Sagawa Global tracking

What is Sagawa Global?

Sagawa Global is the international and global logistics identity of Japan's SG Holdings Group, a conglomerate operating across parcel delivery, warehousing, freight forwarding, real estate, and support services. The group's central delivery subsidiary, Sagawa Express Co., Ltd., is Japan's second-largest parcel carrier by volume, and together with Yamato Transport accounts for approximately 60% of Japan's total parcel delivery market. The international freight forwarding arm is operated by SGH Global Japan Co., Ltd., while domestic third-party logistics and warehousing are handled by Sagawa Global Logistics Co., Ltd. The group processes over 1.3 billion packages annually, placing it among the largest logistics conglomerates in Asia.

The history of Sagawa dates to 1957, when Kiyoshi Sagawa founded a courier service in Kyoto, initially running deliveries between Kyoto and Osaka. The business was formally incorporated on November 24, 1965, as Sagawa Express Co., Ltd. The international arm traces its origins to September 1980, when Sagawa Aviation Corporation was established in Tokyo and obtained approvals as an air cargo agent for Japan Airlines and ANA. By 1984, the group held an NVOCC license for consolidated cargo, and by 1985 a dedicated courier division was in operation. A series of mergers between 2001 and 2002 then united multiple regional distribution entities into a single national network.

A major structural transformation followed in subsequent years. In 2005, the combined logistics entity was renamed Sagawa Global Express Co., Ltd., and in 2006 it was renamed again to Sagawa Global Logistics Co., Ltd. after merging with the group's customs brokerage division. Also in 2006, SG Holdings Co., Ltd. was established as the group's pure holding company, separating management across its diverse business lines. In 2013, the international freight forwarding operations were spun off as SGH Global Japan Co., Ltd. SG Holdings listed on the Tokyo Stock Exchange First Section on December 13, 2017, under ticker code 9143, completing the group's transition into a publicly traded conglomerate.

• Founded: 1957 by Kiyoshi Sagawa in Kyoto; formally incorporated as Sagawa Express Co., Ltd. on November 24, 1965
• International arm origins: September 1980, with the establishment of Sagawa Aviation Corporation as an air cargo agent in Tokyo
• Headquarters: Sagawa Express in Minami-ku, Kyoto; SGH Global Japan in Koto-ku, Tokyo; Sagawa Global Logistics in Shinagawa Ward, Tokyo
• Parent company: SG Holdings Co., Ltd., listed on the Tokyo Stock Exchange First Section under ticker code 9143 since December 13, 2017
• Annual volume: Over 1.3 billion packages handled annually across the group (FY2024)
• Japan network: Over 1,600 locations across all 47 prefectures, including branch offices, sales offices, sorting centers, and logistics bases
• Domestic market position: Second-largest parcel carrier in Japan by volume
• International reach: Freight forwarding spanning approximately 30 countries and regions via SGH Global Japan; door-to-door express delivery to 220 countries and regions via Hikyaku Global Express

The name "Hikyaku", 飛脚, used across the group's branded service lines, is a historical reference to Japan's feudal-era foot messengers, chosen to represent speed and reliability. The group positions itself not as a pure courier but as a full-service logistics provider with capabilities spanning third-party logistics, customs brokerage, cold chain transport, specialized garment handling, and events logistics. This breadth of service distinguishes Sagawa Global from more narrowly defined express carriers and gives it a strong presence in business-to-business logistics across Japan and connected Asian markets.

Which countries does Sagawa Global deliver to?

Within Japan, Sagawa Express operates one of the country's most complete domestic delivery networks, with over 1,600 locations spread across all 47 prefectures. This infrastructure includes branch offices, sales offices, and sorting centers known as Sagawa Regional Centers, or SRCs. Sagawa Global Logistics Co., Ltd. alone operates approximately 100 logistics bases across Japan, forming the warehousing and distribution backbone for the group's domestic third-party logistics services. Coverage extends from major urban centers such as Tokyo, Osaka, Nagoya, and Fukuoka through to rural areas and remote island prefectures, including Okinawa, which is served specifically via the Hikyaku Air Express air transport service.

