TNT joins China, SE Asia road networks

TNT Express has announced the successful integration, after one year of testing, of its Chinese day-definite domestic road network (operated by TNT Hoau) with its international Asia Road Network (ARN), creating what it says is the only scheduled pan Asia day-definite road network (China, Vietnam, Cambodia, Laos, Thailand, Malaysia, Singapore). This road network will provide customers in China and Southeast Asia with door-to-door import and export road freight solutions, according to TNT. “TNT Express is a recognised expert in day-definite road deliveries,” said Marie-Christine Lombard, CEO of TNT Express. “With the integration of TNT’s two major road networks in Asia, we will strengthen our position in this market, whilst providing our customers with a cost-effective delivery solution complementary to air freight delivery.” With the new service, a company based in Shanghai can ship its products to Southeast Asia using TNT Hoau’s Day-Definite network. The goods will first arrive in Guangzhou, in the Chinese Guangdong province, within two days and in Pingxiang, on the border with Vietnam, the next day. Upon completion of customs formalities, the shipment will arrive in Hanoi on the same night. With its Asia Road Network, TNT Express can deliver the goods to 127 cities in Vietnam, Cambodia, Laos, Thailand, Malaysia, and Singapore within another 1-4 days. TNT Express offers both international and domestic delivery services to, from and within China where its road freight service is up to 50 per cent cheaper than air freight, while taking only 1-3 more days for arrival, the express company said. The service has been adopted by customers in the high-tech, automation and industrial manufacturing sectors. TNT’s Day-Definite ground service now consists of 492 road routes and covers 209 large and middle-sized cities.