Thank you for visiting the MLG BLOG.

Given the opportunity, MOL Logistics is launching a blog to provide customers with accessible logistics information. 

The blog will provide basic knowledge about international logistics, overseas information from our branch network, and the latest logistics trends. If any specific information has piqued your interest, we eagerly look forward to receiving your inquiries! And we'll keep delivering helpful information for our customers' benefit!

First of all, we would like to introduce the history of MOL Logistics and our services. 

<History of MOL Logistics> 

The history of MOL Logistics (in Japanese: Shosen Mitsui Logistics) dates back to 1960.

With "MOL" as the short form of Mitsui O.S.K. Lines, you might wonder if the company serves as a shipping company in the maritime industry. Some customers are surprised to learn that MOL Logistics started as an air freight forwarder.

In 1960, Mitsui Line Air Service Co., Ltd. was established with investment from Mitsui companies namely: Mitsui & Co., Ltd., Mitsui O.S.K. Lines, Ltd., and Mitsui Fudosan Co., Ltd.. Three years after its foundation in 1963, the company became an IATA cargo agent which started handling international air cargo, and also established a subsidiary in the USA in the same year.

In 1964, the year of the first Tokyo Olympics, the company changed its name to "Mitsui Aviation Service Co., Ltd."

Then in 1973, we obtained a license for "Airfreight forwarder (Air Cargo Consolidation)."

By obtaining the license, we could consolidate cargo from clients, entrust the cargo to the airlines under our company name, sort the cargo upon landing, and arrange for the delivery, thereby we can undertake the transportation of consolidated service.

In 1989, the company merged with Nippon Cargo Airlines, Ltd., which was part of the Sumitomo Group, and became "M.O. Air System Co., Ltd."

In 2001, M.O. Air System Co., Ltd. separated its International transportation division (Cargo) and Travel division (Passenger) into separate entities. The passenger division became "M.O. Tourist Co., Ltd.,"; while the cargo division was renamed to "MOL Logistics Co., Ltd." as an international logistics company.

Starting as an air cargo specialist forwarder, "MOL Logistics Co., Ltd." has evolved into a comprehensive logistics company, serving as the core of its logistics operations within the Mitsui O.S.K. group. As of today, it serves not only air cargo but also ocean freight shipping, international relocation, warehouse operations, and various other logistics solutions, contributing as a comprehensive logistics enterprise.

＜Global Network＞

Starting with the establishment of a local subsidiary in the United States in 1963, MOL Logistics Co., Ltd. has been progressively setting up local subsidiaries across the globe. 

In chronological order, we established a local subsidiary in Hong Kong in 1984, in the United Kingdom in 1988 (Showa 63), and in Germany in 1989.

To support logistics solutions across Asia, America, and Europe, we have continuously expanded our services through the set up of local subsidiaries and agency agreements. In 2017, we set up our first self-owned base in Nairobi, Kenya, as a Japanese logistics company.

As of June 2024, we have 140 self-owned bases in 26 countries and 164 agency offices in 62 countries, and we will continuously expand our logistics network worldwide.

＜Experienced in a wide range of logistics services＞ 

 "How do we transport outsize cargo?"

"What documents do we need to prepare if we want to transport dangerous goods or pharmaceuticals?"

"What if our valuable products get seized during customs clearance?"

"We would like people around the world to enjoy our vegetables and fruits!"

Each and every customer has a variety of questions and problems regarding logistics that they would like to solve.

“Transporting goods” may sound simple, but it could actually be a very complex process.

MOL Logistics Co., Ltd. faces each of these challenges and hurdles with sincerity, applying the knowledge and experience of each of our employees, as well as information from our overseas networks to provide tailor-made services and overcome the issues together with our customers.

We have also successfully handled distinctive cases, including helicopter transportation via air service, ocean transportation of ODA-related cargo, and devised a coil transportation scheme leveraging the strengths of the Mitsui Group.

And we will persist in our efforts to assist our customers in resolving their challenges.

＜We will never stop, no matter the circumstances.＞ 

We are currently at a major turning point in the history.

With the spread of unknown viruses, global occurrences of natural disasters, and significant conflicts in various regions, our way of life and work have undergone substantial changes. However, amidst all these changes, the field of "logistics" continues to move forward without interruption.

Even as people are heavily influenced by global affairs, the sentiment remains: "We must not halt the economy, we must not halt logistics."

With this mindset, MOL Logistics Co., Ltd. will continuously gather information that would aid in the flexibility to confront unforeseen challenges, thereby strengthening our ability to support our customers' businesses.

Let's work together to overcome the logistics challenges you're encountering.

From the DX Project Team

MOL Logistics Co., Ltd.