Internationally, SGH Global Japan's freight forwarding service covers approximately 30 countries and regions across Asia, Europe, North America, and Africa, with offices and partners maintained in Shanghai, Shenzhen, Hong Kong, Taiwan, Vietnam, Thailand Singapore, and the United States. The broadest international reach is provided through the Hikyaku Global Express courier service, which delivers door-to-door to 220 countries and regions. A more economical alternative, the Hikyaku Global Post Express service, covers over 120 countries and regions by routing shipments through the EMS Express Mail Service postal network, with Sagawa Express acting as the originating sender and Japan Post's partner networks handling final-mile distribution in destination countries.

• Japan (domestic): Complete coverage of all 47 prefectures, from major cities such as Tokyo, Osaka, and Sapporo to rural areas and island prefectures including Okinawa
• Asia: China (Shanghai, Shenzhen), Hong Kong, Taiwan, Singapore, Vietnam, Thailand and other regional markets served by SGH Global Japan's freight forwarding network
• North America: United States served by SG SAGAWA USA from hubs in Los Angeles and New Jersey, with additional reach into Atlanta, Chicago, Houston, Miami, Charleston, and Savannah
• Global express coverage: 220 countries and regions door-to-door via Hikyaku Global Express; individual delivery to Russia and Brazil is not offered under this service
• EMS postal coverage: Over 120 countries and regions via the Hikyaku Global Post Express economy service
• Ocean freight destinations: 20 destinations across China, Asia, and North America via LCL consolidation, departing from Tokyo (Yokohama) and Osaka ports

For the Hikyaku Global Post Express service, the delivery mechanism follows the international postal cooperation model. Sagawa deposits the shipment into Japan Post's EMS network, and from that point the destination country's postal operator handles final distribution. A parcel sent to the United States is distributed by USPS upon arrival, one destined for Germany is passed to Deutsche Post, and one for the United Kingdom is handled by Royal Mail. This means that after departure from Japan, tracking updates and delivery practices are governed by the rules and systems of the destination country's postal service.

Sagawa's North American subsidiary, SG SAGAWA USA, operates primarily from a logistics hub in Rancho Dominguez, California, in the Los Angeles area, with a secondary branch in Englewood, New Jersey. Through a partnership with the Expolanka USA network, the North American operation reaches 11 or more locations across major US trade gateways. Cold chain logistics services launched in Vietnam in 2025, connecting Ho Chi Minh City and Hanoi via Da Nang, are part of a broader strategy to extend the group's presence across Southeast Asian markets, with additional ASEAN destinations planned for subsequent phases.

What are the Sagawa Global services and delivery times?

Sagawa Express offers a range of domestic parcel services in Japan built around the core Hikyaku Express product, which accepts packages up to 140 cm in total dimensions and 30 kg in weight. Standard delivery under Hikyaku Express takes 1 to 3 business days depending on the distance between origin and destination within Japan. For temperature-sensitive shipments, Hikyaku Cool Express transports chilled cargo at 2°C to 10°C and frozen cargo at -18°C or lower, using the same weight and size constraints as the standard service. This option is widely used by food producers, grocery retailers, and pharmaceutical distributors.

The premium domestic air option, Hikyaku Air Express, uses air transport to guarantee next-day delivery across the entirety of Japan, including Okinawa and other remote island locations, and accepts packages up to 160 cm in total dimensions and 30 kg. An Oversized Courier service handles items between 160 cm and 260 cm in total dimensions and up to 50 kg, used for furniture, bulky consumer goods, and industrial items. Same-day delivery is available in urban areas for packages collected in the morning. A Hanger Transportation service, available since 1984, allows garments to be transported on hangers without packaging, reducing handling damage and pressing costs at destination, a solution developed specifically for the apparel industry.

For international shipments, Hikyaku Global Express provides door-to-door delivery to 220 countries and regions, with general transit times of approximately 3 to 7 business days for most major markets, though exact timelines vary by destination, local customs clearance duration, and final-mile delivery arrangements. Pricing is divided into eight delivery regions and is based on the greater of actual weight or volumetric weight following the IATA standard. A fuel surcharge, increased to 18% effective October 1, 2024, applies to this service. The Hikyaku Global Post Express economy service covers over 120 countries and typically delivers within 3 to 10 business days per Japan Post's EMS schedule for most major markets.

