Who are the key players in UK Freight Forwarding Services industry?

The top five players in the UK freight forwarding industry are DHL Global Forwarding, Kuehne + Nagel, DB Schenker, DSV Panalpina, and CEVA Logistics. These companies provide comprehensive logistics solutions including air, sea, and road freight, leveraging advanced digital platforms and global networks to ensure efficient cargo movement for diverse industries.

What is the UK Freight Forwarding Services growth?

The UK Freight Forwarding Services market experienced steady growth in 2023, with Kuehne + Nagel reporting increased revenues due to post-Brexit trade adaptation and e-commerce expansion. Enhanced customs solutions and growing international trade volumes are major factors propelling overall industry growth.

Which segment accounted for the largest UK Freight Forwarding Services share?

The retail and e-commerce application segment accounts for the largest share in UK Freight Forwarding Services, driven by increasing online shopping, need for fast delivery, and global sourcing. Key logistics players offer tailored services and last-mile delivery solutions to meet the rapid fulfillment demands of retailers and e-commerce companies.

What are the factors driving the UK Freight Forwarding Services?

Rising demand for integrated logistics solutions, e-commerce boom, and the need for streamlined customs clearance are key drivers. For example, DHL Global Forwarding has invested in digital freight solutions and sustainability initiatives, enhancing operational efficiency and compliance, which addresses evolving customer and regulatory requirements.

Which type accounted for the largest UK Freight Forwarding Services share?

Sea freight holds the largest share of UK Freight Forwarding Services by type, attributable to high-volume container shipments for imports and exports. Major UK ports and global trade routes facilitate the cost-effective movement of goods for manufacturers, retailers, and automotive industries, leading to continued expansion in this segment.

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UK Freight Forwarding Services Size & Share Analysis - Growth Trends and Forecast (2026 - 2035)

Name: UK Freight Forwarding Services
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UK Freight Forwarding Services Market: by Type (Sea Freight Forwarding, Air Freight Forwarding, Road Freight Forwarding, Rail Freight Forwarding, Intermodal Freight Forwarding, Others), Application (Retail & E-commerce, Manufacturing, Healthcare, Automotive, Aerospace & Defense, Others), Distribution Channels (Direct, Indirect, Online, Third Party, Partnership, Others), Technology (Transportation Management System, Warehouse Management System, Blockchain, IoT & Analytics, Automation & Robotics, Others), Organization Size (Small, Medium, Large) and By UK Historical & Forecast Period (2020-2035) Comprehensive Study 2025

Last Updated: 31-07-2025 | Format: PDF | Report ID:20542 | Author: Lily

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UK Freight Forwarding Services Market Analysis and Forecast 2025-2035

The UK freight forwarding services market plays a crucial role in enabling efficient logistics for various sectors including retail, e-commerce, manufacturing, and healthcare. This market involves managing cargo transport across multiple transport modes—sea, air, road, and rail—using advanced technology for greater transparency and efficiency throughout the supply chain. The adoption of automation, IoT, and warehouse management systems is driving increased resilience and optimization, supporting the UK's position as a key European logistics hub. Market players focus on leveraging digital transformation, sustainable solutions, and strategic partnerships to remain competitive and reliable amid dynamic global trade scenarios.

Latest Market Dynamics

Key Drivers

Expansion of e-commerce and retail logistics, catalyzed by rapid adoption of online shopping platforms and omnichannel supply chains. For example, DHL Global Forwarding in 2024 announced further investments to optimize fulfillment and delivery for major UK e-commerce retailers.

Increased demand for integrated multimodal and end-to-end logistics solutions, with DSV Panalpina investing in seamless intermodal networks connecting ports, rail, and last-mile providers in the UK.
Significant potential for supply chain digitalization, as recent partnerships between DB Schenker and local tech startups accelerate deployment of AI-driven platforms for shipment tracking and logistics forecasting.

In 2025, sea freight forwarding continues to dominate the UK market, driven by the country's robust seaport infrastructure and its significant role in global trade. Road freight remains vital for domestic transport, especially with the rise of e-commerce, ensuring quick delivery to urban and rural destinations alike. Air and rail forwarding cater to time-sensitive and bulk cargo needs, respectively. Intermodal solutions, combining various modes, are seeing accelerated growth due to demands for flexibility and efficiency. Overall, the market reflects the UK's interconnected logistics ecosystem, balancing traditional strengths with digital innovation.

Retail and e-commerce remain the largest application segment in the UK freight forwarding market, accounting for nearly half of total demand. The surge in online shopping and direct-to-consumer brands requires robust logistics solutions to ensure same- or next-day delivery. Manufacturing follows, leveraging freight forwarding for both inbound raw materials and outbound finished goods. The healthcare sector relies increasingly on specialized services, especially for pharmaceuticals. Automotive and aerospace applications require meticulous handling and time-sensitive delivery, while others contribute a smaller share through diversified logistics needs.

