The logistics industry in the United States is a dynamic and competitive sector. These companies play a crucial role in ensuring the smooth flow of goods and services across the country to meet the demands of modern commerce. From package delivery to supply chain management, these companies employ millions of people and generate significant revenue, contributing to the overall economic landscape. Let’s uncover the insightful details of these logistic giants.
List of 10 Largest US Logistic Companies
- UPS
- DHL
- FedEx
- USPS
- C. H. Robinson Logistics Firm
- Kuehne + Nagel
- J. B. Hunt
- XPO Logistics
- Schneider National
- Ceva
1- UPS (United Parcel Service)
United Parcel Service, commonly known as UPS, is a global leader in the package delivery industry. The company was founded in 1907 in Seattle, Washington, by James Casey and Claude Ryan as a messenger service. Over the years, the company has grown and expanded its operations to become one of the world’s largest package delivery companies.
UPS’s working prowess is unmatched in the industry. The company has a vast network of operations, with a fleet of over 129,000 vehicles and a global workforce of over 500,000 employees. UPS has a strong focus on innovation and technology, using advanced systems to optimize its operations and improve efficiency. The company’s delivery network is supported by state-of-the-art technology, including automated sorting facilities, GPS tracking, and a sophisticated IT infrastructure.
UPS’s revenue figures are impressive. In 2021, UPS reported revenue of $97.3 billion, up from $84.6 billion in 2020. The company’s net income for 2021 was $10.3 billion, up from $4.9 billion in 2020. These figures demonstrate the company’s resilience and ability to adapt to changing market conditions.
UPS has achieved several milestones over the years, including being the first package delivery company to use electric vehicles for delivery in the early 20th century. The company has also been a pioneer in sustainability, setting ambitious goals to reduce its carbon footprint and invest in renewable energy.
UPS provides a range of logistics and supply chain management services. The company’s subsidiaries include UPS Freight, UPS Supply Chain Solutions, and UPS Capital. These businesses help UPS to provide a comprehensive range of services to its customers, from small businesses to large corporations.
UPS’s success is built on a strong commitment to its customers, employees, and the communities in which it operates. The company has a reputation for excellent customer service, with a focus on reliability, speed, and flexibility. UPS also invests heavily in its workforce, providing training and development opportunities to help employees build careers with the company.
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2- DHL (Dalsey, Hillblom and Lynn)
DHL, which stands for Dalsey, Hillblom, and Lynn, is a global logistics company that offers a wide range of services, including express mail, freight transportation, and supply chain management. The company was founded in 1969 by three entrepreneurs who saw an opportunity to create a global delivery network.
DHL has a strong working prowess, with a presence in over 220 countries and territories worldwide. The company has a fleet of over 250 aircraft and more than 385,000 vehicles, enabling it to deliver packages to virtually any location on the planet. DHL’s supply chain division manages over 15 million square meters of warehouse space and employs over 150,000 people.
In terms of revenue, DHL reported earnings of EUR 6.1 billion in 2022, a slight increase from EUR 5.9 billion in 2021. The company’s express division, which handles time-definite international shipments, generated revenue of EUR 27.6 billion in 2022, up from EUR 24.2 billion in 2021. DHL’s global forwarding and freight division saw a significant increase in revenue, jumping from EUR 22.8 billion in 2021 to EUR 30.2 billion in 2022.
DHL has also been involved in several humanitarian efforts, including disaster relief and aid distribution in areas affected by natural disasters and conflict. The company has also been recognized for its commitment to diversity and inclusion, with initiatives focused on gender equality, LGBTQ+ rights, and cultural diversity.
3- FedEx
Federal Express is a globally recognized leader in the delivery services industry, renowned for its speed, reliability, and innovation. The company was founded in 1971 by Frederick W. Smith, who saw a need for a reliable overnight delivery service that could handle time-sensitive packages. Today, FedEx has grown into a multinational behemoth, with a presence in over 220 countries and territories.
