Logistics companies in Europe by country: where to hire and what it costs
Logistics companies in Europe compared by country – transport, customs, warehousing and e-commerce fulfilment in Germany, Poland and Spain.
Rankings of logistics companies in Europe by country
Germany
Austria
Belgium
Denmark
France
Italy
Poland
Spain
Switzerland
Czech Republic
Netherlands
United Kingdom
United States
Most foreign companies that sell in Europe need a European logistics partner long before they need a European office: someone to clear goods through customs, store them and deliver them to shops, factories or online customers. This page compares logistics companies in Europe country by country and links to my written ranking for each country.
How logistics companies in Europe differ by country
Logistics companies in Europe follow the shape of each country’s economy. Germany is the logistics hub of the continent, with global groups such as DHL, Dachser and Rhenus and the densest network of warehouses and rail links. Poland has the largest road haulage sector in the EU, lower warehouse costs and fast-growing e-commerce fulfilment companies close to the German border. Spain is the gateway to southern Europe, North Africa and Latin America, with the container ports of Valencia, Algeciras and Barcelona and strong family-owned operators in contract logistics and cold chain.
Logistics companies in Europe: which country for which goal
Choose logistics companies in Europe by where your goods go and how they arrive:
- Selling across the EU from one warehouse – a logistics company in Germany for the shortest delivery times, or in western Poland for lower costs with next-day delivery to Germany.
- Online shop or marketplace sales – an e-commerce fulfilment company with integrations to Amazon, Zalando and your shop; Poland has several strong specialists.
- Containers from Asia or the US – a port and customs specialist in Hamburg, Bremerhaven, Gdańsk, Gdynia or Valencia.
- Selling in Spain, Portugal or Latin America – a logistics company in Spain with Iberian distribution or Latin American offices.
- Manufacturing in Central Europe – a contract logistics company in Poland that can also assemble and pack next to your plant.
What logistics companies in Europe charge
Logistics companies in Europe rarely publish price lists: warehousing is priced per pallet place and order line, transport per kilometre or pallet, and customs per declaration. Warehouse space and labour in Poland cost noticeably less than in Germany, which is why many brands serve Germany from western Poland; Spain is usually cheaper than Germany too. Compare written offers with the same volumes and service levels.
How to choose between logistics companies in Europe
Whatever country you choose, ask every logistics company on your shortlist for a reference client with similar goods, visit the warehouse, and check how stock and orders are reported to you. Start with a pilot of a few weeks before you move all your stock.
Logistics companies in Europe: FAQ
The questions foreign companies ask most before hiring logistics companies in Europe.
Can one warehouse serve the whole of Europe?
Yes, one warehouse can serve the whole of Europe for most products, because goods move freely within the EU. Logistics companies in Europe usually recommend Germany or western Poland as the central location, and Spain for southern Europe.
Do logistics companies in Europe handle customs for goods from the US or the UK?
Yes, logistics companies in Europe handle customs for goods from the US or the UK, and the larger operators in my rankings run their own customs agencies.
Which country has the cheapest logistics companies in Europe?
The cheapest logistics companies in Europe in my rankings are in Poland, where warehouse space and labour cost less than in Germany.
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