United Parcel Service has made its first inbound foray into the Asian market with Trade Direct, itssmall business-oriented air and ocean freight service, by opening lanes to Japan from North
America, Europe and the rest of Asia.The air service, Trade Direct Air, will serve the Japanese market from 25 gateways in 12countries through Osaka and Tokyo, where UPS has daily flights from Anchorage, Alaska, Shanghai andits Philippines hub. Trade Direct Ocean will flow through the ports of Kobe and Tokyo and will beavailable from 27 ports in 11 countries.
“Utilising our expanded Trade Direct offering is one of the most efficient and quickest waysof getting finished goods into the hands of retailers and consumers in Asia,” said Bob Stoffel,senior vice president (supply chain group).
“Trade Direct will significantly simplify and improve doing business in Japan and should openthat expanding market to small and medium-sized businesses,” he added.
UPS started Trade Direct in 2002, moving freight and packages destined for multiple addressesas one shipment, with a single-entry customs clearance, one shipping invoice and tracking throughits supply chain tool Flex Global View.
The carrier claims faster transit times in that goods go directly from aircraft or ships intoUPS’ local delivery network, bypassing traditional warehouses and distribution centres.
