How APL Logistics is Enhancing European Order Management
APL Logistics has strengthened its supply chain capabilities across Europe by launching a new office in France.
The company, which specialises in global order management solutions, is expanding its regional presence to meet growing demand from shippers seeking more control and visibility across increasingly volatile supply chain networks.
APL Logistics forms part of the Kintetsu World Express (KWE) group and maintains a sharp focus on providing logistics services that respond to challenges across global trade routes.
Thad Bedard, President of APL Logistics, explains: "APL Logistics has long been recognised for delivering trusted, global solutions but also for our integrity, our vision and the earned trust from our employees and customers.
āWe achieve this by investing in people, presence and expertise both at origin and destination locations. Our expanded presence in France ensures that shippers in the region have greater access to class-leading solutions across order management and logistics."
Why France matters in supply chain
France is set to become a critical node in APL Logisticsā European network, which already includes offices in Germany (Hamburg), the UK (London) and the Netherlands (Rotterdam). Turkey also plays a role as a near-Europe gateway with operations supporting the wider region.
The decision to enter France is driven by what the company calls a ācustomer-led expansion,ā with existing clients in the region requesting more direct support.
Operations in France are now live and based on a model focused on order management, supported by a European control-tower approach. The company maintains a neutral, multi-carrier stance, offering flexibility in how shippers manage transport decisions. The model delivers a single point of visibility across the network, enabling standardised service delivery regardless of location.
Franceās location in Western Europe makes it vital for distribution flows, yet the region continues to operate under unstable conditions. Shippers face blank sailings, Red Sea route diversions and unpredictable terminal changes in northern ports like Rotterdam and Antwerp.
In response, APL Logistics promotes an order management strategy that puts the purchase order at the centre, helping supply chain teams make better decisions earlier, particularly around transport mode, routing and allocation. By prioritising the PO, shippers improve responsiveness and avoid delays that escalate into costlier disruptions.
"We are dedicated to the constant improvement of our business in Europe and around the globe," adds Kim Overman, Regional Vice President for the EMEA region at APL.
"Our new office in France ensures APL Logistics is well positioned to offer the highest-quality logistics services to one of the most vibrant markets in the region, providing greater flexibility, control and optimisation for vital supply chain networks. This expansion was also driven in part by our customers, who seek greater flexibility and control over their pan-European operations."
Delivering pan-European services
With this expansion, APL Logistics further embeds its vision of offering a single order management experience across key European corridors. The company plans to extend this model into more markets through 2025 and 2026. This includes increased emphasis on customs brokerage, which aims to streamline border clearance, prepare for regulatory changes and protect transit schedules.
"Simple idea, powerful effect: one view, one standard, everywhere you operate," the company states. This consistent approach enables senior logistics leaders to manage their supply chains with uniformity, even when operating in multiple countries under varied regulatory and market conditions.
APL Logistics works closely with clients to ensure integration and real-time decision-making are possible. For Levi Strauss & Co. Europe, APL Logistics places dedicated teams at the point of origin. These teams take ownership of order management duties, close time zone gaps and accelerate coordination ā forming what Levi Strauss describes as a partnership built on trust.
For HBM Machines, joint data integration between systems gives near real-time insight into order and shipment status, supporting the company's cross-border expansion and allows its operations to scale as needed.
APL summarises the impact of its solutions by saying: "Results differ by customer, but the pattern is clear: PO-level visibility and control that protects service, reduces cost and frees working capital."
Logistics with built-in responsibility
As part of its operational model, APL Logistics integrates planning and optimisation practices that are designed to lower emissions while maintaining service levels. The approach aligns with European policy expectations and matches customersā environmental goals.
Through data-driven logistics planning and strong management, the business supports both supply chain performance and decarbonisation efforts, ensuring its growth in Europe balances commercial goals with environmental responsibility.
With further expansion anticipated in 2025 and 2026 as demand increases, the opening of its France office represents a crucial step in APL's ongoing European development, extending both reach and operational consistency for brands navigating an unpredictable logistics environment.
