Alternative routings from US help cut costs

Bringing in containers from the USA has become more cost-effective thanks to United Maritime Logistics (UML) being able to offer alternative indirect/ transhipment routings from the USA, according to Claude Nuttall and Corinne French, directors of UML. “While these routings do result in a slightly longer transit time, they are economical in terms of rate,” said Nuttall. Cargo originating out of the West Coast of the USA is routed via the Far East and cargo shipping out of the East Coast is shipped via the Northwest Continent or South America depending on which SSL the customer prefers. These services are available to all destination ports, said French. “These cost-effective options are usually provided to customers purely as an alternative to the direct services we offer with all the major carriers from the USA.” According to French, a pressing issue out of the USA at the moment is the SSL approval of hazardous documentation. “It is of vital importance that hazardous documentation is completely correct and submitted on time to avoid shipments from rolling,” she said. “This is exactly where UML’s USA agent DCL/Vanguard Logistics Service’s dedicated hazardous department is able to assist and help with the successful shipment of hazardous cargo.” The company is also making inroads in the project cargo arena. According to Nuttall, DCL/Vanguard hosted a stand at the Breakbulk American Events exhibition in Houston, Texas, in October where they were able to showcase their expertise and share some of the recent projects they have undertaken such as the brewery they moved from Los Angeles to Port Kemble in Australia and the massive absorption towers moved from Singapore to Fremantle. “In support of our USA agent’s efforts, we have placed a lot of focus on project cargo (breakbulk and ro-ro) locally. Our volumes have increased in this market,” said Nuttall. DCL/Vanguard has also implemented a dedicated airfreight service from North America to South Africa. “There are three main offices in New York, Chicago and Miami with additional offices to be added in coming months,” he said. “This airfreight service complements the ocean freight service we already offer our customers.” CAPTION 1 Claude Nuttall ... dedicated airfreight service. CAPTION 2 Corinne French … big focus on project cargo.