Japan's APL Logistics, now a unit of Tokyo's Kintetsu World Express, has opened a new consolidation centre in Ho Chi Minh City, the largest single-roof container freight station (CFS) in the company's south east Asian network.

The facility will add further scale to the company's consolidation and value-added services network for customers with growing global and regional sourcing needs.

The CFS is strategically located near major sea and airports around Ho Chi Minh City. It includes 500,000 square feet of bonded / CFS warehouse space, 80,000 square feet of secured parking for 200 forty-foot trucks and 170 loading and receiving bays that can serve 170 trucks at a time.

Besides being scale-efficient, transport time to international sea and airports will be equal or better than existing facilities around the city. The facility is also compliant with international standards for security and safety.

"Our latest facility will expand our capability to serve customers who are sourcing from Vietnam's fast growing manufacturing base. It also strengthens our position within Vietnam and south east Asia as the go-to supply chain specialist for automotive, retail, consumer and industrial customers," said APL Logistics regional chief Komol Roongruangyot.

Said country manager Anthony Tay: "Free trade agreements are increasingly being adopted in south east Asia to help drive global trade and make sourcing options even more attractive in this region.

"Our investment in this CFS and our global trade compliance expertise strengthens APL Logistics' offering for customers who want to take advantage of these trade developments and get more out of their international supply chains," he said.

APL Logistics now operates six facilities in Vietnam, providing a comprehensive range of supply chain and logistics solutions, supported by partnerships with local market leaders.