A shipment leaves a factory in Asia on time but reaches New York weeks late because of missing documents. Another container arrives at the port, only to remain there while storage and demurrage charges continue rising. International shipping problems are often caused not by distance, but by poor coordination between carriers, ports, customs officials, warehouses and truckers.
A reliable freight forwarder arranges this entire movement. It can book air or ocean capacity, prepare shipping documents, organise customs clearance and coordinate final delivery. Based on New York operations, international reach, service range and industry experience, here are our leading freight forwarding company picks for 2026.
1. EMO Trans
EMO Trans is one of the strongest freight forwarding companies headquartered in New York. Its US business was established in 1972 near JFK Airport and is now based in Garden City. The company reports operating more than 30 US offices, employing over 400 professionals and serving approximately 6,000 active customers.
Its services include international air freight, ocean freight, customs brokerage, project cargo, supply-chain management, warehousing and distribution. Ocean options include full-container and less-than-container-load shipping, roll-on/roll-off transport, chartering and breakbulk cargo.
EMO Trans also provides shipment tracking, purchase-order management, dangerous-goods handling and specialist transportation for industries such as automotive, aviation and hospitality.
Why EMO Trans is included: Its New York headquarters, broad international network and combination of forwarding, customs and warehousing services make it an excellent all-round choice.
- Corporate headquarters: 377 Oak Street, Suite 202, Garden City, NY 11530
- Official website: https://www.emotrans-global.com/
2. DHL Global Forwarding
DHL Global Forwarding is the freight-forwarding division of DHL Group. It arranges international air, ocean, road and rail transportation for businesses rather than concentrating only on small-package delivery.
Its air-freight services include scheduled, temperature-controlled, charter and time-critical transportation. Ocean solutions cover full-container loads, consolidated cargo and specialised shipments. DHL also provides customs services, cargo insurance, warehousing and industrial-project logistics.
The company maintains a major cargo operation at JFK International Airport, giving New York importers and exporters direct access to one of the world’s largest logistics networks.
Why DHL Global Forwarding is included: Its global scale and ability to manage air, ocean, customs and complex project shipments make it suitable for multinational and high-volume businesses.
- JFK freight facility: Cargo Building 89, JFK International Airport, Jamaica, NY 11430
- Official website: https://www.dhl.com/us-en/home/global-forwarding.html
3. OEC Group
OEC Group was founded in 1981 and has become a major freight-forwarding and logistics company connecting Asia with North America. It reports operating through offices in more than 50 countries and serving over 50,000 customers worldwide.
The company is particularly strong in Trans-Pacific ocean freight. As a non-vessel-operating common carrier, it can arrange full-container, consolidated and multi-vendor shipments using several ocean carriers rather than operating its own vessels. Its services include door-to-door delivery, tracking, cargo insurance and in-house customs brokerage.
OEC also handles air freight, LTL transportation, warehousing and customs compliance. Its brokerage team works with requirements involving CBP, FDA, USDA, EPA and other government agencies.
Why OEC Group is included: Its strong Asia–North America network and experience with ocean consolidation make it especially relevant to New York importers.
- New York office: 133-33 Brookville Boulevard, Suite 306, Rosedale, NY 11422
- Official website: https://www.oecgroup.com/
4. MTS Logistics
MTS Logistics is a New York-based international freight forwarder and NVOCC founded in 2000. Its headquarters is located in Midtown Manhattan, with additional operations in Los Angeles, Houston and several international markets.
The company handles ocean transportation, air freight, customs brokerage, project cargo and cargo insurance. Its industry experience includes chemicals, fashion, food service, construction, mining, retail, power generation and oil and gas.
MTS also provides an online supply-chain platform through which customers can track shipments, manage purchase orders, review shipping documents and monitor inventory.
Why MTS Logistics is included: Its New York roots and personalised approach make it attractive to small and mid-sized importers that may receive less individual attention from a multinational forwarder.
- Headquarters: 5 West 37th Street, 3rd Floor, New York, NY 10018
- Official website: https://www.mts-logistics.com/
5. Purolator International
Purolator International is headquartered in Jericho and specialises in freight and supply-chain movements between the United States and Canada. It is part of Purolator, one of Canada’s largest transportation networks.
Its services include expedited freight forwarding, parcel transportation, LTL freight, customs brokerage, returns management and distribution. The company also supports shipments within the United States and imports from Canada.
Purolator is particularly useful for New York manufacturers, ecommerce companies and distributors that frequently move goods across the Canadian border. In addition to its Long Island headquarters, it maintains a Western New York branch in Tonawanda.
Why Purolator International is included: Its cross-border expertise and strong Canadian delivery network make it one of New York’s best choices for US–Canada freight.
- New York headquarters: 2 Jericho Plaza, Suite 204, Jericho, NY 11753
- Buffalo-area office: 1000 Young Street, Suite 170, Tonawanda, NY 14150
- Official website: https://www.purolatorinternational.com/
What Should Businesses Compare?
Request quotations using exactly the same shipment details. Compare origin charges, ocean or air freight, customs fees, terminal handling, documentation, delivery and possible storage costs.
Businesses should also ask whether the quotation is valid for a fixed period and whether the forwarder provides its own customs brokerage. Confirm who will communicate when cargo is delayed, inspected or rolled to a later vessel.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Is a freight forwarder the same as a shipping carrier?
A: No. A carrier physically transports the cargo by ship, aircraft, truck or rail. A freight forwarder arranges transportation with one or more carriers.
Q: Does freight forwarding automatically include customs clearance?
A: Not always. Customs brokerage may be included, offered separately or handled by another company. The quotation should identify the customs fee and any additional government-agency charges.
Q: What documents are normally needed?
A: Common documents include a commercial invoice, packing list, bill of lading or air waybill and product-classification information. Certain products require additional licences or certificates.
Q: Is the cheapest freight quotation always the best?
A: No. A low rate may exclude destination fees, delivery, customs work or storage. Compare the complete door-to-door cost and expected transit time.
Q: Does ordinary freight coverage protect the full cargo value?
A: Usually not. Carrier liability may be limited. Businesses shipping valuable goods should request separate cargo insurance and review its exclusions before dispatch.