U.S.-flagged container ship ‘National Glory’ kicks off the new service when she departs Houston for San Juan May 29, 2013.
The new 14-day service, which is being provided by National Shippers of America (NSA), is called "Isla Verde Express" and will provide customers with more transit options and supply chain flexibility in this "under-served" market, NSA officials say.
"After careful market analysis, we found that shippers west of the
Mississippi River have few options to move cargo to and from Puerto Rico without having to use an East Coast port," said Torey Presti, NSA president.
"A significant percentage of the mainland-Puerto Rico cargo is from Texas and the western states. By calling at Houston’s Jacintoport terminal, the service will offer a central U.S. location, which together with synchronized intermodal connections, enhances the options for shippers and keeps their supply chains predictable and steady."
In addition to its centralized location, Jacintoport provides a broad range of intermodal, warehousing and logistics support. The terminal will provide direct rail connections, warehouse and terminal services to NSA.
Value-added services include warehousing, cross-docking, trans-loading and bagging. Cargo will discharge from the vessel and be available both in Houston and San Juan early on Tuesdays for delivery to distribution centers or onward intermodal transport without a weekend delay.
Typical commodities shipped to Puerto Rico include resins, rice, beans, chemicals, beverages and produce. From Puerto Rico, the U.S. Mainland receives medical supplies, foodstuffs and beverages.
In addition to dry and refrigerated containers, the National Glory -- a converted tween-decker – is configured to accommodate a wide range of oversize, out-of-gauge and project cargo.