'Supply chain reconfiguration is creating major opportunities' - LX Pantos CEO

Yong Ho Lee, President & CEO of LX Pantos

In an interview published in association with LX Pantos, president and CEO Yong Ho Lee discusses shifting supply chains, growth opportunities in key markets and the role of technology in the future of logistics.

Could you briefly introduce LX Pantos?

Founded in 1977 and headquartered in South Korea, LX Pantos is a global logistics provider offering end-to-end supply chain solutions across freight forwarding, contract logistics, ecommerce logistics, last-mile delivery and installation, and SCM consulting.

The company handles more than 1.6m TEU of ocean freight and 120,000 tonnes of air freight annually through a network of more than 380 locations and 8,500 employees worldwide. LX Pantos generated approximately $5.6bn in revenue in 2025 and continues to invest in digital platforms and IT solutions to improve visibility and operational efficiency.

LX Pantos has been expanding its global footprint in recent years. How would you define the company’s core strategic priorities for the next three to five years?

LX Pantos is focused on strengthening its core business by growing volumes in key overseas markets, securing logistics infrastructure and pursuing new business opportunities.

Over the next few years, we aim to expand both the scale and scope of the business and build the capabilities needed to compete with the leading global logistics players.

What differentiates LX Pantos from other large global freight forwarders and integrated logistics providers?

LX Pantos combines a global network, end-to-end logistics capabilities and digital solutions with a strong customer-focused approach.

By understanding customers’ specific requirements and responding with speed and flexibility, we deliver tailored solutions for increasingly complex supply chains. This is supported by deep operational expertise and experience across a wide range of industries and markets.

Where do you see the most significant growth opportunities geographically and by sector?

Global supply chains are being reshaped by changing trade patterns and geopolitical uncertainty. We see strong growth potential in North America, Southeast Asia, India and Eastern Europe as companies reconfigure their supply chains.

From an industry perspective, ecommerce, semiconductors, AI, batteries and electric vehicles are expected to remain key drivers of logistics demand.

How is the current market environment, particularly weaker freight rates and demand volatility, shaping your strategy?

Freight rates and demand volatility continue to affect the logistics sector.

In response, LX Pantos has focused on diversifying its portfolio. Businesses such as contract logistics and installation services are less exposed to market fluctuations and provide more stable revenue streams. Our objective is to build a resilient and sustainable business that can perform consistently through market cycles.

Are you seeing any structural shifts in global supply chains that are changing customer requirements?

The pandemic, geopolitical disruptions and other global events have changed customer expectations.

Where logistics decisions were once driven primarily by cost, customers are now looking for supply chain resilience, reliable transportation management, effective risk response and solutions that improve overall supply chain performance.

To what extent are shippers prioritising resilience over cost today, compared with pre-pandemic?

Since the pandemic, customers have placed greater emphasis on supply chain resilience rather than cost alone.

They increasingly value reliable operations, secured capacity, alternative routing options and strong risk-management capabilities. As a result, providers with robust networks, infrastructure and operational stability are better positioned to win business.

LX Pantos positions itself as an end-to-end logistics provider. Which parts of the value chain are you prioritising for further development?

LX Pantos has built strong capabilities in international ocean and air freight and is now expanding its in-country transportation and warehousing operations, including rail, trucking and storage infrastructure.

In the US, effective intermodal solutions are essential, and we expect opportunities in this area to continue growing. We are strengthening our intermodal capabilities, including through Boxlinks, our joint venture with ONE.

How important are contract logistics and warehousing to your growth strategy?

Contract logistics and warehousing are key pillars of our growth strategy.

Customers continue to place greater importance on reliable inventory management and logistics centre operations. In addition, multi-year contract structures provide greater revenue stability, helping us build a more resilient business.

Are there particular industries where you see the strongest demand?

We are closely monitoring high-growth industries such as ecommerce, semiconductors and AI infrastructure.

Ecommerce is expected to remain a major driver of air freight and fulfilment demand. Semiconductor and AI-related supply chains also require specialised logistics capabilities, including temperature-controlled transport, dangerous goods handling and breakbulk services.

We also see opportunities in the continued growth of Korean cultural exports, including food and music.

What role does digitalisation play in LX Pantos’s strategy?

Digitalisation is a core pillar of our growth strategy.

Beyond digitalising end-to-end logistics processes, we are focusing on automation within logistics centres through AI and robotics. As AI adoption accelerates, digitalisation will become an essential requirement for competitiveness across the logistics sector.

Are you investing in specific technologies such as visibility platforms, AI-driven optimisation, and automation?

LX Pantos provides customers with Pantos Now, a digital forwarding platform, and Pantos View, which offers real-time cargo tracking and supply chain risk monitoring.

