Which international freight forwarding company should you choose? The comparison tool that helps you avoid costly mistakes

According to the World Trade Organization (WTO), after increasing by 2.9% in 2024, the volume of global merchandise trade is expected to grow by 0.9% in 2025 and then by 1.8% in 2026. This is encouraging, as it also means intensified competition for transportation transportcapacity, offering a real opportunity to stand out from the competition.

At the same time, global e-commerce is expected to generate more than USD 6.09 trillion in 2024. However, all these orders must be delivered quickly to their recipients. By 2037, the retail and e-commerce segment is expected to represent 35% of the market, driven by this continued expansion.

This dynamism is profoundly transforming freight practices. Yet, many traditional carriers remain stuck in their old models.

The accelerated adoption of technologies such as artificial intelligence, the Internet of Things (IoT), and blockchain is disrupting many sectors, including transportation and logistics. Route optimization, real-time tracking, and inventory management can be continuously improved thanks to these new technologies. Companies that fail to evolve quickly fall behind.

According to the World Economic Forum, using AI in freight management can reduce delivery times by 25% and operational costs by 20%. These aren't marketing promises, but tangible results. This optimization provides not only economic benefits, but also sustainable ones.

If you're targeting 24/48 delivery of a small package anywhere in the world, a large group can represent an advantage with its international hubs, integrated customs clearance services, tax management, electronic declarations, and more. In this situation, you'll definitely come out on top.

The advantage of using a Swiss carrier becomes clear when the shipment is made, for example, by grouping packages, on pallets, or in containers. Although the delivery time is longer, this solution will be significantly less expensive and more competitive with a Swiss carrier. They are also renowned for their customs procedures, VAT management, and tax compliance.

If you are focused on the Swiss import or export market, a local logistics provider will likely be more efficient. Conversely, a large group is oversized compared to your needs, and this comes at a cost.

International Transport

Since Switzerland is outside the EU, Swiss carriers have formidable market knowledge; experts in Swiss customs, border logistics, and specific Swiss conditions (e.g., mountain roads), they prove to be an asset for transporting goods within Switzerland, from international destinations to Switzerland, and vice versa.

If you want to deliver (or collect) goods in Switzerland, a local 3PL will have extensive coverage and lower fees, particularly for the "last mile" (or "first mile"), which represents a significant portion of logistics.

STAR Logistique manages the entire supply chain: warehousing, order management, packaging, cross-docking, delivery, customs clearance, etc.

Logistics

With over 37 years of experience since 1988, STAR Logistique has excelled in sensitive areas: the protection and transportation of valuable goods It also offers solutions for the safe transportation of dangerous goods (ADR) in strict compliance with international regulations, as well as refrigerated transport.

Such a level of specialization remains rare among major players in the market.

DB Schenker, DSV Panalpina, Kuehne + Nagel, A.P. Moller - Maersk, CMA CGM Group (including CEVA Logistics), DHL Group, FedEx, and UPS dominate the market.

Personalized support and flexible solutions are generally limited: additional costs, lengthy process for route changes, dependency, sustainability and social responsibility issues, more frequent breakages and delays, etc. Large groups often benefit from fast deliveries of small packages. In this case, it's unnecessary to have flexibility with these shipments. However, they offer little or no adjustment for larger shipments (pallets, grouped shipments, etc.).

DHL and FedEx are an effective solution for urgent shipments, but their high rates make them an unviable option for regular shipments. Moreover, their prices do not decrease proportionally for smaller volumes.

Many local companies promise international services. Some are reliable, but most lack the infrastructure or partnerships necessary to truly operate on a global scale.

Switzerland's location outside the European Union imposes specific constraints. STAR Logistique handles all aspects related to customs clearance, taxation, storage in border areas (and beyond), as well as supply chain management. Its knowledge of Swiss customs procedures, VAT, and import and export taxes make it an indispensable partner for your business. In addition, STAR Logistique offers warehousing solutions in border areas to simplify the transport or export of your goods.

This saves you the hassle of becoming a customs expert, a particularly complex field.

Thanks to its warehouse management system (WMS), STAR logistique offers its clients direct access to their inventory: real-time visibility, replenishment, flow management and optimization, warehouse receipt, cross-docking, etc. In addition, the warehouse management system significantly reduces errors during order preparation, and does so more quickly.

STAR Logistique bases its business relationships on trust and partnership. Many clients have expressed their satisfaction, highlighting the company's consistent professionalism and discretion.

Regulatory pressure and growing market expectations are pushing the freight sector toward more environmentally friendly practices: electric and hybrid vehicles, alternative fuels, route optimization, flow sharing, carbon-neutral logistics, etc.

STAR Logistique constantly optimizes its processes, guaranteeing its clients a supply chain adapted to future requirements.

It is necessary to assess whether the size, weight, and volume of your shipment is more appropriate for a large group or a Swiss carrier. As soon as any merchandise exceeds a simple package, it is often recommended to choose a Swiss carrier.

Before choosing, carefully check whether all costs are included: fuel tax, environmental tax, variable costs, etc. While the cheapest option may seem attractive, it is often misleading. Customs delays, damage, losses, and coordination costs between multiple service providers are all hidden costs that increase the final bill.

By integrating all services, STAR Logistique reduces these risks and allows its clients to better control their overall costs with greater transparency.

Don't limit yourself to the simple notion of transportation. Analyze:

• Your main trade routes.
• Your specific needs (temperature control, security, hazardous materials).
• Prioritizing speed over cost.
• Weight, volume, and type of package: carton, pallet, or container.
• Type of goods.
• Solutions planned in the event of an incident.

STAR Logistique offers free collection of goods until the evening and next-day delivery throughout Switzerland, Monday to Saturday.

A service tailored to assess the company's capabilities with reduced risk.

Include all indirect costs: delays, damages, management time, and insurance coverage gaps.

Experience specific to your field of activity is a more relevant criterion than the size or reputation of the service provider.

The sector is experiencing constant growth, including investments in infrastructure in emerging countries and the development of high-value segments, such as cold logisticswill further stimulate its growth.

Companies that combine traditional expertise, technological innovations, and sustainable commitment—like STAR Logistique —are positioning themselves as essential partners for the future.

With 37 years of experience, STAR Logistique has established itself as the preferred partner of numerous companies in French-speaking Switzerland and internationally.

It combines Swiss precision and global presence, proven reliability and technological innovations, the capabilities of a large group, and personalized service quality.

As a member of SPEDLOGSWISS, the Swiss Association of Freight Forwarders and Logistics Companies, STAR Logistique meets the strictest industry standards while maintaining the flexibility of a human-sized organization.

Rather than taking risks with your international shipments, opt for tailor-made support. STAR Logistique offers a personalized analysis of your needs and demonstrates concretely how its integrated approach can streamline your supply chain and secure your operations.