International shipping is an essential pillar of global trade, and choosing the right shipping company is crucial to ensure that goods reach their destination safely and efficiently. In this article, we will look at the responsibilities of an international shipping company, how to choose the correct shipping company and reveal the list of the ten most popular international shipping companies in 2025.
Duties of international shipping companies:
Cargo transport
Responsible for transporting all kinds of goods safely and punctually from the place of origin to the destination, including but not limited to general merchandise, dangerous goods, oversized and overweight goods, etc., and need to choose the appropriate mode of transport and type of ship according to the characteristics of the goods.
Packaging and Handling
We provide professional packaging services to ensure that the goods are not damaged during transport. At the same time, we are responsible for loading and unloading cargo, using professional equipment and technology to ensure the efficiency and safety of the loading and unloading process.
Customs clearance
Assist customers in customs formalities, familiarise themselves with customs policies and regulations of different countries, and prepare and submit relevant documents to ensure that the goods can pass customs inspection smoothly and avoid delays caused by formalities.
Cargo tracking
Using advanced information technology, we track goods in transit in real-time, providing customers with information on the location and status of the goods so that they can keep abreast of the progress of cargo transport.
Provision of transport solutions
Formulate personalized transport solutions, including selecting the best routes, modes of transport, ports of transit, etc., according to the customer’s needs and the characteristics of the goods to improve transport efficiency and reduce costs.
Insurance service
Provide insurance service for the transported cargoes, assist customers in making claims in case of loss or damage to cargoes, etc., to reduce customers’ risk losses.
How to choose a suitable shipping company:
Consider the transport needs.
Specify the type, weight, volume, transport distance, transport time requirements of the goods, etc., and choose a shipping company that can meet the needs according to these factors. For example, for urgently needed goods, you should select a company with fast transport speed; for oversized and overweight goods, you must choose a company capable of transporting such goods.
Compare freight rates and surcharges.
Freight rates and surcharges may vary from one shipping company to another. When choosing one, consider all costs, including basic freight rates, fuel surcharges, port handling charges, etc., to ensure that the company you choose is competitive in terms of price. Also, pay attention to whether there are any hidden costs.
Evaluate the quality of service.
Check the reputation and credibility of the shipping company. You can find out the quality of its service by checking customer reviews and industry reports. This includes whether the goods can be delivered on time and safely and whether customers’ inquiries and complaints can be responded to and dealt with promptly.
Examine the route coverage.
If the goods need to be shipped to a specific region or country, choose a shipping company whose routes cover that region. This will ensure that the goods can be delivered to the destination directly or through reasonable transit and reduce the transport time and cost.
Attention to special services
Some cargoes may require special transport conditions or services, such as refrigerated, dangerous goods transport. Choosing a shipping company with appropriate professional service capabilities can better guarantee the safety and quality of cargo transport.
Consider insurance and claims.
Understand the insurance services and claims process provided by the shipping company to ensure timely and reasonable compensation in case of problems with the cargo and reduce your own risk.
Best International Shipping Companies Rankings:
Here are some of the more popular international shipping companies for 2025:
Mediterranean Shipping Company (MSC): Headquartered in Geneva, Switzerland, MSC is one of the largest shipping companies in the world. It has a strong fleet and an efficient logistics network with routes to all major ports worldwide. It is also a major player in the container transport sector.
Maersk Line (MSK) is a Danish company known for its strong fleet and professional shipping services. Its business covers container, bulk, and specialized cargo transport. With an extensive route network covering ports on all continents, it was one of the world’s most reliable liner companies in 2024.
CMA CGM: A French global shipping company with an efficient logistics network and high-quality shipping services. With a large fleet and routes worldwide, CMA CGM can provide customers with all-round shipping solutions and has a leading market position in the field of container transport.
COSCO: A comprehensive shipping enterprise in China with a strong fleet and advanced logistics technology. With a route network covering all major ports worldwide and rich experience in container transport, bulk cargo transport, and tanker transport, COSCO provides efficient, safe, and reliable shipping services for domestic and foreign customers.
Hapag-Lloyd (HPL): a German international shipping company widely acclaimed for its professional shipping services and innovative logistics solutions. With a large fleet size and routes worldwide, it has a high market position in container transport and has formed a twin-star alliance with Maersk to explore a new mode of cooperation in maritime transport services.
Ocean Net Link (ONE): Merged by Japan’s three largest shipping companies — Nippon Yusen (NYK), MOL, and Kawasaki Kisen (K Line), it is the world’s sixth largest container shipping company. The company provides efficient shipping services to customers worldwide with a strong fleet and extensive route network.
Evergreen Marine Corporation (EMC): Headquartered in Taiwan, an international shipping company. With a large fleet and a wide range of routes worldwide, it is praised for its high-quality shipping services and efficient logistics network. It is also one of the leading companies in the shipping industry in Taiwan and China in container transport.
Hyundai Merchant Marine (HMM): a South Korean international shipping company with advanced logistics technology and professional shipping services. It has a medium-sized fleet and an extensive route network covering all major ports worldwide. It also has rich experience in container, bulk, and special cargo transport.
Yang Ming Line (YML) is an international shipping company from Taiwan. It is widely acclaimed for its professional shipping services and high-quality customer service. With a medium-sized fleet and a global route network, YML is one of the most essential companies in Taiwan’s container transport shipping industry.
ZIM: An international shipping company from Israel, ZIM is highly acclaimed for its innovative logistics solutions and efficient shipping services. With a medium-sized fleet, an extensive route network covering all major ports around the world, and rich experience in container transport, bulk cargo transport, and special cargo transport, ZIM is one of the leading companies in Israel’s shipping industry.
International shipping companies play a crucial role in global supply chain selection. The right shipping company requires a combination of service quality, coverage, and customer reputation. We hope this guide helps you choose the most suitable international shipping company and helps you grow your business!