The company’s working prowess is built on a foundation of cutting-edge technology, a vast network of facilities, and a dedicated workforce. FedEx has invested heavily in automation, using robotic sorting systems, artificial intelligence, and machine learning to streamline its operations. This technology enables FedEx to handle over 15 million packages daily, delivering them to their destinations with speed and accuracy.
FedEx’s revenue figures are a testament to its success, with the company generating over $84 billion in revenue in 2021 alone. The company’s revenue growth has been driven by a combination of factors, including the expansion of its services, the growth of e-commerce, and strategic acquisitions. FedEx has also been able to maintain its profitability by continuously improving its operational efficiency and reducing costs.
FedEx has also set ambitious goals for reducing its carbon footprint, including a target of achieving carbon-neutral operations by 2040. FedEx has also been recognized for its efforts to promote diversity and inclusion, with the company ranked as one of the best places to work for LGBTQ+ equality by the Human Rights Campaign Foundation.
FedEx’s achievements are not limited to its financial performance or sustainability efforts. The company has also been at the forefront of innovation in the delivery services industry, introducing new services and technologies that have transformed the way packages are delivered. For example, FedEx has pioneered the use of drones, autonomous vehicles, and augmented reality to enhance its delivery capabilities.
4- USPS (United States Postal Service)
The United States Postal Service (USPS) is a government-run agency responsible for providing postal services throughout the United States. Established in 1775, USPS has a history of delivering mail and packages to millions of Americans.
USPS’s expertise is built on a vast network of facilities, vehicles, and a dedicated workforce of over 644,000 employees. The agency handles over 146 billion pieces of mail annually, delivering to over 160 million addresses in the United States. With over 1.3 billion miles traveled annually by postal workers to deliver mail and packages to every part of the United States, the USPS has an unmatched delivery network.
In recent years, USPS has faced financial challenges due to declining mail volumes and rising costs. However, the agency has made significant strides in diversifying its revenue streams and improving its financial position. In 2021, USPS reported total revenue of $77.1 billion, a 9.2% increase from the previous year. The agency’s package revenue, in particular, has grown significantly, with a 14.1% increase in 2021, reaching $25.4 billion.
USPS has also received recognition for its achievements in various areas. For example, in 2022, USPS was ranked as one of the top 500 brands in the world by Brand Finance, a leading brand valuation consultancy. The agency’s strong brand reputation and extensive delivery network have made it a trusted partner for businesses and individuals.
USPS has made significant contributions to the U.S. economy. According to a study by the U.S. Postal Service Office of Inspector General, USPS contributed $135.1 billion to the U.S. GDP in 2019, supporting over 7.3 million jobs. The agency’s operations also generate significant economic activity in rural areas, where it is often the only provider of mail and package delivery services.
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5- C. H. Robinson Logistics Firm
C.H. Robinson Worldwide, Inc. is a transportation company that has been in operation for over a century. Founded in 1905 in Grand Forks, North Dakota, the company has grown to become a global leader in third-party logistics and freight transportation. Today, the company is headquartered in Eden Prairie, Minnesota, and has expanded to include more than 300 offices and over 15,000 employees worldwide.
C.H. Robinson’s services include truckload, less than truckload, air freight, intermodal, and ocean transportation, as well as supply chain analysis, freight consolidation, core carrier program management, and information reporting. The company has contractual relationships with over 66,000 transportation companies, including motor carriers, railroads, air freight, and ocean carriers.
C.H. Robinson’s transportation of goods accounts for about 94% of its gross net revenues. In 2023, the company reported revenues of $17.6 billion, with $515 million in net income and $325 million in operating income. The company’s total assets were $5.23 billion, and its total equity was $1.42 billion.
The company has received numerous awards and recognitions for its achievements. The company was named one of the World’s Most Ethical Companies by Ethisphere Institute in 2023 for the seventh consecutive year. It was also recognized as one of the Best Workplaces in Transportation by Great Place to Work and Fortune in 2023.
C.H. Robinson’s commitment to sustainability is also noteworthy. The company has set ambitious goals to reduce its carbon footprint, including a target to reduce its emissions by 30% by 2030.
