Top 10 Transportation Companies in 2024

Companies	Employees	HQ location	Revenue	Website	Industry
UPS	View 96,716 employees	🇺🇸 USA, GA, Atlanta	$ 1B+	ups.com	Freight Service, Logistics, Supply Chain Management, Transportation, Shipping, Warehousing, Courier Service
DHL	View 63,717 employees	🇩🇪 Germany, Bonn	$ 500M – $ 1B	dhl.com	Freight Service, Logistics, Supply Chain Management, Transportation, Shipping, Courier Service, Warehousing, Delivery, Delivery Service, Last Mile Transportation
Maersk	View 45,040 employees	🇩🇰 Denmark, Copenhagen	$ 1B+	maersk.com	Logistics, Shipping, Supply Chain Management, Transportation, Freight Service, Warehousing
China Southern Airlines	View 2,627 employees	🇨🇳 China, Guangzhou	$ 1B+	csair.com	Travel, Air Transportation, Transportation, Travel Agency
Deutsche Bahn	View 14,989 employees	🇩🇪 Germany, Berlin	$ 500M – $ 1B	deutschebahn.com	Transportation, Public Transportation, Railroad
Kuehne+Nagel	View 34,197 employees	🇨🇭 Switzerland, Schindellegi	$ 500M – $ 1B	kuehne-nagel.com	Freight Service, Logistics, Shipping, Supply Chain Management, Transportation, Warehousing
Nippon Express	View 2,173 employees	🇯🇵 Japan, Tokyo	$ 500M – $ 1B	nipponexpress.com	Freight Service, Logistics, Shipping, Supply Chain Management, Transportation, Warehousing
XPO	View 25,819 employees	🇺🇸 USA, CT, Greenwich	$ 1B+	xpo.com	Freight Service, Logistics, Transportation, Shipping, Supply Chain Management, Warehousing, Railroad, Delivery Service
BNSF Railway Company	View 14,562 employees	🇺🇸 USA, TX, Fort Worth	$ 500M – $ 1B	bnsf.com	Railroad, Transportation
Daimler	View 293 employees	🇸🇬 Singapore	$ 1B+	daimler.com	Automotive, Service Industry, Transportation

1. UPS

UPS (United Parcel Service) is a global leader in logistics and package delivery services, known for its reliable shipping, supply chain solutions, and innovative technology. With a vast transportation network spanning over 220 countries, UPS offers efficient, time-sensitive delivery options and logistics support that help businesses streamline operations and reach customers worldwide. UPS’s expertise in transportation, warehousing, and e-commerce fulfillment makes it a trusted partner for companies looking to optimize their supply chains and improve customer satisfaction.

Location 🇺🇸 USA, GA, Atlanta	Size View 96,716 employees
Revenue $ 1B+	Industries Freight Service, Logistics, Supply Chain Management, Transportation, Shipping, Warehousing, Courier Service
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2. DHL

DHL is a global logistics company that specializes in international shipping, courier services, and supply chain management. With operations in over 220 countries, DHL offers tailored solutions for businesses of all sizes, providing efficient and reliable shipping, warehousing, and e-commerce fulfillment services. Known for its speed and innovation, DHL leverages advanced technology to optimize global logistics, helping companies navigate complex international markets while meeting tight delivery schedules and ensuring customer satisfaction.

Location 🇩🇪 Germany, Bonn	Size View 63,717 employees
Revenue $ 500M – $ 1B	Industries Freight Service, Logistics, Supply Chain Management, Transportation, Shipping, Courier Service, Warehousing, Delivery, Delivery Service, Last Mile Transportation
	View Similar Companies

3. Maersk

Maersk is a global leader in integrated container logistics, specializing in ocean and inland freight transportation, supply chain management, and port operations. With a vast fleet and presence in over 130 countries, Maersk helps businesses move goods efficiently across international markets. The company’s end-to-end logistics solutions—ranging from shipping to warehousing and distribution—enable businesses to optimize their supply chains and improve operational agility. Maersk’s focus on digital innovation and sustainability positions it as a key partner for companies seeking to streamline global trade while minimizing environmental impact.

