The creation of the formal agency agreement between the two companies has given Avion International access to SBS Worldwide's well-established US network of offices in the key US trading and commercial centers of Atlanta, Chicago, Los Angeles and New York.
Nick Walker, managing director of SBS Worldwide says: 'Both partners have been working hard to increase their respective shares of US/Italian trade. I am delighted that our understanding of the US market, combined with the experienced US staff at our network of offices in strategic locations that matter for business, has been a major factor in the immediate success of the partnership.'
According to the Avion International's managing director, Massimo Giordano, the move has brought immediate benefits with increased shipments and improved customer service support in the USA.
Mr. Giordano says: 'Our partnership has got off to flying start. SBS Worldwide has an excellent network in the United States, as well as its significant marketing and operational expertise. The company has already developed a very strong position in the trade between the USA and the UK and this experience will help us to develop the same level of services in the trade between the USA and Italy. Many of the companies that use SBS Worldwide in the trade between the USA and the UK, also have significant business between the USA and Italy.'
The partners have established eastbound airfreight consolidation services from Los Angeles, Chicago, and New York and anticipate expanding their market share of eastbound traffic. Westbound, the companies are seeing growth in FCL, LCL and airfreight traffic.
In Italy, Avion International is one of the largest privately held logistics companies, and, in addition to its HQ in Milan, has branches strategically located at Malpensa Airport, Turin, Treviso, Florence, Vicenza, Prato and Bologna.
In 2008, the US exported USD15.5 billion of products to Italy, while importing some USD36.1 billion worth of manufactured goods and commodities. Meanwhile, the USA took 6.8% of all Italian exports in 2008, making it Italy's fourth most important export destination and largest non-EU destination last year.
