company

HPS Trade Co., Ltd was founded in Bangkok, Thailand by the current CEO Iino, Managing Director Keng, and four Thai staff members, totaling six people. The company simultaneously launched forwarding and trading services.

Following the bankruptcy of South Korea’s major shipping company Hanjin in the previous year, the consolidation of shipping companies accelerated. Despite the maritime recession, we continued to steadily develop business relationships with Japanese companies, achieving a profitable balance sheet in our first year.

Early turnover of young staff has led to instability in securing human resources, causing stagnation in acquiring new domestic customers. However, through collaboration with overseas agents, we secured a major project for the China-Europe route, resulting in a 1.7-fold increase in profits compared to the previous year.

As a trading company, we handled high-protein feed for layers (egg-laying chickens) from Belgium’s INTRACO but struggled to penetrate the Thai farming market and eventually withdrew. Additionally, we began supporting EU businesses from Japan and selling original crocodile leather products as a Thai procurement agent. However, compared to the forwarding business, sales and profits did not increase, leading to the sale of the business.

During the COVID-19 pandemic, there was a chronic shortage of containers, and securing vessel space was considered difficult. However, by leveraging our relationships with shipping companies, we managed to secure stable space on long-distance routes to North America, the Middle East, and Europe. This contributed to the stable supply chains of shippers and industry peers.

CEO Iino began activities on YouTube, and a video explaining the container shortage received worldwide attention, raising his profile as a globally recognized logistics YouTuber.

The number of container ships delayed at ports on the West Coast of North America exceeded 100. The issue of ships waiting offshore became a problem worldwide, and the tight transport space continued for an extended period. Ocean freight rates reached record highs.

Amidst this situation, inquiries about ocean transport via YouTube increased dramatically. By focusing on transactions with agents and developing sales strategies that leveraged our strength in procurement, we achieved record-high performance.

CEO Iino returned to Japan. In April, as a group company, he established HPS Link Co., Ltd., a recruitment agency specializing in the trade and international logistics industry. In the first year, the company struggled to attract job seekers, resulting in a deficit of approximately 10 million yen.

Meanwhile, HPS Trade continued regular operations during Iino’s stay in Japan, maintaining stable performance.

HPS Link Co., Ltd. gained traction and achieved a profitable balance sheet in its second year. In November, HPS CONNECT Co., Ltd. was established with the aim of developing and creating immediately effective human resources for the trade industry. The company provides next-generation e-learning, training for companies and university students, and outsourcing services for trade operations with talented personnel who have acquired trade knowledge and practical experience.

HPS Trade, HPS Link, and HPS CONNECT are working together to maximize synergies and drive reforms in the trade industry.

Realizing the mid-term vision of becoming an “indispensable company.” Branches were established in Vietnam, Indonesia, Malaysia, Taiwan, Hong Kong, and South Korea. We have steadily expanded our network to over 50 countries worldwide, beyond Asia and Southeast Asia. Our bold approach and success in handling high-difficulty shipments, such as rare animals, have been recognized and featured in various media.