NIPPON EXPRESS: INTEGRATING THE CIRCUITOUS, SOLVING SEMICONDUCTOR LOGISTICS Vol.4

February 24,2021

― Top load only: a forwarder’s sense of mission

So why can the Japanese forwarder, as its motto claims, “find the way” in this exceedingly complex and demanding market?
It’s not just Nippon Express’ unique assets which span hardware (warehouses adjacent to top semiconductor factories, logistics centres next to international airports, or specialized vehicles such as air-suspension trucks), software (a global inventory control and tracking system) and human-ware (some 720 staff trained for semiconductor-related sales and transport).
It’s also a sense of mission, explains Mr. Goya.
“Semiconductors continue to be one of the key pillars supporting the growth of our nation since the end of the cold-war, so much so that we refer to it as the ‘rice of industry’ in Japan – or, as I now like to call it, the ‘bread’ of global industry ,” he says. “As the role of semiconductors in the world economy continues to expand, Nippon Express has a mission to provide safe, reliable, quality-guaranteed forwarding of this crucial product.”

By eventually creating a one-stop global logistics solution, the company hopes to optimize supply chains for the myriad manufacturers, suppliers, and customers in the semiconductor industry. For example, an end-to-end traceability solution is expected to reduce counterfeits that are said to be worth JPY800bn or some 2 per cent of the global market. Using its proprietary traceability system involving blockchain and IoT technology, Nippon Express is building a similar system to fight counterfeits and ensure quality control for pharmaceutical logistics.
“I believe the needs for quality, safety and traceability in the pharma market are very similar to those of the chip industry.” says Mr. Goya.
From our physical health to the digital economy and beyond, Nippon Express is leading the transformation of the global supply chain. That’s an ambitious package but delivering is the company’s business. And the arrows on the label say: “This way up”!