International Freight Forwarding｜Import & Export Transport Worldwide Centered on Japan
Designing optimal international routes with air, ocean, courier, and our own dedicated lines
Starting from Japan, Meito Inc. combines its own bonded warehouses, in-house customs brokerage, and an extensive network of air / ocean routes to deliver one-stop import and export transport connecting Japan with destinations around the world.
We cover a broad range of needs, from general trade cargo to cross-border e-commerce cargo, and from international courier and air space booking to ocean container / LCL / ocean small-parcel services. Leveraging our port-side locations, customs authorizations, and dedicated in-house lines, we deliver international transport services that are safe, highly efficient, and fully compliant.
From our three bases in Osaka and Tokyo and our own warehouses, we connect directly to major hubs across East Asia, North America, Europe, Southeast Asia, and Oceania, covering major ports and airports in more than 100 countries.
Do any of these challenges sound familiar?
Not sure whether ocean or air freight is the best fit
Uncertain about choosing a forwarder
Struggling to balance lead time against cost
Difficulty handling dangerous goods or special cargo
With Meito, we propose the optimal international transport solution as a single one-stop package.
On-Site Scenes — International Freight Transport
A glimpse of our global transport operations.
Cargo Types We Handle
General trade cargo (B2B)
- ▸ Import/export trade for manufacturers, trading companies, and wholesalers
- ▸ Large-lot ocean container / FCL · LCL consolidation
- ▸ Industrial products, raw materials, finished goods, and equipment
- ▸ Cargo subject to other laws and regulations, such as foods, pharmaceuticals, and machinery
- ▸ Full support for ACP customs clearance and commercial-shipment clearance
Cross-border e-commerce cargo (B2C / B2B2C)
- ▸ Amazon FBA inbound and replenishment
- ▸ Platforms such as TEMU, SHEIN, TikTok Shop, Rakuten, and Amazon.co.jp
- ▸ Cross-border direct shipping, overseas-warehouse dispatch, and fulfillment on your behalf
- ▸ One-stop ocean small-parcel (LCL) customs clearance
- ▸ Shippable from a single unit, with flexible support for small and mid-sized sellers
Four International Transport Modes
From the agility of international courier to the cost advantages of ocean containers, Meito holds special negotiated-rate agreements with the world's major carriers and proposes the optimal combination for you.
International courier (DHL · FedEx · UPS · EMS)
As an agent holding special negotiated rates for EMS, DHL, UPS, and FedEx, we provide high-speed direct shipping from Japan to destinations worldwide.
- ▸ EMS (Japan Post) — as fast as 2–6 business days to 120+ countries and regions worldwide
- ▸ DHL Express — high-speed, high-reliability international courier
- ▸ UPS — a trusted network for business shipments
- ▸ FedEx — large, high-value, and urgent shipments
Delivery to Los Angeles in 3–5 business days per shipment, with 1,200 shipments per month on an ongoing basis.
Air freight (air space booking)
Working closely with multiple international airlines and international forwarders, we can flexibly book flights out of Kansai International Airport (KIX), Narita (NRT), and Haneda (HND).
- ▸ Full coverage of Kansai International Airport (KIX) / Narita and Haneda
- ▸ Direct and transit flights covering all of the world's major hubs
- ▸ Support for general cargo, dangerous goods, oversized cargo, and cold chain
- ▸ Ideal for e-commerce replenishment and industrial goods with strict lead-time requirements
Door-to-door in 1–2 business days, maintaining a cold-chain integrity rate of 99.8%.
Ocean freight (vessel space booking)
We partner with major shipping lines on the Japan–China, Japan–Korea, Japan–Taiwan, and Japan–Southeast Asia lanes, and flexibly handle containers, LCL, and ocean small-parcel shipments.
- ▸ FCL (containers) — 20', 40', and 40HQ types
- ▸ LCL (consolidation) — an economical choice for small and mid-sized lots
- ▸ Ocean small-parcel (LCL) — integrated consolidation and customs clearance for optimized cost
- ▸ Multi-port support for the ports of Osaka, Tokyo, Kobe, and Yokohama
Using direct sailings to the destination from the ports of Osaka and Kobe, achieving a 25% cost reduction versus air freight.
Our own dedicated lines (飛鳥 A / C Line)
Meito's own Japan-to-mainland-China dedicated lines, covering the middle ground between international courier and international mail.
