Interview with
Mr. Roy Zhu
Manager Of Business Development
First of all Roy, please tell our readers about the history and background of Shanghai Flowlink.
Shanghai Flowlink Supply Chain Management Co., Ltd. was formally established in 2016, through the strategic merger and integration of several logistics companies that specialized in special container, heavy-lift and project cargo transportation. Our headquarters is based in Shanghai, with a team of over 200 logistics professionals. We hold NVOCC (Non-Vessel Operating Common Carrier) qualifications and are members of international logistics networks including WCA and CIFA. From the beginning, our core focus has been on building a reliable, asset-backed logistics platform for project and heavy cargo, and we have grown to become a leading provider in this niche.
There are many freight forwarders in the Shanghai area and the competition is intense. What makes you stand out, and what advantages do you feel you have in the market?
I believe our biggest differentiator is our asset-backed, end-to-end capability, especially in the project and heavy-lift cargo sector. Unlike many forwarders who only act as intermediaries, we own and control key parts of the supply chain, including our own OOG warehouse for lashing/packing, a dedicated heavy-lift truck fleet, and a customs brokerage team. This allows us to have full control over quality, safety and lead times.
Our focus on specialized cargo—such as out-of-gauge (OOG) equipment, heavy machinery, and over-dimensional project shipments—also sets us apart. We handle complex door-to-door logistics for sectors like energy, engineering and construction, which requires deep expertise and a robust global network. Additionally, our team is known for providing rapid, tailored solutions, even for the most challenging shipments, which builds long-term trust with our clients.
What is your opinion of the customer service provided by the shipping lines nowadays? Some shipping lines ALSO have their own forwarding department competing with the freight forwarder. Is that the same in China?
Shipping lines have definitely improved their customer service in recent years, especially with digital booking tools and dedicated account managers for large clients. However, their core focus remains on managing vessel capacity and schedules, which means they often lack the flexibility and granular support required for complex, non-standard cargo.
Regarding shipping lines’ own forwarding arms, yes, this is also a trend we see in China. While they compete in the standard FCL/LCL market, they often cannot match the specialized knowledge and tailored services that independent forwarders like us provide for project and heavy-lift cargo. Our strength lies in our ability to navigate both the shipping line systems and the complex land-side logistics, providing a single point of contact for the entire journey.
Can you tell us about the branches you have got in China? Where are they located, and what is your headcount?
We have built a strong domestic network across major Chinese ports to support our clients. Our headquarters is in Shanghai, and we have branch offices in key locations including Shenzhen, Ningbo, Qingdao, Guangzhou, Xiamen and Changsha. This allows us to efficiently handle shipments from all major manufacturing and export hubs in China. Our total headcount across the group is approximately 200 people, with dedicated teams for operations, customer service, customs brokerage and business development at each location.
The global economy is a bit under pressure now. How is the market situation right now in China? How do you see the near future and the rest of 2026?
The market in China remains resilient, particularly in sectors like infrastructure, energy and construction, which continue to drive demand for heavy machinery and project exports. While general container volumes have faced some headwinds, we are seeing steady activity in our specialized niche.
Looking ahead to the rest of 2026, we expect demand for project and heavy-lift logistics to remain strong, driven by China’s continued exports of engineering equipment to markets in Southeast Asia, Africa, and the Middle East. We are also investing in expanding our capabilities for door-to-door services, including more support for multi-modal transport, to meet the evolving needs of our clients.
How is it best for our readers to get in touch with you, Roy?
Roy Zhu, Manager Of Business Development
A: 上海市虹口区吴淞路575号（吉汇大厦）1206-1207室
A: Rm 1206-07, Trinity Tower，No. 575 Wusong Rd， Hongkou District ShangHai
Branches: Shenzhen, Ningbo, Qingdao
E: roy@flowlinkscm.com
T: +86-21-31 35 3407
F: +86-21-31 35 3400
M: +86 13817986430
W: www.flowlinkscm.com