For ocean freight via SGH Global Japan's LCL service, transit times range from approximately 2 to 6 weeks depending on the destination, following standard ocean freight schedules. The X Frontier platform supports cross-border e-commerce by handling product storage, order fulfillment, and Amazon FBA delivery, with particular strength in Asian markets. For shipments between the United States and Japan via SG SAGAWA USA, the air leg from Los Angeles to Tokyo Narita takes less than one day, with full door-to-door transit of approximately 3 to 6 days once domestic customs clearance and final delivery are included.

• Hikyaku Express: Standard domestic parcel service in Japan, 1 to 3 business days, packages up to 140 cm total dimensions and 30 kg
• Hikyaku Cool Express: Temperature-controlled domestic service, chilled at 2°C to 10°C or frozen at -18°C or lower, same size and weight limits as standard Hikyaku Express
• Hikyaku Air Express: Next-day air delivery across all of Japan including Okinawa, packages up to 160 cm total dimensions and 30 kg
• Oversized Courier: Domestic service for packages 160 to 260 cm in total dimensions and up to 50 kg
• Same-day delivery: Available in urban areas in Japan for qualifying morning pickups
• Hanger Transportation: Garments transported on hangers without packaging, designed for the apparel industry, available since 1984
• Hikyaku Global Express: Door-to-door international express to 220 countries and regions, typically 3 to 7 business days for major markets
• Hikyaku Global Post Express: Economy international service via EMS network to 120+ countries, typically 3 to 10 business days
• Air freight forwarding: International air cargo via SGH Global Japan as a licensed IATA freight forwarder, with door-to-airport and door-to-door options
• Ocean LCL: Less-than-container-load consolidation to 20 destinations across China, Asia, and North America, transit approximately 2 to 6 weeks
• Smart Import: Full import management at the Japanese port of entry, covering customs clearance, inspection, sorting, and labeling for importers
• X Frontier e-commerce logistics: Cross-border e-commerce platform with fulfillment, storage, and Amazon FBA delivery support, focused on Asian markets

What are the Sagawa Global rates and maximum dimensions accepted?

For domestic Sagawa Express shipments, rates are calculated based on a combination of package size and the shipping zone between origin and destination within Japan. Size is measured as the total of length, width, and height in centimeters, and weight is a secondary factor. The standard Hikyaku Express service accepts packages up to 140 cm in total dimensions and up to 30 kg. Hikyaku Air Express accepts up to 160 cm and up to 30 kg. Oversized packages between 160 cm and 260 cm in total dimensions and up to 50 kg are handled through the Oversized Courier service at higher rates.

For international Hikyaku Global Express shipments, pricing is organized into eight delivery regions, and charges are based on whichever is greater between actual weight and volumetric weight. Volumetric weight follows the IATA standard of one kilogram per 5,000 cubic centimeters. Weight increments are 0.5 kg for shipments up to 30 kg, then 1 kg increments above that threshold. The maximum per-package weight is 50 kg and the maximum total dimension is 260 cm. Multi-package shipments can combine to a total of 3,000 kg. A fuel surcharge of 18% applies as of October 1, 2024, and marine freight insurance is available as an optional add-on.

For SGH Global Japan's ocean LCL service, rates are calculated in Revenue Tons, representing whichever is greater between volume in cubic meters and weight in metric tons. The minimum per shipment is 0.5 Revenue Tons and the maximum is 10.0 Revenue Tons. Per-package limits are 2 metric tons in weight and 225 cm H by 230 cm W by 230 cm L. The base rate includes export customs clearance for up to three HS commodity codes, loading port charges, and ocean freight. Pickup, packing, customs inspection, destination port charges, and quarantine fees are not included. Free storage at the origin warehouse is provided for 14 days, after which demurrage charges apply.

