OREANDA-NEWS. UPS® announced the expansion of its Preferred Less-Than-Container Load (LCL) expedited ocean freight service by offering access between Asia to three destinations in Mexico: Monterrey, Mexico City and Guadalajara. Customers can also take advantage of the innovative visibility technologies used for UPS package shipments ensuring shippers can better anticipate and control their inbound supply chain operations.
Mexico continues to gain momentum and strengthen trade with Asia as ocean lane imports are forecasted by Seabury Group to grow at a CAGR of 12.1 percent through 2016, compared to 6.5 percent growth projection globally. UPS's Preferred LCL lane enhancements highlight the company's competitive advantage and continuous effort in meeting customer demand, especially as it relates to international market trends.

"We continue to see retail, industrial and automotive companies looking for additional freight transportation options allowing them to increase their speed to market without dramatically increasing their transportation costs and without having to sacrifice product visibility," said Keith Andrey, vice president, UPS ocean freight services. "UPS's technology solutions, Mexico customs brokerage expertise and the expansion of its Preferred LCL expedited ocean freight service in this market can alleviate customer challenges related to delays and difficulties in customs processing."

UPS's Preferred LCL service was first launched in the spring of 2011 and provides up to 30 percent faster port-to-door delivery to Mexico for LCL shipments, while delivering the economic advantages of ocean freight. The time-in-transit improvements are the result of utilizing UPS's existing North American freight network and the UPS CrossBorder Connect™ service. By integrating LCL service, UPS's brokerage capabilities and the UPS CrossBorder Connect™ service can reduce customs delays associated with border regulations, inspections and lengthy paperwork.

UPS continues to be a leader in the ocean freight market for expedited LCL services, providing Preferred LCL service from 27 Asian ports, seven Western European ports to the U.S., Canada, and now to three destinations in Mexico. With this expansion, UPS will have more origins and destinations for expedited LCL service from Asia to North America than any other provider.