The UK freight forwarding services market is forecast to climb steadily from 2020 through 2035, reflecting both growing domestic demand and international trade flows. Market revenue saw resilience even during global disruptions, as digitalization and supply chain transformation strategies helped mitigate risk. The ongoing adoption of advanced technology—like automation and predictive analytics—is expected to sustain double-digit annual growth in the coming years, with the market size projected to reach $34,500 Million by 2035. This positive outlook is underpinned by the UK's vital role in European and transcontinental logistics.

Year-on-year growth in the UK freight forwarding market is marked by consistent expansion, buoyed by e-commerce and technological innovation. After a modest increase in 2020 due to pandemic disruptions, the growth rate accelerated in subsequent years. Strategic investments, supply chain resilience, and cross-border logistics modernization have supported ongoing momentum. The market is expected to maintain healthy growth rates, averaging around 6.7% annually between 2025 and 2035, as players adapt to changing customer expectations and regulatory landscapes.

London and the South East are projected to remain at the forefront of UK freight forwarding in 2025, bolstered by their proximity to major ports and airports as well as high consumption rates. The Midlands leverage strong manufacturing and distribution networks, while the North of England continues to grow due to improved infrastructure. Scotland and Wales contribute to the national landscape via specialized routes and cross-border flows, ensuring the UK market’s geographic diversity remains a key strength across all segments.

Market leadership rests with global logistics giants such as DHL Global Forwarding and Kuehne + Nagel, who continue to command significant shares thanks to extensive service offerings and technological prowess. These leaders are followed by DB Schenker, DSV Panalpina, and Expeditors International. Strategic partnerships, network expansions, and sustainability initiatives are helping major players sustain share, while niche providers focus on value-added and flexible solutions to carve out market segments.

Retailers and e-commerce platforms are the primary buyers of UK freight forwarding services, comprising the largest market share due to their high-volume, frequent shipments and reliance on efficient, last-mile networks. Manufacturers account for the next highest share as they depend on reliable logistics infrastructure for raw materials and distribution. The healthcare, automotive, and aerospace sectors drive specialized demand for secure and time-sensitive forwarding solutions. These diverse buyer groups underpin ongoing market resilience and innovation.

Metrics	Details
Years	2020-2035
Base Year	2025
Market Size	22500
Regions	London & South East, Midlands, North of England, Scotland, Wales, Others
Segments	By Type: Sea Freight Forwarding, Air Freight Forwarding, Road Freight Forwarding, Rail Freight Forwarding, Intermodal Freight Forwarding, Others; By Application: Retail & E-commerce, Manufacturing, Healthcare, Automotive, Aerospace & Defense, Others; By Distribution Channels: Direct, Indirect, Online, Third Party, Partnership, Others; By Technology: Transportation Management System, Warehouse Management System, Blockchain, IoT & Analytics, Automation & Robotics, Others; By Organization Size: Small, Medium, Large
Players	DHL Global Forwarding, Kuehne + Nagel, DB Schenker, DSV Panalpina, Expeditors International, UPS Supply Chain Solutions, CEVA Logistics, Agility Logistics, Bolloré Logistics, Nippon Express, Hellmann Worldwide Logistics, Kerry Logistics, GEODIS, Panalpina World Transport, Yusen Logistics

June 2024: DHL Global Forwarding announces deployment of AI-powered shipment tracking in major UK hubs.
July 2024: Kuehne + Nagel opens new sustainable warehouse facility in Midlands, enhancing green logistics solutions.
July 2024: Expeditors International launches blockchain-based document management for UK customs clearance.
August 2024: CEVA Logistics partners with a UK tech firm to develop end-to-end digital freight marketplace.
August 2024: DSV Panalpina increases investment in intermodal transport corridors between UK and mainland Europe.

About the Author

Lily

Senior Market Research Analyst

Lily is a Senior Market Research Analyst specializing in market research, industry analysis, and business consulting across Logistics. Lily brings a commercially grounded perspective to sectors shaped by changing demand, innovation, and competitive dynamics, helping turn complex market trends into clear strategic insights for business decision-makers. With 10+ years of experience across research, analytics, and strategic advisory roles, Lily has helped organizations translate data into actionable growth strategies.

LogisticsMarket ResearchIndustry AnalysisStrategic Consulting

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UK Freight Forwarding Services Size & Share Analysis - Growth Trends and Forecast (2026 - 2035)

UK Freight Forwarding Services Market Analysis and Forecast 2025-2035

Latest Market Dynamics

Key Drivers

Key Trends

Key Opportunities

Key Challenges

Key Restraints

UK Freight Forwarding Market Share by Type, 2025

UK Freight Forwarding Market Share by Application, 2025

UK Freight Forwarding Market Revenue (2020-2035)

UK Freight Forwarding Market YoY Growth (2020-2035)

UK Freight Forwarding Market Share by Region, 2025

UK Freight Forwarding Market Players Share, 2025

UK Freight Forwarding Market Buyers Share, 2025

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Frequently Asked Questions

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