APL Logistics revolutionizes international vehicle transportation

SINGAPORE, 4 SEPTEMBER, 2012: APL Logistics has revolutionized containerized vehicle transportation with the introduction of AutoDirect – a cost efficient solution that uses flexible but secure racks to safely and securely transport finished vehicles door-to-door.

Racks can be configured to fit up to six cars in one intermodal container compared to conventional fixed-rack container equipment which typically accommodates two medium sized cars. AutoDirect offers door-to-door delivery, minimizing handling of vehicles throughout the supply chain.

In addition, AutoDirect racks fit easily with standard containers from any carrier, allowing customers to deliver small batches more frequently to many destinations that traditional Roll on-roll off (RORO) transportation does not reach. This allows customers to reduce inventory while at the same time improving service.

Racks are removable, collapsible and returnable. They are also certified by independent quality auditors.

“AutoDirect is an innovative transport solution that can increase cost competitiveness compared to conventional containerized delivery,” said Rinaldy Sudyatmiko, APL Logistics’ Director of Business Development for Auto Logistics for Asia/Europe. “This innovative solution is targeted to be the preferred solution for small to medium shipments by original equipment manufacturers (OEM), importers or distributors.”

APL Logistics has completed a pilot shipment using AutoDirect. The shipment of seven 40-foot high cube containers and one 40-foot container carried 28 cars in total from China to Thailand.

The eight containers made their way from Yantai, China via Dalian and transshipment port Kaohsiung, Taiwan before arriving at Laem Chabang, Thailand. The vehicles were moved to their final destination in Laos.

RORO transportation is often used for vehicle shipments. However, it requires large shipment volumes and has more restrictive shipping schedules than container shipping. With AutoDirect, vehicles can be more frequently moved from origin to destination. This reduces transload time and potential exposure to damage as a result of added handling.

AutoDirect is an environmentally friendly alternative to RORO transportation. Packing more vehicles per container means shippers use fewer containers and truck trips, which in turn reduce their carbon emissions.

APL Logistics’ automotive team also provides customized containerload design plans, carrier management, shipment booking, supervised container loading at a factory or hub, customs clearance and intermodal shipping supervision.

About APL Logistics

APL Logistics provides international, integrated supply chain services in 74 countries, including origin and destination services such as freight consolidation, warehousing and distribution management. It uses innovative IT for maximum supply chain visibility and control. APL Logistics is a unit of Singapore-based Neptune Orient Lines (NOL), a global cargo transportation and logistics company.