The global transportation industry is facing a significant period of turbulence. This is currently heavily influenced by evolving international trade policies. Even before the second term victory in November 2024, President Trump's stance on tariffs sent ripples through the air and maritime transportation industry.
His declaration of tariffs as "the most beautiful word" translated into concrete economic measures, including a 10% levy on Chinese goods, stricter "de minimis" regulations, and threats of further increases aimed at key trading partners such as Canada, Mexico, and Europe. Driven by objectives ranging from curbing illegal immigration and the flow of fentanyl to offsetting trade deficits, these actions can potentially change the flow of goods worldwide.
In this article, you can download a list of 100+ transportation companies, and here, we look at the strategies and resilience of the top 10 transportation companies as they navigate an era of tariff uncertainty and adapt to the changing dynamics of air and sea transportation.
Top 10 transportation companies and industry leaders in 2025
The global transportation sector presents a complex and diverse picture in 2025. It leads to a clear health assessment due to different macroeconomic conditions and market-specific dynamics. While the US is experiencing significant growth, manufacturing and consumer confidence in the UK and EU are stagnant. Sectors such as road transport are facing increasing closures in the EU, impacted by borrowing costs and falling GDP, while global shipping has its own set of unique challenges and opportunities.
Emerging economies are showing mixed results, with resilience in regions such as the Arabian Gulf contrasting with difficulties elsewhere due to high interest rates and a slow COVID-19 recovery. It is worth noting that official data offers limited clarity on the true state of play and the impact of the stimulus in China.
Below is our top 10 transportation companies list, which further highlights the diversity of services and companies operating in this multifaceted industry.
1. J.B. Hunt
Driven by a commitment to provide excellent service and innovative, customizable shipment solutions tailored to individual needs, J.B. Hunt Transport Services, Inc., an American transportation and logistics company established in Lowell, Arkansas, in 1961 by Johnnie Bryan and Johnelle Hunt, has grown from its humble beginnings to become the 80th largest trucking firm in the US by 1983, generating $623.47 million in revenue. Furthering their dedication to efficiency, J.B. Hunt empowers businesses through their J.B. Hunt 360°® platform, a technological solution designed to streamline and manage every step of the transportation process in one centralized location.
Here is a small breakdown of the capacity to deliver for J.B. Hunt services:
Transportation expertise and diverse service options.
Efficient rail-truck solutions.
Customized, reliable, dedicated fleets.
Extensive capacity for full truck shipments.
Final delivery solutions.
End-to-end warehousing and shipping.
Cost-effective less-than-truckload shipping.
Tailored services for the business.
Easy and efficient LTL freight management.
Website: https://www.jbhunt.com
2. Maersk
Maersk offers a streamlined service to cover all possible freight needs, including full container ocean shipments with inland options, less-than-container-load (LCL) for smaller ocean volumes with inland possibilities, and air freight services that can be combined with inland transport. Customers can enhance their logistics through optional Maersk Inland and Customs services and safeguard their cargo with Value Protect and Premium Quality Containers, all accessible via login or registration on their platform.
Here's a shorter outline of Maersk's logistics offerings:
End-to-end solutions cover the entire supply chain, from origin to final destination.
Transportation services enable business growth through their transport capabilities.
Supply chain and logistics simplify container shipping by managing end-to-end shipping needs.
Online platform for booking, tracking, and managing shipments for freight forwarders and cargo owners.
Website: https://www.maersk.com
3. ESL
Since its founding in 2006, ESL has grown into a respected global top 25 liner shipping company (Alphaliner) known for serving niche markets with exceptional people-centered customer service. Under the leadership of Till Ole Barrelet, ESL integrates German values and provides customized solutions in 29 countries through more than 70 offices in Asia, the Indian subcontinent, the Middle East, the Red Sea, and Africa. ESL provides reliable connectivity, manages over 700,000 TEU annually on 72 routes, and serves more than 120 locations with a multilingual team of over 400 professionals. Under the name Emirates Shipping Line FZE, ESL extends its reach to 25 countries and employs over 4000 people in more than 120 locations.
Here is a small split of ESL's delivery capabilities:
Integrated domestic and intermodal transport.
Modern and well-maintained fleet.
Specifications and information on the container fleet are available.
