France’s CMA CGM, the world’s third-largest container line, has implemented an industry-first early container return incentive programme at the FMS terminal in Los Angeles and all CMA CGM return locations in Chicago, Dallas, Kansas City and Memphis.
Splash247.com reported that the programme, which has been designed to improve what the company describes as “supply chain fluidity”, will begin on Monday May 16 and continue until July 15.
“CMA CGM’s new 60-day incentive programme is projected to result in approximately 43 000 dry containers being put back into circulation within four days of pickup. Clients will get a $300 credit per dry container returned to eligible locations during calendar days one to four. After that a calculation of incentive credits will be carried out on a weekly basis with a credit memo issued every 14 days to each applicable importer,” the publication reported.
Ed Aldridge, president of CMA CGM and APL North America, said that the company was committed to doing everything possible to increase the fluidity and velocity of America’s supply chain.
“Our new programme will result in an incentive credit for our importers, improve equipment availability for our exporters, and expedite the flow of goods into and out of America’s heartland. It’s truly a win-win for everyone,” he said.
The shipping industry has experienced a huge spike in demand, leading to severe congestion across North America’s supply chain. Exporters have been especially hard hit by the challenges as the shortage of equipment has made it more difficult to transport goods to market in a timely manner. Washington politicians have also now attempted to pass laws to ensure the country’s exports are able to get to their global destinations more swiftly.