Location 🇩🇰 Denmark, Copenhagen	Size View 45,040 employees
Revenue $ 1B+	Industries Logistics, Shipping, Supply Chain Management, Transportation, Freight Service, Warehousing
	View Similar Companies

4. China Southern Airlines

China Southern Airlines is one of Asia’s largest airlines, offering an extensive network of domestic and international flights. With a fleet serving over 200 destinations across more than 40 countries, the airline provides reliable passenger and cargo transportation services. Known for its focus on safety, efficiency, and customer service, China Southern plays a crucial role in connecting businesses to key markets in China and beyond. The airline’s growing cargo division also supports global supply chains by offering air freight solutions that meet the demands of various industries.

Location 🇨🇳 China, Guangzhou	Size View 2,627 employees
Revenue $ 1B+	Industries Travel, Air Transportation, Transportation, Travel Agency
	View Similar Companies

5. Deutsche Bahn

Deutsche Bahn is Germany’s leading railway company, offering a wide range of transportation services, including passenger rail, freight logistics, and infrastructure management. With operations across Europe and beyond, Deutsche Bahn plays a vital role in both public transport and global supply chains. Its logistics division, DB Schenker, provides comprehensive freight and supply chain solutions, helping businesses move goods efficiently via rail, road, air, and sea. Known for its commitment to sustainability and innovation, Deutsche Bahn focuses on reducing environmental impact while enhancing connectivity and efficiency in transport.

Location 🇩🇪 Germany, Berlin	Size View 14,989 employees
Revenue $ 500M – $ 1B	Industries Transportation, Public Transportation, Railroad
	View Similar Companies

6. Kuehne+Nagel

Kuehne+Nagel is a global logistics company specializing in freight forwarding, supply chain management, and contract logistics. With a presence in over 100 countries, Kuehne+Nagel offers tailored solutions for air, sea, and road freight, helping businesses optimize their supply chains and streamline international trade. Known for its cutting-edge digital platforms and commitment to sustainability, the company provides end-to-end visibility and control, enabling businesses to manage complex logistics challenges while reducing environmental impact. Kuehne+Nagel’s expertise in key industries makes it a trusted partner for companies seeking efficient and reliable global logistics solutions.

Location 🇨🇭 Switzerland, Schindellegi	Size View 34,197 employees
Revenue $ 500M – $ 1B	Industries Freight Service, Logistics, Shipping, Supply Chain Management, Transportation, Warehousing
	View Similar Companies

7. Nippon Express

Nippon Express is a global logistics and transportation company, offering a wide range of services including freight forwarding, warehousing, and supply chain management. With operations in over 50 countries, Nippon Express specializes in multimodal logistics solutions, combining air, sea, rail, and road transport to move goods efficiently across international markets. Known for its expertise in handling complex logistics challenges, particularly in industries like automotive, pharmaceuticals, and electronics, Nippon Express helps businesses optimize their supply chains and ensure reliable, timely deliveries. The company also emphasizes sustainability, integrating eco-friendly practices into its operations.

Location 🇯🇵 Japan, Tokyo	Size View 2,173 employees
Revenue $ 500M – $ 1B	Industries Freight Service, Logistics, Shipping, Supply Chain Management, Transportation, Warehousing
	View Similar Companies

8. XPO

XPO is a leading global provider of transportation and logistics services, specializing in less-than-truckload (LTL) shipping, freight brokerage, and supply chain management. With a strong presence across North America and Europe, XPO offers technology-driven solutions that help businesses optimize their transportation networks and improve efficiency. The company’s advanced digital tools, such as real-time tracking and dynamic routing, enable customers to manage complex logistics operations with greater visibility and control. Known for its innovation and operational excellence, XPO is a trusted partner for businesses looking to streamline supply chains and reduce transportation costs.

