Secure transportation for individual deliveries. This model may work for transactional freight, but service levels, visibility and support can vary by provider.
Operate their own vessels and networks for direct access to capacity but may provide fewer routing options when global market conditions change.
Simplify rate shopping and booking. They're often a fit for straightforward deliveries when self-service tools are the highest priority.
Combine ocean expertise, carrier relationships, market intelligence and technology for more informed delivery decisions.
| Criteria | C.H. Robinson | General providers | Asset-only providers | Marketplaces |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Access to carrier networks | Extensive | Varies | Limited to owned network | Limited |
| Capacity planning support | Advanced | Varies | Moderate | Minimal |
| Market insights & guidance | Proactive | Limited | Limited | Data-focused |
| Visibility & delivery tracking | Advanced | Varies | Moderate | Strong |
| Disruption management | Proactive | Reactive | Moderate | Self-service |
| Routing flexibility | High | Moderate | Low | Limited |
| Scalability across trade lanes | High | Moderate | Network dependant | Moderate |
| Support for complex delivery needs | High | Moderate | Moderate | Limited |
*This comparison is provided for general informational purposes only and reflects high-level differences in service models. Capabilities, coverage and performance may vary by delivery characteristics, lane, season and market conditions. This content does not constitute a guarantee of capacity, service levels or outcomes. To determine the best fit for your ocean freight needs, please connect directly with a C.H. Robinson expert.
C.H. Robinson helps you to connect with capacity across major trade lanes and carriers so you can adapt when conditions change.
Access to market intelligence and guidance helps you to understand tradeoffs, respond to disruption and plan more confidently.
Our technology and ocean expertise work together to flag issues early so you know what actions can help to reduce risk and exceptions.
Instead of relying on a single approach, gain access to tailored solutions that balance capacity availability, cost and service.
The right provider depends on your priorities. Consider factors such as capacity access, visibility, disruption support, market expertise, geographic coverage and pricing strategy. Focusing only on rates can overlook costs associated with delays, missed sailings and supply chain disruption.
Ocean carriers operate vessels and transport cargo. A non-vessel operating common carrier (NVOCC) secures capacity with carriers and helps shippers manage transportation, planning, visibility and execution across multiple carriers and trade lanes.