For companies shipping into or within the US, freight forwarders play a central role in supply chain execution. But knowing which type of provider fits your business isn’t always clear.
The US freight forwarding market includes providers of every shape and size, from asset-light brokers to global 3PLs with thousands of employees. Some focus on one region or mode. Others offer digital-only services. And many sound interchangeable, even when their capabilities vary widely.
If you’re responsible for logistics strategy, trade compliance, or vendor sourcing, understanding how these providers differ can help you avoid mismatches – especially when supply chain speed or reliability is at stake.
This blog breaks down the structure of the freight forwarding service USA market, highlights key differences in provider types, and shows where Dimerco fits for companies moving freight from Asia into the US.
Types of Freight Forwarders in the USA
Breaking the market down by category makes the comparison easier. Here’s how shippers typically group freight forwarders in the USA:
By Size
- Large global forwarders often dominate RFPs based on buying power. But they may struggle with responsiveness or flexibility during exceptions.
- Small providers can move quickly and offer personal service, but might lack consistent capacity or deep compliance support.
- Mid-sized players combine strong carrier relationships with agile execution, making them a good fit for mid- to high-volume shippers seeking both access and service.
By Mode
Some forwarders are mode-specific:
- Air freight specialists focus on high-speed, time-sensitive cargo.
- NVOCCs concentrate on ocean freight and containerized shipping.
- Intermodal providers handle multi-leg freight involving rail, truck, and ocean.
Dimerco provides all of the above, integrating air, ocean, and inland transport through a unified system.
By Geography
- Port-centric forwarders operate primarily at major gateways like Los Angeles, Long Beach, and Newark, New Jersey.
- Inland logistics providers support freight movement to and from distribution centers in the Midwest, Texas, or Southeast.
Dimerco covers both, with strong West Coast capacity and growing inland partnerships.
By Industry Focus
Some forwarders specialize in verticals like high-tech, pharmaceuticals, or retail. For example:
- Electronics firms need short transit times and dependable air freight.
- Apparel companies may prioritize customs fluency and regional warehousing.
Dimerco has a long track record in electronics and semiconductors, with nearly 50% of revenue from the high-tech sector, and is expanding solutions for EVs, life sciences, and cross-border Mexico trade.
By Model
- Digital-first platforms provide speed and simplicity, but may lack global reach or strong escalation paths.
- Traditional forwarders bring experience but can be harder to work with when disruption hits.
- Hybrid models, like Dimerco’s, combine digital visibility and automation with human support and regional control, giving shippers more reliability across modes and geographies.
Simple Comparison of USA Freight Forwarder Types
Here’s a quick breakdown to help make sense of the field:
| Criteria | Mega Forwarders | Dimerco | Small Forwarders |
|---|---|---|---|
| Speed to Act | ❌ Slow | ✅ Fast | ✅ Fast |
| Flexibility | ❌ Bureaucratic | ✅ Adaptable | ✅ High |
| Capacity Access | ✅ Strong | ✅ Strong (esp. Asia) | ❌ Limited |
| Tech + Visibility | ⚠️ Varies by provider | ✅ MyDimerco Platform | ❌ Often manual |
| Customer Attention | ❌ You’re one of many | ✅ Mid-size = priority | ✅ High |
What’s Driving Market Evolution?
The freight forwarding space in the USA is changing quickly. Several trends are reshaping how shippers select providers and how forwarders structure their services:
- Digital systems are now expected — shippers want real-time visibility, API connectivity, and clean reporting interfaces.
- Nearshoring and US-Mexico trade are shifting the flow of freight inland, requiring stronger support across North America, not just at the ports.
- Live shipment data is essential to manage exceptions. Static milestone updates are no longer enough.
- RFPs are more strategic. Beyond price and space, shippers now ask: how fast can you respond when things go wrong? How will you support my specific region or vertical?
Dimerco is adapting on all fronts – expanding cross-border trucking, investing in US inland partnerships, and updating the MyDimerco platform with deeper reporting tools and faster integration options.
Where Dimerco Fits In
Dimerco operates as a mid-sized, hybrid freight forwarder. That means we combine strong Asia-to-US capacity with a flexible service model built for speed.
- We maintain owned offices in 130+ Asia-Pacific locations, giving our customers access to real-time control at origin.
- Our carrier relationships ensure capacity even in tight markets, particularly on air freight.
- The MyDimerco platform provides shippers with live tracking, shipment reporting, and system integrations via API.
- Unlike the largest forwarders, our teams make fast decisions without layers of internal approvals.
And because we’re mid-sized, our customers are not just one of hundreds. They’re a priority.
Proof Points From the Field
Several shippers have trusted Dimerco in scenarios where traditional models fall short:
Tech‑Long relied on Dimerco for door-to-door handling of oversized freight from China to the Americas. Dimerco managed the full operation, from permits and planning to final delivery, without delays or damage.
Framework, a fast-growing laptop brand, needed a fulfillment solution that could launch globally. Dimerco scaled labor and space, kept fulfillment accuracy above 99%, and integrated with the company’s digital systems to deliver a seamless customer experience.
Kingston Technology has worked with Dimerco for over 20 years. What began as lane-level support has grown into a strategic partnership – based on reliable air capacity, consistent service, and transparency.
Choosing the Right Freight Forwarder in the USA
No two supply chains run the same way. Some require predictability and scale. Others depend on speed, responsiveness, or tighter control at origin. If you’re managing Asia-to-US freight and need both access and flexibility, choosing the right forwarder isn’t just about picking a name off a list. It’s about fit.
Providers like Dimerco offer a different kind of value. We combine strong air and ocean capacity with quick decision-making and real-time visibility. If your current forwarder is slow to act, limited in Asia, or not built to adjust when your needs shift, it may be time to re-evaluate.
Contact us today to explore a better way forward.
