Shipco Transport, a Hoboken, N.J.-based non-vessel-operating common carrier, has started a guaranteed, expedited less-than-containerload import service into the United States. At first, the company will offer the service, called "Fast Track," from 15 origins throughout Asia into the port of Los Angeles, with plans for further expansion within the next six months. The service is currently offered from the Asian origins of Shanghai, Shenzhen, Dalian, Qingdao, Xiamen, Hong Kong, Busan, Yokohama, Kobe, Tokyo, Singapore, Port Kelang, Penang, Manila and Bangkok. Fast Track will "provide priority handling on designated cargo to ensure that time-sensitive cargo moves with optimum transit times from port of origin to door at destination," Shipco said in a statement. The company added that the transit times will be guaranteed and "failure on Shipco's part to meet a pre-designated transit time will result in a percentage refund of the total amount billed for any shipment moving on the Fast Track program." Shipco's customers will receive extended late gates at origin and priority handling at the port of Los Angeles, the company said. Tracking visibility of Fast Track cargo from origin to door delivery will be monitored through Shipco's Web site. "Pricing will be a combination of ocean freight (plus relevant assessorials) and inland rates based on a seven-zone scale within the U.S.," the company said. "Customers will be quoted and subsequently billed on an 'all-in' basis for both elements -- one rate, one invoice." |