A new block train service from APM Terminals Lazaro Cardenas in Mexico has avoided congestion and delays at other ports to reach hinterland destinations in the US and Mexico, prompting a rise in traffic through the port.
Since the terminal opened in February 2017, there has been an increase in eight vessel services calling each week.
The terminal provides the shortest distance and lowest intermodal cost to Mexico City.
As Latin America's first semi-automated terminal, APM Terminals Lazaro Cardenas operates around the clock using the latest technology to offer real-time information, no congestion and swift turnaround times.
In its announcements on the achievements, APM Terminals stated that its service options have seen the port continue to win volume and new vessel services, to become one of the largest transhipment hubs north of Panama.
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APM Terminals added that two block train services to Mexico City and across the US border to Houston have demonstrated that the terminal provides “an excellent alternative” for avoiding congestion and the risk of delays commonly associated with services in many terminals in Long Beach, Los Angeles.
It found that shippers have recognized the less-congested port saves time, with forwarders reporting dwell times for cargo via Long Beach to inland destinations of between five and seven days, “and sometimes even more”.
The terminal’s vessel discharge to rail connections benefits from an on-dock rail capability with two dedicated rail mounted gantry cranes, and lower move count.
It also has its own rail customs inspection facility with 34 dedicated bays that speed up and simplify the container inspection and cargo clearance process.
Another initiative by APM Terminals, a train service pilot to Mexico City, focused on eliminating dwell times in other congested gateways and securing cargo whenever trucks were stationary on city streets.
To date, 99.98% of train moves from the terminal have no security claims.
