由 caicai8478 In China-Europe trade, logistics costs, timeliness, and controllability are key factors affecting business profits. Many companies face a crucial decision: rely on an international freight forwarder (third-party logistics, 3PL) or build their own logistics team. This article compares the two models from the perspectives of cost, flexibility, risk, and management difficulty to help you make the best decision.
- International Freight Forwarder (3PL) Model: Outsource logistics, focus on core business
✅ Advantages
✔ Lower costs (especially for small and medium-sized sellers)
Freight forwarders integrate a large customer base, offering lower shipping, customs clearance, and warehousing prices.
No need to build your own fleet, warehouse, or overseas team, reducing fixed costs.
✔ Strong professionalism and a global network
Freight forwarders are familiar with China-Europe shipping routes and customs clearance regulations (such as CE certification and VAT), reducing compliance risks.
Provide “door-to-door” services (sea/air freight + customs clearance + last-mile delivery).
✔ Flexible response to market fluctuations
Transportation methods can be adjusted based on order volume (e.g., rail during peak season, sea freight during off-season).
No long-term contracts required, suitable for businesses with unstable orders.
❌ Disadvantages
✖ Low controllability
Depending on the freight forwarder’s service quality, response times may be slow.
Some small and medium-sized freight forwarders may hide additional fees (e.g., overdue storage fees, order modification fees).
✖ Limited data transparency
Some traditional freight forwarders still rely on email/Excel communication and lack real-time tracking systems.
📌 Suitable for businesses:
Small and medium-sized cross-border e-commerce companies, startups
Sellers of seasonal products with high order volatility
Companies without a dedicated logistics team seeking to reduce management complexity
- Self-operated logistics model: Complete control, suitable for large enterprises
✅ Advantages
✔ Full control, optimizing supply chain efficiency
Building your own European warehouse and fleet or partnering with local delivery companies reduces transit times.
Directly connect with shipping companies/airlines for lower freight rates (subject to sufficient cargo volume).
✔ Transparent data and quick response to issues
Owned systems (such as TMS and WMS) can monitor shipment status in real time, reducing the risk of lost items.
Self-declared customs and tax declarations avoid delays with freight forwarders.
✔ Potentially lower long-term costs (after scaling)
For monthly shipments exceeding 10 container loads (FCL), self-operated ocean freight costs may be lower than freight forwarder quotes.
This avoids freight forwarder service premiums and is particularly suitable for high-value goods (such as auto parts and luxury goods).
❌ Disadvantages
✖ High initial investment
Requires establishing a logistics team, renting an overseas warehouse, and registering for customs clearance qualifications (such as an EU EORI number).
Small and medium-sized sellers may face financial pressure.
✖ High management complexity
The team must handle issues such as route negotiations, port congestion, and tax compliance, requiring specialized expertise.
Self-coordination is required to respond to emergencies (such as strikes and pandemic lockdowns).
📌 Suitable for:
Large manufacturers/brand owners with annual export volume exceeding 10 million RMB
Products with extremely high timeliness requirements (such as pharmaceuticals and fresh produce)
Companies with established European branches and local operations
- Key Comparison: Cost, Timeliness, and Risk
Comparison Dimensions: International Freight Forwarder vs. Self-Operated Logistics
Cost: Low (per-ticket billing, no fixed expenses)
High (requires upfront investment in team, warehousing, etc.)
Timeliness: Depends on the freight forwarder’s efficiency; independent control is available, allowing for optimization
Customs Clearance Risk: Freight forwarder bears primary responsibility; the company is solely responsible
Management Difficulty: Low (outsourcing model)
High (requires a professional team)
Suitable Volume: Small and medium-sized quantities (LCL/bulk cargo)
Large quantities (FCL/stable orders)
- Hybrid Model: Balancing Cost and Control
Many companies adopt a hybrid strategy of “partial in-house operation + partial outsourcing,” for example:
Headline Transportation: Using a freight forwarder to handle sea/air transportation from China to Europe (leveraging its scale advantage)
Last-Mile Delivery: Build your own European overseas warehouse or partner with a local logistics company (such as DHL or DPD) to improve last-mile delivery.
Digital Tools: Integrate freight forwarder and in-house logistics data through a TMS system for full-process visual management.
- How to Choose? Key Decision Factors
Volume and Stability:
Monthly shipment volume < 5 containers → Prefer freight forwarders
Monthly shipment volume > 10 containers → Consider in-house freight forwarding
Product Characteristics:
High-value, fragile, time-sensitive (such as electronics) → In-house or high-end freight forwarders
General cargo, low-cost goods → Freight forwarders offer better value
Company Resources:
No logistics team/experience → Freight forwarders
Professional supply chain management → Can gradually transition to in-house logistics
Long-term Plan:
Short-term market testing → Freight forwarders
Long-term expansion into Europe → Gradually develop your own logistics system
- Conclusion
Small and medium-sized sellers/startups: International freight forwarders are more cost-effective, saving costs and management effort.
Large enterprises/consistent volume: Self-operated logistics offers higher long-term returns, but requires upfront investment.
A compromise solution: A hybrid model (front-leg freight forwarder + in-house logistics) combined with digital tools to reduce costs and increase efficiency.
Recommended action steps:
Calculate your current logistics cost-to-revenue ratio (generally recommended to be less than 10%).
Compare quotes from 3-5 freight forwarders (such as DHL Global Forwarding and Kuehne + Nagel).
If you have sufficient cargo volume, try negotiating contract freight rates directly with shipping companies (such as Maersk and COSCO).
Ultimately, the choice depends on your business scale, product characteristics, and supply chain goals. If you require a specific case study, please provide your industry and cargo volume for further customized solutions.