Cargo shipping remains the backbone of global trade, facilitating the movement of billions of tons of goods across continents every year. In 2025, the global cargo shipping market is valued at approximately USD 13.3 billion, with steady growth expected, driven by booming e-commerce, expanding manufacturing hubs, and rising demand for efficient cross-border logistics.
For exporters, especially those shipping from India to the USA, partnering with the largest and most reliable shipping companies can make a significant difference in cost, transit times, and overall shipment visibility.
This article dives into the top 10 largest cargo shipping companies in the world, highlighting their fleet strengths, market presence, and innovations that keep global commerce moving.
Key Takeaways:
- MSC leads the industry with the largest fleet and over 6.6M TEU capacity.
- Maersk invests in digitalization and green shipping with methanol-powered vessels.
- CMA CGM expands through LNG-powered ships and sustainability initiatives.
- COSCO strengthens China’s global trade reach with 3M+ TEU capacity.
- Intoglo connects exporters directly with top carriers for instant quotes, real-time tracking, and customs compliance.
10 Largest Cargo Shipping Companies
The cargo shipping industry fuels global trade, with a handful of colossal companies leading the way in fleet size, capacity, and innovation. Here we break down the top 10 shipping companies:
1. MSC (Mediterranean Shipping Company)
Founded in 1970 and headquartered in Geneva, Switzerland, MSC has grown into the world’s largest container shipping company by fleet size and TEU capacity.
The company’s vast network covers major trade lanes across all continents, enabling reliable and efficient transportation of goods worldwide. Known for its ultra-large vessels like the MSC Tessa, MSC continuously invests in fleet expansion and modernization to meet growing market demands.
Fleet & Capacity:
- Fleet size: ~900 vessels (2025)
- TEU capacity: Over 6.6 million TEU
- Notable vessels: MSC Tessa (24,116 TEU)
MSC has aggressively expanded its fleet, contributing 365,000 TEUs in new capacity in 2025 alone.
2. Maersk Line
Founded in 1904 and headquartered in Copenhagen, Denmark, Maersk Line is a global leader in container shipping known for its innovation and extensive service network.
The company invests heavily in digital transformation and sustainable shipping, including methanol-powered ships and energy-efficient designs, aiming for net-zero emissions by 2040.
Fleet & Capacity:
- Fleet size: 700+ vessels (2025)
- TEU capacity: Around 4.6 million TEU
- Notable vessels: Madrid Maersk (20,568 TEU)
Maersk maintains a strong market presence with continued innovation in fleet efficiency and environmental responsibility.
Also Read: Get Instant FCL Shipping Quotes From India to USA
3. CMA CGM Group
Founded in 1978 and headquartered in Marseille, France, CMA CGM Group is a global shipping powerhouse that ranks third in container shipping by fleet capacity.
CMA CGM has invested heavily in fleet expansion and green shipping technologies, including LNG-powered vessels and efforts to reduce carbon emissions.
Its commitment to sustainability is aligned with international regulations and customer demand for environmentally friendly shipping solutions.
Fleet & Capacity:
- Fleet size: ~560 vessels (2025)
- TEU capacity: Around 3.4 million TEU
4. COSCO Shipping
COSCO Shipping, headquartered in Shanghai, China, is one of the largest container shipping companies globally, with a vast fleet that supports China’s position as a key player in international trade.
The company maintains a strategic global presence, operating major shipping routes and ports, and has been investing in fleet modernization and sustainable shipping technologies.
COSCO’s integration with China Shipping Container Lines (CSCL) has further strengthened its operational scale and market coverage.
Fleet & Capacity:
- Fleet size: ~480 vessels (2025)
- TEU capacity: Approximately 3 million TEU
5. Hapag-Lloyd
Founded in 1970 and headquartered in Hamburg, Germany, Hapag-Lloyd is a leading global container shipping company known for its reliable services and extensive global reach.
Hapag-Lloyd has focused on fleet expansion and modernization, integrating eco-friendly vessels and optimizing operational efficiency to meet stringent environmental standards.
The company’s network spans key trade routes worldwide, supporting a wide variety of cargo types.
Fleet & Capacity:
- Fleet size: ~300 vessels (2025)
- TEU capacity: About 2.5 million TEU
6. Ocean Network Express (ONE)
Ocean Network Express, headquartered in Singapore, was founded in 2017 through the merger of three major Japanese shipping lines—NYK Line, MOL, and K Line. Despite being a relatively new company, ONE has quickly grown to become a significant player in the container shipping industry.
ONE specializes in key trade routes across Asia, Africa, and Latin America, with a focus on innovation and service reliability. The company invests in advanced shipping technologies and sustainable practices to support efficient and environmentally responsible operations.
Fleet & Capacity:
- Fleet size: ~250 vessels (2025)
- TEU capacity: Around 1.6 million TEU
8. Hyundai Merchant Marine (HMM)
Headquartered in Seoul, South Korea, Hyundai Merchant Marine is a key player in the global shipping industry with a strong focus on container shipping and integrated logistics.
HMM is heavily investing in fleet expansion and green technologies, including LNG-powered vessels, to improve environmental performance. The company covers vital trade routes, connecting Asia with the Americas, Europe, and the Middle East.
Fleet & Capacity:
- Fleet size: ~75 vessels (2025)
- TEU capacity: About 820,000 TEU
9. ZIM Integrated Shipping Services
Based in Israel, ZIM Integrated Shipping Services has established itself as a nimble and innovative player in the global container shipping market.
Known for its customer-centric approach and focus on niche markets, ZIM invests in eco-friendly container ships and expands its service footprint across Asia, Latin America, and other growing trade lanes.
