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 airfreight 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. Already as of November 1st 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 with its 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 and YAS can still benefit from Panalpina's extensive global network. This way both parties will continue to strengthen their respective networks. '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,' comments Panalpina CEO, Ms Monika Ribar.
According to Andreas Behnke, Country Manager of Panalpina Japan, "Panalpina Japan's operational status change will even intensify the local collaboration between Panalpina and YAS in Japan. Furthermore Panalpina will be able to offer a much wider service portfolio under its own brand name to its customers.'
