The Hindu Business Line : APL to add 53-ft boxes soon

APL is to soon take delivery of the world’s first ‘ocean-capable’ 53-ft boxes and the first batch of the units are to be deployed on South China-Los Angeles route, according to Eye for transport web news. This follows successful pilot tests with key US retailers. APL, it might be recalled, introduced the industry’s first 45-ft containers in 1980 and the 48-ft in 1986. In 1989 it introduced the domestic 53-ft box being widely used in domestic intermo dal transportation in the US. The importers — who now bring their consignments in 20-ft- and 40-ft and occasionally in 45-ft boxes — have the boxes destuffed at the US ports and then re-load the consignments into 53-ft boxes for on ward movement either by rail or road to final domestic destinations. The new reinforced 53-ft boxes will enable cargo to be transported from the factories in Asia straight to US inland destinations without trans-loading. The introduction of the 53-ft boxes in the world shipping, it is argued, will thus lead to economy, ease supply chain congestion and protect environment by cutting down on truck emissions.

OUR BUREAU

More Stories on : Supply Chain Management

Article E-Mail :: Comment :: Syndication :: Printer Friendly Page

Stories in this Section
Civil aviation takes flight in AP

Hyderabad’s new international airport: Starting the take-off run

No respite on tariffs for private terminal operators

Tuna fishing has bright prospects

Rise in indemnity claims

APL to add 53-ft boxes soon

Maersk plans new container depot