DHL provides Shanghai-Tokyo link-up
DHL has expanded its intra-Asian services with the launch of a direct service for Less than Container Load (LCL) between Shanghai, China, and Tokyo, Japan. The service is expected to boost connectivity between two of the biggest markets in the Asia-Pacific region.
In the first seven months of the year, bilateral trade between the two countries reached $164bn, with Chinese imports from Japan rising 44%, and exports rising 24%.
“By listening to our customers, we are able to respond quickly to their demands for more direct LCL services in the region,” said Mr. Kelvin Leung, CEO, North Asia Pacific, DHL Global Forwarding.
“And by offering a cost-efficient solution on this route, we can further enhance the market-leading service we provide in China and Japan and increase our customers’ competitiveness.”
Currently, shipments need to be re-handled in Hong Kong and the shipment time totals five to seven days. But the direct shipment between Shanghai and Tokyo will reduce the transit time to four days.
Steve Huang, CEO, DHL Global Forwarding, China, said the service would particularly benefit companies operating in the automotive, technology and apparel industries.
“This service is ideal for firms that rely on timely distribution as part of a secure supply chain,” he said. “In particular, we expect the Chinese automotive and fashion industries to be attracted by this direct service to Tokyo to enhance the time-to-market of their products,” Huang said.
