The new service complements the APL Logistics Less than Container Load (LCL) day-definite product, OceanGuaranteed, introduced in August 2006. APL Logistics president Brian Lutt, says, "From the moment we introduced day-definite LCL service, customers told us they wanted it for their full container shipments. This meets their need for expedited, reliable transportation from a single provider at a time when supply chains are growing longer and more complex."
According to APL, its OceanGuaranteed service has hit a 99% on-time record over the past year. The provider expects the FCL service will provide similar performance.
The new service is named APL Guaranteed Continental. It connects the Ports of Shanghai, Hong Kong, Chiwan and Yantian with any US ZIP code, says the carrier. If APL misses delivery of the cargo on the promised date, the shipper will receive a 20% refund.
APL explains that Guaranteed Continental cargo is placed in priority stowage aboard ship in Asia and is among the first off-loaded when the vessel reaches either Los Angeles or Seattle. Cargo for one of 13 specific US metropolitan areas is loaded on long-haul chassis that have been specially designed for the freight movement. The areas are Atlanta, Austin, Boston, North and South Carolina, Chicago, Dallas, Houston, Memphis, Michigan, Nashville, New York/New Jersey (and parts of Connecticut, Delaware and Pennsylvania), the Ohio Valley and Reno.
Freight moving to other US destinations is placed on domestic highway trailers and moves by team drivers to final destination. APL Logistics promotes its shipment visibility from port-to-door, including en-route updates from the motor carriers. Shippers pay just one invoice.
