Dec 2016

Outside the box: how Hactl's non-handling businesses are growing

The new service model will bring us one step closer to offering a total e-commerce solution for imports and exports.

Vivien Lau

Hacis Managing Director

E-commerce focus continues

Hacis – the value-added logistics arm of Hactl – is continuing its strategic focus on e-commerce related business with the addition of daily services between Hong Kong International Airport (HKIA) and its newly-opened depot in Nansha, Guangzhou. Direct chartered trucks are also operating to Jiangmen and Heshan, with a similar focus on e-commerce imports.

Hacis is now exploring solutions for e-commerce global exports from China via Hong Kong. Its plans will involve opening further depots, with Foshan being one of the options under consideration. Hacis will provide a unique, one-stop-shop offering for freight forwarders involved in e-commerce: including cargo receiving through an expanded network of cargo depots, sorting, X-Ray screening, order processing, inventory control, Customs clearance in China and cross-border trucking direct to Chek Lap Kok for cargo palletisation and cargo tendering by Hacis in Hactl. Conducting X-Ray screening in China will minimise the possibility of shipments being rejected at HKIA, so streamlining operations.

“The new service model will bring us one step closer to offering a total e-commerce solution for imports and exports,” says Hacis Managing Director Vivien Lau. Hacis aims to begin the new operations by April 2017.

Shenzhen and Guangzhou exports now on through-MAWBs

Meanwhile, Hacis has launched daily southbound delivery services from Shenzhen and Guangzhou, using airline customers’ MAWBs. This means shipments are treated as transshipments, and Hacis trucks (all equipped with Customs-approved electronic seals) can avoid Customs inspections at the border crossing. Hacis can then deliver shipments to Airport Customs for inspection (in the case of controlled commodities), or to Hactl for handling prior to departure on international flights. Airline customers benefit by offering a wider range of origin points in China, while freight forwarders enjoy simplified Customs procedures, and can use one AWB through to destination.

Hacis trucks (all equipped with Customs-approved electronic seals) can avoid Customs inspections at the border crossing.

With transit times from both locations to Hong Kong reduced to around 40 minutes, Macau Airport could become a viable backup for Chep Lap Kok.

Another area of Hacis strategy is the development of the western Pearl River Delta MIN (PRD). As part of the western PRD plan, Hacis recognises the potential that will be opened up by the new Hong Kong – Zhuhai – Macau Bridge. With transit times from both locations to Hong Kong reduced to around 40 minutes, Macau Airport could become a viable backup for Chep Lap Kok. Zhuhai Airport also has the potential to develop as a new inland depot for the western PRD as the increasing population of the area is expected to drive growth in e-commerce trade. Hacis' e-commerce solutions will support this by providing direct trucking service to and from HKIA.

HDHL is expected to act in a consultancy role, providing guidance on design, construction and operation of new facilities as required.

HDHL role in new cargo hub

Liaoning Airport Management Group Co., Ltd – the owner of Shenyang Taoxian International Airport in north-east China – has entered into a Strategic Cooperation Framework Agreement with HACTL Development Holdings Ltd (HDHL) - the business development arm of Hactl Group. It’s a first step in developing the airport as a major regional cargo hub.

Shenyang Airport is served by China Southern Airlines, Shenzhen Airlines, Beijing Capital Airlines, China Eastern Airlines and Spring Airlines, which have established their hubs at Shenyang. China Postal Airlines and SF Airlines also operate scheduled freighter services.

Although specific plans are yet to be agreed, Shenyang is known to be targeting the development of cool chain and pharma traffic – with which Hactl has considerable experience, as Hong Kong’s first accredited GDP handler.

Shenyang Airport will devote its initial attention to market analysis, with any facility development targeted within the next few years. HDHL is expected to act in a consultancy role, providing guidance on design, construction and operation of new facilities as required.

HDHL MD Tony Cho (front right) signs the Strategic Cooperation Framework Agreement with Liaoning Airport Management Group Co., Ltd Chairman Wang De Jia (front left).