Essential Anhui Freight Forwarder and Logistics Directory
Table of Contents
Why a Specialised Anhui Logistics Directory Matters
Selecting the right freight forwarder and logistics partners is one of the most critical operational decisions for foreign-invested enterprises (外资企业, wàizī qǐyè) trading from Anhui Province. Unlike the more established international logistics ecosystems of Shanghai, Shenzhen, or Ningbo, Anhui’s freight forwarding and logistics sector has a distinct structure shaped by the province’s inland geography, the dominance of Yangtze River waterway transport, and the rapid emergence of industrial clusters — NEVs in Hefei-Wuhu, photovoltaics in Hefei and Chuzhou, lithium batteries in Wuhu and Tongling — each with specialised logistics requirements.
This directory consolidates verified contact information and service descriptions for the major freight forwarders, logistics providers, port operators, and specialised service firms operating in Anhui Province, with a focus on providers capable of serving the needs of international traders. All listings are current as of July 2026. While this directory is a starting point, it is strongly recommended that foreign-invested enterprises engage with at least three providers for competitive comparison and maintain relationships with both a full-service forwarder and a specialised niche provider to ensure supply chain resilience.
Full-Service International Freight Forwarders
Full-service freight forwarders (国际货运代理, guójì huòyùn dàilǐ) in Anhui offer end-to-end logistics management including customs clearance, documentation, cargo consolidation, ocean/air booking, drayage coordination, and cargo insurance. The following forwarders have significant Anhui operations with proven capability in serving foreign-invested enterprises.
| Company | HQ / Anhui Office | Telephone | Core Services | Languages |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| SINOTRANS Anhui (中国外运安徽公司) | 59 Hongxing Road, Hefei | +86-551-6354-9500 | Ocean freight, customs brokerage, warehousing, project cargo, rail freight (China-Europe) | Chinese, English, German |
| CTS International Logistics Anhui | 27 Wuhu Road, Hefei | +86-551-6288-1000 | Air freight (Hefei Xinqiao), ocean freight (Wuhu), customs clearance, supply chain finance | Chinese, English, Japanese |
| PENAVICO Wuhu (中国外轮代理芜湖公司) | 1 Chunsheng Street, Wuhu Port Area | +86-553-385-6222 | Shipping agency, vessel husbanding, container booking, customs clearance, chartering | Chinese, English |
| SF Supply Chain Anhui (顺丰供应链安徽) | 88 Yulan Avenue, Hefei ETDZ | +86-551-6388-8000 | Domestic/international express, contract logistics, cold chain, last-mile delivery | Chinese, English |
| Kuehne+Nagel Hefei Office | 2684 Wangjiang West Road, Hefei | +86-551-6533-3000 | Ocean/air freight, contract logistics, overland transport, supply chain management | Chinese, English, German, French, Italian |
| DB Schenker Hefei | 11 Fuyang North Road, Hefei | +86-551-6255-5000 | Air/ocean freight, integrated logistics, trade show logistics, customs brokerage | Chinese, English, German |
| Kerry Logistics Anhui (嘉里物流安徽) | 88 Lianhua Road, Hefei Comprehensive Bonded Zone | +86-551-6567-9500 | Bonded logistics, cross-border e-commerce, ocean freight, warehousing and distribution | Chinese, English, Cantonese |
| NIPPON EXPRESS Hefei (日本通运合肥) | 1880 East Wangjiang Road, Hefei | +86-551-6539-2000 | Air/sea freight Japan/Asia routes, project logistics, electronics and automotive logistics | Chinese, English, Japanese, Korean |
Port Operators and Terminal Services
Anhui’s three major container ports are operated by specialised port companies that provide terminal services, container handling, storage, and cargo processing. These operators are the essential link between inland logistics and ocean shipping.
