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    Kintetsu World Express

    Kintetsu World Express: Global leader in air and ocean freight, logistics, and supply chain solutions.

    Revenue:$5.3B
    Kintetsu World Express logo
    Kintetsu World Express global carrier services and logistics operations

    Company Overview

    Kintetsu World Express (KWE) is a major Japanese logistics company headquartered in Tokyo, specializing in global freight forwarding, customs brokerage, warehousing, and supply chain solutions. Founded in 1970, KWE operates nearly 700 offices in over 300 cities worldwide and serves a diverse range of industries, including automotive, electronics, pharmaceuticals, and retail.

    Key Leadership

    Executive Team:

    • CEO: Tetsuya Yamanaka
    • CFO: Yoshihiro Kusakabe

    Employee Demographics:

    • Global Workforce: 18,562

    Equipment & Infrastructure

    Specialized Equipment:

    • Ground Vehicles (Trucks): Operating a fleet of 40 GPS-equipped trucks for logistics and cargo transport in Russia

    Technology Platforms:

    • KWE Core Business System (UFS+): Integrated platform for operational visibility, forwarding, warehousing, and accounting, enabling synchronized global logistics operations and regulatory compliance.

    Warehouses & Logistics Hubs

    Major Facilities:

    • Schiphol Logistic Park Distribution Centre: State-of-the-art warehouse near Amsterdam Schiphol Airport, covering 9,100m² with 735m² office space, featuring advanced sustainability measures and scheduled for completion in Q4 2024

    Certifications:

    • ISO 9001:2015: Quality management system standard for total logistics management and freight forwarding services, including imports, exports, warehousing, and distribution.

    Operational Capabilities:

    • Net Sales: 1 trillion yen (fiscal year ended March 2024)
    • Air Freight Volume: Over 1 million tons annually
    • Sea Freight Volume: Over 1 million TEUs annually
    warehouses and logistics hubs showcasing modern distribution centers, automated facilities, and supply chain infrastructure

    Global Locations & Network

    Extensive global network connecting businesses worldwide with reliable logistics solutions.

    Geographic Scope:

    Kintetsu World Express operates a global network of over 500 business sites across 35 countries, providing logistics services on every major continent. Its geographic reach spans the Americas, Europe, Middle East, Africa, East Asia, Southeast Asia, and Oceania, supporting large-scale air and sea freight, customs brokerage, and warehousing operations.

    Strategic Hubs:

    • Tokyo, Japan: The Tokyo head office serves as the global headquarters and a central hub for Kintetsu World Express, coordinating international logistics operations and managing a significant portion of the company’s global freight volume.
    • Singapore, Singapore: The Singapore headquarters warehouse is a major Southeast Asian logistics hub, currently undergoing expansion to enhance capacity and functionality for regional and international freight handling.
    • Frankfurt, Germany: Frankfurt operates as a key European gateway, recently certified for IATA CEIV Pharma, and plays a critical role in handling pharmaceutical and general cargo across Europe.
    • London, United Kingdom: London is one of Kintetsu World Express’s major European gateways, supporting air and sea freight operations and serving as a strategic entry point for cargo distribution throughout the region.
    • Paris, France: Paris functions as a principal European hub, particularly for air freight, and is certified for handling sensitive pharmaceutical shipments, underscoring its importance in KWE’s European network.
    • New York, USA: The New York office in Jericho, NY, acts as the main North American hub, overseeing air and ocean freight forwarding, customs brokerage, and warehousing for the United States and the Americas.

    Partnerships:

    Kintetsu World Express has established strategic partnerships and alliances focused on sustainability and global logistics, including collaborations with Volvo Group for sustainable aviation fuel, GoodShipping for decarbonizing ocean freight, and Kuehne & Nagel for expanded service coverage in Latin America.

    Carrier Partners & Alliances

    Strategic partnerships and alliances that enhance our global reach and service capabilities.

    Strategic Partnerships:

    PartnerType
    Kuehne & NagelAlliance
    GoodShippingAlliance
    Cathay Pacific AirwaysAlliance
    IAG CargoAlliance
    Mitsui OSK Lines (MOL)Alliance

    Service Portfolio

    Comprehensive range of logistics and transportation services tailored to meet diverse customer needs.

    Core Services:

    • Air Freight: Comprehensive international air transport logistics including end-to-end tracking, customs clearance, cargo insurance, warehousing, door-to-door service, and tailored solutions for various industries

    Value-Added Services:

    • v-Ship: Acts as Attorney for Customs Procedure (ACP) or Exporter of Record (EOR) on behalf of clients, supporting trade cost management and trade risk management.

    Digital Offerings:

    • KWE Core Business System (UFS+): Integrated digital platform providing operational visibility, forwarding, warehousing, and accounting functions for global logistics management
    • KWE Customer Service System (CSS+): Customer-facing digital service offering shipment tracking and Electronic Data Interchange (EDI) capabilities

    Industry Reputation & News

    Recognition and achievements that demonstrate our commitment to excellence and innovation.

    Awards & Recognition:

    • IATA CEIV Pharma Certification: Recognizes Kintetsu World Express for meeting international standards in pharmaceutical logistics, ensuring quality, safety, and regulatory compliance at major European gateways.

    Recent Developments:

    • IATA CEIV Pharma Certification at Three Major European Gateways: Kintetsu World Express obtained IATA CEIV Pharma certification in July 2025 at Frankfurt, Amsterdam, and Brussels, enhancing its ability to provide high-standard, compliant pharmaceutical logistics services across Europe and reinforcing its position in the life science and healthcare sector.

    Analysis & Future Outlook

    Strategic vision and future initiatives that will shape the next generation of logistics services.

    Strengths:

    • One-Stop Comprehensive Service: Kintetsu World Express offers a wide range of logistics solutions, including air, ocean, and land transport, allowing customers to benefit from integrated, door-to-door services tailored to their specific needs.

    Weaknesses:

    • Cybersecurity Vulnerability: Kintetsu World Express has experienced multiple ransomware attacks in recent years, leading to system disruptions and raising concerns about the robustness of its cybersecurity measures.

    Opportunities:

    • Expansion in Sustainable Logistics: Kintetsu World Express can capitalize on growing demand for sustainable logistics by leveraging its role in the Tokyo Metropolitan Government's SAF Promotion and Scope 3 Reduction Project, offering decarbonized air cargo solutions and CO2 emission reduction certificates to clients.

    Risks:

    • Geopolitical Risks: Kintetsu World Express faces exposure to complex geopolitical risks, such as international conflicts and trade tensions, which can disrupt global logistics operations and impact profitability.

    Strategic Initiatives:

    • Increase Global Volume: Kintetsu World Express aims to enhance cooperation between sales and marketing divisions to increase global air and sea freight volumes, targeting over 1 million tons of air freight and 1 million TEUs of sea freight, with a focus on expanding market share in key trade lanes.