What F-LINE does

F-LINE Co., Ltd. (F－ＬＩＮＥ株式会社) is a Japanese private logistics company founded on April 1, 2019 through the integration of logistics subsidiaries of five major Japanese food manufacturers — Ajinomoto Logistics, Kagome Logistics Service, House Logistics Service (partial), the original F-LINE, and Kyushu F-LINE — under the founding philosophy "competition is for products, logistics should be joint" (競争は商品で、物流は共同で). Headquartered in Tokyo (Harumi Triton Square Office Tower Y, 30th floor) and operating approximately 70 logistics centers across Japan with a fleet of 466 vehicles (as of March 2025), F-LINE provides dedicated food logistics services — joint logistics, dedicated logistics, trunk line transport (road/rail/sea), bulk transport, order management, and AEO-certified customs clearance — to its six anchor manufacturer-customers: Ajinomoto, Kagome, House Foods Group, Nisshin Seifun Wellna, Nisshin OilliO Group, and Mizkan. The company reported revenue of approximately 803 oku JPY (~$535M USD) for the fiscal year ending March 2025.

F-LINE's operational backbone is its proprietary ALIS (Advanced Logistics Information System), developed and maintained in-house by the information systems department since founding, which manages inventory levels, order processing, and shipment data across all nationwide centers. The customer-facing ALIS Information Provision System provides real-time inventory lookup, shipment tracking, lot-based traceability, expiration alerts, and long-term stagnation warnings via a web portal billed at 5,000 JPY per Member ID per month. Operational standards are codified in the proprietary ABS (Advanced Business Standards of Logistics) framework. F-LINE also operates the trademarked Relay Liner System (中継リレー輸送), a trailer-exchange trunk operation that enables same-day driver returns, addressing Japan's severe driver shortage. The company owns 100% of Geihoku Kyuso Co., Ltd. (acquired December 2024), which provides dedicated trucking capacity in the Chugoku/Shikoku region, and partners with approximately 85 cooperative carriers for last-mile and regional delivery.

F-LINE's revenue model is contract-based managed services with six anchor enterprise customers who are also shareholders, augmented by ALIS subscription revenue and ancillary services. The GTM motion is sales-led B2B with dedicated account managers per major customer and a separate business development division (営業開発部) pursuing non-shareholder customers. The company has received multiple national sustainability and DX awards, including two consecutive Maritime Modal Shift Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism Director's Awards (Reiwa 6 with Bourbon Corporation, Reiwa 7 with Kagome), the 1st Modal Shift Excellent Operator Award (Collaboration Category, with Ajinomoto), DX Certification from METI, and EcoShip Mark certification. Notable ongoing investments include commercial Level 2 autonomous trucking with T2 Corporation (launched November 2025), Japan's first FCEV truck at Fukuoka (January 2025), EV truck deployment with Mitsubishi Fuso, robotic repalletization in cold storage, large-scale solar power installations, and new logistics centers (Ota, completion 2027; Kanto frozen hub relocation to CBRE IM-LOGI'Q Shin-Koyasu, 2027).

Name

F-LINE

Legal name

Ｆ－ＬＩＮＥ株式会社

Website

https://f-line.tokyo.jp

Company type

Private

Founded year

2019

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

1,001–5,000 employees

Short description

F-LINE is a Japanese private food logistics platform founded in 2019 by five major food manufacturers (Ajinomoto, Kagome, House Foods, Nisshin Seifun Wellna, Nisshin OilliO Group), operating ~70 nationwide centers and a 466-vehicle fleet to provide joint, dedicated, trunk, bulk, and customs-clearance logistics to six anchor manufacturer-customers.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Food Logistics Services

NAICS

Warehousing and Storage (493), Freight Transportation Arrangement (4885)

SIC

Trucking & Courier Services (No Air) (4210), Arrangement Of Transportation Of Freight & Cargo (4731)

akta.pro primary industry

Food & Beverage Cold Chain Logistics (Fresh, Chilled, Frozen) (TLAIAIAE)

akta.pro secondary industries

Cold Chain Asset-Based Logistics (Reefer Fleet & Temp-Control Facilities) (TLAIAMAF), Wholesale / Club Store Bulk Grocery Delivery (TLAAAHAH)

Keywords

• Food logistics services
• Cold chain distribution
• Warehousing solutions
• Freight forwarding
• Customs clearance

Headquarters

HQ city

Tokyo

HQ country

Japan

HQ region

Asia

Offices8 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2B

Offering type

Services

Cost components

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

Revenue model

1. Third-Party Food Logistics Services: F-LINE operates as a dedicated food logistics company providing warehousing, distribution, and supply chain management services to major food manufacturing groups. Revenue is generated through logistics service contracts with participating food manufacturers, including warehousing fees, transportation fees, customs brokerage, and related logistics services. The company consolidated its predecessor logistics subsidiaries (味素物流, カゴメ物流サービス, ハウス物流サービス) into a single unified platform to serve the joint logistics needs of its founding food manufacturer investors.
2. ALIS Information Provision System (subscription): Customer-facing portal providing real-time inventory data, shipment tracking, and analytical tools. Billed per Member ID at 5,000 JPY (tax included) per month, with payment terms aligned to underlying storage/transportation service contracts.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion1 record

