Shipping Services (Fiji) Pte Limited (SSPL) has introduced less-than-container load (LCL) shipment services as trading between Fiji with Australia and New Zealand has increased.

LCL shipments are a cost effective method of shipping cargo that allowed customers to book a few pallets for shipping instead of having to wait until they had a full container.

LCL Sea/Air Sales Executive Anna Khan said SSPL was given the opportunity to introduce this LCL Shipping/Air Service along with its current shipping line to assist its customers.

Pandemic
She adds while a few businesses have suffered a severe blow to their business, there has been a slight growth of LCL trade between Fiji, NZ and Australia.

“Trading during these times have increased due to customer needs. Factories requiring major overhaul of machines and parts. Also the increase in importation of raw materials to keep the products available on our Fiji Supermarket shelves.

“Thus instead of shipping a container they have turned to LCL shipments to keep their businesses afloat. Customers are importing and exporting to NZ and Australia.

“Majority of customers prefer to ship their cargo via sea freight but when it is urgent we offer our alternative air freight services,” said Mrs Khan.
LCL shipment service

LCL shipment services will involve a fortnightly service to and from NZ and Australia which two Maersk vessels, Maersk Nadi & Seaspan Hannover, are currently servicing.

While servicing the NZ trade lane, Maersk Nadi & Seaspan Hannover are also transshipping via Port of Tauranga to Australian ports apart from other vessels from other vessel agents.

Mrs Khan said this meant that from Port of Tauranga, there will be another vessel to take the cargoes across to Australia.

Described as economical and flexible, Mrs Khan adds that LCL shipping services will allow lower shipping volumes hence fulfilling orders at a lower cost as compared to air freight or full container loads.

While all LCL shipments are monitored via SSPL’s cargo tracking system, she said the new service will allow upcoming small businesses to take advantage and support Fiji’s Trade and Export Growth.

Transformation
SSLP are the sole agent of Maersk Line here in Fiji. Maersk offers shipping and cargo services, supply chain, freight forwarding, and cargo tracking solutions.

Last year, Maersk began its monumental transformation, from becoming the world’s most powerful and “connected” logistics service provider to connecting their customers supply chain all the way.

Feedback: laiseana.nasiga@fijisun.com.fj