Freight company TNT announced in a statement today it had launched a new $6 million depot in East Arm, signalling its expanding international business and ongoing commitment to the Darwin region.

The depot was officially opened by Mr Damian Hale MP, federal member for the electorate of Solomon, at a ceremony for TNT staff and customers. It is part of TNT's two-year $100 million investment in customer-focused infrastructure across the country, aimed at enhancing domestic and international parcel and freight delivery.

This purpose-built facility provides road freight, priority, specialised, Sameday and domestic air services to the Northern Territory and, due to its proximity to South East Asia, is pivotal to the growth of TNT's international service, the company said.

"Darwin is closer to the Indonesian capital of Jakarta than it is to Canberra and it is about the same flying time from Singapore and Manila as it is from Sydney and Melbourne," said TNT regional director Wally Bell.

"TNT has 25 years of international freighting experience, and via Darwin we are growing and expanding our global network.

"TNT Australia runs regular air freight to East Timor and overnight services to the UK via nightly connections into Singapore.

"And just last year, a brand new TNT-liveried Boeing 747 freighter touched down at Darwin airport loaded with cargo in an exclusive charter for the mining industry of North Western Australia," said Mr Bell.

"TNT is one of the few express freight delivery companies with the capabilities to service customers in the remote mining regions, and the Darwin depot is vital for facilitating future growth and major projects, such as the INPEX gas project.

"Importantly, TNT's investment in this new facility demonstrates our commitment to the region, and our expanding business allows us to continue to support local infrastructure, economy and employment," said Mr Bell.

TNT's integrated delivery network provides services to many Northern Territory businesses, government agencies and the Australian Defence Forces. The new depot consolidates the operations of TNT's two previous depots in Marrara and Winnellie, and is located in the new Darwin Business Park industrial area just south of Darwin.

In conjunction with the opening of the depot, TNT Managing Director Bob Black also announced the company's internal campaign to improve safety awareness amongst drivers, reduce CO2 emissions and enhance customer service.

"The national Drive Me competition will cement these core business values throughout our PUD fleet, and the winner will represent Australia at the TNT global challenge in Amsterdam," said Mr Black.

The new Darwin depot is located at 61 O'Sullivan Circuit, East Arm.