TNT has stepped up its presence in China by expanding its gateway facility at Shanghai’s Pudong airport and also announced a new global distribution contract.
Operational since early September, the upgraded PVG facility still located within the Shanghai International Airport Freight Centre is now housed in a new building. The upgrade will allow TNT to process 50% more packages per hour through a €2 million investment in state-of-the-art measurement equipment and a well-planned floor layout designed to maximise process flow.
With its higher sorting capacity, pick-up times for express and economy shipments in Shanghai will be pushed back by at least one hour so customers have greater flexibility in shipment preparations.
Andrew Yang, Managing Director for TNT Mainland China and Hong Kong said: "The investment demonstrates TNT’s commitment to the China market. With these operational enhancements, we will be able to achieve shorter processing times and thus significantly improve our service performance and competitiveness.
"Our customers will benefit from the improved capabilities and Shanghai’s growing reputation as an international airport hub will provide them with rapid access and extensive reach to the world and similarly from the world into China. This further strengthens TNT’s position as one of the world’s leading express delivery companies," he added.
The TNT PVG gateway is a Transported Asset Protection Association (TAPA) 'A' certified facility. The internationally recognised TAPA security certification is widely considered as one of the most rigorous independent logistics and supply chain security certifications to minimize losses and risk within the supply chain. In addition, the PVG facility meets five internationally recognised management standards: OHSAS 18001 for workplace safety, SA 8000 for social responsibility, Investors in People (IIP) for personal growth of employees, ISO 9001 for operational excellence and ISO 14001 for environment.
Separately, TNT has been awarded a five-year contract with the world's leading supplier of lifesaving equipment, Harding Safety. Under the agreement, TNT becomes the exclusive carrier for all spares shipments for Harding Safety at a global level. TNT will provide a full range of express delivery services, such as its Express, Economy, Palletised Freight and Special Services, using its integrated road and air network.
Harding Safety has redesigned its supply chain by centralising smaller warehouse locations to seven central warehouse locations globally. These warehouses are located in Seimsfoss (Norway), Rotterdam (The Netherlands), Dubai (UAE), Shanghai (China), Singapore, New Iberia (USA) and Macaé (Brazil). TNT will execute Harding Safety’s worldwide inbound and outbound transport of spares for lifesaving equipment to merchant-, cruise-, offshore and Navy customers.
Wijnand Koningstein, Global Spares Director of Harding Safety, stated: “The worldwide network and expertise are the main reasons we have chosen TNT. The selection of one carrier increases the control and visibility and further enhances cost efficiency. In TNT we see a professional and ambitious partner to facilitate our growth and support us in offering the best services to our customers.”
Erik Uljee, Managing Director TNT Benelux, commented: “We are extremely proud to have been awarded such a long contract with Harding Safety, a leader in the lifesaving industry. We are committed to support their global growth strategy by providing a one stop shop for all required express delivery services and thus contribute to the satisfaction of Harding’s goals.”