Distribution channels4 records

Marketing channels6 records

Core offering

F-LINE is a dedicated food logistics company providing warehousing, trunk-line transportation, distribution, customs clearance, and order management services to six major Japanese food manufacturers (Ajinomoto, Kagome, House Foods, Nisshin Seifun Wellna, Nisshin OilliO Group, and Mizkan). The company operates approximately 70 logistics centers across Japan with a 466-vehicle fleet, offering joint and dedicated logistics, multimodal transport (road/rail/sea), and bulk transportation for processed foods and raw materials. All operations are managed through its proprietary ALIS logistics management system, which provides customers real-time inventory, shipment tracking, and lot-based traceability via a customer-facing web portal.

Product overview

F-LINE operates as a comprehensive food logistics platform providing integrated logistics services to major Japanese food manufacturers. The core offering consists of six interconnected service lines: joint logistics (共同物流事業) for collaborative distribution, dedicated logistics (専用物流事業) for manufacturer-specific operations, trunk line transportation (幹線輸送) with multimodal capabilities (road, rail, sea), bulk transportation (バルク輸送) for raw materials and liquids, order management (受注事業), and customs clearance (通関事業). The proprietary ALIS (物流基幹システム) logistics management system underpins all services, providing customers real-time inventory visibility, shipment tracking, and analytical data. Founded in 2019 through integration of logistics subsidiaries from five major food companies (Ajinomoto, KAGOME, HOUSE FOODS, Nisshin Seifun Welna, Nisshin OiliO Group), F-LINE manages approximately 70 logistics bases nationwide with a fleet of 466 vehicles.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• ALIS（物流基幹システム）: 自社の物流基幹システムで、顧客企业提供在庫管理、出荷実績、配送追跡等服务。

Products and services

• Joint Logistics Service (共同物流事業) Joint logistics service combining shipments from multiple food manufacturers (Ajinomoto, Kagome, House Foods, Nisshin Seifun Wellna, Nisshin OilliO Group, Mizkan) to optimize transportation efficiency and reduce costs through shared warehousing and distribution networks. Targeted at major food manufacturers seeking logistics consolidation.
• Dedicated Logistics Service (専用物流事業) Dedicated logistics service for a single manufacturer, providing customized warehousing and delivery operations tailored to specific product requirements and delivery schedules. Targeted at food manufacturers requiring manufacturer-specific logistics customization.
• Trunk Line Transportation (幹線輸送) Long-haul trunk line transportation connecting regional distribution centers across Japan, utilizing multimodal approaches including trucks, railways, and ships for sustainable and efficient cargo movement. Targeted at food manufacturers requiring nationwide cross-regional distribution.
• Bulk Transportation (バルク輸送) Bulk transportation service for raw materials and liquid goods using specialized tankers and bulk containers, supporting both maritime and land transport modalities. Targeted at food manufacturers transporting raw materials and liquid food products.
• Order Receiving Business (受注事業) Order receiving and processing service handling customer orders from wholesalers and retailers nationwide, coordinating with distribution centers for accurate and timely order fulfillment. Targeted at food wholesalers and retailers requiring consolidated order processing.
• Customs Clearance Service (通関事業) Customs clearance service handling import/export documentation and procedures, leveraging AEO (Authorized Economic Operator) certified status (since 2011) for streamlined customs processes at major Japanese ports. Targeted at food import/export companies requiring certified customs handling.
• ALIS Information Provision System (ALIS情報提供システム) Customer-facing web portal providing inventory lookup, shipment tracking, shipment history, date roll-back alerts, long-term stagnant inventory alarms, inactive inventory alerts, and lot-based shipment traceability. Subscription priced at 5,000 JPY per Member ID per month. Targeted at F-LINE's food manufacturing customers requiring real-time logistics visibility.

Quantifiable outcome

• Revenue of 803 billion JPY (FY2025), up from 793 billion JPY (FY2024)
• +4 more outcomes

Named customers7 records

Segments3 records

Ideal customer profiles3 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Feature4 records

Partnerships

Seven partnerships are on record, tiered notable, core and infrastructure.

