Netherlands-based bulk logistics service provider, Den Hartogh, has acquired a majority share of Shanghai Xintao Dangerous Cargo Transportation (XT Logistics).
The transaction, announced 29 September 2020, is part of a joint venture that is reported to increase Den Hartogh’s capability to provide end-to-end chemical logistics services in China.
“The majority acquisition of XT Logistics will further enhance our domestic footprint in China,” said Den Hartogh Group Managing Director, Pieter den Hartogh.
“Our integration with an established trucking partner reflects Den Hartogh China’s ambition to offer one stop logistics services for our existing and also prospective customers,” he said.
The joint venture will own and operate an initial domestic fleet of 13 trucks and 20 chassis.
XT Logistics also has the necessary Dangerous Goods (DG) trucking license and permits to transport a wide variety of chemicals.
Den Hartogh Logistics has identified the Asia-Pacific (APAC) region as a key engine of growth. Since 2019, the company has significantly expanded its commercial operations and fleet presence in APAC to facilitate customer demands for intermodal chemical logistics.
Earlier this year, Den Hartogh China assigned a long distance ISO tank trucking order to XT Logistics which crossed six provinces in China (Jiangsu, Anhui, Henan, Hubei, Shanxi and Sichuan) covering 1,900km.
The very first laden tank, according to Den Hartogh, was released on 12 September by its Chinese customer after arriving in Shanghai. Den Hartogh China’s commercial team visited the trucker at Shanghai Lingang DG warehouse together with XT Logistics’ management.
“Normally we drive eight hours every day and this trip to Mianyang will take us four days in total,” the truck driver, Mr Wu, told Den Hartogh. “However, this is not the farthest trucking trip in my career as I used to drive the truck from Shanghai to Inner Mongolia.”
Den Hartogh was established in 1920. Today it operates in 26 countries and has offices in 47 locations.
The company’s fleet includes more than 20,000 tank containers, 6,100 dry bulk containers and specialised dry bulk trailers, 350 tank trailers and 625 trucks.