Secure transportation for individual shipments. 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 shipments when self-service tools are the highest priority.
Combine ocean expertise, carrier relationships, market intelligence, and technology for more informed shipping 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 & shipment 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 dependent | Moderate |
| Support for complex shipping 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 shipment 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 connect with capacity across major trade lanes and carriers so you can adapt when conditions change.
Access to market intelligence and guidance helps you 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 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.