- ▸ 飛鳥 A Line (duty included) — personal purchasing agents and small-lot e-commerce
- ▸ 飛鳥 C Line (duty prepaid) — commercial large-lot and scheduled services
- ▸ Lower priced than international courier, faster than international mail
- ▸ Integrated management from pickup and customs clearance through to domestic delivery within China
Running steadily at 42% lower cost than international courier and 5 business days faster than international mail.
International Freight Forwarding (AIR & SEA)
Meito goes beyond simply arranging transport: as a forwarder (freight-forwarding business operator), we act on your behalf across the entire import/export process. From booking, pickup, packing, customs clearance, and devanning through to last-mile delivery, we handle it all as a single one-stop service.
Ocean transport booking and forwarding
From FCL (full container load) to LCL (consolidation), our direct agency contracts with shipping lines let us offer competitive rates.
- ▸ FCL — full-load arrangement for 20', 40', and 40HQ containers
- ▸ LCL / consolidation — small and mid-sized lot consolidation, accepted from as little as 0.1 CBM
- ▸ Integrated management from booking → pickup → export clearance → vanning → departure → arrival → import clearance → delivery
- ▸ Major lanes: China ↔ Osaka / Tokyo / Kobe, Southeast Asia, Europe and the Americas, Middle East and India
- ▸ Partner carriers: ONE, MSC, COSCO, HMM, PIL, and others
- ▸ Drayage (container road transport) and devanning handled at our warehouse directly connected to the Port of Osaka
Air transport forwarding (air cargo)
We hold direct contracts with airlines and consolidators (GSSAs). We secure flights out of Narita (NRT), Kansai International (KIX), and Haneda (HND) and handle everything from AWB issuance through to delivery.
- ▸ Space allocation → AWB (air waybill) issuance → loading → pickup at destination → import clearance → delivery
- ▸ Airports used: full support for Narita NRT, Kansai International KIX, and Haneda HND
- ▸ ULD (Unit Load Device) consolidation space — cost reductions available
- ▸ Applicable cargo: high-value goods, urgent replenishment, small lots, perishables, pharmaceuticals, and dangerous goods (by Class)
- ▸ Via our IATA-certified agency network, we secure direct flights to the world's major cities
AIR vs SEA — Transport Mode Comparison
| Comparison item | Ocean freight (SEA) | Air freight (AIR) |
|---|---|---|
| Lead time | From China: 5–15 days; Europe/Americas: 25–35 days | 1–5 business days (direct international flights) |
| Cost | Low cost (advantageous for large-lot and heavy cargo) | 5–8× ocean freight (when speed is the priority) |
| Minimum lot | LCL: from 0.1 CBM / FCL: by the container | From 1 kg (consolidation space available) |
| Applicable cargo | Raw materials, furniture, machinery, bulk inventory replenishment | High-value, urgent, perishable, and small-lot goods |
| Loading method | FCL (dedicated container) / LCL (consolidation) | ULD consolidation / charter flight |
| Documents | B/L (bill of lading) and commercial invoice | AWB (air waybill) and commercial invoice |
| Meito's coverage | Booking → export clearance → destination clearance → delivery | Space allocation → AWB issuance → delivery |
Meito's Four Strengths in International Freight Transport
Our own bonded warehouses (2 sites, approx. 10,683 ㎡)
With our own bonded warehouses at Osaka Nanko (7,300 ㎡) plus Tokyo GLP (3,383 ㎡), imported cargo can be stored directly in the bonded area. We run everything from devanning / inspection / repacking through to domestic delivery as a single one-stop operation, preventing documentation delays and information gaps.
In-house customs brokerage (multi-port, multi-type)
We maintain our own customs brokerage team authorized by Osaka Customs and Tokyo Customs, handling import/export clearance across multiple ports including Osaka, Tokyo, Kobe, and Yokohama. We support every type — ocean FCL, LCL, air, ocean small-parcel, general trade, and ACP. With advance declaration, export permits can be obtained in as little as 1 second.
More on our customs services →
*"Export permit in as little as 1 second" refers to the shortest response time from electronic declaration to NACCS (Nippon Automated Cargo and Port Consolidated System) until receipt of the export permit notice. Actual time required varies depending on the cargo, declaration details, and the customs review category.
