Upbeat Unishipping reflects rising US confidence

THE PAST three months have reflected a significant rise in business confidence, with the US route in particular emerging from the September 11 doldrums. That's the view of Alan Ainscow of Bolton Maritime, agents for US multi-purpose operator Unishipping, which has seen a significant improvement in liftings on its monthly service between Durban, Richards Bay Walvis Bay, Savannah, Tampa, Houston, New Orleans and Vera Cruz. "The US went to sleep for six months after September 11," says Ainscow, "and since we tend to ship a shopping basket of goods, our liftings were severely affected." But after Easter and into April the upturn began, and bookings have started to flow in, he said. The line is back to a monthly frequency and container business in particular has doubled. Bolton Maritime is also finding growing interest in its overland service within the US from the port of Savannah. Following a tie-up with port agents and freight forwarders Page International in Savannah, they can now offer port to door delivery to a range of destinations within the US. "Rates and transit times are very competitive, with an excellent flow of information at any point along the route. Page is perhaps the most proactive company I've come across in the United States," he said.