Con-way Freight, TNT Expand Partnership

Con-way Freight and TNT are expanding their trans-Atlantic partnership to include shipping U.S. exports to Europe, targeting freight shipments weighing more than 150 pounds.

The companies have been transporting freight from Europe to the United States for a year, flying imports to New York's JFK International Airport and trucking them to customers.

The new offering will simply reverse direction and follow the same route, with Con-way picking up U.S. shipments and trucking them to JFK for consolidation and loading.

In Europe, logistics giant TNT will manage customs clearance at Liège Airport in Belgium and deliver shipments using its air and road distribution network.

The move comes as the United States plans a major export initiative, aimed at doubling the amount of U.S. goods shipped overseas in five years. It also complements Con-way's trans-Pacific less-than-containerload partnership with APL Logistics.

TNT delivers freight through 414 depots across 39 European countries. Less-than-truckload carrier Con-way Freight has more than 300 service centers in the United States and Canada.

Transit times from JFK to final destinations in Europe will typically range from three to six days, the partners said.

"Our alliance with TNT allows us to provide fast, reliable intercontinental service to meet the growing international shipping needs of our customers, which is increasingly important in today's global economy," John G. Labrie, president of Con-way Freight, said in a statement.

Contact William B. Cassidy at wcassidy@joc.com.