Marseille - HBI (Marseille, Head Office)
Marseille - HBI (Marseille, Head Office) is an independent freight forwarder with a global dimension and a long-standing history in the logistics sector. The group emphasizes its international involvement and worldwide presence, aiming to guide clients through overseas supply chains with a combination of experience, local expertise, and a family-style corporate culture. The company highlights qualifications from prominent industry and security programs, including IATA, AEO, C-TPAT, ISO 9001 and ISO 14001, reflecting a structured approach to quality, safety and environmental management.
HBI reports a sizable workforce of around 250 professionals who manage substantial freight volumes, including more than 120,000 TEU per year across diverse sectors such as pharmaceuticals, steel, chemicals and petrochemicals, agrifood, and luxury goods. The organization underscores its specialized capabilities in handling sensitive and regulated cargo while maintaining efficient operations across borders. A notable development is the creation of the Linkia IT platform, an information management tool that supports 3PL and 4PL coordination across the supply chain, suggesting a strong focus on digitalization and integrated logistics solutions.
Services outlined by HBI span several core logistics functions. Ocean freight comprises FCL shipments and NVOCC services, with FMC licensing indicating compliance and capacity controls for containerized shipments. The company emphasizes competitive pricing, reliable capacity and alternative transport options for shipments of varying size and weight, complemented by value-added services such as customs clearance, warehousing, reverse logistics, and special handling.
Air freight is presented through IATA-agent status, enabling direct engagements with major airlines and a range of global service options to meet urgent shipping requirements. The team emphasizes active optimization of rates, routing, and carrier selection to align with specific shipment needs.
Multimodal transport is highlighted as a strategic capability, enabling combinations of transport modes to boost efficiency in pre- and post-carriage. This approach is supported by local offices staffed with forwarding experts who possess in-depth knowledge of hinterland operations, ensuring route and schedule optimization across regions.
Customs clearance is identified as a key service area, with AEO and C-TPAT credentials mentioned to support time-saving brokerage and well-planned customs strategies. The overall profile suggests a focus on reliable execution, regulatory compliance, and supply chain visibility for customers across industries.
While the materials provide a broad overview of capabilities and certifications, they do not enumerate every service detail or location, and potential clients are encouraged to engage with HBI’s local teams for tailored logistics solutions that match specific requirements. The emphasis on industry experience, digital tools, and a diversified service mix positions HBI as a capable partner for international shipments requiring coordinated ocean, air, and value-added logistics services.