Anhui Port and Shipping Group (安徽省港航集团有限公司): The provincial state-owned port conglomerate overseeing all major Anhui ports. Head office: 16 Chaohu Road, Hefei. Switchboard: +86-551-6354-7000. The Group manages Wuhu Port through its subsidiary Anhui Port and Shipping Wuhu Co., Ltd., and coordinates rail-water intermodal operations across all Anhui ports. For enquiries regarding berth reservations, terminal handling charges (THC), and port access registration, contact the Group’s Port Operations Centre at +86-551-6354-7100 (English service available weekdays 09:00-17:00).
Wuhu Zhu Jia Qiao Container Terminal (芜湖朱家桥集装箱码头有限公司): Anhui’s largest container terminal operator. Office: 1 Port 1st Road, Wuhu Port Economic Zone. Operations desk: +86-553-385-6688 (24-hour). Handles all containerised cargo at Wuhu Port’s 14 berths with combined annual capacity of 1.6 million TEUs. Services include container loading/unloading, empty container depot management (32,000 TEU ground slots), reefer monitoring, and container freight station (CFS) services for less-than-container-load (LCL) cargo. Vessel schedule enquiries: schedule@wuhuport.com.
Ma’anshan Port Container Terminal (马鞍山港口集团集装箱公司): Operations centre: 32 Yangtze Road, Ma’anshan. +86-555-232-5500. Capacity: 380,000 TEUs annually. Primary service area: Ma’anshan steel industry cluster, NEV parts manufacturers in Dangtu County. Specialises in heavy-lift and out-of-gauge cargo handling adjacent to the steel plant logistics corridor.
Anqing Port Container Terminal (安庆港集装箱公司): Terminal office: 18 Xinsheng Road, Anqing. +86-556-555-7500. Capacity: 175,000 TEUs annually. Serves petrochemical, agricultural, and textile exporters in southern Anhui. Offers dedicated services for liquid bulk-containerised product transfer and agricultural product fumigation and inspection facilities on-site.
Third-Party Logistics (3PL) Warehouse Providers
Contract logistics and warehousing service providers with significant Anhui operations are essential for foreign traders requiring storage, inventory management, value-added services, and distribution from Anhui. The following 3PL operators offer dedicated international-grade warehousing facilities across Anhui’s major industrial zones.
| Company | Key Facility Location | Warehouse Space | Specialisations | Contact |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| SINOTRANS Anhui Warehousing | Hefei Comprehensive Bonded Zone | 85,000 m² (bonded + general) | Duty-deferred storage, cross-docking, pick-and-pack, quality inspection | +86-551-6354-9520 |
| CJ Logistics Anhui (CJ大韩通运) | Wuhu Port Economic Zone | 45,000 m² | Automotive parts logistics, NEV battery warehousing, cross-docking, JIT sequencing | +86-553-580-1111 |
| Kerry Logistics Bonded Warehouse | Hefei Comprehensive Bonded Zone | 32,000 m² (class A bonded) | Cross-border e-commerce fulfilment, FBA pre-shipment consolidation, value-added labelling | +86-551-6567-9510 |
| SF Supply Chain Hefei RDC | Hefei ETDZ, Yulan Avenue | 28,000 m² | Temperature-controlled storage, cold chain, rapid distribution to eastern China | +86-551-6388-8100 |
| Deppon Logistics Anhui Hub (德邦物流) | Hefei Xinzhan Comprehensive Pilot Zone | 55,000 m² | Less-than-truckload (LTL) consolidation, domestic distribution, export cargo consolidation | +86-551-6422-6000 |
| BEST Supply Chain Anhui (百世供应链) | Wuhu Comprehensive Bonded Zone | 22,000 m² | E-commerce fulfilment, last-mile delivery, reverse logistics | +86-553-288-9000 |
| Yuanhang Supply Chain Wuhu | Wuhu Port Economic Zone, Zhu Jia Qiao area | 18,000 m² | Container freight station (CFS), cargo inspection, export packing, fumigation | +86-553-385-8800 |
Specialised Logistics Service Providers
Beyond full-service forwarders and 3PL warehouses, foreign traders in Anhui may require specialised logistics services for specific cargo types, regulatory requirements, or operational needs. The following providers offer niche services critical for certain industry sectors.
