APL Explains its Move to the Desert

SAN FRANCISCO—Given the storied maritime history of American President Lines, it may come as a shock to many that the latest incarnation of the ocean liner company is moving away from a port city to relocate in Phoenix. That’s right: APL is moving its Americas regional headquarters to Arizona.

But our readers know that since becoming part of the Neptune Orient Lines (NOL) empire, APL has been steadily evolving to become a global container transportation and logistics provider. That, by the way, does not require a waterfront office.

APL spokesman, Mike Zampa explains: “The headquarters shift is part of NOL’s global strategy to place its cost structure on a more sustainable footing in the face of the current economic downturn, while continuing to provide the highest standards of service to its customers.”

Besides, he says, while the regional headquarters office is moving, its shipping line – APL – will continue to call regularly at its West Coast marine terminals in Oakland, Seattle and Los Angeles.  APL’s global services also include vessel calls at ports up and down the U.S. East Coast as well as in Central and South America.

The Americas regional headquarters coordinates NOL’s shipping, terminals and logistics activities across North, Central and South America.  It manages everything from marine operations to intermodal transport of containers by rail and truck.

Shippers here will miss having the flagship in the Bay Area, of course, but few will challenge the wisdom of such a move.