INTERVIEW WITH EDISON KIM, MANAGING DIRECTOR AT KCTC THAI LOGISTICS
- 2 hours ago
- 3 min read
1. KCTC Thai Logistics offers a comprehensive range of services — from freight forwarding to container depot operations. How do these services integrate to provide a seamless supply chain solution for your clients?
At KCTC Thai Logistics, we provide comprehensive logistics services to our clients, including import and export forwarding, warehousing, trucking, and container yard operations.
We currently operate container yards that mainly handle containers from shipping lines such as KMTC, HMM, and CMA CGM. Our yards are strategically located near Thailand’s main port, Laem Chabang Port, with two facilities in the nearby area and one in the Bangkok area.
Because we directly operate both our yards and trucking services, we are able to respond more quickly and flexibly to our customers’ needs. For example, when there is an urgent need for container supply or temporary storage space, we can provide faster and more convenient solutions. This integrated operation allows us to offer our clients a more efficient and seamless supply chain service.
2. What are the main export and import commodities you currently handle, and how has the market evolved in recent years?
The main import and export cargo handled by our company can be broadly divided into air freight and sea freight. First, I would like to introduce our air freight operations.
For air exports, our main commodities include seasonal mangoes, webfoot octopus, and PCBs. For air imports, we mainly handle spare parts, cosmetics, and food products.
For sea freight exports, the main cargo includes steel coils, webfoot octopus, mangoes, spare parts, and rice. For sea freight imports, we mainly handle spare parts, cosmetic containers, and machinery.
3. Which challenges do international freight forwarders typically face when shipping to or from Thailand, and how does your team help overcome them?
In general, during the import clearance process in Thailand, customs officers often raise various issues regarding the cargo. In many cases, they may request unofficial payments to proceed with the customs clearance.
Our company has the advantage of maintaining connections with customs officers at each port, which helps minimize these additional costs.
4. Digitalization is reshaping logistics worldwide. What technologies or systems has KCTC implemented to improve visibility and efficiency?
To adapt to the evolving logistics industry, we have implemented a specialized logistics management system covering yard, forwarding, and trucking operations.
In addition, we have enhanced operational efficiency by introducing new equipment, including specialized yard tractors and the latest trailers for container yard operations.
5. What qualities do you look for in overseas partners to build long-term, reliable cooperation?
Freight rates and local charges are important, but I believe the most critical factor for overseas partners is reliability, especially in terms of quick response time and continuous feedback on cargo progress.
6. Looking ahead, what are KCTC’s strategic priorities for growth and development over this and next year?
Our growth strategy focuses on expanding the Depot Business in Bangkok and strengthening new forwarding sales activities.
7. What are the key strategic partners that your company relies on, and has the start of cooperation had a great impact on the company?
Our key strategic partners are KMTC and HMM. Through our cooperation with these shipping lines, our depot business has grown significantly.
By maintaining a strong and friendly relationship with the carriers, we have been able to secure vessel space more easily and foster a mutually beneficial partnership between the shipping lines and the forwarding business, which has contributed to the company’s continuous growth.
KCTC Thai Logistics Co., Ltd. is a comprehensive logistics and freight forwarding company based in Thailand and part of Integrated Logistics Network of KCTC headquartered in South Korea. The company was established in Thailand in 20215, and now is strategically operating near major logistics hubs and ports such as Laem Chabang and Bangkok. The company benefits from strong infrastructure and efficient connectivity to international shipping routes. KCTC Thai Logistics provides a wide range of services including container transportation, freight forwarding, container depot operations, inland transport, and third-party logistics solutions. The company is experienced in handling various cargo types and managing complex logistics operations that require precise coordination and operational expertise.
