Panalpina, Yusen Loosen Ties

Panalpina and the NYK Group agreed to realign their partnership in Japan. Panalpina will represent its own interests in Japan, effective January 2010.

The revision of a two-year-old agreement comes at a time of pullbacks in the freight market brought on by low volume.

In February 2007, Panalpina appointed the NYK subsidiary Yusen Air & Sea Service 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.

Under the new arrangement, 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, however, continue to provide services in Japan as a subcontractor for Panalpina. As of Nov. 1, 2009, Panalpina Japan will start issuing freight invoices and arrival notices for ocean import shipments.

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.

“An even stronger presence in the Japanese market under the Panalpina brand supports our global strategy with focus on global supply chain management solutions. In addition we can further strengthen our network”, said Panalpina CEO Monika Ribar.

Contact Thomas L. Gallagher at tgallagher@joc.com.