International logistics and transportation

International logistics and transportation: a link connecting the global flow of goods

International logistics and transportation is a cross-border cargo transportation service. The core is to achieve the circulation of goods in the global supply chain through the coordination of multiple transportation modes and processes, and support international trade and cross-border e-commerce. The following are representative company brands and core advantages in various transportation fields:

I. Main transportation modes and representative companies

• Ocean shipping:

◦ Maersk (Denmark): the world’s largest shipping company, with a global route network, with a brand value of US$7.531 billion in 2023. In recent years, it has accelerated digital transformation and launched end-to-end supply chain solutions.

◦ Mediterranean Shipping (MSC) (Switzerland): The world’s largest shipping capacity, known for its high cost-effectiveness and flexible services, with a brand value of US$7.246 billion in 2023.

◦ COSCO (China): China’s largest shipping company, relying on the “Belt and Road” to deploy globally, and ranked fourth in global shipping brand value in 2023.

◦ CMA CGM (France): provides multimodal transport services of “sea + rail + air”, and owns the digital freight platform “CMA CGM Live”.

• Air transport:

◦ FedEx (USA): a global air freight giant, covering more than 220 countries and regions, providing time-sensitive products such as “next morning delivery” and “same-day delivery”.

◦ UPS (USA): the world’s largest package delivery company, with a huge aviation and ground transportation network, and excels in cross-border e-commerce logistics.

◦ Kuayue Express (China): China’s air logistics leader in 2025, with 21 all-cargo aircraft + 60 drones, the first “cross-province 8-hour same-day delivery”, especially outstanding in high-end manufacturing logistics.

◦ SF Express (China): a comprehensive logistics provider with a global layout, relying on its own cargo aircraft and smart logistics technology, has formed differentiated advantages in the fields of cold chain and pharmaceutical transportation.

• Land transport:

◦ DHL Global Forwarding (Germany): One of the main operators of China-Europe trains, providing “door-to-door” rail transport services, covering major cities from China to Europe.

◦ Kuehne + Nagel (Switzerland): A leading global freight forwarder and logistics service provider, known for its efficient customs clearance and customized solutions in cross-border rail transport.

◦ China National Railway Group (China): The core operator of China-Europe trains, with more than 16,000 trains in 2024, covering 200+ cities in 25 European countries, with a time limit of about 12-18 days.

• Multimodal transport:

◦ DSV (Denmark): The world’s third largest logistics company, providing a combination of “sea + rail + truck” solutions, especially good at cross-border transport within Europe.

◦ Senao International Logistics (China): Focusing on cross-border e-commerce logistics, it achieves 48-hour delivery in Europe through the “overseas warehouse drop shipping” service, reducing transportation costs by 10%-15%.

◦ Maritime Connect (Singapore): An innovator in short-chain logistics in Southeast Asia, it achieves 48-hour delivery in the region through self-built hub warehouses, filling the time efficiency gap between sea transportation and express delivery.

2. Core links and service features
3. Sea transportation:

◦ Maersk: Launched the “Green Corridor” project, using methanol-fueled container ships to help customers achieve carbon neutrality goals.

◦ COSCO SHIPPING: Co-build port hubs with countries along the route (such as the Port of Piraeus in Greece) to enhance the resilience of the global supply chain.

2. Air transportation:

◦ FedEx: Deploy multiple hubs in the Asia-Pacific region (such as Guangzhou and Singapore) to support the “72-hour delivery” service for cross-border e-commerce.

◦ Kuayue Express: Designed constant temperature and pressure transport cabins for medical equipment companies, with a cargo damage rate of less than 0.01%, to meet the transportation needs of precision instruments.

3. Land transportation:

◦ DHL: Introduced the “Railway Express” in the China-Europe Express, which shortened the time efficiency by 40% compared with traditional sea transportation and cost only 1/3 of air transportation.

◦ China National Railway Group: Launching “customized trains” to provide “factory direct delivery” services for the automotive, electronics and other industries to improve supply chain efficiency.

4. Multimodal transport:

◦ DSV: Integrating more than 100 ports and railway hubs around the world, providing a “single window” digital operation platform that can be tracked throughout the entire process.

◦ Senao International Logistics: Real-time matching of global routes through AI intelligent booking system, dynamic optimization of transportation routes, and reduction of port congestion and delays.

III. Key considerations and selection recommendations

• Timeliness and cost:

◦ Urgent high-value goods: FedEx or SF Express air transport services are preferred, with a timeliness of 1-3 days, but the cost is higher.

◦ Bulk goods: Maersk or COSCO Shipping’s sea transport solutions are more economical, with transoceanic transportation taking about 15-40 days.

◦ Cost-effective choice: China-Europe Express (such as DHL or China National Railway Group), with a timeliness of 12-18 days and a cost of about 1/4 of air transport.

• Compliance and risks:

◦ Sensitive goods (such as chemicals and fresh produce): Choose Kuehne + Nagel or Qibang International Freight, which have professional customs declaration and cold chain transportation qualifications.

◦ Cross-border e-commerce: Senao International Logistics or Maritime Connect provides one-stop “customs clearance + overseas warehouse” services to reduce tax risks

International logistics and transportation achieve efficient global cargo circulation through multiple methods and full-process collaboration. Choosing a suitable transportation company requires combining cargo characteristics, timeliness requirements, cost budget and regional compliance. The above brands can be used as a reference.