About
About Umbrella
One agent per country. Since 2020.
Umbrella Freight Network is a members-only network of established independent freight forwarders. We take one exclusive agent per country — 56 member companies covering 66 countries — so members never compete with each other inside the network, and every enquiry has exactly one right home.
Back-to-back awards from MEA Markets
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Best Global Logistics Network
African Excellence Awards · MEA Markets
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Most Trusted Independent Global Freight Network
MEA Business Awards · MEA Markets
Both listings are public on MEA Markets’ own site — the titles above link straight to them.
How it started
Umbrella began in 2020 in Cape Town, founded by Francois Gouws after years in freight that started behind the wheel of a truck and worked up to regional manager. The idea was narrow and has not changed: a small network of forwarders who actually know each other, where a member can hand cargo to another member’s company and not worry about it.
How members join
Umbrella is selective. Every application is read personally by the network director, and we call your trade references — not as a formality. A country that already has its member is not open, and the application form says so rather than letting you find out afterwards; you can still apply to go on the waiting list, and we contact it first if the seat opens.
Membership is USD 1,000 a year, payable when your application is accepted and then each year on renewal.
The people
The network is run by Francois Gouws, Managing Director, with a committee drawn from the membership.
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Barry Murphy
Shippers First Logistics
Canada
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Ken Chan
Lapton Freight
China · Hong Kong · Japan
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Nick Lamport
Cargo Traders International
Australia
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Rene Rasmussen
FREJA Transport & Logistics
Denmark
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Helena Monsen
Scanfreight Norway
Norway
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Niraj Deshpande
Brown Bull Logistics
India
Regional representatives
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Sofiane Ali-Rachedi
DLS-SAS
France
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Niraj Deshpande
Brown Bull Logistics
India
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Nick Lamport
Cargo Traders International
Australia · New Zealand
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Rizal Abdullah
AEO Freight
Malaysia
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Gül Dündar
Kargotur
Turkey
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Elida Bottecchia
P1 Forwarding
Brazil
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Paulo Zandoná
HEPA Logistics
Peru
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Lucia Parodi
HEPA Logistics
Peru
The AGM
Once a year the whole network sits in the same room: a four-day programme with two full days of one-to-one meetings, a gala dinner, and the time in between — which is where most of the network’s business actually gets agreed. It is hosted by a member, in their country, each year.
- 2022 Amsterdam, Netherlands Hosted by Peters & May
- 2023 Porto, Portugal
- 2024 Bergamo, Italy Hosted by Tetris
- 2025 Bangkok, Thailand Hosted by Imex Logistics
- 2026 No meeting. Travel costs and safety concerns across the region made a 2026 meeting the wrong call, so the network skipped a year rather than ask members to take the risk.
- 2027 İzmir, Türkiye Hosted by Kargotur
What members say
Members review the network publicly on Trustpilot. These are their words, unedited — follow any of them to read the original.
what cought my attention about joining Umbrella Network was that membership is not simply open to anyone. You need to be recommended and meet the values and requirements that Umbrella trully stands for: trust, honesty, fast replies and expertise. After being part of the network, I can say that these are not just words. They are values that we experience in our daily interactions with the members. And I feel like being part of a family. We support each other, share knowledge, help with challenges and genuinely try to create opportunities for one another. For me, a strong network is not only about business opportunities. It is about building relationships, trusting the people behind the companies and knowing that you have reliable partners in different parts of the world.
We are very pleased to be part of the Umbrella Network and to represent the network in Peru. Our experience has been very positive, especially regarding the international connections, collaboration opportunities, and professional relationship with freight forwarding partners around the world. Umbrella provides a strong platform for independent logistics companies to connect, develop business opportunities, and strengthen their global presence. We are proud to be part of this network and look forward to continuing to build strong partnerships and new opportunities together. Highly recommended for logistics professionals looking to expand their international network.
Great Network. We have been a member since day one and have enjoyed every moment.
The company
Umbrella Freight Network is operated by Umbrella Freight Network LLC, a Texas limited liability company registered at Columbus, Texas, United States. The network was founded in 2020 and has been run from the United States since 2026.
My unwavering commitment lies in forging an unrivaled freight network that stands out among the rest. With this vision in mind, I strive to cultivate enduring business relationships that will span not just another 20 years, but many more to come. Together, let’s build a network that sets the standard for excellence in the industry.
Francois Gouws
Managing Director
francois@umbrellafreightnetwork.com
+1 979 633 0047