An extensive network of air and ocean routes
Working closely with high-speed Japan–China ferry operators such as Shin Ganjin, Jinjiang, and Shidao Ferry, we achieve direct sailings of 36–48 hours from the Port of Osaka. For air freight, we can flexibly book flights out of the three major airports KIX, NRT, and HND, covering all of the world's major hubs.
In-house-developed systems + automated equipment
Our in-house-developed WMS / OMS / customs declaration system plus fully automated sorting lines. Compliant with NACCS Phase 7, capable of automatically processing high volumes of orders. Delivery status is tracked in real time, keeping the entire process visible and manageable.
The locational advantage of the Port of Osaka: direct high-speed ferry sailings in 36–48 hours
Shortest route, short lead time
- ✅ Osaka's unique high-speed ferry routes deliver direct sailings in 36–48 hours (to ports such as Shanghai and Yantai in China)
- ✅ Meito's bonded warehouse is ideally located, enabling devanning within 2 hours of arrival
- ✅ 6.5 km from warehouse to wharf / an 11-minute drive
- ✅ Located in the heart of the Kansai region, enabling next-day delivery to Tokyo and other major metropolitan areas
Partner high-speed ferry operators
- ▸ Shin Ganjin / Ganjin (4IDG6 Tatsumi KF Wharf)
- ▸ Jinjiang Line (4ED71 DICT C10-12 Sumitomo Wharf)
- ▸ Shidao Ferry (4ID29 C8 Nitto Wharf)
Multi-Port, Multi-Type Customs Clearance
| Port / airport | Customs clearance types supported |
|---|---|
| Port of Osaka / Kansai International Airport KIX | Ocean FCL / LCL / ocean small-parcel / air / FBA / ACP / general trade (Meito's primary base — recommended) |
| Port of Tokyo / Narita NRT / Haneda HND | Ocean FCL / LCL / air / FBA / ACP / general trade (directly connected to the Tokyo GLP bonded warehouse) |
| Port of Kobe | Ocean FCL / LCL / general trade |
| Port of Yokohama | Ocean FCL / LCL / general trade |
* Please also inquire about ports and airports other than those listed above.
One-Stop Service Flow
From pickup to last-mile delivery, Meito runs the entire process as a single one-stop service.
Quotation and contract
We propose the optimal transport plan based on the type, quantity, destination, and lead-time requirements of your cargo, delivering custom solutions tailored to each individual customer.
Pickup and inbound
Pickup within Osaka City is handled by our own vehicles, and nationwide coverage is provided through our partner network. Cargo is inspected and repacked at Meito's own warehouse.
Export clearance and loading
Our in-house customs team performs export clearance, moving quickly through the process with our automated systems. After loading, shipments are tracked in real time.
International transport
We carry out air / ocean / international courier / our own dedicated lines exactly as planned, syncing transport status in real time throughout the entire process.
Destination clearance
Import-side clearance is handled by Meito's partners or a party you designate. We coordinate and liaise on your behalf.
Last-mile delivery and POD
We support last-mile delivery within China, within Japan, and to third countries. We provide POD (proof of delivery) along with transport records for the entire process.
Service Capability Metrics
Osaka high-speed ferry direct sailing
Immediate devanning after arrival
EMS international delivery coverage
Total floor area of our bonded warehouses
Osaka, Tokyo, Kobe, Yokohama
Fastest advance-declaration customs release
Use Cases
- ✅ Cross-border e-commerce operators — deliver products from China / overseas to FBA in Japan / your own warehouse / individual buyers
- ✅ Japanese manufacturers and trading companies — export products to China, Southeast Asia, Europe, the Americas, and beyond
- ✅ Overseas brands — local warehousing and one-stop fulfillment when entering the Japanese market
- ✅ FBA sellers — rapid replenishment to Amazon's warehouses in Japan
- ✅ Connecting to emerging e-commerce platforms such as TEMU, SHEIN, and TikTok Shop
- ✅ Large-lot trade — container, LCL ocean freight, and air freight
International transport, quotations, and custom plans
Let us know your cargo type, quantity, origin, destination, and desired schedule, and we will propose the optimal transport combination.
Feel free to reach out to us first.
We will propose the optimal plan tailored to your challenges.
Hours: Weekdays 9:00–12:00 / 13:00–17:00 ／ [email protected]