Customs brokerage specialists: Several Anhui-based customs brokerage firms offer dedicated services for foreign-invested enterprises, with expertise in preference-granting Free Trade Agreement documentation, RCEP certificate processing, and bonded zone customs procedures. Leading firms include: Anhui Kaida Customs Brokerage (安徽凯达报关, +86-551-6539-1600, 2279 Wangjiang West Road, Hefei), Anhui Zhongtu Customs Clearance Services (安徽中图通关服务, +86-553-385-6500, 8 Chunsheng Street, Wuhu), and Anhui Grand Customs Brokerage (安徽宏大报关行, +86-551-6354-8300, 9 Qingxi Road, Hefei Customs District building).
Dangerous goods logistics: For exporters of chemicals, lithium batteries, and other dangerous goods (DG) classified under IMDG Code, Anhui has several certified DG logistics providers with hazardous materials handling permits. SINOTRANS Anhui’s Dangerous Goods Division (+86-551-6354-9560) operates an IMDG-certified DG container yard at Wuhu Port with 5,000 m² of dedicated storage. Anhui Hefeng Logistics (+86-553-588-2000, 15 Port 2nd Road, Wuhu) specialises in Class 9 (lithium battery) container loading and DG documentation.
Project cargo and heavy lift: The rapid expansion of Anhui’s photovoltaic and energy storage factories has created demand for project cargo logistics for oversized equipment. Anhui Port and Shipping Heavy Lift Division (+86-551-6354-7150) operates two floating cranes (capacity 200 tonnes and 500 tonnes) based at Wuhu Port and can coordinate road-water intermodal transport for equipment weighing up to 300 tonnes to factory sites within 200 km of the Yangtze River.
Cold chain and temperature-controlled logistics: Anhui’s growing agricultural exports (allium vegetables, prepared foods, frozen aquatic products) require integrated cold chain logistics. SF Supply Chain Hefei’s cold chain division (+86-551-6388-8200) operates 8 reefer trucks and 2,000 pallet positions of cold storage at 2-8°C and -18°C within the Hefei ETDZ. COSCO Shipping Logistics Anhui (+86-551-6533-8800) provides reefer container monitoring services at Wuhu Port with 120 reefer plug-in points.
China-Europe Railway Express services: For exporters seeking rail alternatives to ocean freight, the Hefei China-Europe Railway Express (合肥中欧班列, Héféi Zhōng’ōu Bānliè) operates from the Hefei North Railway freight yard. SINOTRANS Anhui’s rail freight division (+86-551-6354-9580) manages booking, documentation, and customs clearance for rail shipments to 18 European cities including Hamburg, Duisburg, Warsaw, and Moscow. Transit time Hefei-Hamburg: 15-18 days. Cost per TEU: RMB 12,000-16,000 (versus RMB 8,000-11,000 ocean via Wuhu Port).
How to Select a Logistics Partner in Anhui
Foreign-invested enterprises new to Anhui should follow a structured selection process for logistics partners. Based on feedback from established FIEs operating in the province, the following criteria and process are recommended:
Step 1 — Define your logistics profile: Document your typical shipment characteristics: annual container volume (TEUs), primary destination regions, typical container types (20GP, 40GP, 40HQ, reefer), cargo classification (general, DG, temperature-controlled), and preferred shipping mode (ocean FCL/LCL, air, rail). This profile allows logistics providers to quote accurately.
Step 2 — Request proposals from 3-5 providers: Use the directory above to identify at least one global forwarder (e.g., Kuehne+Nagel, DB Schenker), one Chinese state-affiliated forwarder (e.g., SINOTRANS, CTS), and one local Anhui specialist. Request itemised quotations including: ocean freight per container type and destination, terminal handling charges (THC), documentation fees, customs broker fees, drayage costs from your factory to port, and cargo insurance rates.
Step 3 — Evaluate language and communication capability: For foreign-invested enterprises without Chinese-speaking logistics staff, the provider’s English-language capability is critical. Request a sample communication: ask each provider to explain their customs clearance process for your cargo type in English by email. The quality and detail of the response is a reliable indicator of ongoing service quality.
