Panalpina Realigns Japan Service

Panalpina Japan announced it will realign its Japan service and in-source its entire air and ocean freight operations in Japan effective January 2010. The move is in line with an agreement announced February 2007. It will continue to represent the NYK subsidiary Yusen Air and Sea Service.

In February 2007, Panalpina appointed the NYK subsidiary Yusen Air & Sea Service Ltd. (YAS) as its agent for the handling of air and ocean freight shipments in Japan. YAS in turn assigned Panalpina to be its representative in several countries. With the new contractual agreement, Panalpina Japan will entirely in-source its ocean freight and air freight operations currently handled through YAS as freight forwarding agent for the Panalpina Group.

YAS will continue to provide services in Japan as a subcontractor for Panalpina. As of November 1, 2009, Panalpina Japan will start issuing freight invoices and arrival notices for ocean import shipments. Panalpina Japan and its partner YAS are committed to ensure a smooth transition for its customers and business partners, the companies said. It has existing branches in Tokyo (Head Office), Osaka, Nagoya and Hiroshima/Fukuoka.

The strategic partnership between Panalpina and NYK group will remain unchanged: As a freight forwarding agent, Panalpina will continue to represent the interests of YAS in 23 countries across Latin America, Africa, Europe and the Middle East. In addition, both companies will provide dedicated services for the respective partner.

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