Seven Mercedes-Benz Actros tractor units will be added to GEODIS’ fleet of prime movers in the Asia-Pacific Region (APAC).  The leased vehicles are equipped with the latest security and safety technology and will be utilized on the logistics operator’s owned network in Southeast Asia.

Supplied by the manufacturer’s Malaysian distributor, Hap Seng Trucks Distribution Sdn Bhd and leased from Euroasia Total Logistics (ETL), the new Actros 5 models will be the first of their type to be sold by Mercedes-Benz in Malaysia.

GEODIS has recently expanded its road network in the region with service destinations in Vietnam added to its existing full and partial load service linking Singapore with Malaysia and Thailand.  The network will eventually connect with Chinese markets on a day-definite, door-to-door basis delivering a road transport alternative to the more costly air, and slower ocean, options.

Lakshmanan Venkateswaran, Sub-Regional Managing Director – South East Asia of GEODIS said, “The rapid expansion of our road mode offerings along the spine of Southeast Asia’s economic backbone has resulted in more than 50% increase in volumes since the service’s inception in late 2019.  Linking Singapore to Kuala Lumpur and Bangkok, and now into Vietnam our owned network brings reliable transit-times and cargo security. This new equipment will further enhance these service attributes and aid the fast-growing businesses of our high-tech, retail, ecommerce and FMCG customers.”

The supply of the Mercedes-Benz Actros tractor units breaks new ground for general distributor Hap Seng Truck Distribution Sdn Bhd. “The units feature state-of-the-art safety and security technology including fifth generation Active Brake Assist, Lane Keeping Assist and MirrorCam in place of a conventional rear-view mirror. The MirrorCam is truly innovative and aerodynamically sophisticated. This creates a saving on fuel of up to 1.3% and offers improved visibility to the rear and in the area of the A-pillar. The MirrorCam also provides added safety during manoeuvring by panning the camera image according to the vehicle’s movements,” commented Mr. Derrick Sim Leng Huat, Chief Executive of Hap Seng Trucks Distribution Sdn Bhd. 

The Actros 5 have been delivered at a Key Handover Session inKuala Lumpur on January 15 at which the lease provider Euroasia Total Logistics (M) Sdn Bhd’s Group CEO, Mr Darren Lee said, “It is not just the safety features of these trucks that make them a superior choice but also their improved fuel efficiency and longer service intervals in comparison with older models.  Downtime is reduced with regular maintenance required only every year (or 55,000 km); a significant upgrade over the industry standard of six months (or 30,000 km).  There are few competitors that can match their performance and we applaud GEODIS decision to employ them.” 

These vehicles are further equipped to ensure the cargoes are well protected. The keyless starting and remote key access ensure that the driver’s presence is in close proximity to the vehicle at all times together with the remote key, otherwise the vehicle cannot be operated. In addition, specially designed door extensions conceal the access steps into the vehicle which enhances safety and contribute to theft protection.

Since March 2021, GEODIS has expanded its road network capabilities by offering both standard and personalized solutions including its RoadDirect, RoadFast, and RoadSave services. GEODIS balances transit time and costs to ensure customers can tailor the solution that best fits their needs.

In conclusion, Lakshmanan Venkateswaran said, “If ASEAN aspires to see more freight traffic, road borders must see improvement in clearance procedures. Belt road initiatives need the ASEAN countries to harmonize the documentation required to transit their territories. Our owned network and trusted partners play a role in coping with these obstacles, but improvements would be welcomed.  Just so our investment in better vehicles will assist with the challenge of driver recruitment and retention”.

GEODIS – www.geodis.com 

GEODIS is a top-rated, global supply chain operator recognized for its commitment to helping clients overcome their logistical constraints. GEODIS’ growth-focused offerings (Supply Chain Optimization, Freight Forwarding, Contract Logistics, Distribution & Express, and Road Transport), coupled with the company’s truly global reach thanks to a global network spanning nearly 170 countries, is reflected by its top business rankings: no. 1 in France and no. 7 worldwide. In 2020, GEODIS employed over 41,000 people globally and generated €8.4 billion in revenue.

From its new facility, GEODIS, a global leading transport and logistics services provider, will provide airfreight, ocean freight, contract logistics and customs brokerage solutions for its customers in a wide range of market sectors, including automotive and FMCG.

Strategically located at Brisbane Airport, the new site will have easy access to key locations, being only 14km from the central business district, and 22km from the Port of Brisbane. It will serve the growing logistical needs of GEODIS’ customers.

The planned 4,500m²  warehouse facility, which is due to be operational by second half of 2022, will feature 4,000 pallet locations, 1,500m² of bulk space, and a cool room for perishable goods supply to marine and hospitality logistics customers, especially cruise lines.