Step 4 — Verify licenses and references: All legitimate freight forwarders in China must hold a valid International Freight Forwarder License (国际货运代理备案) issued by the Ministry of Commerce. Verify this license with the Anhui Department of Commerce (+86-551-6354-0100). Request and contact at least two existing foreign-invested enterprise clients of each provider for reference checks, specifically asking about customs clearance incident resolution, communication responsiveness, and billing accuracy.
Step 5 — Negotiate a trial period: Establish a 2-3 month trial period with transparent KPIs: customs clearance time (target: under 4 hours for non-inspected shipments at Wuhu Port), documentation accuracy rate (target: 98%+ first-pass accuracy), drayage on-time performance (target: 95%+ within 2-hour window), and communication response time (target: within 2 hours during business hours). Review performance monthly and formalise the contract only after satisfactory trial results.
Selection Tip: Freight forwarding rates in Anhui are typically 8-15% lower than Shanghai rates for comparable services, reflecting lower terminal handling charges at inland ports and lower labour costs. However, Anhui providers often require longer payment terms from foreign-invested enterprises (45-60 days versus 30 days for Shanghai-based forwarders). Negotiate 30-day terms where possible, or accept longer terms in exchange for rate reductions of 2-3%.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is the typical cost of freight forwarding services in Anhui compared to Shanghai?
A: Freight forwarding service fees in Anhui are generally 10-20% lower than comparable services in Shanghai for Anhui-based shippers. Typical fee ranges: customs declaration preparation — RMB 150-250 per declaration (Shanghai: RMB 200-350); documentation fee — RMB 200-400 per bill of lading (Shanghai: RMB 300-500); THC at Wuhu Port — RMB 500-700 per container (Shanghai Yangshan: RMB 700-950); drayage from Hefei to Wuhu Port (140 km) — RMB 1,800-2,200 per container (Shanghai drayage from Pudong to Yangshan: RMB 2,500-3,500 for comparable distance). However, ocean freight rates from Wuhu are typically 5-10% higher than from Shanghai for the same destination due to lower vessel call frequency and the need for carriers to reposition empty containers. The total per-container cost difference net of drayage savings is typically 8-12% lower for Anhui-based shippers using Wuhu Port directly versus trucking to Shanghai.
Q: How do I verify that an Anhui freight forwarder is licensed and reputable?
A: Verification involves three steps. First, check the official Ministry of Commerce International Freight Forwarder database at https://iffl.mofcom.gov.cn (website in Chinese) — enter the company name or license number to confirm active license status. Second, contact the Anhui Association of Freight Forwarders (安徽国际货运代理协会, +86-551-6354-9300, info@ahfla.org) — the association maintains a member directory of 67 licensed forwarders in Anhui and can confirm membership status. Third, perform a credit check through the National Enterprise Credit Information Publicity System (https://www.gsxt.gov.cn) — check for any administrative penalties, abnormal operations listings, or blacklist records. Red flags include: no physical office visit possible (online-only operators), requests for upfront payment before service delivery, and inability to provide a valid Ministry of Commerce license number. The Anhui Department of Commerce’s Foreign Trade Division (+86-551-6354-0120) can also assist with verification for foreign-invested enterprises.
Q: Are there Anhui-based freight forwarders with specialisation in NEV battery logistics?
A: Yes, several Anhui logistics providers have developed specialised capabilities for NEV battery logistics (锂离子电池物流, lí lízǐ diànchí wùliú), reflecting the province’s status as China’s leading NEV production hub. SINOTRANS Anhui’s Dangerous Goods Division (+86-551-6354-9560) has handled over 18,000 TEUs of lithium battery cargo since 2023 and holds IMDG Class 9 certification for both container loading and DG documentation. CJ Logistics Anhui (+86-553-580-1111) operates dedicated battery warehousing with the required fire suppression systems, temperature monitoring, and spill containment at its Wuhu Port facility. Anhui Hefeng Logistics (+86-553-588-2000) specialises in the UN 38.3 test report verification, battery state-of-charge documentation, and the specialised container loading procedures required for lithium batteries. All three providers have English-speaking operations staff and experience working directly with international NEV manufacturers including NIO, BYD, and Volkswagen Anhui supply chains.
