Global logistics: CEVA rolls out new LCL service

Global third-party logistics (3PL) services provider CEVA Logistics recently announced it is ramping up its less-than-container-load (LCL) service offerings, with the addition of a new service from Hamburg to New York.

Company officials said that this is the first of several LCL offerings the company will offer shippers through the remainder of 2011, explaining that these offerings provide faster cargo availability and a lower risk of U.S. custom holds and other related expenses.

“Our motivation has been focused on having more control over the cargo,” said Greg Scott, Global LCL Director for CEVA. “One of CEVA’s key global initiatives is Ocean so we’ve been able to dedicate service support internally and in turn support direct consolidations.”

The importance of ocean services has always been evident, and it became one of the company’s top strategic initiatives earlier this year, according to Scott.

When asked what the biggest benefits of this new LCL service are for shippers, Scott cited more control over the cargo, decreased potential for customs holds, quicker availability of the cargo at its destination, and the use of the IPI network CEVA is working through. And he also said that the increased speed also allows for more efficient services to the rest of the U.S.

“Germany has historically been an incredibly competitive market but over the years we have built the volumes required to justify this direct service offering,” said Scott. “Our customers have supported the volumes and have enabled us to provide this direct offering.”