An award-winning global logistics provider with nearly seven decades of expertise in freight forwarding and transportation, Yusen Logistics is unwavering in its vast capabilities. We speak to Jarrod Ward, Chief Sales Officer, East & South Asia Oceania, to learn more about this industry titan.
YOUR PARTNER IN SUPPLY CHAIN EXCELLENCE
Founded in 1955, and a member of the Nippon Yusen Kaisha (NYK) Group, Yusen Logistics is an insight-driven, customer-centric logistics partner to global businesses.
Providing ocean and air freight forwarding, warehousing, distribution services, and supply chain solutions, Yusen Logistics has proudly carved a reputation for its seamlessly connected suite of supply chain solutions that deliver superior value, reliability, and expertise.
“We’re not just a supplier; we’re a trusted partner who understands our clients’ unique needs and contributes to their success. Together, we navigate challenges and seize opportunities, fostering long-term relationships built on mutual growth and success,” opens Jarrod Ward, Chief Sales Officer, East and South Asia Oceania, Yusen Logistics.
With a global network linking Japan, the Americas, Europe, East Asia, South Asia, and Oceania, Yusen Logistics operates 650 distribution centres and offices in 46 countries and regions with over 25,000 employees, cementing the company’s position as an industry stalwart.
Ultimately, Yusen Logistics sets itself apart by investing in a deep understanding of its customers’ business, the challenges they face, and the goals they seek to achieve.
Undeniably a fast-paced industry that demands constant innovation, Ward found himself in the logistics sector after studying sociology at university.
“Sociology was a great segue into an industry that emphasises connecting different people, identifying their challenges, and ultimately finding solutions,” he insights.
After completing his studies, Ward began his career at NYK Line in the US, which offered the opportunity to connect people in various regions and from different walks of life.
He then moved from the US to Singapore in 2010, Japan in 2015, and eventually China in 2017, where he now leads Yusen Logistics’ Supply Chain Solutions (SCS) Group operations in the region and works to create new solutions to bring to market.
“These abilities are what differentiates Yusen Logistics from someone who’s just selecting options from a corporate product list.
We actually create the solution based on the needs of the customer,” he proudly asserts. Additionally, Ward is the current Chair of the Supply Chain Committee at the American Chamber of Commerce Shanghai.
“We’re not just a supplier – we’re a trusted partner who understands our clients’ unique needs and contributes to their success. Together, we navigate challenges and seize opportunities, fostering long-term relationships built on mutual growth and success”
Jarrod Ward, Chief Sales Officer, East and South Asia Oceania, Yusen Logistics
OPTIMISING SUPPLY CHAIN SOLUTIONS
In a pivotal and strategic move for Yusen Logistics, SCS Group was established in April 2020 as an independent pillar of the company.
“By consolidating various solutions-focused businesses globally, we created a one-stop shop for comprehensive logistics supply chain services,” details Ward.
“This strategic reorganisation positions SCS Group to offer tailored solutions, optimising entire supply chains from the raw materials through to the end consumer.”
Equally, establishing SCS Group provided Yusen Logistics with another layer of capability by providing customers with additional opportunities to add value to their logistics and deliver solutions.
“Customers are not static; they operate in a very dynamic supply chain world, and their needs are constantly changing. We’re always ready to take them to the next level of their own capabilities and intentions,” dictates Ward.
Further differentiating Yusen Logistics and SCS Group is the company’s unique culture, which leverages the Kaizen and Yokoten approaches.
Kaizen, meaning ‘change for the better’ in Japanese, represents the company’s corporate culture, whilst Yokoten – ‘sharing of best practices’ – is the cornerstone of the company’s management.
“These philosophies, which are deeply rooted in our heritage and embedded in our corporate DNA, guide our daily operations and decision-making processes,” details Ward.
The global control tower of SCS Group is built on three core pillars – people, processes, and technology – and serves as the umbrella for it’s service offerings.
The division maintains specialised supply chain expertise across its staff, combining deep industry knowledge with innovative thinking that truly sets it apart from the competition.
Equally, the company’s processes are customised for agility and standardisation, ensuring end-to-end visibility. It delivers actionable insights through advanced analytics, artificial intelligence (AI), and automation, further showcasing its technological skills.
However, whilst digital innovation is crucial, Yusen Logistics readily recognises the invaluable role people play.
