Maersk introduces new transpacific “value-added” service

Maersk Line is replicating its “absolute reliability” model in the Asia-EU trade lane for shippers in the Transpacfic.

In a move to buttress its Asia Pacific value-added service, the world’s largest ocean cargo carrier is partnering with BNSF Railway in North America to provide shippers with better planning, inventory management and cost savings.

The new Flagship import service direct from Asia, will serve five key markets in North America: Chicago, Dallas-Fort Worth, Houston, Memphis, and Northwest Ohio.

This model based on total transportation time and cargo arriving at a promised delivery date, every single time, effectively streamlines supply chains and improves time to market.

The announcement comes as Maersk and other carriers are trying to ensure that proposed general rate increases (GRIs) take hold. According to the Paris-based consultancy, Alphaliner, it’s going to be a tough sell.

“Previous attempts to raise rates saw significant rate mitigations within two weeks after the implementation of the announced GRI,” said Alphaliner’s
commercial director, Stephen Fletcher. “It remains to be seen whether carriers can maintain the rate hikes in the next few weeks.”

Maersk Line’s Flagship service offers five products: Chicago Flagship, Dallas Flagship, Houston Flagship, Memphis Flagship, and Northwest Ohio Flagship.  Each features dedicated, non-stop rail service that arrives at an agreed time, every time in each key market location.  Flagship trains bypass connecting points along the route allowing for unmatched service velocity.   By ensuring on-time delivery, Maersk Line becomes an extension of a customer’s production line to increase supply chain efficiencies, improve inventory management, and help move products to market as planned.

Flagship service has been made possible in part due to investments made by Maersk Line and BNSF over the last several years.  These investments have allowed for BNSF rail network expansion, intermodal facilities, and increased loading capabilities at the ports. This commitment will enable the two companies to offer customers fixed transits and unmatched 95 percent on-time delivery.