SEKO Logistics has completed its largest-ever acquisition with the purchase of New York-based air freight shipping services provider, cargo handler, and cross-border eCommerce experts, Air-City, Inc.
Similar to the purchase of GoodShip International Inc., which added depth and expertise to SEKO’s corporate gateway operation in Chicago, Air-City will immediately add additional resources and growth to SEKO’s key New York region. The investment represents the latest phase of SEKO’s program to accelerate its strategic vision by expanding its global footprint, establishing more strategic partnerships, and making accretive acquisitions that expedite the growth of its three core services; Omni-Channel Logistics, White Glove Services, and Value-Added Freight Forwarding. In the past 18 months, SEKO has also acquired a majority shareholding in its strategic partner Omni-Channel Logistics Australia to further solidify and grow its eCommerce and technology solutions for retailers, pure-play etailers, marketplaces, and platforms.
Air-City was established in 1984, expanding to 15 offices worldwide, with New York as its head office. Air-City was among the first group of freight agents authorized by the China Government in 1994 and holds a certificate of approval for the establishment of enterprises in China.
“Air-City will give us immediate depth in the growing westbound airfreight and cross-border eCommerce trade for goods going to China,” said SEKO’s President and CEO, James T. Gagne. “Air-City also enhances our capabilities in air transport, cargo handling, freight forwarding services, warehousing, and storage solutions, offering strategic airfreight volumes and expertise into China as the rising demand for US goods increases along with a rising middle class in China. We have also added strength to our U.S. import services with the all-important ‘Section 321’ and Type 86 entries for eCommerce capabilities that are critical for cross-border eCommerce into the United States as well as a network of bonded warehouses in the United States. The outstanding Air-City team will not only assist our current clients with expanded and faster value-added forwarding and global eCommerce capabilities, including packaging, crating, and warehousing services, they will also support our award-winning air product team and help our US and international network of strategic partner locations to grow their business faster.”
The addition of Air-City will further enhance SEKO’s New York Gateway, strengthening its support for international shippers by expanding key facility infrastructure in the competitive real estate market near JFK International Airport. This includes improved air cargo transport services, streamlined delivery and storage solutions, and integrated land and air freight connections with seamless links to ocean freight services.
Chris Zheng, Executive Vice President of Air-City, Inc, stated: “This partnership with SEKO will give a transformational boost to our rapidly growing cross-border eCommerce and freight forwarding businesses to better serve our clients. Our cultures are so aligned with the speed of eCommerce, growth of cross-border eCommerce expertise, focus on seamless technology, and growing freight management capabilities. We are excited for our next phase of growth and the additional benefits we can deliver for our clients in Asia and the United States as part of the SEKO organization.”