Safe and compliant handling of dangerous goods.
Solutions for oversized, temperature-sensitive, and other special cargo.
Website: https://www.emiratesline.com
4. Landstar
Landstar provides safe, reliable, and dependable transportation services throughout North America and the world. A unique network of independent freight agents, leased owner-operators, and third-party capacity providers is empowered to provide customized shipping solutions to meet individual needs.
Landstar's main services:
Van-based, reliable transportation for both short and long haul.
Specialized equipment combined with expert heavy-duty capabilities.
Cost-effective solutions when full truckloads are not required.
Uninterrupted door-to-door service across major U.S. and Mexican border crossings.
Safe and reliable 24-hour expedited and emergency transportation services.
Maintaining the integrity of temperature-sensitive cargo.
Expert logistics solutions for cross-border and domestic shipments throughout Canada.
Transportation that meets strict safety and compliance standards that exceed legal requirements.
A full range of air charter services.
Expedited freight forwarding services through a global agent network.
Expert guidance on navigating the complexities of international trade.
Global ocean freight is available at all major ports through Landstar agents.
Website: https://www.landstar.com
5. Penske Logistics
Penske Corporation is a privately held, diversified trucking services company with a significant presence in a variety of key industry segments. Penske's operations span the retail and servicing of vehicles, offering a broad selection of vehicles and expert service. The company is a leading provider of truck leasing services, offering flexible and comprehensive fleet solutions for businesses of all sizes. Provides award-winning supply chain and logistics management services worldwide through Penske Logistics.
Additionally, involvement in professional motorsports demonstrates a commitment to performance and competition. Penske Corporation operates a robust portfolio of businesses, generating consolidated revenues of over $43 billion. Penske's extensive network includes operations in more than 3,300 locations worldwide, supported by a dedicated team of more than 73,000 employees.
Main transportation solutions:
Tailored fleets and services to meet specific shipping needs.
Flexible and cost-effective shared specialized transport solutions.
Comprehensive inbound and outbound freight management.
ClearChain® management via proprietary technology that provides improved visibility and control across the supply chain.
Technology-enabled TMS solutions to plan, execute, and optimize transportation operations.
Reliable and efficient freight transportation.
Website: https://www.penskelogistics.com
6. DB Schenker
DB Schenker goes beyond standard freight transportation to provide a comprehensive suite of value-added services designed to meet specific customer needs and logistics complexities. Their offerings cover various aspects of the shipping process. From initial pickup to final delivery and beyond. These services meet requirements such as handling specific types of goods like hazardous materials, accommodating schedule constraints like Saturday or fixed day delivery. As a top unique point of sale, the company provides better communication and documentation than its competitors. DB Schenker also offers solutions to manage logistics challenges, such as deliveries to retail chains or remote areas.
Here are some of the most important additional services:
Convenient pickup options. A pickup order service involves picking up shipments from non-standard locations.
Specialized goods handling. Provides services for transportation of dangerous goods (ADR) with specific handling rules.
Flexible delivery dates. Meets specific delivery time requirements with “saturday delivery”, “fix day delivery”, and “time slot delivery”.
Improved communication. Offers various pre-notice options for pick-up and delivery by eMail, sms, or phone.
Comprehensive documentation management. Provides electronic and physical options for proof of delivery, and electronic and paper copies of bills of lading.
Website: https://www.dbschenker.com
7. Posti
Posti is a well-established logistics company with a rich history dating back nearly 400 years. Headquartered in the Nordic and Baltic regions, Posti strives to simplify logistics for companies by offering a comprehensive package of services. These include everything from transportation to fulfillment and handling, all under one roof. The company is positioning sustainable logistics as a key competitive advantage for its customers. So, it all facilitates both local and global growth.
Here are some key aspects of Posti:
Full-service logistics provider offers a wide range of services covering transportation, fulfillment, and handling.
Focus on effortless logistics aims to simplify the logistics process for its customers.
Commitment to sustainability promotes sustainable logistics as a way for businesses to gain a competitive edge.
Global and local reach enables businesses to grow both within their local markets and internationally.
Long-standing history has been fostering connections between people and companies for nearly 400 years.
Strong presence in Nordic and Baltic countries builds mutual success stories across these regions.
