UPS has introduced UPS Trade Direct service inbound to Japan. This step expands trading options with Japan and improves intra-Asia transportation.UPS introduced Trade Direct in 2002, and this latest expansion follows the successful implementation of the service along other major routes. The service now is available from 50 origin countries in North America, Europe and Asia.UPS Trade Direct is an international freight service that moves consignments destined for multiple addresses as one shipment, with a single-entry customs clearance. The service combines air or ocean freight transportation and customs clearance with package and LTL service for final delivery. The result is a faster transit time and the ability to bypass traditional warehouses and distribution centres because shipments can go directly from plane or ship into the local UPS delivery network.The Japan service is the first Trade Direct inbound lane to be opened in Asia by UPS. Trade Direct Air will serve the inbound Japanese market through Osaka and Tokyo, where UPS has daily flights from Anchorage, Alaska; Shanghai, and the UPS Asia Pacific air hub in the Philippines.
Trade Direct Ocean will flow through the ports of Kobe and Tokyo. Within Asia, Trade Direct Air will be available from 25 air gateways across 12 countries and Trade Direct Ocean will be available from 27 ocean ports in 11 countries.According to UPS Supply Chain Group senior vice president, Bob Stoffel, Japan is one of China’s top import partners, and the growth of imports from other countries continues to increase. “Trade Direct will significantly simplify and improve doing business in Japan, and should open that expanding market to small- and medium-sized businesses.”