NYK's $400-million logistics business. (Nippon Yusen KK)

It started out as service to Japanese manufacturers.

When third-party logistics providers are listed, the rosters usually are dominated by companies from Europe or North America. But Asian companies also in on the act.

Nippon Yusen Kaisha, the big Japanese shipping company, has quietly established a logistics operation that in 11 years has grown into an operation with about $400 million in annual revenue.

NYK's logistics operation is part of the company's Multi-Modal Transport Division. One arm of the division is involved in ocean terminals and stevedoring. The logistics unit handles warehousing, distribution, customs clearance, documentation and other logistics …