Location 🇺🇸 USA, CT, Greenwich	Size View 25,819 employees
Revenue $ 1B+	Industries Freight Service, Logistics, Transportation, Shipping, Supply Chain Management, Warehousing, Railroad, Delivery Service
	View Similar Companies

9. BNSF Railway Company

BNSF Railway is one of North America’s largest freight rail networks, providing reliable transportation solutions across the U.S. and into Canada and Mexico. Specializing in the movement of goods like agricultural products, consumer goods, industrial commodities, and energy resources, BNSF plays a critical role in supporting key industries. With a focus on efficiency and sustainability, BNSF leverages advanced technology to optimize rail logistics, reduce transit times, and lower carbon emissions. Its expansive rail network and intermodal services make BNSF a trusted partner for businesses seeking to move large volumes of freight across long distances.

Location 🇺🇸 USA, TX, Fort Worth	Size View 14,562 employees
Revenue $ 500M – $ 1B	Industries Railroad, Transportation
	View Similar Companies

10. Daimler

Daimler is a global leader in automotive manufacturing, known for its premium vehicles under brands like Mercedes-Benz. The company designs and produces a wide range of cars, trucks, and buses, focusing on innovation, safety, and luxury. Daimler is at the forefront of the automotive industry’s shift toward electric mobility and autonomous driving, developing cutting-edge technologies to reduce emissions and enhance driving experiences. With a strong commitment to sustainability and digitalization, Daimler continues to push the boundaries of vehicle design and performance, making it a key player in shaping the future of transportation.

Location 🇸🇬 Singapore	Size View 293 employees
Revenue $ 1B+	Industries Automotive, Service Industry, Transportation
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Things to Consider When Prospecting into Transportation Companies

Common Pain Points and Challenges for Companies in Transportation

Rising Fuel Costs

Volatile fuel prices are a persistent challenge in the transportation industry, affecting profit margins and operational efficiency.

Why it’s a pain point:

Increases operating costs for shipping companies, carriers, and logistics providers.
Price volatility makes budgeting difficult.
Higher costs are often passed down to customers, affecting competitiveness.

Sales Insight: Sales professionals can position their solutions as cost-saving or efficiency-boosting options, emphasizing how their services or products can offset rising fuel expenses. Emphasize your ability to help transportation companies maintain profitability despite fluctuating costs.

Driver Shortages

The transportation industry faces a shortage of qualified drivers, which puts pressure on operations and customer service.

Why it’s a pain point:

Increased workloads for existing drivers, leading to burnout and retention issues.
Delays in deliveries due to lack of capacity.
Rising labor costs as companies compete for drivers.

Sales Insight: Show your prospects that you understand this staffing struggle. Offer solutions that improve driver efficiency, optimize routes, or reduce dependency on manual labor. By addressing this pain point directly, you’ll build stronger connections with your audience.

Regulatory Changes

Regulations in the transportation industry are constantly evolving, from emissions standards to driver safety rules. Keeping up with these changes can be a drain on resources.

Why it’s a pain point:

You need to invest time and money to stay compliant.
Failing to comply can result in fines or legal issues.
Constant changes disrupt established workflows and planning.

Sales Insight: By staying informed on regulatory changes, you can position yourself as a valuable resource. Highlight how your product or service simplifies compliance or reduces the administrative burden. This will help your prospects see you as a trusted partner, not just a vendor.

Maintenance Costs

As vehicles age, maintenance costs start adding up, eating into your profits. On top of that, unplanned breakdowns can disrupt delivery schedules and damage your reputation with customers.

Why it’s a pain point:

Unplanned downtime can delay shipments and affect customer satisfaction.
Repairs are expensive and unpredictable.
Older fleets often mean more frequent breakdowns, increasing overall costs.

