#USA #Houston #Crowley #Port Houston #Gulf-Central America

New Shipping Service by Crowley Connects Central America to the Gulf Coast

In an exciting development for businesses engaged in trade across the Americas, Crowley, a global leader in logistics and maritime solutions, has unveiled its Gulf-Central America Express Service. This new weekly shipping service establishes a direct connection between the Port of Houston and key ports in Central America—namely Santo Tomás de Castilla in Guatemala and Puerto Cortés in Honduras. With the service’s inaugural departure scheduled for September 10, 2026, Crowley aims to streamline the transportation of a diverse range of goods including fresh produce, apparel, and consumer staples.

Enhancing Supply Chain Efficiency

The Gulf-Central America Express Service is designed to provide efficient transport solutions for various sectors including apparel manufacturing, agricultural products, and retail commerce. The service accommodates both refrigerated and dry cargo, with container sizes that include 53-foot models for optimized intermodal efficiency. By connecting the Gulf Coast of the United States directly with Central American markets, Crowley is poised to significantly improve transit times for shippers, allowing quicker delivery of perishable goods.

Crowley’s integrated logistics services, which encompass maritime, storage, and ground transportation, are tailored to minimize transfer points within the supply chain. This direct connection is expected to empower logistics managers with enhanced visibility throughout the shipping process, ultimately offering greater control over inventory management and delivery timelines.

Economic Impacts and Market Growth

The need for efficient freight solutions has never been more critical. Recent statistics indicate that Central American exports to the United States experienced a 15.7% year-over-year growth early in 2026. This surge in demand, particularly for fresh products, underscores the vital role that efficient shipping services play in today’s economic landscape. Claudia Kattan, Crowley’s vice president for Central America, Mexico, and Panama, articulates the importance of this service: “A direct line to Houston provides a reliable logistical solution for supply chains between the U.S. and Central America. Carriers benefit from shorter transit times and improved inventory planning, essential for perishable and fast-moving consumer goods.”

The Role of Port Houston

The Port of Houston is among the top five container ports in the United States and is recognized as the fastest-growing. Handling approximately 75% of the container volume on the U.S. Gulf Coast, this port is a significant gateway for Central American products into the U.S. market. The expansive infrastructure of the port, along with its connectivity to Texas and the broader American Midwest and West Coast, offers Central American exporters vital access to lucrative U.S. markets.

John Moseley, the commercial director of the Port of Houston, proudly noted, “We welcome Crowley’s Gulf-Central America Express Service, which provides carriers with a direct and reliable link to Houston and two significant distribution centers in Central America.” This weekly service not only enhances transportation options but promises to foster trade relationships and support the flow of goods essential for daily consumer needs.

A Broader Impact

The implications of this service extend beyond mere logistics; it represents an avenue through which fresh food and consumer products can reach stores and homes in Texas and beyond without unnecessary delays. Charlie Jenkins, the executive director of the Port of Houston, highlighted this broader significance, stating, “This service creates more accessible pathways for essential goods, bridging the gaps between Central American suppliers and American consumers.”

Crowley’s establishment of this service builds upon over 65 years of presence in the Caribbean and Central America, showing a commitment to developing a cohesive and responsive logistics network. By combining sea transportation with integrated ground services, the company enables businesses to minimize transfer points and enhance supply chain visibility—a crucial advantage for retailers managing product life cycles and inventory.

The new container ships employed by Crowley are specifically engineered to meet the evolving demands of customers, offering space for dry, refrigerated, and project cargo. As businesses look to bolster their supply chains in a dynamic market, Crowley’s services could prove beneficial for achieving operational efficiency.

For more insights about Crowley’s operations and this latest shipping service, visit crowley.com/logistics.

About Crowley

Crowley is a U.S. privately-held corporation with over 130 years of experience providing maritime, energy, and logistics solutions. With a presence in 36 countries and territories, Crowley remains a leader in innovative transportation solutions for various sectors. Learn more by visiting www.crowley.com.