• Hikyaku Express limits: Maximum 140 cm total dimensions (length + width + height); maximum 30 kg
• Hikyaku Air Express limits: Maximum 160 cm total dimensions; maximum 30 kg
• Oversized Courier limits: 160 to 260 cm total dimensions; maximum 50 kg
• Hikyaku Global Express per-package limits: Maximum 50 kg; maximum 260 cm total dimensions; multi-package shipment maximum 3,000 kg combined
• Hikyaku Global Express fuel surcharge: 18% as of October 1, 2024
• Volumetric weight calculation: IATA standard at 1 kg per 5,000 cm³; whichever is greater between actual and volumetric weight is used for billing
• Ocean LCL shipment range: Minimum 0.5 Revenue Tons; maximum 10.0 Revenue Tons per shipment
• Ocean LCL per-package limits: Maximum 2 metric tons in weight; maximum 225 cm (H) by 230 cm (W) by 230 cm (L)
• Ocean LCL free storage: 14 days at origin warehouse included; demurrage charges apply beyond this period
• SG SAGAWA USA express limits: Maximum 50 kg per package; maximum 260 cm total dimensions

What are the Sagawa Global delivery options?

Home delivery is the primary method for all Sagawa Express domestic parcel services. For corporate customers, deliveries can be directed to business addresses during business hours. Recipients in Japan can select from seven delivery time windows, ranging from an 8 AM to 12 PM morning slot through multiple afternoon and evening windows ending at a 7 PM to 9 PM final slot. This time window selection can be made at the time of initial booking or when rescheduling after a missed delivery, and is accessible online, by phone, or through Sagawa's mobile application.

When a recipient is absent at the time of a delivery attempt, Sagawa's standard procedure is to leave a delivery notification slip, known in Japanese as a fuzai-hyo, at the address. The recipient uses this slip to arrange redelivery through the online portal, by phone, or via the app, selecting a preferred date and one of the available time windows. Packages are held at the local branch for a limited period before being returned to the sender if no redelivery arrangement is made within that window.

Corporate senders manage shipments through the Sagawa e-Hiden web-based system, which handles electronic label creation and integrates with major Japanese e-commerce platforms through third-party middleware. Individual customers can create labels at convenience stores or Sagawa branch offices. Cash-on-delivery is available through the e-Collect service for corporate account holders, and monthly invoiced billing is available for standard corporate accounts, eliminating per-shipment cash transactions. For international Hikyaku Global Express shipments, door-to-door delivery is standard. For Hikyaku Global Post Express, final-mile handling after arrival in the destination country follows that country's postal operator procedures.

• Delivery time windows in Japan: Seven slots from 8 AM to 12 PM through to 7 PM to 9 PM, selectable online, by phone, or via the Sagawa mobile app
• Missed delivery: Notification slip left at address; redelivery arranged online, by phone, or via the app with choice of date and time window
• Corporate label management: Handled through the Sagawa e-Hiden web-based system with e-commerce platform integration
• Individual label creation: Available at convenience stores and Sagawa branch offices throughout Japan
• Cash on delivery: Available through the e-Collect service for corporate account holders under a contracted arrangement
• Monthly billing: Available for corporate accounts, replacing per-shipment cash transactions
• Domestic compensation limit: Up to approximately $2,000 per package under standard Hikyaku Express
• International economy compensation: Up to approximately $130 per package base coverage for Hikyaku Global Post Express, with enhanced coverage available through value declaration at time of shipping

What should I do if my Sagawa Global parcel is lost or damaged?

For lost or damaged domestic shipments under the standard Hikyaku Express service, the maximum compensation is approximately $2,000 per package. To open a claim, the customer should contact Sagawa Express customer service with the tracking number, evidence of the declared value, and a description of the loss or damage. Corporate customers have access to account managers through the Smart Club for Business portal, which serves as the primary channel for business account inquiries and escalated claims. Raising a claim promptly is important, as tracking records are retained for only 60 days from the day after the shipment date.

For international shipments via Hikyaku Global Post Express, the base compensation limit is approximately $130 per package. Customers who declared a higher value at the time of shipping may be eligible for expanded coverage up to that declared amount. For Hikyaku Global Express shipments, compensation terms are governed by the applicable international transport conventions and the specific service contract. Marine freight insurance is available as an optional add-on for Hikyaku Global Express customers and is recommended for higher-value shipments where standard liability limits would not cover a full replacement. Accurate value declaration at the time of shipping is the key condition for full compensation eligibility across all service types.