Sales Insight: Use this pain point to talk about how your product or service can extend the life of their vehicles or reduce maintenance costs. Whether through predictive maintenance tools or cost-efficient repairs, showing how you can minimize downtime will resonate with your prospects.

Supply Chain Disruptions

Unexpected disruptions in the supply chain, such as weather events, geopolitical tensions, or supplier issues, can throw a wrench in your delivery schedules and cost efficiency.

Why it’s a pain point:

Unpredictable delays hurt customer relationships.
Increased costs to reroute shipments or use alternative suppliers.
Strain on resources and planning due to last-minute changes.

Sales Insight: Emphasize how your solution adds flexibility and helps transportation companies adapt quickly to supply chain disruptions. By positioning yourself as someone who can offer real-time insights or alternative options, you’ll come across as a partner who helps them keep things running smoothly.

Rising Insurance Premiums

Insurance costs are creeping up, putting extra pressure on your overall operating budget. From vehicle coverage to liability, it’s becoming harder to find affordable insurance solutions.

Why it’s a pain point:

Premiums are climbing year-over-year.
High insurance costs cut into your profitability.
Finding comprehensive coverage at a reasonable rate is becoming more difficult.

Sales Insight: Address this pain point by focusing on how your offering can help reduce operational risks, which in turn can lower insurance premiums. This shows that you understand how these costs are affecting transportation businesses and that you’re here to help them find a way to manage expenses.

Customer Expectations for Faster Delivery

With the rise of e-commerce, customers expect faster delivery times. Meeting these expectations can strain your resources, especially if you’re already facing issues like driver shortages and high fuel costs.

Why it’s a pain point:

Keeping up with demand requires more resources.
Meeting faster delivery times without sacrificing quality is tough.
Late deliveries can lead to customer dissatisfaction and loss of business.

Sales Insight: You can highlight how your solution improves delivery speed and efficiency without needing to overhaul their entire operation. Whether it’s through better route optimization or enhanced tracking, showing that you can help them meet customer expectations will grab their attention.

Technological Advancements

New technologies like autonomous vehicles, AI-based logistics, and real-time tracking are rapidly changing the transportation industry. Staying up-to-date with these trends is crucial, but adopting them comes with challenges.

Why it’s a pain point:

The cost of investing in new technology can be high.
The learning curve for integrating new systems into existing operations.
Falling behind competitors who adopt tech solutions faster.

Sales Insight: Position your offering as a way to ease the transition into new technologies. Whether you provide training, seamless integrations, or cost-effective alternatives, showing that you’re ahead of the curve will help you connect with transportation companies that are struggling to keep up.

Environmental Pressures

Sustainability is a growing concern in transportation. Many companies are feeling the pressure to reduce emissions and adopt greener practices, which can be costly and complex to implement.

Why it’s a pain point:

Meeting emissions standards requires significant investment.
Customers are increasingly demanding eco-friendly solutions.
Navigating the complexities of green logistics adds to operational challenges.

Sales Insight: Highlight how your solution can help transportation companies reduce their environmental impact without breaking the bank. Whether it’s through fuel-efficient technologies or streamlined logistics, showcasing your eco-friendly advantages will resonate with businesses facing this pressure.

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Key Decision-Makers and Influencers in Transportation

Key Departments

Operations

Insight: Oversees the management of transportation routes, fleet efficiency, and delivery timeliness. Operations leaders seek solutions that streamline workflows, reduce delays, and enhance resource utilization, focusing on ROI and operational reliability.

Logistics

Insight: Focuses on the efficient movement of goods through the supply chain. Logistics departments value tools that optimize routing, improve supply chain visibility, and reduce lead times to ensure smooth, cost-effective operations.

Procurement

Insight: Handles the purchasing of vehicles, equipment, and services needed for transportation. Procurement teams focus on cost-effectiveness, long-term supplier relationships, and ensuring compliance with transportation regulations.

