The sharp rise in demand for air capacity through the strong re-emergence of air cargo in 2021, after 2020’s supply chain devastation caused by market lockdowns, has catapulted Kuehne+Nagel (K+N) to the top of the freight forwarder rankings.
According to third-party logistics researcher and consultant in the US, Armstrong & Associates, the Swiss forwarder handled 2.2 million tonnes last year.
The 54.9% increase in shipper cargo means K+N toppled German competitor, DHL, from the top spot.
In dollar terms, K+N recorded $40 838 in gross logistics revenue compared with DHL’s $37 707.
Admittedly, K+N’s emergence as the leading freight forwarder following 2020’s sudden dearth of cargo, was reportedly aided by the acquisition of Apex Logistics in Hong Kong last May.
In terms of volume, Apex managed about 750 000 tonnes at the time it became part of the K+N fold.
However, nothing should be taken away from K+N’s ability to identify areas of immediate need – pharmaceuticals, essential goods and e-commerce.
Damian Brett of Air Cargo News reported that K+N’s services in these areas enabled its business unit to gain significant market share.
Behind K+N and DHL, the rear at top spot of GLR was brought up by DSV, DB Schenker and Expediters, who respectively yielded $28 901, $27 648, and $16 523.
Armstrong & Associates’ full list of the ‘Top 25 airfreight forwarders 2021’ is as follows:
