As 2026 approaches, the emerging freight forwarding market is shifting rapidly, with new cities positioning themselves as major logistics hubs. For freight forwarders, these cities represent an opportunity to capture fresh demand, diversify trade lanes, and expand their client base. The question is: which cities should you be watching, and how can you prepare to take advantage of these rising opportunities?
Let’s break it down by region and look at the emerging freight forwarding markets shaping the future of global logistics.
Asia’s Rising Stars in the Emerging Freight Forwarding Markets
Asia continues to dominate discussions around logistics growth markets, but some cities are standing out as particularly promising in 2026.
Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam: Already a manufacturing powerhouse, Ho Chi Minh City is becoming a major alternative to Chinese production hubs. With foreign investment pouring into Vietnam, freight forwarders should prepare for higher volumes of electronics, textiles, and consumer goods exports.
Chennai, India: India’s southern city is positioning itself as a major automotive and electronics manufacturing center. Chennai’s port is one of the busiest in the country, and with infrastructure projects speeding up, forwarders can expect stronger connections to Southeast Asia and the Middle East.
Manila, Philippines: As e-commerce booms across Southeast Asia, Manila is seeing heavy demand for both import and export services. The city is strengthening its port capacity and customs systems, making it a critical node for regional trade.
For forwarders, these cities are perfect for setting up partnerships with local agents, planning LCL (less-than-container-load) consolidation services, and negotiating better carrier contracts.
Middle East and Africa: Growing Trade Corridors
The Middle East and Africa are also becoming attractive parts of the emerging freight forwarding markets, thanks to infrastructure upgrades and rising demand.
Riyadh, Saudi Arabia: With Vision 2030 projects in full swing, Riyadh is quickly evolving into a logistics hub for the Gulf region. Freight forwarders can benefit from increased project cargo, construction materials, and consumer goods imports.
Lagos, Nigeria: Africa’s largest economy is expanding its port capacity with the new Lekki Deep Sea Port, creating opportunities for forwarders handling raw materials, oil and gas shipments, and FMCG cargo.
Nairobi, Kenya: As the key logistics gateway to East Africa, Nairobi offers excellent opportunities for forwarders handling intra-African trade. Its position on the Northern Corridor means reliable access to landlocked neighbors like Uganda and Rwanda.
Latin America’s Logistics Hotspots
Latin America remains one of the fastest-growing trade regions, and several cities are on the radar for 2026.
Lima, Peru: Infrastructure investments in Callao Port are increasing efficiency, which is great news for forwarders shipping agricultural goods and minerals.
Bogotá, Colombia: Air freight capacity is growing, supporting pharmaceutical and perishable goods exports to North America and Europe.
São Paulo, Brazil: Brazil’s economic recovery and agribusiness exports make São Paulo a must-watch market for logistics professionals. It’s a prime spot for forwarders offering multimodal solutions.
Challenges and How to Prepare
Emerging freight forwarding markets offer enormous opportunities, but they also come with risks: fluctuating customs regulations, port congestion, infrastructure gaps, and political instability. Freight forwarders operating in these cities must:
- Build strong relationships with local partners to navigate bureaucracy efficiently.
- Invest in technology for shipment tracking and documentation.
- Diversify trade lanes to avoid bottlenecks in any one port.
- Stay updated on government policies that may affect duties or tariffs.
Why Join a Freight Forwarding Network
Operating in an emerging freight forwarding market can be challenging if you go at it alone. The industry is becoming more competitive each year, with multinational forwarders investing heavily in technology, infrastructure, and global marketing. Independent freight forwarders need more than good service, they need collaboration, credibility, and a strong global presence to stay relevant.
This is where joining a trusted network like The Cooperative Logistics Network becomes a game-changer. A network gives you instant access to a vetted pool of partners across more than 130 countries, which means you can offer worldwide coverage without opening offices abroad. Collaboration with reliable partners allows you to compete head-to-head with multinationals by quoting door-to-door services, managing complex projects, and securing better rates with carriers through collective buying power.
An international logistics network also supports members with tools that go beyond operations. Payment protection plans reduce financial risk, annual meetings create face-to-face opportunities to strengthen trust, and joint marketing initiatives help raise visibility in a crowded market. At a time when digitalization and supply chain resilience are key industry drivers, being part of a global alliance allows independent forwarders to innovate faster, share market intelligence, and adapt quickly to disruptions.
Simply put, the days of operating in isolation are over. Collaboration is absolutely essential for growth and survival in 2026.
The Bottom Line
2026 will bring a wave of opportunities for forwarders ready to tap into new and growing trade lanes. The emerging freight forwarding market is centered around cities that are investing heavily in ports, airports, and logistics infrastructure. Those who plan early, form strategic partnerships, and join global networks will be well-positioned to thrive as demand rises. If you’re ready to expand into these markets, start by aligning with reliable partners through The Cooperative Logistics Network. It’s the smartest way to grow your global reach while staying competitive in the most promising logistics hotspots of the year.