Customer Service

Insight: Ensures customer satisfaction by resolving shipment issues, delays, and service interruptions. Customer service professionals look for solutions that provide real-time updates, facilitate communication, and quickly address exceptions.

Compliance and Safety

Insight: Ensures compliance with safety regulations and industry standards. Compliance and safety departments focus on tools that improve safety tracking, driver behavior monitoring, and maintain up-to-date regulatory compliance across the fleet.

Seniority Level

C-level Executives (e.g., Chief Operating Officer, Chief Logistics Officer)

Insight: Make strategic decisions aimed at long-term profitability, risk management, and operational scalability. C-level leaders focus on investments that ensure cost efficiency, sustainability, and the overall growth of transportation operations.

Vice Presidents (VP)

Insight: VP-level executives in transportation focus on departmental performance, such as optimizing fleet operations or improving logistics processes. They evaluate how new systems align with broader corporate goals and impact operational efficiency.

Directors

Insight: Directors manage teams within logistics, operations, or compliance. They play a key role in recommending and selecting systems that meet departmental objectives, such as improving route efficiency or safety compliance.

Managers

Insight: Managers oversee daily transportation operations, such as logistical coordination and compliance checks. They often initiate the search for tools that can address immediate operational challenges like fleet tracking, route planning, or driver safety management.

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Buying Processes and Behaviors in Transportation

Procurement Driven by Cost and Efficiency

In the transportation industry, cost and efficiency are the main drivers of purchasing decisions. Companies are always looking for ways to save money while improving operations.

Tight profit margins make reducing costs a priority.
Solutions that increase fuel efficiency and route optimization are in high demand.
Bundling services like logistics, fuel management, and maintenance helps companies simplify vendor management and save time.

How to leverage: When pitching your solution, highlight how it can cut operational costs and improve efficiency. Be clear about the potential return on investment (ROI) and back up your claims with data or case studies that show long-term savings.

Relationship-Focused Decision Making

Transportation companies tend to value long-term relationships with their vendors, prioritizing trust and reliability over short-term deals.

Reliability is critical in areas like fleet management and logistics.
Companies often stick with vendors they trust, based on past experiences or recommendations.
Transparency in pricing and service builds loyalty.

How to leverage: Focus on building trust from the beginning. Be transparent about pricing and deliver on your promises. If you can provide personalized support and stay consistent, you’ll likely build a long-term partnership.

Increased Focus on Sustainability

With growing regulations and a push for greener operations, many transportation companies are now factoring sustainability into their buying decisions.

Environmental regulations are pushing companies toward eco-friendly solutions like electric vehicles (EVs) or fuel-efficient technology.
Solutions that help reduce emissions or meet sustainability goals are highly valued.
Sustainability certifications or environmental track records can influence the buying decision.

How to leverage: Make sure to highlight the environmental benefits of your product or service. Whether it’s reducing fuel usage or cutting emissions, show how you can help your prospect meet their sustainability goals. You can also showcase any relevant certifications or case studies to boost credibility.

Technology Integration is Key

The transportation industry is investing heavily in technology to improve safety, efficiency, and overall performance. Companies are looking for tools that can integrate seamlessly with their current systems.

Real-time tracking and data analytics are increasingly important for fleet management and logistics.
Automation and AI are sought after to improve decision-making and reduce human error.
Safety compliance solutions are also in demand, given the strict regulations in the sector.

How to leverage: If your product offers easy integration with existing systems, highlight that. Show how your solution improves decision-making or streamlines operations through automation. Point out any safety or compliance features that align with industry regulations.

Multiple Stakeholders Involved in Decision-Making

In transportation, buying decisions usually involve several teams, including operations, finance, and compliance departments.

Big-ticket items, like fleet management software or logistics services, require input from different departments.
Operations focus on usability, finance on cost, and compliance on regulatory fit.
The decision-making process can be lengthy due to cross-departmental involvement.

