TNT and Japan Post have agreed to enter into a strategic cooperation, aimed at jointly realisinga leading position in the Asia-Pacific express and logistics market. Their agreement follows
political approval for the privatisation of Japan Post and the launch of the latter’s internationalgrowth plans.Under their cooperation, the two companies will offer joint express and logistics services,initially to customers in Japan and then broaden the offering into the Asia-Pacific region. Thedeal builds on the strengths of TNT’s global network and Japan Post’s strong domestic position andreputation.
The first steps of the cooperation include the launch of co-branded international premiumexpress products to customers in Japan. These products will provide high quality service atcompetitive prices. For this purpose, Japan Post and TNT will establish a joint venture. This JV isbased on the current international express activities of TNT to and from Japan and Japan Post’sdomestic presence as well as its strong relationships with Japanese corporations.
Starting from this joint effort, both parties aim to enlarge and strengthen this cooperation inthe Asia-Pacific region as a next step. Furthermore, TNT has started performing the linehaul anddelivery for some of Japan Post’s EMS postal volumes from Japan to several European destinations. Apilot started in August this year, achieving successful results and high quality on time deliveryperformance.
In the logistics sector, the cooperation will initially focus on developing business in Japanbased on TNT’s logistics skills and expertise and Japan Post’s strong home market position andreputation.
Masaharu Ikuta, president of Japan Post, declared: “We believe this cooperation with TNT, one ofthe big four integrators dynamically expanding its activities around the world, forms a strongfoothold for Japan Post’s entering into full-fledged international business, coupled with thecooperation with ANA in the air cargo transportation field.” Japan Post and TNT would jointly aimto become an important regional operator in the fast-growing Asia-Pacific express and logisticsmarket, he added.
TNT chief executive Peter Bakker added: “We are extremely proud to become Japan Post’sinternational strategic partner. For TNT, this cooperation is a breakthrough step in thedevelopment of our ambitious international strategy and growth ambitions in the Asia-Pacificinternational express and logistics market. The co-operation between Japan Post and TNT creates theideal mix of expertise, reputation and operational network to benefit from the future growth in theAsia Pacific market and offer premium services to our customers.” A task force has been establishedto further develop the strategic cooperation.