6- Kuehne + Nagel
Kuehne + Nagel is a global logistics company, founded in 1890 when August Kuehne and Friedrich Nagel established a small business. Today, the company is a leading player in the global logistics industry, with a presence in over 100 countries and a workforce of more than 78,000 employees.
In terms of financial performance, Kuehne + Nagel reported revenues of CHF 21.4 billion (approximately USD 23.2 billion) in 2020, with a net profit of CHF 732 million (approximately USD 800 million). The company’s strong financial performance is a testament to its successful business model and its ability to adapt to changing market conditions.
Kuehne + Nagel has received numerous awards and recognitions for its achievements, including being named one of the World’s Most Ethical Companies by Ethisphere Institute for seven consecutive years. The company is also committed to sustainability and has set ambitious targets to reduce its carbon footprint, including a goal to achieve net-zero emissions by 2030.
Kuehne + Nagel is also involved in various philanthropic activities, including supporting education and training programs for young people in the logistics industry. The company’s commitment to social responsibility is an integral part of its corporate culture and reflects its values of integrity, respect, and collaboration.
7- J. B. Hunt
J.B. Hunt Transport Services, Inc. is a leading transportation and logistics company based in Lowell, Arkansas. Founded in 1961 by Johnnie Bryan Hunt, the company has grown from a small, regional trucking operation to a global provider of transportation and logistics services.
The company’s early success was built on its commitment to customer service and innovation. In the 1980s, J.B. Hunt pioneered the intermodal transportation concept, which involves the use of different modes of transportation, such as trucks and trains, to move goods efficiently and cost-effectively. This innovation helped J.B. Hunt expand its operations beyond its traditional trucking services and become a major player in the transportation and logistics industry.
J.B. Hunt invests heavily in technology, such as artificial intelligence, machine learning, and automation, to improve its operations and to provide its customers with the best possible service. It also has a strong focus on sustainability and environmental responsibility, and it has implemented several initiatives to reduce its carbon footprint and promote sustainable transportation practices.
In terms of financial performance, J.B. Hunt has reported strong revenue growth in recent years. In 2023, the company reported a total revenue of $13.5 billion, up from $11.1 billion in 2022. This represents a year-over-year increase of 21.6%, which is a testament to the company’s strong performance.
J.B. Hunt’s achievements include being named one of the World’s Most Ethical Companies by Ethisphere Institute for eight consecutive years, being included in the Fortune 500 list for 18 consecutive years, and being recognized as one of the Best Managed Companies in the World by Deloitte for three consecutive years.
8- XPO Logistics
XPO Logistics, Inc. is a leading global provider of supply chain solutions, with a strong presence in the United States. The company was founded in 2000 as Express-1 Expedited Solutions and later rebranded as XPO Logistics in 2011. Under the leadership of Brad Jacobs, XPO Logistics has grown through strategic acquisitions. Today, XPO serves approximately 50,000 shippers with 563 locations and 38,000 employees.
XPO Logistics is renowned for its work, particularly in the North American less-than-truckload (LTL) shipping market. The company’s commitment to service quality, pricing, and productivity has led to impressive financial results.
The company improved its North American LTL operating ratio to 82.5% and its adjusted operating ratio by 70 basis points year-over-year to 80.4%. XPO also achieved a 16% year-over-year volume growth in its North American truck brokerage segment and reduced its net leverage to 1.8x.
As per recent revenue figures, XPO Logistics reported an annual revenue of $7.74 billion in 2023, representing a 0.34% growth compared to the previous year. The company’s financial success is further highlighted by its ability to consistently improve its operating ratios.
XPO Logistics has received recognition for its achievements, including being named one of the World’s Most Ethical Companies by Ethisphere Institute for eight consecutive years and being included in the Fortune 500 list for 18 consecutive years.
9- Schneider National
Schneider National is one of the leading providers of transportation and logistics services in North America. With a rich history that spans over 80 years, the company has been a trusted partner for businesses seeking to streamline their supply chain operations and improve their bottom line.