How to leverage: Be ready to address concerns from multiple stakeholders. Tailor your message for each department’s needs—emphasizing cost savings to finance, usability to operations, and compliance benefits to legal or regulatory teams. Flexibility in pricing or scaling options can help ease the decision process.

Vendor Reliability and Support are Essential

Downtime in the transportation industry can be costly, which is why companies value vendors that provide reliable products and strong support.

Vendors who offer fast troubleshooting and proactive maintenance are preferred.
Buyers prioritize reliability and reputation, often valuing these factors over cost.
Companies look for service-level agreements (SLAs) to ensure quick response times and minimal disruptions.

How to leverage: Highlight the reliability of your solution and your company’s commitment to support. Point to your fast response times or maintenance programs that help reduce downtime. Testimonials and success stories from similar companies can strengthen your pitch.

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Prospecting Tips for Selling to Transportation Companies

Focus on Efficiency and Cost Savings

The transportation industry operates on tight margins and is constantly seeking ways to improve efficiency and reduce costs. Whether it’s logistics, freight, or passenger services, your outreach should highlight how your solution can streamline operations or cut expenses, helping them stay competitive in a fast-paced environment.

Tip: Show how your product can optimize routes, reduce fuel costs, or improve fleet management. Sharing a success story where a client saved time or money will make your message more impactful.

Address Sustainability Goals

Sustainability is becoming increasingly important in transportation, as companies aim to reduce their carbon footprints and comply with environmental regulations. Highlighting how your solution can help them meet these goals positions you as a forward-thinking partner.

Tip: Include details on how your product or service supports green initiatives, such as reducing emissions or transitioning to electric vehicles, which can help companies achieve their sustainability targets.

Emphasize Scalability for Growth

Many transportation companies are dealing with fluctuating demand, particularly with the rise of e-commerce and urban delivery services. Solutions that can scale quickly during peak periods or expand as businesses grow are highly valuable.

Tip: Talk about how your solution adapts to business growth, supports increased demand, or integrates with existing systems to maintain smooth operations as the company expands.

Show an Understanding of Compliance and Safety

Transportation companies must adhere to strict safety and regulatory standards, such as DOT (Department of Transportation) regulations in the U.S. Safety is paramount in this industry, from fleet management to ensuring safe passenger or cargo transit.

Tip: Demonstrate how your product helps maintain compliance or enhances safety. Whether it’s through real-time tracking, automated reporting, or preventive maintenance, showing an understanding of regulatory needs builds trust.

Leverage Data and Technology

Digital transformation is reshaping the transportation industry, with data-driven insights playing a key role in decision-making. Companies are investing in technologies like AI, IoT, and big data to improve performance.

Tip: Highlight the technology behind your solution and how it leverages data to improve operations. Be specific about how your product can help make smarter decisions, whether that’s through predictive analytics or improved operational transparency.

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Want to see more transportation companies?

Things to Consider When Prospecting into Transportation Companies

Common Pain Points and Challenges for Companies in Transportation

Start finding new prospects that match your ICP

Key Decision-Makers and Influencers in Transportation

Key Departments

Seniority Level

Not joined Surfe yet? Sign up to Surfe today

Buying Processes and Behaviors in Transportation

Not joined Surfe yet? Get 20 free credits

Prospecting Tips for Selling to Transportation Companies

Need prospects?

Top 10 Transportation Companies — a guide for sales

Want to see more transportation companies?

Things to Consider When Prospecting into Transportation Companies

Common Pain Points and Challenges for Companies in Transportation

Start finding new prospects that match your ICP

Key Decision-Makers and Influencers in Transportation

Key Departments

Seniority Level

Not joined Surfe yet? Sign up to Surfe today

Buying Processes and Behaviors in Transportation

Not joined Surfe yet? Get 20 free credits

Prospecting Tips for Selling to Transportation Companies