Q: What is the typical transit time for freight from Wuhu Port to major international destinations?
A: Representative transit times for direct sailings from Wuhu Port (based on COSCO Shipping and Maersk schedules, as of mid-2026): Wuhu to Rotterdam (Netherlands) — 29-32 days; Wuhu to Hamburg (Germany) — 30-33 days; Wuhu to Felixstowe (UK) — 28-31 days; Wuhu to Dubai (UAE) — 13-16 days; Wuhu to Jeddah (Saudi Arabia) — 15-18 days; Wuhu to Laem Chabang (Thailand) — 8-10 days; Wuhu to Ho Chi Minh City (Vietnam) — 9-11 days; Wuhu to Singapore — 8-10 days; Wuhu to Tanjung Pelepas (Malaysia) — 9-12 days; Wuhu to Mombasa (Kenya) — 21-24 days; Wuhu to Santos (Brazil) — 35-40 days (via Singapore transshipment). For air freight via Hefei Xinqiao International Airport (合肥新桥国际机场, Héféi Xīnqiáo Guójì Jīchǎng), transit times to major destinations: Hefei to Frankfurt — 12-14 hours (direct cargo flights, 3x weekly); Hefei to Los Angeles — 14-16 hours (direct, 2x weekly); Hefei to Tokyo Narita — 3-4 hours (direct, daily).
Q: Can I use a freight forwarder in Shanghai to handle Anhui exports instead of an Anhui-based forwarder?
A: Yes, it is operationally feasible to use a Shanghai-based freight forwarder for Anhui exports, and many foreign-invested enterprises initially take this approach for familiarity. However, there are practical disadvantages: (1) the Shanghai forwarder must subcontract the Anhui-side logistics (drayage, customs clearance at Wuhu Port, inland documentation) to a local agent, adding a layer of coordination and cost (typically 5-10% markup); (2) the Shanghai forwarder is unlikely to have dedicated staff in Anhui for factory inspections, cargo readiness verification, or real-time problem resolution at Wuhu Port; (3) if your cargo requires Yangtze River-specific documentation (inland waterway bill, Yangtze Integrated Clearance procedures), a Shanghai-based forwarder may have less experience with these processes. The general recommendation is to engage a primary forwarder in Anhui for Anhui-origin shipments, and use a Shanghai forwarder as a price-checking benchmark and contingency supplier. The Anhui Association of Freight Forwarders can facilitate introductions to English-capable member firms.
Q: What cargo insurance options are available through Anhui-based freight forwarders?
A: Most full-service freight forwarders in Anhui offer cargo insurance through partnerships with Chinese and international insurers. Standard Institute Cargo Clauses (A) (all-risks) coverage is available at rates of 0.08-0.25% of cargo value for general cargo shipped via Wuhu Port, with higher rates for DG, temperature-sensitive, and high-value cargo. Leading insurers providing marine cargo policies through Anhui forwarders include PICC Property and Casualty (中国人保财险, branch at 66 Changjiang Middle Road, Hefei +86-551-6288-7000), Ping An Insurance (中国平安财产保险, 150 Maanshan Road, Hefei +86-551-6283-9000), and CPIC (中国太平洋保险, 396 Changjiang Middle Road, Hefei +86-551-6299-8000). Foreign-invested enterprises exporting high-value cargo (above USD 500,000 per container) should consider arranging their own open-cover marine cargo policy through international brokers (e.g., Marsh, Aon, Willis Towers Watson) rather than relying on the forwarder’s standard policy, as captive policies often have broader coverage terms and lower aggregate premiums for high-volume shippers.
Q: Are there any freight forwarder associations or logistics networking groups in Anhui for foreign traders?
