#USA #Houston #Crowley #Central America #Port Houston

Crowley Launches Weekly Shipping Service

Crowley, a leader in logistics and marine solutions, has recently announced the launch of a weekly Gulf-Central America Express Service. This new service will connect Port Houston in Texas with key ports in Santo Tomás de Castilla, Guatemala, and Puerto Cortés, Honduras. It aims to cater to various sectors, including apparel, produce, and retail, thus streamlining supply chains in the region.

The Gulf-Central America Express Service is designed to support both refrigerated and dry containerized cargo, and the first voyage is set to arrive in Houston on September 10. With this service, Crowley plans to enhance the transit experience, allowing for quicker deliveries and improving shipment visibility between the US Gulf and Central America.

According to Claudia Kattan, Vice President at Crowley for Central America, Mexico, and Panama, the service delivers a reliable and efficient logistics solution. It promises faster transit times, better inventory management, and the ability to move fresh produce and other time-sensitive goods without delays often caused by multiple transshipments. This is crucial, especially after the 15.7% year-over-year growth in Central American exports to the US, driven by the increasing demand for fresh produce.

Port Houston, one of the United States' top five container ports, holds about 75% of the U.S. Gulf container volume. The port's efficient connectivity allows for seamless access from Central America to major markets, including Texas and California, further supporting retailers who rely on timely product delivery. This service is not only beneficial for shippers but will also create a streamlined channel for everyday goods to reach American families.

John Moseley, Chief Commercial Officer for Port Houston, emphasized the significance of the new service. It provides shippers with a dependable link to Houston while also benefiting consumers with improved access to goods. Charlie Jenkins, CEO of Port Houston, noted that this augmented service will directly enhance how fresh produce and other essential goods are delivered throughout the region, demonstrating growth at Port Houston as an opportunity to improve interconnected supply chains.

Crowley’s expansion into this service is rooted in over 65 years of experience in Central America and the Caribbean, allowing them to leverage their integrated inland logistics network to enhance supply chain efficiency. By providing a holistic approach, Crowley simplifies logistics through streamlined operations that combine ocean transportation with warehousing and inland services. This operational model reduces handling times, increases visibility, and aids businesses in efficiently managing their product inventories and shelf life.

The vessels deployed in this service are specifically designed to meet diverse customer needs, with various container sizes available, including 53-foot containers that maximize intermodal efficiency in regional supply chains. Moreover, these boats can carry a wide spectrum of cargo, from fresh produce to industrial and consumer goods.

For companies looking to navigate the intricate logistics of shipping between the U.S. and Central America, Crowley's Gulf-Central America Express Service is set to revolutionize the flow of goods. It not only promotes regional trade but also strengthens economic ties between nations. By fostering a rich and efficient supply network, Crowley continues to assert its presence in the maritime industry while promoting economic growth and accessibility across borders.

To learn more about Crowley’s Gulf-Central America Express Service and its varied logistics solutions, visit crowley.com/logistics.