List of 3 large transport logistics companies in Germany

Transport logistics is a key sector in the German economy that contributes significantly to the efficiency and competitiveness of companies. The industry covers a wide range of services, including the transport of goods, warehousing and supply chain management. Three of the most important transport logistics companies in Germany are Dachser SE, Kühne + Nagel (AG & Co.) KG and Hellmann Worldwide Logistics SE & Co. KG.

1. Dachser SE

Dachser SE, headquartered in Kempten, Bavaria, is one of the leading logistics companies in Germany and Europe. The company was founded in 1930 by Thomas Dachser and has developed from a regional provider into a globally active logistics service provider. Dachser offers a wide range of logistics solutions, including general cargo transport, contract logistics, air and sea freight and supply chain management.

Dachser’s core products include European Logistics services, which offer comprehensive coverage for general cargo transport in Europe, and Air & Sea Logistics, which comprises global solutions for the intercontinental transport of goods. Dachser attaches great importance to the integration of IT solutions in order to offer its customers maximum transparency and efficiency in the supply chain.

In 2022, Dachser generated revenue of around EUR 8.1 billion and employed around 31,000 people worldwide. The company is known for its high service quality and innovative strength in the logistics industry.

Update 2024: DACHSER acquires the Brummer Group and expands its food logistics network. A team from Taylor Wessing advised DACHSER on the legal aspects of the transaction.

2. Kuehne + Nagel (AG & Co.) KG

Kühne + Nagel (AG & Co.) KG is one of the world’s largest logistics companies and has its origins in Bremen, Germany. The company was founded in 1890 by August Kühne and Friedrich Nagel and has developed into a leading provider of seafreight, airfreight and contract logistics solutions. Today, Kuehne + Nagel is active in over 100 countries and operates a dense network of branches and logistics centres.

Kuehne + Nagel’s main products include seafreight logistics, where the company is one of the world’s largest seafreight forwarders. Kuehne + Nagel is also one of the world’s leading providers of airfreight services. The company also offers comprehensive supply chain management solutions that support companies in optimising their entire supply chain.

In 2022, Kuehne + Nagel achieved a turnover of around 39.1 billion Swiss francs (approx. 38 billion euros) and employed around 80,000 people worldwide. The company is characterised by its many years of experience and its ability to master complex logistical challenges.

3. Hellmann Worldwide Logistics SE & Co. KG

Hellmann Worldwide Logistics SE & Co. KG, headquartered in Osnabruck, Germany, is a global logistics company founded in 1871 by Carl Heinrich Hellmann. Originally started as a horse-drawn carriage business, Hellmann has developed over the decades into a major international provider of logistics services. The company offers services in the areas of road transport, air and sea freight, contract logistics and supply chain management.

One of Hellmanns key products is Road & Rail Logistics, which offers comprehensive transport solutions for the European market. In addition, the company is strongly represented in the Air & Sea sector, with a focus on providing customised solutions for the international transport of goods. Hellmann also relies on innovative IT solutions to optimize its processes and offer its customers a high level of service

Hellmann achieved a turnovr of around 5.7 billion euros in 2022 and employed around 12,300 people worldwide. The company is known for its flexibility and its ability to develop customised logistics solutions tailored to the need of its customers.

Image source: Marcin Jozwiak