’s important to evaluate factors like network coverage, industry experience, technology capabilities, and overall service consistency. The right logistics partner can turn your supply chain into a competitive advantage, ensuring smooth cross-border movement of goods while allowing you to focus on growing your core business.

If you’re also exploring wider logistics options, you can check this list of shipping companies in India for more insights into the country’s maritime and transport ecosystem.

FAQs

What is the difference between a freight forwarder and a courier service? 

Freight Forwarding Companies in India deal with bulk deliveries, and organize various transport options on B2B shipments, whereas courier services specialize in small shipments and documents delivery within door to door express service to B2C and B2B clients.

How much do freight forwarding services cost in India? 

Prices are dependent on the weight, volume, destination and mode of transport and services needed. As a rule, local shipments cost between 3,000-15,000=50,000 INR, international transportation costs 50-500 or more per cubic meter before customs fees and other expenses.

Do I need a customs broker if I use a freight forwarder? 

The majority of freight forwarders offer a combined service of customs clearance or carry in-house customs brokers. But when dealing with cases of complicated regulation, you might require custom services which are specialized alongside the normal forwarding.

Q4: What documents are required for international freight forwarding? 

The documents necessary are the commercial invoice, packing list, the bill of lading/airway bill, certificate of origin, certificate of insurance, and certifications of the product in case they are required. Your freight forwarder will advise you on documentation requirements on particular destinations.

How long does international freight forwarding take from India? 

Air freight has an average of 3-7days, ocean freight may take between 15-45days based on the destination, and express services may be completed within 1-3 days. The transit time would depend on the route to be used, clearance of customs and the level of service selected.