To the next level in global logistics Vol.1

July 14,2022

― Continuing global supply chain challenges

In recent years, wave after wave of unthinkable disruption has swept over global supply chains: trade spats between superpowers, pandemic-related closure of ports, a container ship blocking the Suez Canal, and most recently, war in Europe.

The results have been gummed up trade routes, severe space shortages and soaring prices for international cargo, with industries scrambling to secure vital supplies and deliveries.

Despite all this turbulence, both the volume and value of cross-border trade hit record levels in 2021, surpassing pre-pandemic levels.

That is a remarkable feat. And it is in no small part thanks to the efforts of behind-the-scenes logistics companies making sure things are where they need to be, on time, as ordered. One exemplar of such effective adaptation is the Nippon Express Group, Asia's largest and one of the world's leading global logistics service providers.

"Throughout this period of severe disruption, we have been focusing daily on how to protect our customers' supply chains," says Toshiro Uchida, Senior Managing Executive Officer of the Global Business Headquarters for Nippon Express Holdings.

"As logistics specialists, our task was to minimise delays and restore normality for our customers."

Toshiro Uchida, Senior Managing Executive Officer of the Global Business Headquarters for Nippon Express Holdings

Take the latest disruption. Following the outbreak of war in Ukraine, the company launched a new route combining train and ship from China to Europe that averted conflict zones by going south through the Caspian Sea and Istanbul. Earlier this year, the Nippon Express Group provided charter flights and made use of alternative routes and ports to overcome Covid-related disruptions at Shanghai port, the world's largest by trade volume.

Besides offering such emergency responses, the Group has been at the helm of industry trends in innovations for longer-term logistics sustainability and resilience. The solutions include lowering the ecological footprint of transport, aiding in reshoring and accelerating the automation and digital transformation of warehousing and transport.

This content was paid for and produced by Nippon Express in partnership with the Commercial Department of the Financial Times.