DB Schenker is beefing up its operations in Asia with the launch of Asia Landbridge, a secure land transport network connecting China and Southeast Asia that is offered as an alternative for airfreight and sea freight forwarding.
“Our network for this new product covers China and the ASEAN countries of Singapore, Malaysia, Thailand, Myanmar, Cambodia, Vietnam and Laos,” said Thomas Lieb, chairman of Schenker AG and responsible for the worldwide business of DB Schenker Logistics. “These countries rank amongst the fastest growing economies in the world. Overcoming borders is the only way to ensure that this growth can continue.”
The network has 23 stations located in key Asian cities and border regions to “ensure trouble-free and smooth overland transport of the freight,” said the company. A consortium of partner-companies handles the transport itself, while DB Schenker is responsible for the coordination.
Asia Landbridge uses air-suspension trucks to enable the carriage of sensitive and valuable electronic goods. The freight forwarder said that a cargo ship takes roughly two weeks to make the journey from Penang in Malaysia to Shanghai in China, while airfreight takes only two days, but is more expensive. “A truck can complete the journey in just under a week and is far cheaper than airfreight.”
The company has staff at the border crossing points to handle customs clearance. To ensure secure transfer of freight, the system utilizes cameras, alarm systems, GPS tracking, and escorts. Additionally, a control center is staffed 24/7 and all stations are integrated in the global DB Schenker network.