We are also deploying robotics and automation technologies across major logistics centres and continue to expand the use of new technologies. More recently, we have integrated AI to improve efficiency and automation.

How do you see technology changing the role of the freight forwarder over the next decade?

Rapid technological advancement is transforming every industry, and logistics is no exception. The growth of platform-based logistics companies and the advancement of AI technologies are challenging the traditional role of freight forwarders.

While digital transformation in the logistics industry will continue to accelerate, we believe that forwarders with deep supply chain operating experience and the ability to provide customized customer support will ultimately maintain a competitive edge in the market.

In particular, the role of forwarders will become even more important in customer engagement. No matter how advanced technology becomes, logistics experts must be able to proactively address customers’ pain points and act not merely as intermediaries, but as strategic partners who help design and optimize customers’ supply chains.

Logistics also involves constant uncertainty, including unexpected incidents and operational disruptions. Responding to these variables is an area that cannot be fully replaced by technology alone. For this reason, we believe the role of forwarders will continue to be highly important.

Can you outline your current expansion plans, both organically and through partnerships or acquisitions?

LX Pantos is pursuing growth through organic expansion, infrastructure investment, strategic partnerships and M&A opportunities.

In recent years, we have secured logistics centres in the US and Europe and established joint ventures in Indonesia and China. We remain open to acquisitions that strengthen our capabilities and support long-term growth

Which regions are a priority for network expansion?

We are focused on regions benefiting from global supply chain reconfiguration, including North America, Southeast Asia, India and Eastern Europe.

The US remains a particular priority given its scale as a consumer market and the continued impact of reshoring trends.

How do you approach building local presence versus leveraging global partnerships?

LX Pantos operates in 40 countries and can support customers across global markets.

Where we do not have our own operations, we work through strategic partners. Decisions to establish a direct presence are based on factors such as market potential, cargo volumes and profitability. Until then, we maintain flexibility through our partner network.

Sustainability is becoming a key focus for shippers. How is LX Pantos supporting customers in reducing supply chain emissions?

LX Pantos is committed to achieving net-zero emissions by 2050 and reducing environmental impact across its supply chain.

Through Pantos View, customers can access real-time information on climate-related risks and potential transportation disruptions, helping them manage supply chain resilience more effectively.

Are you investing in specific green logistics solutions such as SAF, alternative fuels, or modal shift initiatives?

Some of our logistics centres use rooftop solar power systems, supporting the use of renewable energy in our operations.

We have also adopted more sustainable fuels through partnerships with airlines and ocean carriers, including Korean Air and Maersk, as part of our efforts to reduce emissions across the logistics value chain.

How do you balance sustainability goals with cost pressures in the current market?

As a leading logistics provider, we view sustainability as a long-term responsibility.

Through collaboration with partners, we continue to explore ways to accelerate the adoption of more sustainable fuels while minimising additional costs for customers and stakeholders.

How do you view the evolving competitive landscape?

Competition is intensifying as companies expand beyond their traditional business models and new players, including digital forwarders, enter the market.

Despite this, customers ultimately choose providers based on logistics performance.

Companies with strong global networks, operational expertise and service capabilities will remain competitive regardless of how the market evolves.

Do you see consolidation continuing in the freight forwarding sector?

Yes. Market uncertainty and growing customer demand for integrated logistics solutions are likely to drive further consolidation.

As end-to-end global networks become increasingly important, we expect major logistics companies to continue pursuing acquisitions to strengthen their capabilities.

What are the biggest risks and opportunities for the industry over the next few years?

The biggest risk is continued uncertainty arising from geopolitical tensions and other external disruptions.

At the same time, uncertainty creates opportunity. Companies that can respond quickly and adapt to changing conditions will be best positioned to grow. Strong networks, transportation capabilities and operational flexibility will be key differentiators.

What is the biggest misconception about LX Pantos that you would like to address?

Some still perceive LX Pantos as a Korea-focused, ocean freight-oriented intermediary forwarder that mainly handles cargo for Korean companies. However, LX Pantos today is continuing to expand its overseas business based on cargo volumes from global multinational customers, while also achieving stable growth in contract logistics and installation services.

We provide comprehensive logistics services not only in ocean freight, but also across air, rail, and trucking, supported by a broad range of transportation capabilities. At the same time, we are continuing to diversify our business by expanding infrastructure centred on overseas logistics centres and pursuing new business opportunities.

LX Pantos is no longer simply a Korean ocean freight forwarder. We are evolving into a true global integrated logistics company.

If you had to highlight one key message to global shippers, what would it be?

LX Pantos aims to become a truly global logistics company headquartered in South Korea.

Through continuous innovation and differentiated services, we will continue to grow as a trusted logistics partner for customers worldwide.