Stuart Asplet, GEODIS’ Sub-Regional Managing Director, Pacific Regional Director Sea Freight, Asia Pacific said: “At this new facility, GEODIS will showcase its expertise in import and export services including customs brokerage to ensure complete supply chain transparency. GEODIS in Brisbane already has a strong package of solutions for our customers. This new, strategically positioned facility will not only enable us to meet the fast-changing needs of our customers today but will give us ample room to grow our offerings in the market.”

BNE Property is delivering the purpose-built warehouse at Brisbane Airport’s Export Park, a precinct home to large-scale warehousing, freight handling, and distribution centres, as well as catering, wholesaling, and storage facilities. 

Martin Ryan, Brisbane Airport Corporation Executive General Manager Commercial, said: “It’s fantastic to have another great tenant join BNE’s growing business community. Brisbane Airport’s size, accessibility, and amenity continue to attract great commercial and industrial businesses, and we are extremely pleased that GEODIS has selected BNE as the perfect place to continue to grow its business.”

GEODIS in Australia features 30,888 m² of warehousing space across seven locations and offers customers end-to-end solutions spanning a large range of services, including freight forwarding, supply chain optimization, and contract logistics.

GEODIS – www.geodis.com   

GEODIS is a top-rated, global supply chain operator recognized for its commitment to helping clients overcome their logistical constraints. GEODIS’ growth-focused offerings (Supply Chain Optimization, Freight Forwarding, Contract Logistics, Distribution & Express, and Road Transport), coupled with the company’s truly global reach thanks to a global network spanning nearly 170 countries, is reflected by its top business rankings: no. 1 in France and no. 7 worldwide. In 2020, GEODIS employed over 41,000 people globally and generated €8.4 billion in revenue.

• New weekly services from Kuala Lumpur (KUL) to Shanghai (PVG) and Sydney (SYD)
• Second weekly rotation: KUL – Hong Kong (HKG) – Chennai (MAA) – KUL added
• All schedules serviced by long-term chartered aircraft
• Total of 320 tons in increased capacity
• Kuala Lumpur established as multi-modal hub integrating with GEODIS Road Network, linking Vietnam, Thailand, Malaysia and Singapore

In response to surging demand for air cargo capacity in the region, GEODIS, a global leading transport and logistics services provider, has significantly expanded its AirDirect own operated network with three more intra-Asia Pacific (APAC) flight routes.  With a newly established hub in Kuala Lumpur, the logistics operator will dovetail the air services with its Road Network linking destinations throughout Southeast Asia.  The multi-modal expansion builds on its strong momentum in creating diverse transportation options for customizing supply chain solutions for its customers.

The expanded flight network, which bridges Hong Kong, Chennai, Sydney, and Shanghai to Kuala Lumpur, can carry an additional 320 tons of cargo weekly. This will significantly ease the strain on the supply chains, which saw load factors and yields reach historic highs in 2021 when cargo capacity struggled to meet the surge in e-commerce transactions. With demand for airfreight forecast to increase, particularly amidst ongoing delays and flight cancellations across Southeast Asia following the impact of the Omicron variant, GEODIS believes its extended AirDirect schedules will become a pivotal component in ensuring seamless, reliable, and efficient air transport services in the region.

The new flights will enable consolidated shipments across Asia including goods from key manufacturing sites in China, Malaysia, and Vietnam to transit via the Kuala Lumpur hub allowing all three of GEODIS’ key services – AIRFLEX, AIRFAST, AIRSAVE – to be offered to customers, presenting options that balance transit time against cost, according to customers’ individual needs. 

“By enabling seamless connections with our expanded road network, connecting Singapore, Malaysia, Thailand, and Vietnam, the multimodal hub at Kuala Lumpuroffers highly integrated transport solutions that not only circumvent disruptions affecting both air and sea cargo flows, but also ensure that customers’ shipments can reach anywhere in mainland Southeast Asia,” says Onno Boots, President and Chief Executive Officer, Asia Pacific, GEODIS.

”Given the increasingly complex supply chain landscape that has affected the logistical priorities and needs of industries across the board, it is more crucial now than ever to supplement integrated transport networks on strategic routes.  GEODIS’ new intra-APAC flight routes represent our sustained commitment to provide highly reliable and innovative solutions to help customers optimize their response to the e-commerce boom and chart their long-term business growth.” 

GEODIS – www.geodis.com 

GEODIS is a top-rated, global supply chain operator recognized for its commitment to helping clients overcome their logistical constraints. GEODIS’ growth-focused offerings (Supply Chain Optimization, Freight Forwarding, Contract Logistics, Distribution & Express, and Road Transport), coupled with the company’s truly global reach thanks to a global network spanning nearly 170 countries, is reflected by its top business rankings: no. 1 in France and no. 7 worldwide. In 2020, GEODIS employed over 41,000 people globally and generated €8.4 billion in revenue.