Itella Logistics to run Asia services through single partner

Itella Logistics has struck a deal with its partner On Time Express Ltd (OTEL) to manage all its global air and sea transport services in Asia under a single operation. The agreement, effective from the start of this month, includes all eight of the countries in which Itella Logistics operates in Asia – China, Hong Kong, Malaysia, Singapore, Thailand, India, Vietnam, Indonesia and Bangladesh.

Itella Logistics, the freight forwarding and warehousing division of Finland’s postal operator Itella Group, said OTEL had “one of Asia’s most comprehensive networks”, specialised in air and sea transport.

Joni Sundelin, vice president of Itella Logistics, said: “With one partner, we can harmonise services and operational areas and simplify our service processes and portfolio. This increases our competitiveness and also creates new opportunities for business.”

Itella said it was expecting its transport networks to expand, service frequencies to increase and capacities to grow under the new partnership.

The new operational model will also mean improved coordination and management, it said.

OTEL, which has its headquarters in Hong Kong, has been in the freight and logistics business in the Far East since 1996.

“Reliable and professional partners, as well as a wide range of logistics services, are the foundation of our global services,” said Sundelin. “On Time Express is a key player in its markets and the company also has understanding and experience in the European market.”