DHL heads the hit parade

Transport Intelligence recently announced its annual rankings of the largest contract logistics operators on a global and regional basis.

DHL Supply Chain, recently re-branded from DHL Exel Supply Chain, is once again the largest player in the market. In 2008 it generated revenues in excess of 12 billion Euros, some considerable distance ahead of its nearest rival CEVA. In third position is Swiss-based Kuehne + Nagel, meaning that the line-up of the top three is unchanged from the year before.

In Europe, as on a global basis, DHL Supply Chain dominates the market. UK-based provider Wincanton is stronger in Europe than it is globally, which accounts for its second position. CEVA, which has major UK and Italian businesses, as well as smaller operations throughout the region, makes up the top three.

Although DHL Supply Chain is once again market leader in North America, there are a number of other major US-based providers challenging its dominance. These include Penske Logistics, Caterpillar Logistics Services, Ryder, UPS SCS, Schneider and Menlo.

According to Ti’s chief executive, John Manners-Bell, the market was relatively calm in 2008 after years of change and upheaval. "With a downturn in volumes and margins being pressurised, contract logistics companies are focusing internally rather than looking for external opportunities. I believe this will continue to be the case in 2009 despite the general perception that ‘distressed’ targets may soon be coming onto the market."

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