The company’s relatively young fleet and strategic innovation have boosted its profile among global exporters.
Fleet & Capacity:
- Fleet size: ~110 vessels (2025)
- TEU capacity: Approximately 420,000 TEU
10. Yang Ming Marine Transport Corporation
Yang Ming Marine Transport Corporation, headquartered in Taiwan, is one of the oldest and most respected players in the global container shipping industry.
The company is known for its focus on sustainability and eco-friendly shipping practices, investing in fleet modernization and energy-efficient technologies. Yang Ming serves key global trade lanes, supporting diverse cargo needs with reliable and flexible service offerings.
Fleet & Capacity:
- Fleet size: ~90 vessels (2025)
- TEU capacity: About 660,000 TEU
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How Intoglo Leverages Partnerships with Leading Cargo Shipping Lines
Intoglo is a tech-enabled digital freight forwarder that partners directly with the world’s largest cargo shipping companies, such as MSC, Maersk, CMA CGM, and COSCO. This strategic collaboration enables exporters to benefit from:
- Direct access to industry-leading fleets: Gain seamless booking and dependable capacity from over 3,000 vessels worldwide without intermediaries.
- Transparent rate quotes: Access real-time pricing with no hidden fees via Intoglo’s online platform.
- End-to-end Full Container Load (FCL) shipping: From pickup at your warehouse in India to final delivery across 41,000+ US zip codes—including specialized Amazon FBA shipments—Intoglo manages every step.
- Advanced shipment visibility and tracking: Use the proprietary Glotrack platform for real-time tracking, automated notifications, and centralized document management.
- AI-powered customs clearance and compliance: Benefit from the in-house compliance team and AI-driven HS code classification, ensuring smooth customs processing in India and the USA.
- Comprehensive warehousing and last-mile delivery solutions: Access 50+ warehouses in the US with transloading, sorting, and fulfillment services to match varied business needs.
Start shipping with Intoglo today,direct bookings with top carriers, transparent rates, customs clearance, real-time tracking, Amazon FBA delivery, and warehousing in the USA.”
Key Considerations When Choosing a Cargo Shipping Company
Selecting the right cargo shipping company is critical for exporters looking to optimize costs, ensure timely deliveries, and avoid regulatory hassles. Here are important factors to keep in mind:
- Reliability and Punctuality: Choose companies with proven track records for on-time departures, minimal delays, and consistent transit times to avoid supply chain disruptions.
- Fleet Capacity and Global Reach: Ensure the shipping line operates a sizable fleet with broad coverage of major ports and trade lanes relevant to your export destinations.
- Transparent and Competitive Pricing: Opt for carriers offering clear, all-inclusive rate quotes without hidden charges, demurrage fees, or unexpected costs.
- Sustainability and Environmental Initiatives: Consider companies investing in green technologies, eco-friendly vessels, and carbon reduction programs to support sustainable trade practices.
- Technology and Shipment Visibility: Prioritize carriers providing advanced tracking platforms, real-time shipment updates, and automated documentation to improve shipment management.
- Customs Clearance Expertise: Work with partners who have strong in-house customs compliance teams and AI-based tools (e.g., HS Code scanners) to reduce clearance delays and fines.
- Customer Support and Flexibility: Responsive customer service available across Indian and US time zones and tailored solutions for diverse product categories boost operational efficiency.
Exporters shipping to the US with Intoglo enjoy these benefits bundled into one seamless service, supported by partnerships with the world’s largest cargo shipping companies.
CTA: Looking for a seamless door-to-door shipping solution?
Conclusion
Selecting the right cargo shipping company is crucial for exporters looking to optimize their global supply chains, particularly for shipments from India to the USA. The largest shipping lines like MSC, Maersk, and CMA CGM offer unmatched capacity, extensive networks, and cutting-edge technologies that keep international trade moving efficiently.
Intoglo acts as a seamless bridge between exporters and these industry giants, providing transparent pricing, real-time shipment tracking, and end-to-end logistics management.
Contact us and start shipping smarter with Intoglo and the world’s largest cargo shipping companies.
FAQs
1. What makes the largest cargo shipping companies important for exporters?
The largest shipping companies operate massive fleets with extensive global networks, ensuring reliable capacity, competitive pricing, and frequent sailings. Partnering with them helps exporters minimize delays, optimize costs, and access efficient trade routes.
2. How does Intoglo connect exporters with these shipping giants?
Intoglo partners directly with top shipping lines to provide exporters with seamless booking, transparent pricing, and advanced shipment tracking through its digital platform. This direct integration eliminates intermediaries, reducing costs and improving reliability.
3. What types of shipments does Intoglo specialize in?
Intoglo focuses on Full Container Load (FCL) shipments from India to the USA, including specialized services for Amazon FBA sellers and diversified product categories like automotive, food, beauty, and wellness.
4. How does Intoglo ensure smooth customs clearance?
Intoglo has an in-house compliance team and uses AI-powered HS Code scanners to accurately classify goods and pre-process customs entry, reducing delays and ensuring regulatory compliance at both Indian and US ports.
5. Can exporters track their shipments in real-time?
Yes, Intoglo offers Glotrack, a proprietary platform providing real-time end-to-end shipment visibility, proactive notifications, and centralized document access for multiple shipments.
6. Does Intoglo offer warehousing and last-mile delivery?
Yes, Intoglo provides access to 50+ warehouses across the USA, along with transloading, sorting, and flexible fulfillment solutions. It also partners with over 40 trucking companies to deliver across 41,000+ US zip codes.
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