Logistics heavyweight DHL has opened a new ocean freight terminal at the Port of Osaka and launched new weekly direct less-than-container load (LCL) services from Osaka to Hong Kong, DHL's multinational gateway.

Operated by Danmar Lines, DHL's in-house carrier, these new direct LCL services from Osaka "offer enhanced convenience, cost efficiency and shorter transit times to customers throughout Kansai, particularly from Osaka since until now LCL loading in Japan's Kansai region had been conducted at the Port of Kobe," a company statement said.

The new LCL service shipments from Osaka are now transported to Hong Kong for global distribution helping to connect DHL's key markets in the Mediterranean, Europe and Middle East.

New services also offer enhanced security and monitoring of cargo for faster, safer and more secure transportation. Customers can also use LCL Web Booking, which is an online service on the company's Japanese website that enables customers to consolidate shipments or export via ocean freight.

"Demand for global logistics services is extremely high in the Kansai area, particularly in Osaka," said Daigo Seki, general manager of Ocean Freight Japan, DHL Global Forwarding Japan. "The opening of the new ocean freight terminal in Osaka and introduction of new direct LCL services will further boost our capabilities and help businesses in Japan extend their footprint into Asia, the Mediterranean, Europe and Middle East in a cost-effective manner."

Source: shipping online