NMT International Doing its part for the export economy

The worldwide logistics company NMT, via its Thailand-based operations NMT International (Thailand) Co., Ltd, is well aware of the downturn in the export sector, but recognizes that as long as they are performing to a better standard than their competition, then business will remain viable.

As one example of their attempts at creating a competitive advantage, NMT have what they call a ‘hot service to Yangon’. The former capital of Burma (now Myanmar) is still that country’s major port, business and tourist centre and NMT has a direct service to Yangon once a week.

NMT has always focused on ensuring a timely integrated logistical solution to destinations sites, at the same time being mindful of maximizing economic efficiencies wherever possible.

As Ms Janis Arlidge, the general manager of NMT International (Australia) Pty Ltd, has been quoted as saying, “NMT is not the average freight forwarder. We don’t simply go in, pick up the goods, and move. We work with the engineers from the design stage through fabrication. We use our local knowledge to draw up route plans in order to maximize the shipping envelope. We’re involved at every step, from design to delivery.”

NMT engages in a lot of pre-planning research. The company takes a clients project requirements and come up with a summary sheet of module sizes. From here many steps are taken into consideration, such as establishing which is the best port location for both loading and discharge, the correct vessel type for stowage, and an on-road route survey. The importance of these steps are to provide the client with the best suitable solution for their affordability, schedule, and to accommodate the cargo. This is all part of the service NMT provides.

The Yangon run is one example of this attention to detail. NMT says the transit time to Yangon from Thailand by sea is just three days, which is the best offer on the market at present. The standard is 10 days, following the traditional route from Bangkok via Singapore. With NMT the cargo routing is Laem Chabang to Ranong and then to Yangon, providing a far speedier way which obviously saves not just time but money. There is also a door-to-door cross-border trucking service which NMT runs, not only into Myanmar, but also into Malaysia, Cambodia, Laos, Vietnam and China.

Although NMT specializes in project and heavy lift cargo, the fight-forwarding side of their business has become an important facet and one which the management believed was lacking in Thailand. As a senior manager noted, “We believe there is demand and a growing market here where we can distinguish ourselves with a uniquely personalised approach in regards to general cargo.”

Over the decades since it was founded in 1976, NMT has built up a strong network of key connections, especially within government authorities and suppliers. These relationships permit NMT to offer an even better service to their customers.

NMT has grown to the extent it has offices and networks in China, Hong Kong, Brazil, Africa, North America, and Europe.

NMT have built a strong customer base in Thailand and regionally and the coming Asean Economic Community (AEC) is likely to keep their name well and truly at the forefront of the freight forwarding and heavy lift cargo marketplace.