Kontena Nasional Berhad

What Kontena Nasional Berhad does

Kontena Nasional Berhad (KNB) is Malaysia's longest-established integrated logistics operator, founded in 1971 with the introduction of containerisation to the country. The company offers haulage, warehousing, freight forwarding, transportation and distribution, cold chain, halal logistics, and project cargo services across Malaysia through eight KNDC distribution centres (4.7 million sq ft total coverage, including 1 million sq ft of covered warehouse) and 21 offices supported by a 166-unit prime mover fleet. Its subsidiary, Kontena Nasional Global Logistics (KNGL), has held a government-appointed Multimodal Transport Operator (MTO) mandate since 1973 and operates international freight forwarding across Asia, Europe, North America, Latin America, Africa, and Australia.

KNB's technology stack centres on the proprietary Kontena Integrated Digital System (KIDS), launched in 2021, which provides GPS tracking, route optimisation, space planning, telematics data, and a 24/7 Command Centre for real-time cargo visibility across 11 broadcast locations. The company complements this with a Warehouse Management System offering selective racking, double deep storage, and real-time inventory management, alongside specialised cold chain refrigeration technology with continuous temperature monitoring. The fleet is progressively Euro V-compliant, with over 50% of prime movers aged one year or less.

KNB operates a B2B and B2G enterprise sales model with quote-based, multi-year contract pricing tailored to customer requirements, segmented into Government, Commercial, Oil and Gas, and Energy, Utilities and Infrastructure verticals. Revenue is generated through transaction fees across haulage, freight forwarding, warehousing and storage, transportation and distribution, and value-added services such as halal logistics (JAKIM-certified since 2010), cold chain, and the newly launched ISO Tank Cleaning Depot in Johor. The company has been profitable since 2021 and is wholly owned by MMC Corporation Berhad, sitting within the group's Ports and Logistics division.

Name

Kontena Nasional Berhad

Legal name

Kontena Nasional Berhad

Website

https://kn.com.my

Company type

Private

Founded year

1971

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

5,001–10,000 employees

Short description

Kontena Nasional Berhad is Malaysia's longest-established integrated logistics operator, founded in 1971, offering haulage, warehousing, freight forwarding, distribution, cold chain, and halal logistics through eight distribution centres and a 166-unit fleet. It serves government, oil and gas, commercial, and infrastructure clients across Malaysia and internationally via subsidiary KNGL.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Integrated Logistics Services

NAICS

General Warehousing and Storage (493110), Freight Transportation Arrangement (488510), Support Activities for Transportation (488)

SIC

Trucking (No Local) (4213)

akta.pro primary industry

Industry-Specific Contract Logistics (Automotive, Pharma, Retail, Aerospace, etc.) (TLAIAAAL)

akta.pro secondary industry

Hazmat & Dangerous Goods Warehousing (Regulated Storage) (TLAIACAE)

Keywords

• Container haulage services
• Warehousing and distribution
• Freight forwarding services
• Supply chain solutions
• Halal logistics

Headquarters

HQ city

Petaling Jaya

HQ country

Malaysia

HQ region

Asia

Offices17 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2B

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Infrastructure, Technology or R&D, Supply Chain, Marketing or Sales

Revenue model

1. Haulage Services: Containerised haulage services covering port-to-destination delivery, cross-border movements (Thailand-Malaysia-Singapore), and specialised transportation including skid tank and shunt services.
2. International Freight Forwarding: Integrated land, air and sea freight forwarding through KNGL subsidiary, covering project logistics, heavy-lift transportation, marine agency services, and customs brokerage.
3. Warehouse & Storage Services: Bonded and non-bonded warehouse storage, cross-dock validation, ambient and temperature control zones, consolidation and de-consolidation services across KNDC network.
4. Transportation & Distribution: Full distribution services including bonded and non-bonded distribution, local distribution, cross-border transportation, and halal logistics services.
5. Value Added Solutions: Halal logistics services including JAKIM certified transportation and warehousing, Samak services, cold chain solutions, and ISO Tank Cleaning Depot.
6. Project Cargo Logistics & Management: Government-appointed Multimodal Transport Operator (MTO) handling complex project cargo, out of gauge cargo, heavy-lift transportation, and vessel/aircraft chartering.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion2 records

Distribution channels3 records

Marketing channels5 records

Core offering

Kontena Nasional Berhad (KNB) is a Malaysian integrated logistics company providing containerised haulage, warehousing and distribution through its KNDC network, international freight forwarding through its KNGL subsidiary (land, air and sea), transportation and distribution services, plus specialised offerings including halal-certified logistics, cold chain, project cargo management and customs brokerage. Operations cover 8 KNDC distribution centres and 11 branch offices across Malaysia with cross-border road connectivity to Thailand and Singapore.

