TIFFA Group has enhanced its services by launching a new ICD station connecting Bangkok and its vicinity with Laem Chabang Port, offering new options and world-class services to Thai importers and exporters, shipping lines, and logistics service providers under the name TIFFA Logistics Center.

Since its establishment in 1995, ICD Lat Krabang has become a vital part of the Thai logistics industry, helping to reduce road and port congestion, increase transportation speed, and significantly lower container shipping costs. Building on this foundation, TIFFA Group launched a new ICD station in the Lat Krabang area, named TIFFA Logistics Center, to provide customers with more options for connecting freight transport between the central region and Thailand’s major container port.

In this issue of LM magazine, we had the opportunity to speak with Mr. Suwit Rattanachinda, Managing Director of TIFFA Logistics Center, to discuss the journey behind developing the new container terminal and highlight the strengths and benefits it offers customers.

Solid Foundation

Over the years, due to congestion at Laem Chabang Port, road traffic, and rising fuel costs, the ICD Lat Krabang emerged as a valuable alternative for importers, exporters, and freight forwarders. It allows them to pick up and drop off containers directly at the terminal, eliminating the need to go to Laem Chabang Port, saving time and reducing operating costs.

Recent statistics show that the ICD Lat Krabang is increasingly important in Thailand’s container shipping industry. Mr. Suwit explained, “From the statistical data we have studied, we found that the ICD Lat Krabang usage figures have been continuously increasing. Although, in the past several years, industrial areas and manufacturing sectors have expanded to the Eastern region under the Eastern Economic Corridor (EEC) project, the statistical figures reflect that the Central region and nearby areas remain important strategic areas for importing and exporting goods. “

“The location of this new ICD Station is considered a strategic hub for multimodal transportation between Thailand and neighboring countries such as Laos, Malaysia, Cambodia, and Myanmar. Furthermore, considering the Bangkok Port relocation project that the Thai government is considering, the role of the ICD Station, which can connect the central region and nearby areas to Laem Chabang Port, will become even more crucial. Therefore, this new ICD Station has been designed to accommodate the increasing demand with modern infrastructure and efficient management.”

Comprehensive ICD Services

TIFFA Logistics Center is part of the TIFFA Group, a well-known Thai freight forwarding industry operator. They were recognized for managing TIFFA ICD, one of the first container terminal service providers at ICD Lat Krabang. This new container terminal reflects over 25 years of experience and expertise, aiming to elevate service standards and meet the needs of importers and exporters more efficiently.

The new TIFFA Logistics Center is located in the Lat Krabang area, near Highway No. 7 (Motorway) and just eight kilometers from Suvarnabhumi Airport. It is the eighth service provider officially licensed by the Thai Customs Department to establish an Inland Container Depot, which means shippers can perform customs brokerage directly at the terminal. The TIFFA Logistics Center is fully equipped to offer comprehensive services, including CFS and CY, across an area of over 160,000 square meters, with a capacity to handle up to 25,000 TEUs per month or 300,000 TEUs per year.

Mr. Suwit stated, “The launch of this new ICD Station is part of our strategy to provide customers with more options for connecting Bangkok and its surrounding areas with Laem Chabang Port. We have prepared a fleet of over 400 trucks to support this operation, ensuring that customers receive the same high-quality and standard service.”

Innovative Design for Maximum Efficiency

For this new ICD Station, we have developed a comprehensive infrastructure that includes the installation of over 120 reefer plugs for temperature-controlled containers, along with a spacious warehouse exceeding 8,000 square meters, designed to support the storage and handling of goods for customers across various industries. In addition, TIFFA Logistics Center has integrated cutting-edge technologies, including Optical Character Recognition (OCR) and an Autonomous Truck Gate, which are currently being installed. These advancements will enhance the accuracy and speed of operations. Combined with well-planned route designs, they effectively address traffic congestion issues within and outside the station.

In terms of facilities, the Container Terminal is equipped with modern infrastructure, including a dock leveler for loading and unloading goods, an LED lighting system, natural lighting, and a selective rack that can be adjusted to meet each customer’s specific needs.

In addition, the design of this new ICD Station prioritizes environmental impact, aligning with sustainable development policies that are increasingly gaining attention and being strictly enforced internationally. The TIFFA has therefore opted to use four all-electric container handling equipment, including electric forklifts for warehouse operations, to help reduce greenhouse gas emissions and minimize environmental impact. In addition, solar panels have been installed on the roof to harness solar energy for electricity, supporting the sustainable use of clean energy while reducing energy costs.

Mr. Suwit stated, “Reducing environmental impact is a top priority in our operations. We have invested in four electric container handling units from SANY to achieve this. This initiative not only enhances the efficiency of our ICD Station but also promotes clean energy usage and reduces pollution, aligning with our commitment to operational excellence and environmental conservation.

In addition, the ICD Station prioritizes security by installing CCTV systems throughout the warehouse and office, employing 24-hour security guards, and controlling entry and exit with a key access control system.

Enduring Competence

With over 25 years of experience at ICD Lat Krabang, TIFFA Group has not only gained extensive knowledge and expertise in the industry but has also learned to solve problems and enhance services. These experiences have inspired TIFFA to design and improve the new ICD Station, aiming to create a modern, comprehensive, and highly efficient ICD Station that meets the diverse needs of customers.

“With nearly three decades of experience operating an ICD Station, we have a deep understanding of the limitations and challenges of this business. We have therefore leveraged this knowledge and understanding as the foundation for developing the new ICD Station, focusing on infrastructure, route design, and the application of various technologies to significantly enhance operational smoothness and efficiency,” said Mr. Suwit.

The launch of the TIFFA Logistics Center marks a significant step in raising the standard of service in the Thai logistics industry. TIFFA combines its expertise, extensive experience, and unique understanding as a local service provider with modern infrastructure. The new ICD Station aims to meet the diverse needs of customers, enhance operational efficiency, reduce costs, and foster environmental sustainability while promoting the sustainable growth of the Thai logistics industry for the future.

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