“Our representatives excel at navigating complex situations, developing customised solutions, and providing empathetic support. Only human representatives can offer the critical thinking, empathy, and personalised approaches that our customers need,” identifies Ward.
This blend of technological innovation and human expertise is a key differentiator, demonstrating the company’s commitment to providing comprehensive, personalised solutions in an increasingly digital world.
Yusen Logistics’ longest customer partnership, which exceeds 56 years, underscores its belief in the power of human connections in supply chain management.
CHANGE FOR THE BETTER
Yusen Logistics is on a mission to become the world’s preferred supply chain logistics company through the application of insights, service quality, and innovation in order to create sustainable growth for businesses and society as a whole.
“In the past, companies typically only sought a logistics service provider,” expands Ward.
“However, recent supply chain disruptions have taught us that they now require partners who proactively prepare for and respond to the volatile global trade landscape. They expect their logistics providers to share valuable insights and serve as trusted strategic partners.”
To address these expectations and demonstrate its commitment, Yusen Logistics has developed its Transform 2025 roadmap, which is divided into three phases.
Already at the final phase, this long-term vision ensures the company stays ahead of industry trends and adapts quickly to changing market conditions.
By combining expertise, innovative technology, and a customer-centric approach, the company aims to provide not only logistics services but also strategic support that helps businesses thrive in today’s complex global landscape.
“Our vision at Yusen Logistics – to become the world’s preferred supply chain logistics company – guides everything we do. We approach our work with a long-term perspective, constantly transforming our business, thinking, and taking actions to deliver value to our customers,” prides Ward.
As the company continues to look towards the future of the supply chain industry, it is prioritising expansion and working to help customers stay ahead of the curve.
Being such a crucial industry to the global economy, the supply chain sector is ever-evolving and will continue to grow despite the challenges in the macroeconomic environment.
“When I have had the opportunity to discuss business issues in China with US government officials, every one of those discussions comes straight back to supply chain management,” insights Ward.
“Active participation in various Chambers of Commerce provide such opportunities for leadership and learning.”
What is happening with the international supply chain? What is the impact of supply chain challenges on inflation? What is the impact of supply chain solutions on duty and tariff policies? How will the supply chain and customers react? – are typical questions asked.
Yusen Logistics prides itself on creating solutions to these questions, which are ongoing and represent the fast-paced and continually changing nature of the industry, showcasing the company’s ingenuity and ability to utilise industry insight to its customer’s advantage.
“Our vision at Yusen Logistics – to become the world’s preferred supply chain logistics company –guides everything we do”
Jarrod Ward, Chief Sales Officer, East and South Asia Oceania, Yusen Logistics
SUPPLYING A BETTER FUTURE
Just as significant as Yusen Logistics’ long-established history are the company’s endeavours towards a sustainable future for both its business and the communities it engages with.
The transportation sector accounts for 15 to 20 percent of global greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, which it must reduce to effectively combat climate change.
“As a key player in the industry, Yusen Logistics recognises our responsibility to contribute to carbon neutrality efforts by integrating sustainability into our operations and supply chain,” details Ward.
The company prioritises environmental, social, and governance (ESG) practices and provides sustainable solutions whilst leveraging its extensive supply chain network and expertise.
Committed to emphasising sustainability at the heart of its management strategy, Yusen Logistics has been on an ESG journey for years. As part of this ongoing effort, the company published its first ESG story in April 2022. This was followed by the first standalone sustainability report in September 2024, which outlines concrete targets and initiatives. Together, these publications showcase the company’s evolving approach to sustainable practices.
Specifically, Yusen Logistics aims to reduce its Scope 1 and 2 emissions by 45 percent by 2030 (from a 2022 baseline) and achieve net zero for all services by 2050, alongside its commitment to respect the diversity of its workforce and provide equal opportunities.
At SCS Group, the company’s proactive sustainability strategy begins by visualising carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions and proposing net zero emission services.
With tools including a CO2 e-calculator and emissions dashboard, Yusen Logistics puts its customers in the driver’s seat of carbon management.
“By considering the entire global supply chain and helping our customers reduce their carbon footprint, we are transforming the logistics supply chain and reshaping how the industry services customers worldwide,” explains Ward.
Furthermore, the company is dedicated to selecting suppliers who align with its quality and sustainability objectives.
“Yusen Logistics is fine-tuning our sustainability strategy whilst assisting them in finding ways to implement sustainability in their operations. We are here to walk with them on their journey towards a greener future,” concludes Ward.