• Mitsubishi Fuso Truck and Bus Corporation (三菱ふそうトラック・バス株式会社)notableTechnology or Integration · 15 December 2025F-LINE introduced Mitsubishi Fuso eCANTER EV truck equipped with heat pump heating system and refrigerated cargo box at Sekiyado Low-Temperature Logistics Center. This is F-LINE's first EV truck with built-in refrigeration capability, enabling frozen-to-warmed delivery flexibility and reducing CO2 emissions.
• T2 Corporation (株式会社T2)coreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 November 2025F-LINE partnered with T2 Corporation (a startup developing Level 4 autonomous truck systems) to conduct Level 2 autonomous truck demonstration runs on the Kanto-Kansai trunk route (Kawasaki Logistics Center to Nishinomiya Logistics Center, ~510km) starting February 2025. Following 5 successful demonstrations, F-LINE began Level 2 commercial autonomous truck operations in November 2025, carrying products for 6 major food manufacturers. F-LINE and T2 are jointly exploring Level 4 autonomous trunk transport for commercial launch, targeted for 2027. The partnership addresses severe driver shortage while maintaining delivery quality and safety standards.
• 6 Major Food Manufacturers (Ajinomoto, Kagome, Nisshin Oilio, Nisshin Seifun Wellna, House Foods, Mizkan) + Japan Railway CompaniescoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 28 August 2025F-LINE and the 6 major food manufacturers collectively partnered with JR (Japan Railway) freight services to trial 'modal combination' (rail×truck) on the Hokkaido Sapporo-to-Obihiro trunk route (starting September 2025). The initiative aims to shift ~43% of CO2 emissions on that route while addressing driver shortage. Supported by Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism subsidies.
• CBRE IM-LOGI'Q新子安 (Real Estate Developer/Landlord)infrastructureOthers · 26 August 2025F-LINE signed a lease agreement to relocate its Kanto frozen logistics hub to CBRE IM-LOGI'Q Shin-Koamtari, a 3-temperature zone multi-tenant logistics facility being developed in Yokohama Kanagawa Ward. Scheduled for completion January 2027. This partnership enables F-LINE to expand its frozen storage capacity and modernize its Kanto cold-chain infrastructure.
• Bourbon Corporation (株式会社ブルボン)notableStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 June 2025Joint modal shift initiative with Bourbon Corporation, converting confectionery transport from truck (Joetsu City, Niigata Prefecture to Fukuoka City) to sea ferry (横須賀港 to 新門司港). This collaboration earned the 令和6年度 Maritime Modal Shift Ministry Land Infrastructure Transport Tourism Award. The partnership demonstrates how competing brands can share modal shift infrastructure.
• Isuzu Motors Limited / Toyota Motor Corporation (いすゞ自動車株式会社 / Toyota)notableTechnology or Integration · 8 January 2025F-LINE introduced Japan's first FCEV (Fuel Cell Electric Vehicle) small truck at Fukuoka First Logistics Center. The vehicle was co-developed by Isuzu and Toyota (型式: NPR88AN-H5AY-FCV), with ~260km range and 10.5kg compressed hydrogen capacity. This partnership advances F-LINE's sustainability goals and cold-chain logistics electrification.
• 芸北急送株式会社 (Geihoku Kyuso Corporation)coreOthers · 20 December 2024F-LINE acquired 100% of Geihoku Kyuso Corporation (specializing in trucking in China's/Chugoku region) to secure and strengthen its western Japan distribution network. Geihoku Kyuso had served as F-LINE's core partner in the China region for many years prior to the acquisition.

Scale indicators6 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights5 records

Broad incumbents

• SG Holdings (Sagawa Express): Major Japanese logistics group with strong parcel delivery and B2B logistics operations including cold-chain. Comparable scale to F-LINE but with broader customer base beyond food manufacturers and a publicly listed structure.
• Nippon Express Holdings: Japan's largest logistics company with comprehensive 3PL capabilities including warehousing, trucking, air, and ocean freight. Overlaps with F-LINE in contract logistics and freight forwarding but operates across all industries, not specializing in food cold-chain.
• Yamato Holdings: Japanese delivery and logistics company best known for its Kuroneko delivery service but with growing B2B logistics and cold-chain capabilities. Comparable to F-LINE in last-mile delivery operations and B2B logistics with significantly larger customer base.
• Senko Group Holdings: Major Japanese logistics group with warehousing, distribution, and international forwarding operations. Overlaps with F-LINE in contract logistics and 3PL, but operates across multiple industries including chemicals and consumer goods rather than specializing in food.
• Seino Holdings: Japanese trucking and logistics group with strong LTL network across Japan. Comparable to F-LINE in domestic trucking operations and B2B logistics services but with less focus on food-specific cold-chain operations.
• LOGISTEED (Hitachi Transport System): One of Japan's largest 3PL providers with global operations across multiple industries. Comparable to F-LINE in 3PL scale and customer base breadth, though with much larger international footprint and no specific food cold-chain specialization.
• Mitsubishi Logistics: Japanese warehousing and real estate logistics company with significant harbor logistics and warehouse operations. Comparable to F-LINE in large-scale warehousing operations but with broader industry focus and publicly listed parent.

Direct peers

• Konoike Transport: Japanese logistics company with strong food, pharmaceutical, and chemical cold-chain specialties including dedicated warehouses and reefer transport. Closest direct comparable to F-LINE in dedicated industry-specific cold-chain 3PL operations in Japan.
• Nichirei Logistics Group: Subsidiary of Nichirei Corporation specializing in temperature-controlled logistics, particularly frozen food storage and distribution. Direct peer in food cold-chain warehousing and transport with significant nationwide footprint.
• Marubeni Logistics: Subsidiary of Marubeni Corporation providing domestic and international logistics including warehousing, transport, and customs clearance. Comparable to F-LINE in dedicated food industry logistics services with strong bulk transport capability.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat6 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights8 records

Customer concentration

Compliance4 records

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles8 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 F-LINE