Product overview

Kontena Nasional Berhad (KNB) is Malaysia's premier logistics company operating since 1971, offering a comprehensive one-stop logistics solution portfolio. The core offering consists of Haulage Services (containerised road logistics with cross-border capabilities), KNDC Warehouse & Yard Services (4.7 million sq. ft. coverage across Malaysia), Logistics Solutions covering Land, Air and Sea freight forwarding through subsidiary KNGL, and Transportation & Distribution for last-mile delivery. Specialized services include Halal Logistics (JAKIM-certified, first in Malaysia), Cold Chain Logistics, Project Logistics & Management, and Freight Forwarding. The portfolio is supported by KIDS (Kontena Integrated Digital System) for GPS tracking, route optimisation and telematics, enabling integrated supply chain solutions across multiple industries including oil & gas, energy, infrastructure and retail.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• KNGL (Kontena Nasional Global Logistics): Wholly-owned subsidiary providing freight forwarding and multimodal transport operations.
• KNDC (Kontena Nasional Distribution Centres)
• KIDS (Kontena Integrated Digital System)

Products and services

• Haulage Services Containerised road haulage and cross-border transportation services connecting Thailand, Malaysia and Singapore, supported by a 24-hour Command Centre for real-time visibility of cargo movements, location, speed and travel routes. Targeted at shippers, freight forwarders, manufacturers and government agencies requiring container transport.
• KNDC Warehouse & Yard Services

Quantifiable outcome

• Profitable since 2021 with ongoing transformation journey to become Malaysia's premier supply chain solutions provider
• +2 more outcomes

Named customers3 records

Segments5 records

Ideal customer profiles4 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Feature4 records

Partnerships

Six partnerships are on record, tiered core and flagship.

• VolvocoreOthers · 1 January 2024Long-standing partnership for prime mover acquisition. KNB acquired 6 units of Volvo FM Euro V trucks in September 2024, adding to existing fleet.
• MAN Truck & Bus (M) Sdn BhdcoreOthers · 1 January 2024First-time partnership with acquisition of 4 units of MAN TGS Euro V trucks in October 2024. MAN was first to offer Euro V specification engines as standard in Malaysia in 2021.
• KTMB (Keretapi Tanah Melayu Berhad)flagshipStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2024Hosting flag-off of KTMB's first Malaysian-made leased locomotive, Asean Express, connecting Malaysia, Thailand, Laos and China. This enhances regional trade connectivity within ASEAN and China.
• Aliran Ihsan Berhad (AIR Berhad)coreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2023Partnership with Aliran Ihsan Berhad, another MMC Group company, to manage water collected from ISO Tank Cleaning Depot operations. The automated cleaning ecosystem ensures hazardous discharge is treated according to DOE regulations and recycled, producing zero water wastage.
• Groninger Cleaning System (Holland)coreTechnology or Integration · 1 January 2023Supplied comprehensive cleaning ecosystem for ISO Tank Cleaning Depot including compact cleaning system with steam generator and two rotor jets for four bays, enabling steaming and cleaning of ISO tanks.
• ScaniacoreOthers · 1 January 2023Partnership for prime mover acquisition as part of fleet expansion plan. KNB acquired 46 units of new prime movers from Volvo and Scania in 2023.

Scale indicators9 records

Recent moves7 records

Expansion highlights6 records

Broad incumbents

• CEVA Logistics: Global 3PL offering contract logistics, freight forwarding, and supply chain solutions across 170+ countries with significant ASEAN presence. Comparable as a global incumbent providing integrated multi-modal services overlapping KNB's haulage, warehousing, and freight forwarding offerings.
• Kerry Logistics Network Limited: Asia-headquartered global 3PL with extensive warehousing, freight forwarding, and contract logistics across ASEAN, Greater China, and beyond. Comparable as a much larger incumbent operating in KNB's regions with overlapping freight forwarding and warehousing offerings, but with broader geographic scale.
• DHL Supply Chain (Malaysia): Global contract logistics arm of Deutsche Post DHL, operating extensive warehousing, distribution, and supply chain solutions in Malaysia and across ASEAN. Comparable as a large multinational 3PL competing for the same enterprise, FMCG, and cold-chain customers KNB serves.
• Yusen Logistics (Malaysia): Global Japanese-origin 3PL providing airfreight, ocean freight, warehousing, and contract logistics across Asia including Malaysia. Comparable as a larger multinational competitor in KNB's freight forwarding and contract logistics segments, with broader geographic footprint.

Direct peers

• FM Global Logistics Holdings Berhad: Malaysian integrated logistics provider offering haulage, warehousing, container depot, freight forwarding, and distribution services. Comparable on multi-service Malaysian 3PL with bonded warehouse network and cross-border ASEAN focus.
• TASCO Berhad: Malaysian integrated logistics and supply chain company providing warehousing, freight forwarding, haulage, and contract logistics across Malaysia and ASEAN. Direct comparable to KNB on multi-service 3PL model, government-linked ownership (YTL/related GLC ecosystem), and Malaysian warehouse footprint.
• GD Express Carrier Berhad: Malaysian-listed logistics and courier company providing last-mile delivery, line-haul transportation, warehousing, and international freight forwarding. Comparable on domestic haulage and distribution; more parcel/courier-weighted than KNB's container-haulage focus.
• Tiong Nam Logistics Holdings Berhad: Malaysia-listed integrated logistics provider offering total logistics solutions including haulage, warehousing, freight forwarding, container depot and property holdings. Directly comparable on multi-modal Malaysian 3PL model, container depot/yard operations, and fleet-based service delivery.
• Century Logistics Holdings Berhad: Malaysian logistics group providing logistics and warehousing services, freight forwarding, chemical logistics (ISO tanks), and supply chain solutions. Direct peer on hazardous/chemical ISO tank handling, Malaysian warehousing, and chemical industry customer overlap.

Emerging players

• PENFRO Logistics (KNGL regional competitor in marine/ocean freight): Independent freight forwarding and project cargo specialist with strengths in Malaysian and regional ocean freight, project logistics, and marine agency services — overlapping with KNGL's freight forwarding and project cargo verticals.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks5 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• Facebookfacebook.com/kontenanasionalberhad
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/kontena-nasional-berhad
• Instagraminstagram.com/kontenanasionalberhad
• Xx.com/KontenaB

Compliance9 records

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles17 records

Subsidiaries1 record

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Kontena Nasional Berhad