Improved financial performance the company has shown significant growth in adjusted EBITDA and operating results.
Offers digital tools like OmaPosti Pro and SmartShip for creating shipments, tracking, and managing logistics.
Provides various service channels for customers to interact with and manage their logistics needs.
Website: https://www.posti.com
8. ArcBest
The core principle of US-based ArcBest is simple – they develop intelligent supply chain solutions tailored to businesses across industries. They achieve this by leveraging their advanced technology and expanding network of drivers and carriers to facilitate the global movement of goods, while consistently prioritizing outstanding customer support. ArcBest aims to connect with and positively impact the world by solving complex logistics challenges.
They strive to be recognized as a leading logistics partner and innovator, working closely with customers to develop superior supply chains around the world. Guided by their motto “We’ll Find a Way,” their overarching strategy focuses on creating sustainable value by delivering world-class expertise and cultivating informed, trusted, and innovative partnerships.
Solutions for Shippers offered by ArcBest:
Managed logistics through supply chain optimization with ArcBest's expert management and strategic solutions.
Cargo tracking through real-time cargo movement information.
Easy pickup planning.
Website: https://arcb.com
9. Werner Enterprises
Werner Enterprises, headquartered in Omaha, Nebraska, is a prominent transportation and logistics provider across the United States, Mexico, and Canada. The company has established a reputation for its strong focus on safety and maintains one of the newest fleets within the trucking industry. Werner offers diverse driving opportunities and plays a significant role in the North American freight market.
Main services provided:
Truckload transportation, including regional, long-haul, and cross-border transportation.
Less-than-truckload transportation.
Last-mile delivery services, a service added through the acquisition of NEHDS Logistics.
Freight brokerage and management, a service added through the acquisition of ReedTMS Logistics.
Website: https://werner.com
10. Lineage Logistics
Lineage Logistics is recognized as the world's largest temperature-controlled warehouse real estate investment trust, owned by Bay Grove, LLC. The company provides customized and dependable cold-chain and logistics solutions to businesses nationwide, emphasizing reliability through technological innovation, including its proprietary Sybil algorithm. Lineage Logistics is continually expanding its network to enhance its cold-chain capabilities.
Core Lineage services:
Network of strategically located, sophisticated cold storage facilities.
Comprehensive and innovative logistics tailored solutions for protecting temperature-controlled products.
End-to-end transportation services.
Streamlined business operations.
Product movement from the origin to the last mile.
Website: https://www.onelineage.com
✅ Download the full list here
What do companies do in the transportation industry?
The transportation industry isn’t a piece of cake. We’re saying this based on our numerous discovery calls with companies such as NHS warehouse teams from the UK, UPS, and many others.
During these calls, we’ve learned a lot about transit capacity, and we’re aligning this knowledge with business logic and technology. We understand the core business needs of transportation, and among the most common services are the following.
Freight transportation as a basic service of moving goods from one point to another. It can be further divided into:
Mode of transport. Trucking (road freight), rail, air cargo, sea freight, and intermodal (combining multiple modes).
Type of goods. General cargo, specialized cargo (e.g., refrigerated, hazardous), bulk goods.
Distance. Local, regional, national, and international transportation.
Also, transport companies provide a wider range of services than just transportation, including:
Fleet management. Overseeing and coordinating a group of vehicles.
Distribution centers. Storing goods before, during, or after transit.
Load planning. Strategically arranging and securing cargo within a vehicle or container to maximize space utilization, ensure stability, and comply with weight restrictions.
Last-mile delivery. Focuses on the final stage of delivery to the end customer. It often involves smaller vehicles and more frequent stops.
Express and courier services. Fast delivery of smaller packages and documents.
Brokerage and forwarding. Operating as intermediaries connecting shippers with carriers.
Customs brokerage. Handling import and export regulations.
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Contact usFinale takeaway
The transportation industry in 2025 is navigating a complex landscape shaped by trade policy uncertainty and varied global economic conditions. Leading companies are adapting through diverse strategies, including custom transportation software, technological innovation, service diversification, and strategic acquisitions. These companies are critical in facilitating global trade and supply chains, demonstrating resilience and adaptability in a dynamic environment. Download our list of 100+ transportation companies and get to know more.