Valuation Trading Multiples & Precedent Transactions: Third-Party Logistics and Freight Forwarding Companies
Valuation benchmarks for Third-Party Logistics and Freight Forwarding Companies. Access public trading comps, EV/EBITDA acquisition multiples, and private market data for pitch books and valuation analysis.
1.1 - Third-Party Logistics and Freight Forwarding Companies Market Context & Valuation Drivers
Public companies in this group are third‑party logistics and freight forwarding providers that orchestrate multimodal transportation across air, ocean, and road networks. Typically asset‑light, they monetize buy/sell spreads, brokerage fees, and value‑added services such as customs and warehousing. They are grouped as public trading comparables due to similar service portfolios, pricing mechanics, and exposure to global trade—providing reliable valuation benchmarks tied to shipment volumes and capacity cycles.
Typical capabilities include end‑to‑end freight forwarding across air, ocean, and road, truckload and less‑than‑truckload brokerage, intermodal and rail solutions, customs brokerage and trade compliance, warehousing and distribution, and last‑mile delivery. These companies manage carrier procurement, capacity optimization, and shipment visibility through technology platforms, provide consolidation and groupage services, and offer specialized handling such as heavy haul and temperature‑controlled logistics to meet complex supply chain requirements.
Primary customers include industrial manufacturers, retailers and e‑commerce platforms, and consumer goods companies requiring global transport and compliance. Valuation drivers center on revenue growth, net revenue (gross profit) per shipment, EBITDA margins, operating leverage, and cash conversion. Analysts also assess shipment volumes, load counts, customer retention and contract renewal rates, and modal mix, as these reflect pricing power, utilization, and resilience across economic cycles.
2. Valuation Analysis: Public Trading Comps & Multiples for Third-Party Logistics and Freight Forwarding Companies companies
2.1 - Public Peer Groups & Median Valuation Multiples for Third-Party Logistics and Freight Forwarding Companies sector
Comparable group 1: Third-Party Logistics and Freight Forwarding Companies
Eastern Air Logistics
- Enterprise value: $●●●m
- Market Cap: $●●●m
- EV/Revenue: ●.●x
- EV/EBITDA: ●●.●x
- Description: Provider of air cargo business services utilizing integrated logistics for efficient transportation, streamlining booking and payment processes for global clientele
- Key Products:
- Airline Transport Services: Provides safe and efficient air transportation
- Logistics Solutions Products: Integrated logistics services, including multimodal transport and warehousing
- Air-land Integrated Services: Combining air transport with ground logistics for end-to-end solutions
Jiayou International Logistics
- Enterprise value: $●●●m
- Market Cap: $●●●m
- EV/Revenue: ●.●x
- EV/EBITDA: ●●.●x
- Description: Provider of stainless steel kitchenware, cookware, and bar accessories, offering manufacturing, trading, and export services with a focus on quality, performance, and customer satisfaction.
- Key Products:
- Stock Pots: Used for cooking soups and stews
- Bar Accessories: Includes items like cocktail shakers and bottle openers
- Cutlery Items: Includes forks, knives, and spoons
- Cooking Pots: Used for cooking various dishes
- Tumblers: Used for serving drinks.