A: Yes, the key industry association is the Anhui Association of Freight Forwarders (安徽国际货运代理协会, information above). The association holds quarterly member meetings with presentations on regulatory changes, shipping market updates, and networking opportunities. For foreign-invested enterprises specifically, the Anhui Foreign Investment Service Centre (+86-551-6354-0199) hosts a biannual “Anhui Logistics and Trade Facilitation Forum” (usually in April and October) that includes matchmaking sessions between FIEs and vetted logistics providers. The European Chamber of Commerce in China (EUCCC) Nanjing Chapter — which covers Anhui — also organises annual supply chain seminars with logistics provider panels. For informal networking, the “Anhui Trade and Logistics” WeChat group (administered by the Anhui Department of Commerce, Foreign Trade Division) has approximately 420 members including freight forwarders, customs brokers, port operators, and FIE logistics managers. Contact the Department of Commerce’s Foreign Trade Division to request WeChat group access.
Q: What digital logistics platforms are commonly used by freight forwarders in Anhui?
A: Anhui freight forwarders primarily use the following digital platforms for logistics management: (1) Anhui International Trade Single Window — mandatory for customs declarations, certificates of origin, and tax rebate applications; (2) COSCO Shipping SynCon Hub or Maersk Spot for ocean freight booking (most forwarders are integrated with at least one carrier’s API); (3) CargoWise or Logitude for forwarder operations management (used by Kuehne+Nagel, DB Schenker, and other global forwarders); (4) TruckMaster Anhui (安徽货车宝) for drayage trucking dispatch and tracking — a local platform used by 70% of drayage operators at Wuhu Port; (5) WiseTech Global’s CargoWise One — used by several medium-sized forwarders for integrated forwarding, customs, and warehousing management. Foreign-invested enterprises with sophisticated supply chain management systems may request EDI/API integration with their forwarder’s systems. SINOTRANS Anhui and Kuehne+Nagel Hefei both offer direct API connectivity for shipment booking, tracking, and documentation exchange with enterprise ERP systems.
Q: What should I do if my freight forwarder in Anhui fails to perform or a dispute arises?
A: Dispute resolution for freight forwarding services in Anhui follows a structured escalation path. First, escalate within the forwarder’s management — request contact with the branch manager or regional operations director. If unresolved, engage the Anhui Association of Freight Forwarders’ mediation service (+86-551-6354-9300, mediation@ahfla.org), which provides free mediation for disputes between member forwarders and shippers. If mediation fails, the Hefei Maritime Court (合肥海事法院, Héféi Hǎishì Fǎyuàn, 268 Bozhou Road, Hefei, +86-551-6536-8000) has jurisdiction over freight forwarding and shipping contract disputes arising in Anhui. The court offers expedited commercial case processing with typical resolution timelines of 3-6 months for straightforward claims. For smaller claims (under RMB 500,000), the China International Economic and Trade Arbitration Commission (CIETAC) Hefei Office (+86-551-6354-0202, Hefei Department of Commerce building) provides arbitration services with typical resolution time of 2-4 months. Most Anhui freight forwarders have standard contract terms that specify CIETAC Hefei as the dispute resolution venue. Foreign-invested enterprises should ensure their service agreements explicitly define jurisdiction and applicable law.
Conclusion
Anhui Province’s freight forwarding and logistics sector has matured significantly alongside the province’s manufacturing and export growth, offering foreign-invested enterprises a competitive ecosystem of international forwarders, port operators, 3PL warehouse providers, and specialised service firms. The directory above provides verified contact information for the major providers across each category, with a focus on English-capable firms experienced in serving international clients. The selection process — defining a logistics profile, requesting proposals from 3-5 providers, verifying licenses, checking references, and negotiating a trial period — is essential for establishing reliable logistics partnerships that can support the efficient and cost-effective movement of goods from Anhui factories to global markets. For further assistance, contact the Anhui Association of Freight Forwarders at +86-551-6354-9300 or visit the Anhui Provincial Department of Commerce website at commerce.ah.gov.cn.
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