The company was founded in 1935 by Al Schneider as a small trucking company in Wisconsin. Over the years, the company expanded its services to include warehousing, distribution, and transportation management. Today, Schneider Logistics USA is a multi-billion dollar company with a workforce of over 15,000 employees and a network of over 10,000 carriers.
The company’s proprietary technology platform, Schneider FreightPower, enables shippers to seamlessly connect with a vast network of carriers, providing real-time visibility into their shipments and optimizing their transportation spend. Schneider’s extensive warehousing and distribution network allows customers to store and distribute their products with ease, reducing their inventory costs and improving their speed to market.
In 2023, Schneider Logistics USA reported revenues of $5.8 billion, a 7% increase from the previous year. This growth was driven by strong demand for the company’s services across various industries, including retail, manufacturing, and e-commerce. Schneider’s recent achievements include being named a Top 100 3PL Provider by Inbound Logistics for the 17th consecutive year.
Schneider has implemented many initiatives to reduce fuel consumption, optimize routing, and invest in alternative energy sources. In 2023, Schneider Logistics USA was awarded the SmartWay Excellence Award by the Environmental Protection Agency for its efforts in reducing greenhouse gas emissions and promoting sustainable transportation practices.
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10- Ceva Logistics
CEVA Logistics is a global leader in third-party logistics, offering a wide range of services in both Contract Logistics and Freight Management. The company was founded in 2007 as a merger of TNT Logistics and EGL Eagle Global Logistics. Since then, CEVA Logistics has grown to become one of the largest global logistics companies, with a presence in over 170 countries and 98,000 employees.
CEVA Logistics is known for its exceptional, innovative, and responsive logistics solutions to its customers. The company has received numerous awards and recognitions for its achievements, including the 2020 General Motors Overdrive Award for its outstanding support during the COVID-19 pandemic.
In this case, CEVA Logistics provided critical logistics solutions to GM, securing capacity through a multi-modal strategy and delivering supply planning, component coordination, and freight management execution. The company also supported GM’s ventilator production supply chain, setting up the entire supply chain in just one week, a process that could normally take two months.
CEVA Logistics has also received recognition for its excellence in all aspects of logistics transportation. In 2020, the company was awarded the “Best Transportation Company” Award at the LogiSYM Awards in Singapore. This award underscores the relevance of CEVA Logistics’ turnaround and transformation plan, which includes revitalizing business development, reducing costs, and modernizing industrial assets and systems.
The company also received two awards from the Stevie Awards, recognizing “Achievement in Competencies and Skill Development or Management” and two gold awards from the Brandon Hall Group for its “Leadership Development” program and “Learning and Development” program. These awards highlight CEVA Logistics’ dedication to developing its employees and creating opportunities for growth and advancement.
CEVA Logistics generated US$18.7 billion in revenue in 2021. The company’s revenue figures have been steadily increasing, reflecting its strong working prowess and commitment to delivering high-quality logistics solutions to its consumers.
Conclusion
The logistics industry in the United States is an essential sector that drives the movement of goods across the nation and beyond. With industry giants like UPS, FedEx, and DHL leading the way, these companies offer multiple services, from freight brokerage to warehousing to ensure the seamless flow of products. Alongside these key players, specialized firms like C.H. Robinson and Kuehne + Nagel cater to specific industry needs, showcasing the industry’s diversity and adaptability. As the global economy expands, the demand for efficient logistics services continues to grow, which presents opportunities for both established companies and emerging players in the market.
FAQs
1- What is the Largest US Logistics Company by Revenue?
The largest US logistics company by revenue is UPS, with a gross revenue of $23,874 million in 2022.
2- Which US Logistics Company is a Leader in International Shipments?
DHL is the leader in international shipments, with expertise in sending packages across borders.
3- What is the Role of Logistics in the Economy?
Logistics is the backbone of efficiently getting things from point A to point B, ensuring products are manufactured, transported, and delivered to the right place at the right time.
4- Which US logistics company is a leader in contract logistics?
DHL Supply Chain is a leader in contract logistics, with a revenue of $6,090 million in 2022.
5- What Is Dell’s Supply Chain Model?
With a “build-to-order” supply chain model, Dell assembles products as soon as you place an order.