Panalpina and the NYK Group will realign the level of their current co-operation in Japan, with Panalpina Japan entirely in-sourcing the air- and ocean freight operations from January 2010, eyefortransport reports. 

In line with an earlier agreement, Panalpina will continue to represent the interests of NYK's subsidiary, Yusen Air & Sea Service (YAS), in various countries.

In February 2007, Panalpina appointed YAS as its agent for the handling of air and ocean freight shipments in Japan, and YAS 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.

From November 1st, 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.

Both companies will provide dedicated services for the respective partner and YAS will still benefit from Panalpina's extensive global network.

Source: Transport Weekly