• Domestic compensation limit: Up to approximately $2,000 per package under standard Hikyaku Express
• Hikyaku Global Post Express compensation: Approximately $130 per package as base coverage, with expanded coverage available through value declaration at time of shipping
• International freight insurance: Marine freight insurance available as an optional add-on for Hikyaku Global Express shipments
• Tracking record retention: 60 days from the day after the shipping date; claims should be filed before this window closes
• SGH Global Japan support hours: Phone inquiry line available Monday through Friday, 9 AM to 6 PM Japan Standard Time
• Value declaration: Accurate declaration at time of shipping is required to establish full compensation eligibility for all service types

Does Sagawa Global handle international shipments and customs formalities?

SGH Global Japan holds full customs brokerage licenses and provides both import and export customs clearance as a core part of its freight forwarding offer. This capability was formalized in 2006, when the international logistics arm merged with the group's customs brokerage division, giving the entity the ability to manage shipments from origin through customs processing into the destination country. Customs clearance is available both as a standalone service for customers who only require border handling and as part of integrated logistics solutions such as Smart Import for those requiring full supply chain management.

For Hikyaku Global Express international courier shipments, customs handling fees are included in the standard service price. Import duties and taxes in the destination country are the responsibility of the recipient under a DDU, Delivered Duty Unpaid, arrangement, unless separate terms have been agreed with the shipper. The service covers 220 countries and regions but does not offer individual delivery to Russia or Brazil. Each shipment is subject to the import regulations of the destination country, and shippers are responsible for verifying that their goods comply with local requirements.

For Hikyaku Global Post Express shipments, customs procedures and duty assessments follow Japan Post's EMS regulations and the rules of each destination country, with weight and dimension limits varying by market. As examples from available data, the United States accepts packages up to 30 kg with a maximum combined dimension of 1.5 m by 2.75 m, Australia accepts up to 20 kg at 1.05 m by 3 m, China accepts up to 30 kg at 1.8 m by 3 m, and the Philippines accepts up to 20 kg at 1.5 m by 3 m.

The Smart Import service is designed for companies bringing goods into Japan and involves SGH Global Japan managing the full customs clearance process at the Japanese port of entry, including inspection, sorting, labeling, and documentation, which removes the need for a separate domestic distribution step after customs. For ocean LCL shipments, the base rate includes export customs clearance for up to three HS commodity codes, with customs inspection fees billed separately if triggered. For cosmetics imports into Japan, the group's Cosmetics Import Agency applies specialized regulatory compliance procedures, drawing on manufacturing licenses the group obtained in 2009 and 2010.

• Customs brokerage license: Full import and export customs clearance offered by SGH Global Japan as a licensed broker since the 2006 merger with the group's customs division
• Hikyaku Global Express customs: Handling fees included in the standard price; import duties and taxes payable by the recipient (DDU) unless otherwise arranged
• Delivery exclusions: Individual delivery to Russia and Brazil is not available under Hikyaku Global Express
• Ocean LCL customs inclusion: Export clearance for up to three HS codes included in the base rate; customs inspection fees are additional if triggered
• Smart Import: Full customs clearance, inspection, sorting, and labeling managed at the Japanese port of entry for importers, eliminating a separate domestic distribution step
• Cosmetics imports: Specialized regulatory compliance for cosmetics entering Japan, supported by the group's own manufacturing licenses obtained in 2009 and 2010
• Ocean LCL prohibited cargo: Dangerous goods, refrigerated or frozen cargo, fresh perishable goods, non-stackable cargo, and steel coils are not accepted

Understanding tracking statuses

When tracking a Sagawa shipment online, different status messages appear at each key stage of the parcel's journey, from the first label creation through to final delivery at the recipient's address. Sagawa Express uses a 12-digit all-numeric tracking number for both domestic and international shipments. On physical labels, the number may be printed with hyphens for readability, but hyphens should be removed when entering the number into the online tracking portal. Tracking records are retained for 60 days from the day after the shipment date, after which the information may no longer be retrievable. Third-party platforms including Synctrack all support Sagawa tracking numbers.

For shipments sent via Hikyaku Global Post Express, tracking updates change character once the parcel is handed to Japan Post's EMS network. From that point onward, updates are generated by the destination country's postal operator and may use different status terminology depending on the local system. The statuses listed below reflect those documented in Sagawa's own tracking system and in data compiled by third-party aggregators familiar with the carrier's outputs.