LTL carrier Con-way Freight has partnered with APL Logistics to provide a “port-to-door” expedited day-definite service from China called OceanGuaranteed. According to the companies, the service responds to shippers’ demands for a premium ocean less-than-container load (LCL) and domestic LTL service that offers faster transit times and day-definite service that’s cheaper than airfreight.
Specifically, the service handles shipments originating from the Chinese cities of Hong Kong, Shanghai and Shenzhen to all continental U.S. destinations served by Con-way Freight. The shipments will enter the U.S. through the Port of Los Angeles.
Customers would receive a 20% discount if shipments arrive later than the scheduled delivery day.
“By combining two of the most reliable transportation service organizations in the world, we are also able to deliver top-class performance in a package that represents a great value alternative to international airfreight,” said APL Logistics president Brian Lutt.
“[Our customers] are managing longer supply chains and more import volumes, yet they still remain under pressure to accelerate product through their domestic distribution networks as rapidly and cost efficiently as possible. Combining our network with APL Logistics creates a new service that directly addresses this critical requirement.”
C-TPAT (a Customs pre-clearance program for shippers) certified customers would have their shipments segregated onto C-TPAT-only containers to ensure these shipments clears Customs as quickly as possible.
“Generally, as the trucking industry gets its peak season in August and September and capacity is a problem, [OceanGuaranteed] becomes an advantage,” Gary Frantz, Con-way director of corporate communications told FleetOwner. “It gets shipments guaranteed not only from a time standpoint but also from a capacity standpoint. If you’re using this service, your shipments won’t get rolled. Under the partnership, APL is providing a capacity and space availability guarantee.”
“APL owns a port terminal in Los Angeles so they control ingress and egress in that facility. We would also send Con-way trucks into the terminal to provide dedicated power equipment into the terminal that gets express access because of the partnership.”
Con-way Freight and APL have also integrated their information systems to give customers visibility throughout the supply chain via either of the company’s websites.
“[The new service is] an example of [Con-way] extending its freight commitment and performance domestically to the international level,” Satish Jindel, president of S.J. Consulting told FleetOwner. “Now they’re going to extend it across the ocean.
“This is an example of a trucking company saying it will manage the individual components of the supply chain to provide faster transit time and high performance levels. It’ll be a matter of time before others will guarantee their transit times from China.”
The companies will begin booking the service on Sept. 5.
