Maruzen of America, Inc. Company Profile

Background

Established in 1974 in Los Angeles, California, Maruzen of America, Inc. is a wholly owned subsidiary of Maruzen Showa Unyu Co., Ltd., a prominent Japanese logistics company founded in 1931. Maruzen of America specializes in comprehensive logistics services, including ocean freight forwarding, customs brokerage, trucking, and warehousing. The company's mission is to provide seamless, door-to-door transportation solutions, leveraging its extensive network and expertise to meet diverse customer needs.

Key Strategic Focus

Maruzen of America focuses on delivering integrated logistics services that encompass:

Ocean Transportation Intermediary (OTI): Acting as both an Ocean Freight Forwarder and Non-Vessel-Operating Common Carrier (NVOCC), facilitating efficient ocean freight solutions.

Customs Brokerage: Ensuring compliance with U.S. customs regulations to expedite the import and export process.

Trucking Services: Providing reliable inland transportation to connect ports with final destinations.

Warehousing: Operating over 220,000 square feet of warehouse space, including 150,000 square feet dedicated to refrigerated storage for agricultural products and 70,000 square feet for general commodities and container freight station operations.

The company primarily targets industries requiring specialized handling, such as agriculture, and leverages its strategic West Coast location near the Port of Long Beach to serve clients across North America and Mexico.

Financials and Funding

As a subsidiary of Maruzen Showa Unyu Co., Ltd., Maruzen of America benefits from the financial backing of its parent company. Maruzen Showa Unyu Co., Ltd. has a capital of 9.1 billion Japanese Yen (approximately USD 84 million) and operates 153 offices with over 2,164 employees. Maruzen of America itself reports annual revenues between $5 million and $10 million, with a workforce of approximately 18 employees.

Technological Platform and Innovation

Maruzen of America employs advanced logistics technologies to enhance service delivery, including:

Web-Based Inventory Control: Offering clients real-time access to inventory data for improved supply chain management.

Refrigerated Storage Facilities: Utilizing state-of-the-art cold storage solutions to maintain product integrity, particularly for perishable goods.

C-TPAT Certification: Ensuring compliance with the Customs-Trade Partnership Against Terrorism program to provide secure and efficient cargo handling.

Leadership Team

Maruzen of America's leadership comprises experienced professionals dedicated to logistics excellence:

Hidenobu Oda: Vice President

Archie Miyamoto: Vice President

Hijiri Aoki: Vice President

Glenn: Director

Yukiyo Ikebe: Licensed Customs Broker, Import Manager, Corporate Officer, Bilingual Japanese

Competitor Profile

Market Insights and Dynamics

The logistics and freight forwarding industry in the United States is highly competitive, with numerous players offering a range of services. The market is characterized by:

Market Size and Growth Potential: The U.S. logistics market is substantial, driven by increasing globalization and e-commerce growth.

Industry Trends: There is a growing emphasis on technology integration, sustainability, and supply chain resilience.

Competitor Analysis

Maruzen of America faces competition from various companies, including:

K&K Global: A logistics provider with approximately 8 employees and revenue of $987,000.

Seaworld Global Logistics: Employs around 19 individuals, generating $3.9 million in revenue.

PKS Freight & Logistics Pvt: With 22 employees and $5.8 million in revenue.

Shine Express: A larger competitor with 25 employees and $8.6 million in revenue.

Folk Shipping: Employs 13 people and reports $8.5 million in revenue.

These competitors offer similar logistics services, making differentiation through specialized offerings and customer service crucial.

Strategic Collaborations and Partnerships

Maruzen of America collaborates closely with its parent company, Maruzen Showa Unyu Co., Ltd., to leverage a global network of over 150 offices. This partnership enables the company to provide comprehensive logistics solutions worldwide, including intermodal transport arrangements and specialized services such as fumigation and heat processing for fruits and vegetables.

Operational Insights

Strategically located near the Port of Long Beach, Maruzen of America offers:

Comprehensive Logistics Services: Including ocean freight forwarding, customs brokerage, trucking, and warehousing.

Specialized Handling: Expertise in managing agricultural products requiring refrigerated storage and specialized processing.

Global Network Access: Through its parent company, providing extensive international logistics capabilities.

These factors position Maruzen of America as a competitive player in the logistics industry, particularly for clients needing specialized handling and global reach.